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Thread: What should be the national classes?

  1. #1
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    What should be the national classes?

    The intention of this isn't to be a class hater or say what you race is any less that any other person. This is purely my thoughts put into words on a internet site that really doesn't mean anything in the whole scheme of the world. Love it or hate it it is a thread on the internet which means nothing.

    Everyone wants a class here in good old un zud. Everyone wants that class to be a national round as well.
    I believe we are cutting our own throats by catering for too many classes at a national level. And that is the key word here national level.
    I believe are diluting the water too much and as a result individually some classes are floundering while collectively there are still a shit load of people racing bikes.

    At a national level meeting, I think, we should be running
    Superbikes
    Supersport
    250 Proddy
    Side cars

    I can hear people screaming at their screens now.

    Reasoning (besides from the fact that almost every other country in the world does the same sort of system)
    Superbikes: It is the premier class both here and abroad, this class is the reason we get most of our manufacturer sponsorship, which without it makes the nationals a whole lot less appealing. Plus it is what the pros ride on telly and what kids would aspire to (beside from GP of course)
    Supersport: It is the 2nd tier class around the world and probably our most populated class. The racing is generally close and you will see that this year every manufacturer led a race at some point so bike equality is pretty close.
    250 Proddy: excellent feeder class, the bikes are modern looking (unlike 150's) and no disrespect at all but superlites was won this year by a bike produced in 1989 or 1990. The bikes are low cost and make for very close racing as they are run pretty stock. This is an ideal class for young kids to be in an environment where they can learn not only race craft but also the professionalism that should come along with it these days. I would also suggest an alternative is a CBR500 class like they use at WSBK but the fact is that no one wants to go out and buy a 10k bike for their first race bike. Although I could see this gaining momentium thanks to one Jake Lewis. (go that man!)
    Side cars: they are probably the most unique for of track motorsport and the public love them

    Please don't get me wrong, there is certainly a place for other classes in NZ racing, at local club or regional level, my point is National level is different.

    Anyway, this should sure ignite some debate. I think we need to unclutter the current format and something like this would free it up, give the stunt guy more time to do his thing at lunch time, let the people get around those trade exhibitions set up in the pits, get the candy floss and play on the bouncy castle with the kids. As well as finally getting to get Sloan Frosts, Nick Cole, Craig Sherriffs etc autograph and photographs at the lunchtime signing session. As well as giving the clubs some time to breathe through the day and deal with any problems that should arise.

    Lets go people, what do you think?

  2. #2
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    I think there is still room for a class between 250 proddy and super sport.

    Many such as myself can't afford to go higher than 650 pro twin/superlite and the lap times of the front runners are up there with SS so it's still entertaining racing IMO.

    I've also been on the track in practice with the 250's and they are slower than a wet week, so I wouldn't want to go back down a class either. I think it would be boring to be honest. I find the SV pretty boring on the straights as it is.

    Oh yeah - I don't really think the age of the bikes (superlites) comes into it myself. They are either competitive in their class or not.
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  3. #3
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    It would make running the meetings a lot easier !!
    "You never understood that it ain't no good, you shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you" - Bob Dylan

  4. #4
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    This years Superlites was a bit unusual. Glen Williams (custom framed SV650 engine) didn't show up except for Hampton Downs. Chris Osbourne (GSXR450 triple monster) was spannering for someone else so didn't run anyone. Neil Chappell (ER650 engine in a ZXR400 frame) only did one event and totally farked his motor. Neil Smith (Yamaha R45 triple) only did one event. Rob Berrington Smith (RZ400 engine in a RS250 frame I think) lost the engine at the first event. Jason Easton (SXV550 in a custom Tigcraft frame) only did one event. There's others too .....

    For whatever reasons a whole bunch of guys didn't turn up this year so it was an unusual year. Just because a 20 year old bike won it doesn't mean the class shouldn't be there.
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  5. #5
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    Entrant no.s are key - you can reduce it to 4 classes if you like, Tracks charge up to 4 times as much when its a national levelled event. With a grand total of 8 chairs maybe 10 -12 super bikes, it will cost you $500-750 per rider to enter.... you think the 250 proddys would pay that much?

    I do tend to agree with less classes but what you really want is MORE competition, big feilds contending for big wins.

    thread HI JACK - track hireage costs, anyone who enters the nationals can enter any other series, the level of the event is immaterial. All the top guys could boycott the nationals and enter the PMCC, VMCC AMCC. When we lable the nationals as THE NATIONALS track charge the orginisers 4 times as much. Why not call it the Summer series and reduce costs? could it be that simple?

