Race numbers - a bitch...

[quickbuck]

My pic was meant to just be an example to help with identifying and not as a rule. Obviously people are too sensitive and defensive to ideas, I think mnz should just reinstate the previous rules allowing for newer bikes. Then no one has any excuse or reason to complain........simple.
My posts were meant as ideas, not to raise hackles............I will refrain now as im not even in the scene anymore.

Tony,
I wasn't trying to offend... Sheesh, seems this is a very touchy subject, and people are getting (or have got) very emotional over it all.
Yes, I have too, as I know how much work it involves to implement a "suggestion". It is more than pulling the roll of duct tape out of the tool box.

What I meant by the last bit, is I think that peole miss the point that the actual area available to put the numbers is quite a bit smaller than the MNZ rules require, nothing more, nothing less. You do have a good idea on where to put them, I agree, and it is a good thing to have your bike as identifyable as possible, as it is the punters in the stands and the pits that you are actually pitching the sponsership to.

[Skunk]

I agree, and it is a good thing to have your bike as identifiable as possible, as it is the punters in the stands and the pits that you are actually pitching the sponsorship to.

If the flag marshall can't read it how can anyone in the stands read it? Remember that the sponsors are listed in the programme with your name and race number. That's the place the spectators find out who is backing you. (Does sponsorship work? I don't know... as an example how many of you have googled 'Alice' after it first appeared on the GP bikes? Just a rhetorical question - I honestly don't know.)

Anyway - enough of this. The rule I quoted is what's coming. The current rule says 'legible'. Vic Club is saying some are not and to fix it. The End.
The Steward can send you home without refund if you don't meet HIS/HER interpretation of the term 'legible'. Vic Club does not want this happening; nor do the flag marshals. We are not volunteering our time to piss you off or see you go home. It's not an 'us' vs 'you' situation. This started as a request to make it better before you missed racing.

Shaun: the word 'scrutineering' is 'banned'. It should never be used as the legal meaning is unenforceable at a race meeting. Machine Check is what we do. And to give more race time we do it by wandering the pits. Safety is our key interest at Club Level.

[quickbuck]

If the flag marshall can't read it how can anyone in the stands read it? Remember that the sponsors are listed in the programme with your name and race number. That's the place the spectators find out who is backing you. (Does sponsorship work? I don't know... as an example how many of you have googled 'Alice' after it first appeared on the GP bikes? Just a rhetorical question - I honestly don't know.)

Actually, I have had no problems myself of people not being able to read my number, apart from a few who stand on the Start Finish line.

As i said, a mate managed to take a photo on the front straight, and got all of the front number in the shot!

does it work?
Well, since getting the bike painted in the Air Force Livery, I have fielded plenty of questions about the Air Force from fellow riders, and people walking the pits.
None have joined, but some have considered it as a career option for their children.... and after all, that was the goal.

[MSTRS:Me]

Who gives a toss where/how big sponsor's logos are? They are able to be seen up close and at one's leisure.
When a bike is out on the track, the NUMBERS are the important part.
The rules say one at the front, centred. Personally I don't care - if a front fairing design makes this difficult, then by all means have it off to the side BUT please...put one on both sides at the front!!
As for one number only on the tail piece...that's a crock and the rule needs to change. There needs to be one on EACH side of a bike.

[Deano]

The rules say one at the front, centred.


As for one number only on the tail piece...that's a crock and the rule needs to change. There needs to be one on EACH side of a bike.

They don't say they have to be centred John and several National Champs have had the number on one side facing forward.

In any case, if the rules aren't meeting marshals needs then how about discussing this with MNZ ?

I'll likely centre my number as a result of this thread, but when it is due for a paint. I've gone over and above the legal requirements and didn't expect to hear your 'one sided argument' (of the fairing) LOL. Peace out.

[MSTRS:Me]

Hey - don't get me wrong. As a marshal I appreciate any and all efforts made to made numbers clear and easy to pick up. Mostly, we don't have any trouble with he off centre front numbers, but some bikes do have a very sharp nose which makes those ones hard to see when on the opposite side to the S/F cage. If the front number truly cannot be in the middle, then one on each side is best.

