You are pre-supposing that most of the people who aren't attending race meetings do not attend because they don't want to see the "latest, biggest, lightest and fastest bikes". While this may not appeal to some people the reasons for poor attendance could be, and will be, far more diverse.Originally Posted by Ixion
The reasons could include poor infrastructure (tracks, access to tracks, facilities at the track for both spectators and competitors alike etc), competition from other activities, little or no promotion, no/poor commentating making the action difficult to follow, no Coppins or Townley on the road-race scene to spark interest etc etc.
Having attended national championship race meetings in Oz I can tell you that the cars in the carpark out number the bikes, so by and large I doubt that Joe Public really cares whether or not the bikes are clothed or in the nuddie.
Speaking of Joe Public, has anyone thought of consulting him? Yeah, I'm not sure of his address either, but maybe make a few assumptions and turn up at the V8's, Wanganui, Paeroa and conduct a simple survey regarding what would get them along to a national or club event. Maybe we could really generate some interest by rewarding survey participants with a pillion ride around the track at lunch time (I'm sure Shaun would volounteer his services - I can see the evil grin now!). If we could actually quantify the returns for investors (sponsors) then they might be more amenable to chipping in to improving facilities etc and reaping the rewards.
The answer to the puzzle lies in producing a well organised, well promoted event with fast racing, at tracks with good access and good facilities. We've got a good product that in our increasingly Nanny-ing State should appeal but it's the organisation, promotion, infrastructure side that is letting us down. Even if everything were put to rights tomorrow it would still take a period of time for awareness and perceptions to change, so there is no overnight cure. Take a look at the AMA in the States: well funded, high profile riders but poorly organised so the national road race scene is in a tail spin despite gaining the exposure of a MotoGP round and MotoGP riders/team owners. You've gotta have the whole package if you want to attract the corporate dollar and we are sadly lacking in most areas.
On a positive note, following on from backing the NZ road race scene, Ssangyong and Brother have also leapt in to support the road race scene in Oz, which will hopefully bring benefits and lead to uniformity on both sides of the ditch. So, if you get a chance return the favour and put some goodwill their way.
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