    Quote Originally Posted by Maido View Post
    The intention of this isn't to be a class hater or say what you race is any less that any other person. This is purely my thoughts put into words on a internet site that really doesn't mean anything in the whole scheme of the world. Love it or hate it it is a thread on the internet which means nothing.

    Everyone wants a class here in good old un zud. Everyone wants that class to be a national round as well.
    I believe we are cutting our own throats by catering for too many classes at a national level. And that is the key word here national level.
    I believe are diluting the water too much and as a result individually some classes are floundering while collectively there are still a shit load of people racing bikes.

    At a national level meeting, I think, we should be running
    Superbikes
    Supersport
    250 Proddy
    Side cars

    I can hear people screaming at their screens now.

    Reasoning (besides from the fact that almost every other country in the world does the same sort of system)
    Superbikes: It is the premier class both here and abroad, this class is the reason we get most of our manufacturer sponsorship, which without it makes the nationals a whole lot less appealing. Plus it is what the pros ride on telly and what kids would aspire to (beside from GP of course)
    Supersport: It is the 2nd tier class around the world and probably our most populated class. The racing is generally close and you will see that this year every manufacturer led a race at some point so bike equality is pretty close.
    250 Proddy: excellent feeder class, the bikes are modern looking (unlike 150's) and no disrespect at all but superlites was won this year by a bike produced in 1989 or 1990. The bikes are low cost and make for very close racing as they are run pretty stock. This is an ideal class for young kids to be in an environment where they can learn not only race craft but also the professionalism that should come along with it these days. I would also suggest an alternative is a CBR500 class like they use at WSBK but the fact is that no one wants to go out and buy a 10k bike for their first race bike. Although I could see this gaining momentium thanks to one Jake Lewis. (go that man!)
    Side cars: they are probably the most unique for of track motorsport and the public love them

    Please don't get me wrong, there is certainly a place for other classes in NZ racing, at local club or regional level, my point is National level is different.

    Anyway, this should sure ignite some debate. I think we need to unclutter the current format and something like this would free it up, give the stunt guy more time to do his thing at lunch time, let the people get around those trade exhibitions set up in the pits, get the candy floss and play on the bouncy castle with the kids. As well as finally getting to get Sloan Frosts, Nick Cole, Craig Sherriffs etc autograph and photographs at the lunchtime signing session. As well as giving the clubs some time to breathe through the day and deal with any problems that should arise.

    Lets go people, what do you think?
    Chappy

    Come see what the fuss is about....................http://www.californiasuperbikeschool.co.nz/

  6. #6
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    600cc restricter plate class in the middle of jeremys suggestions

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by CHOPPA View Post
    600cc restricter plate class in the middle of jeremys suggestions
    Like a LAMS approved class?
    That would be interesting, so many different bikes available
    Bring on the weekend

  8. #8
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    Na no gay bikes. 600Cc super sport bikes running pre determined restricts in the intake to limit power. RemovE and race ss when you're ready

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by neil_cb125t View Post
    Entrant no.s are key - you can reduce it to 4 classes if you like, Tracks charge up to 4 times as much when its a national levelled event. With a grand total of 8 chairs maybe 10 -12 super bikes, it will cost you $500-750 per rider to enter.... you think the 250 proddys would pay that much?

    I do tend to agree with less classes but what you really want is MORE competition, big feilds contending for big wins.

    thread HI JACK - track hireage costs, anyone who enters the nationals can enter any other series, the level of the event is immaterial. All the top guys could boycott the nationals and enter the PMCC, VMCC AMCC. When we lable the nationals as THE NATIONALS track charge the orginisers 4 times as much. Why not call it the Summer series and reduce costs? could it be that simple?
    My point of
    I believe are diluting the water too much and as a result individually some classes are floundering while collectively there are still a shit load of people racing bikes
    was meant to mean filter the masses into less classes to boost those class numbers. People would still want to be part of the big show, it's just that if they want to be part of it then they have to do it in those classes. Look at other motorsports, at the car meetings, locally they run the feeder classes allowing all types, but come the national series, they have about 4-5 classes. They don't try and run a race for every different class in NZ.

    Your hijack is relevant, it is part of the discussion in the bigger picture. My personal opinion is that it is a National series showcasing our best talent (and what a wealth we have!) so it should be labelled and SOLD as such.
    My Hijack to add is that we should run 3 rounds in both islands as well! We are lucky enough to have lots of tracks in a small space, so why not! pfffttt money is no object obviously!

  10. #10
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    Also, get these guys over.....

  11. #11
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    There's got to be a "fiddlers formula" in there too. Superlite seems to be the only one at present (other than the cheaters in 250 prod)
    Remember you're not just training riders, you have to have a place for the builders and tuners to learn their craft.
    Despite the "build it from the catalogue" attitude around now there is still need for the craftsman/artisan who can build the odd and unusual.
    It's one of the things NZ has been known for in the past and I'd hate to see that lost.