[slowpoke]

The rules say one at the front, centred. Personally I don't care - if a front fairing design makes this difficult, then by all means have it off to the side BUT please...put one on both sides at the front!!
As for one number only on the tail piece...that's a crock and the rule needs to change. There needs to be one on EACH side of a bike.

I think people tend to struggle with the front number positioning because the screen intrudes on the space available. But check out some of the WSBK bikes, they just paint/decal straight over the lower part of the screen: job done.

As for the arse end, that's a tough one. Consider say an '08 on CBR1000RR and it's gonna be tough to fit 2 x 150mm numbers on there, and even if you could, both of 'em would be pointing at the sky which isn't a lot of help. There are some better options (bottom corner of fairing as per BSB) but they just need to be made "legal".

Haha, I can't believe this has rolled on for 14 pages.....

[wharfy]

I think people tend to struggle with the front number positioning because the screen intrudes on the space available. But check out some of the WSBK bikes, they just paint/decal straight over the lower part of the screen: job done.

As for the arse end, that's a tough one. Consider say an '08 on CBR1000RR and it's gonna be tough to fit 2 x 150mm numbers on there, and even if you could, both of 'em would be pointing at the sky which isn't a lot of help. There are some better options (bottom corner of fairing as per BSB) but they just need to be made "legal".

Haha, I can't believe this has rolled on for 14 pages.....

The screen is a handy place, paint the inside the correct background colour and stick some appropriate coloured numbers purchased from you friendly local bike shop - they are "matt finish" vinyl. easy to read (well at the modest speeds I attain ) and come in packs of 3 of each number - pretty cheap

[MSTRS:Me]

They don't say they have to be centred John and several National Champs have had the number on one side facing forward.

My mistake...maybe. It is ambiguous.

Placement: Fairing, front of fairing one number board facing forward.
Numbers may also be placed on both sides of the fairing
Rear Tailpiece; minimum of one number on rear seat tailpiece.

Haha, I can't believe this has rolled on for 14 pages.....

Who'da thunk it?

[Ivan]

Just to rub salt in wounds I raced Motox meeting in weekend National event and there was all kinds of numbers designs etc didnt affect any marshells the winner was still easily picked. And after a hard day you get caked in mud numbers dissaper they still can pick the winner and give him correct flag,

I believe this thread is alot of bitching over something that is now the 21st century and we have transponders a quick call to the man in charge can say ok leader is entering sweeper now its not hard to pick out.


sorry but the 8 months i have been out of road racing it has gone bitchier and bitchier go motox!!!

[FROSTY:Me]

well whatever happens I'd suggest it happes before we time warp back and everyone has to fit the nummber boards like we had in the old 250 broddie days -big ol chunks of 3 ply

[jellywrestler]

Just to rub salt in wounds I raced Motox meeting in weekend National event

Motocross are all in the same boat, shit all over them but they still seem to have some sort of common standard.
It's a different beast in road racing and it comes down to safety and recognition. Safety is obvious , recognition is something that varies a common standard is what is needed.
Simply put, as you are from Featherston- the Gore of the North island, people at the race track want to see whose out there.
Be it cause they're interested in someone they know, or they want to keep up with whose who via the commentary, and to maintain an interest in whats going on.
We're just trying to tighten things up here and make the whole game more professional.

[Ivan]

i fully understand that what im saying is this is becoming a bitch fest at who can moan the loudest

[MSTRS:Me]

I believe this thread is a lot of bitching over something that is now the 21st century and we have transponders a quick call to the man in charge can say ok leader is entering sweeper now its not hard to pick out.

You must have missed the post/s that negate the transponder argument.
To save you thinking about it, I'll explain (again). Transponders are only good for telling the race order AFTER the Start/Finish line...when it's too late to put out the appropriate flag.
As for 'a quick call to the man in charge...' - those who work the radios know that doesn't always work, either.

I'm sorry if my tone is a little belligerent...but I make no apology for insisting improvement/s in the way bikes are numbered.

[Ivan]

I used to be involved in the committee so i know what goes on, also I am a fire fighter I know about radio use so please I may be young but im not stupid,