Race numbers - a bitch...

[MSTRS:Me]

At the end of the day, all we want is to be able to look at a bike as it approaches/goes past a point, and see the number clearly.
Flag points need to be able to identify a bike to Race Control if there is an issue, and Start/Finish need to be able to white/chequer flag the correct bike.
Riders at both round 1 and 2 got shown a white in error, because numbers were hard to see and there just isn't time to 'discuss' between exiting Dunlop and crossing the line.

[MSTRS:Me]

Remind anyone of anything?

[quickbuck]

Okay,
After being told my numbers are not Legible from the track side, these are the issues I have:

IAW (in accordance with) the Rules on the MNZ Site, the only place I can actually fit a 285 x 235 mm number board is on the tail piece. And then only ONE, pointing to the Sky, and number read from the rear of the bike (not the side).

The front is too small to fit a 285 x 235 number board ANYWHERE!
So we have painted a Orange board 260 x 190 and the numbers are actually base colour.
That is as big as it can be.
I can not put the number across the middle, as the nose of the Ninja is very sharp, and one could think I am #2! Not #42.

I know it is on the Right hand side, and difficult to read at Manfeild.
The thing is, it is perfect for Taupo, Hampton Downs, Ruapuna and Levels.

IAW the MNZ Rules, I can put a number on the side of the bike, but there is no way I can get a 150mm high number on there anywhere, let alone any sort of number board that matches the regulation.

Now have a look through Pipsons Photos from round 2, and tell me how many I am in you can not read the number on my bike.
To save you a fruitless search, the answer is ZERO! You can see my number in every photo I feature in.

So, the only real way to get around this, and keep all happy is to actually run a different fairing for tracks where the Pit wall is on the wrong side....... It will never be big enough though.

So, Billy, how much for a Spare Top Fairing?

[yungatart]

You could put the number on both sides of the front fairing...

[quickbuck]

You could put the number on both sides of the front fairing...

Nope, Sorry youngatart I looked into that:
"d) Fairing, front of fairing one number board facing forward."

[Kickaha]

Rider briefing at Levels on Saturday riders were told if their numbers aren't up to scratch at the next event they won't be riding

[yungatart]

Rider briefing at Levels on Saturday riders were told if their numbers aren't up to scratch at the next event they won't be riding

I understand that riders were told that at Manfield too, but I'm sure someone will be along to correct me soon...

[yungatart]

Nope, Sorry youngatart I looked into that:
"d) Fairing, front of fairing one number board facing forward."

I believe that if the front of the bike is a severe 'v' shape then 1 number each side is allowed...I could be wrong tho...

[Deano]

Nope, Sorry youngatart I looked into that:
"d) Fairing, front of fairing one number board facing forward."

That's not to say that you can't or or shouldn't put your number there as well - just to make your bike more easily identifiable.

Roger Cathro has done this to his R1 #980 and I did it to my SV650 - do you have room on the side fairings for numbers ?

[quickbuck]

]

- do you have room on the side fairings for numbers ?

No, there isn't very much area at all on the 250R

[FROSTY:Me]

This discussion has been going round and round and round for a few years.
Isn't it about time rather than bickering about it that a COMMON SENSE solution is agreed on and then made into an MNZ rule?
Heck aint it simple guys --If the marshals can't read your numbers then your laps mightnt get scored and not being even a tiny bit melodramatic--SOMEONE MIGHT DIE.
IMO its been made WAAAY too complicated and confrontational.
-The rule I'd propose is simple
1x front number "board" be it painted on the fairing or a flat board with the numbers able to be read from DIRECTLY IN FRONT of the bike. Background to be 285x230 and numbers to be at least 75mm wide and 150mm high-stoke width to be no less than 20mm
2x number "boards" clearly visible from directly side on to the bike affixed to any part of the side of the bike or painted onto any part of the bike. Background to be Minimum width 285mm, minimum height 235mm, and numbers to be at least 75mm wide and 150mm high and the stroke to be at least 25mm wide


This would mean the numbers could be of the fairing sides. There could be 75-100mm "extentions" affixed to the bottom/side of most tailpieces so they are big enough.

Quite frankly guys reading between the lines a bit I don't think the marshals/organisers give a fat rats arse about MNZ this or MNZ that (In this situation) -why not just put numbers/backgrounds on in visible places so you can just focus on racing rather than spending race time figuring out who's who?

[Shaun]

This discussion has been going round and round and round for a few years.
Isn't it about time rather than bickering about it that a COMMON SENSE solution is agreed on and then made into an MNZ rule?
Heck aint it simple guys --If the marshals can't read your numbers then your laps mightnt get scored and not being even a tiny bit melodramatic--SOMEONE MIGHT DIE.
IMO its been made WAAAY too complicated and confrontational.
-The rule I'd propose is simple
1x front number "board" be it painted on the fairing or a flat board with the numbers able to be read from DIRECTLY IN FRONT of the bike. Background to be 230x200 and numbers to be at least 20mm wide and 150mm high.
2x number "boards" clearly visible from directly side on to the bike affixed to any part of the side of the bike or painted onto any part of the bike. Background to be 230x200 and numbers to be at least 20mm wide and 150mm high.


This would mean the numbers could be of the fairing sides. There could be 75-100mm "extentions" affixed to the bottom/side of most tailpieces so they are big enough.

Quite frankly guys reading between the lines a bit I don't think the marshals/organisers give a fat rats arse about MNZ this or MNZ that (In this situation) -why not just put numbers/backgrounds on in visible places so you can just focus on racing rather than spending race time figuring out who's who?

And now you just joined in with keeping it going round an round mate. Our rules for this issue should be as per USA UK WSS DAM SIMPLE it works in all those 3 PROFESSIONAL ENVIROMENTS.

Now who is going to copy and post this entire thread to BUDDA at MNZ as he only gets on here when he can I guess and this is only play land guys

[yungatart]

MNZ are dealing with it.
If the number is not clear, visible and readable at next round, the bike won't be on the track. It is as simple as that.

[RobGassit]

MNZ are dealing with it.
If the number is not clear, visible and readable at next round, the bike won't be on the track. It is as simple as that.

Thank God for that! It's not phucken rocket science.

[quickbuck]

To keep the thread going round and round, it is fine to have a 285 x 235mm patch on a Superbike, but the little bikes don't have that sort of acreage on them anymore..... If I could I would, as I know first hand how hard it is to pick up a bike number at speed.... I used to learn to recognise bikes by the colour and the gear the rider was wearing. It was much easier to spot from the other end of the track.

Frostys 230 x 200 is closer to more practical, and 150 x 20 numbers are pretty clear. That is the size of mine.

Now, back to my solution, my front number board is as big as practical (Yup, about 230 x 190), and on the wrong side for 3 out of 10 tracks in the country, so for those tracks I have got a second top fairing on the way..... Thanks Billy.

Not sure what to do about the tail piece though....

Numbers on the side panels will upset the paint scheme.....