    And yeah, buckets do supply an outlet but it's when you go onto the big stage you really find out just how good you are.....

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grumph View Post
    There's got to be a "fiddlers formula" in there too. Superlite seems to be the only one at present (other than the cheaters in 250 prod)
    Remember you're not just training riders, you have to have a place for the builders and tuners to learn their craft.
    Despite the "build it from the catalogue" attitude around now there is still need for the craftsman/artisan who can build the odd and unusual.
    It's one of the things NZ has been known for in the past and I'd hate to see that lost.

    And yeah, buckets do supply an outlet but it's when you go onto the big stage you really find out just how good you are.....
    agree . l would like to see ,if its built in nz you can run it in 600s or super bikes spice it up a bit

  13. #13
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    My 2 cents

    300cc Production class
    A one make CBR 500 / similar type class )obviously with importer backing
    600 supersport class
    Superbike class
    Sidecars class

    One support class nominated by each local club which would provide the largest field of entrants to that particular round.

    Yes NZ is famed for its No8 wire/ lets build a bike mentality...... but club racing is the place for oddball prototypes that wont last a whole series...or are missiles compared to the rest of class or 20 yr old racers of the era. Unless that class is the most supported by the holding club and it gets support status.

    Think up sizing 250 to 300 will allow for other makes as that size market seems to be popular with the Sports/Lams market, and would appeal to older/heavier riders.
    A one make mid size class would be the perfect training ground for youngsters and powerful enough for the other ages to give it a go. Wisdom against bravery.
    600 / Superbike seem to be healthy as they are,and are tried and tested formulas.
    Sidecars as stated are popular... dont float my boat but after this years showing look like they are making the changes needed.

    And from someone who will be looking at running 2/3 bikes in the lower classes and supporting others...... if its 500+ a round and we get proper exposure and its marketed correctly then.................... so be it. Cos at 5 hundy we will still be he cheapest place on earth to race.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Maido View Post
    The intention of this isn't to be a class hater or say what you race is any less that any other person. This is purely my thoughts put into words on a internet site that really doesn't mean anything in the whole scheme of the world. Love it or hate it it is a thread on the internet which means nothing.

    Everyone wants a class here in good old un zud. Everyone wants that class to be a national round as well.
    I believe we are cutting our own throats by catering for too many classes at a national level. And that is the key word here national level.
    I believe are diluting the water too much and as a result individually some classes are floundering while collectively there are still a shit load of people racing bikes.

    At a national level meeting, I think, we should be running
    Superbikes
    Supersport
    250 Proddy
    Side cars

    I can hear people screaming at their screens now.

    Reasoning (besides from the fact that almost every other country in the world does the same sort of system)
    Superbikes: It is the premier class both here and abroad, this class is the reason we get most of our manufacturer sponsorship, which without it makes the nationals a whole lot less appealing. Plus it is what the pros ride on telly and what kids would aspire to (beside from GP of course)
    Supersport: It is the 2nd tier class around the world and probably our most populated class. The racing is generally close and you will see that this year every manufacturer led a race at some point so bike equality is pretty close.
    250 Proddy: excellent feeder class, the bikes are modern looking (unlike 150's) and no disrespect at all but superlites was won this year by a bike produced in 1989 or 1990. The bikes are low cost and make for very close racing as they are run pretty stock. This is an ideal class for young kids to be in an environment where they can learn not only race craft but also the professionalism that should come along with it these days. I would also suggest an alternative is a CBR500 class like they use at WSBK but the fact is that no one wants to go out and buy a 10k bike for their first race bike. Although I could see this gaining momentium thanks to one Jake Lewis. (go that man!)
    Side cars: they are probably the most unique for of track motorsport and the public love them

    Please don't get me wrong, there is certainly a place for other classes in NZ racing, at local club or regional level, my point is National level is different.

    Anyway, this should sure ignite some debate. I think we need to unclutter the current format and something like this would free it up, give the stunt guy more time to do his thing at lunch time, let the people get around those trade exhibitions set up in the pits, get the candy floss and play on the bouncy castle with the kids. As well as finally getting to get Sloan Frosts, Nick Cole, Craig Sherriffs etc autograph and photographs at the lunchtime signing session. As well as giving the clubs some time to breathe through the day and deal with any problems that should arise.

    Lets go people, what do you think?
    Why even ask on here there arent any Nationals racers on this site

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by gixerracer View Post
    Why even ask on here there arent any Nationals racers on this site
    Shutup rural cowboy , Neils here.

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