I know just what you mean, but no, that is not the sentiment I was getting at.
I espouse a meritocracy, that sport is about eliteism, not just participation. BUT, there is no justification for setting up systems that exclude those that are not elite. Not to say that our current system does that.
But there is also a case to be made where some that believe they are not elite only find out via participation at some level that is appropriate to them (equipment, size, cost etc), that in fact they are not far off and can become elite if they just do a bit more (training, weight loss, coaching, equipment etc).
There is ample anecdotal evidence of this where some bloke turns up saying, "Oh, I'm no good, just came along to have a go" then goes out and does well.
Furthermore, at the end of the day, how does the elite competitor ever know they are elite if they never "Give it a go", come last, then mid-pack, then first?
I fully believe in the elite end being supported, but simultaneously believe that the system in which they compete should be designed so that non-elite competitors (which of course includes the novice elite) can also be involved.
As an example in NZSBK, I think that everyone would probably agree that Gaydor (I mean Jayden) H is one of our young elite racers. BUT, if you took only his results this NZSBK season so far into account, you would have to conclude he is no more than a feild filler, which we know he is not. So, at the end of the day it is all relative.
We would all believe that, say WSBK/MotoGP 18th place getter is pretty elite (in general terms), but relative to their environment they are no more than feild fillers.
Be cool to be a feild filler in MotoGP huh?
Make the link?
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." John Ono Lennon.
"If you have never stared off into the distance then your life is a shame." Counting Crows
"The girls were in tight dresses, just like sweets in cellophane" Joe Jackson
I would accept finishing 10th in Moto GP :-), dreams are free, and yes we were all slow once (unless you are an alien of course, whos careers appear to be full of 1st, 2nds, & 3rds from the day they were born). My point still exists though in that the goal to be at the pointy end is a good one as it teaches a determination for self improvement. The PC attitude of blowing wind up some young fellas or girls arse when results dont come, or if they get the " poor baby" response when tanty's are thrown - Aint gonna work too well in the race scene.
Racing is very much cause and effect, and looking inward or teaching someone to look inward generally gains the best result.
You mentioned jayden H, and whilst his results are what they are - i believe one of his strengths like any top racer will be that he HATES losing and LOVES winning. Running a stock bike is a Supersport class isnt going to easily generate the winning feeling, thats all i am saying.
Its all lies anyway,Those who have been around long enough will remember 1 slightly elderly,But still very fast gent from the Egmont area had the fastest LC by a long shot and all they found when they disqualified him for 12 months,Was a rubber snorkel missing out of the airbox.........Mind you,They only took the seat off and saw that and he was gone !!!!!!! a far cry from how the CHEATS are treated in todays society it seems.
and a certain motorcycle shop owner in wellington who was also kicked out due to the new RD350 beating the Kawasaki H2's at Gracefeild. Man they sold some RD's after that , but he was out for 12 months. Mind you there are plenty of other cases known that weren't punished over the years Billy. So I guess no difference now really![]()
Humbug, the cost of racing in real terms is probably not so different to what it has been for decades. There has always been financial sacrifice involved.
The classes as they are dont need a lot of massaging, just a better pathway to learn riding and setup skills before riders graduate to 600s and Superbikes.
If racing is seen as so unaffordable how come we field grids as big as they are in the two premier classes? Per capita............
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