Part 2- FOR THE GOOD OF ROAD RACING

[scrivy]

Sidecars (sorry sidecar boys, only Scrivy and Bob run A Post classic chair)

Yeah - it's almost as old as the rider and passenger!!

[Sensei]

Put your time into yourself Shaun ! You have enough on going right now & coming up that needs sorting which is more important . You know this as well as me from our chats . We think very much alike dude & I speak opening with you as you to me . Suck it up & keep moving forward with your original plan !

[idleidolidyll]

Sorry, I am not going to spend all MY TIME awnsering questions about peoples thoughts on this role.

I have just put my name into that hat, if wanted-

Shaun, you don't seem to understand democracy.
You're a great racer and may be a fine bloke too but unless I know what you stand for in terms of the debate; why the hell would I vote you in?

Those who go 'wow' just because they see some name they recognise from racing and vote on that alone are dickheads and we've seen the results of those pitiful decisions over the last few decades.

So, you want to REPRESENT the north island? Then tell us what you stand for, tell us what you would do and what you'd like to see changed. That way we'll know whether or not you actually represent the way I (and others) want the sport governed.

Without that committment, you'll never get my vote.

[scott411]

Shaun i wish you luck, and i hope you stand, it is always good to get ex racers in these postions, but you also need to remember something

from another thread

So I am done with this now, cannot be bothered with the negatives anymore

you will always have two sides to every call you will have to make, someone will disagree with you, and some people get very snotty when decisions go against them, be prepared for long phone calls, emails, and face to face conversations,

good luck,

[sidecar bob]

In those days production bikes were extremely limited in modifications and were the best option for cheap racing. That left GP stuff and highly modified bikes in the Formula classes where they belong.

The problem with that was, that if you wanted to be anywhere near the front of the field, you had to buy the current model each year, (no use racing a production GSXR1100g in 1990) Wheras F1 actually worked out cheaper in the long run, where you could keep your old bike a bit longer & fuck around with it (brakes, carbs, cams etc etc etc) & not need to buy the latest model.
Im unsure if that would be the situation today, but it was way back.

[idleidolidyll]

The problem with that was, that if you wanted to be anywhere near the front of the field, you had to buy the current model each year, (no use racing a production GSXR1100g in 1990) Wheras F1 actually worked out cheaper in the long run, where you could keep your old bike a bit longer & fuck around with it (brakes, carbs, cams etc etc etc) & not need to buy the latest model.
Im unsure if that would be the situation today, but it was way back.

I disagree;

It's pretty well known that the faster bikes out there are having many thousands of dollars spent on them. Suspension mods alone can be 5-10k given that you are 'allowed' to turn a low spec yammy 'ohlins' into a pukka superbike one by modifying it internally. An $18,000 proddy bike would be cheap as hell in comparison.

Post season it should sell for 10K pretty easily, probably more ($12k ish).

Then you buy another every year or 2 years as models change radically (they don't change radically as fast as they used to).

Alternatively, you race a year or 2 in Senior Proddy then use the same bike in F1 where you can modify the hell out of it.

The real issue would be cheating and MNZ has never had the teeth all balls to really tackle that situation.

But thanks, you offer a reasonable argument instead of the usual logic free emotive nonsense.

[Shaun]

Majority and safety Rules, as far as I am concerned. That is my mission statement

[sidecar bob]

Majority and safety Rules, as far as I am concerned. That is my mission statement

More rules to protect people from their own stupidity, Let me guess, Youre a Labour supporter too????

[koba]

Majority and safety Rules, as far as I am concerned. That is my mission statement

Hopfully with a bit of time to consider it you will elborate a bit more.

I see it is alot to ask for you to give answers on what your stand would be on given issues straight away.

I do worry about the comments racey rider raised regarding streetstock because it affects me directly.

I would look at voting for you if you spell out a clear, fair process for deciding which side of a potential argument you would back.

I really think such a position would be bloody hard work and wish anyone with the balls to take it on good luck. I'm sure with the hard work and shitgiving one would have to take on it would also be rewarding in many other ways.



As a footnote R.E. Streetstock rules:
Control tyres is a great idea (used to be the case with TT900s i'm told)
Age limit seriously bad idea, the class benefits from younger riders racing alongside those that can offer experiance, like billy. Also there is a great opportunity for some really cool parent/child efforts.

[idleidolidyll]

Majority and safety Rules, as far as I am concerned. That is my mission statement

Thanks Shaun, that's a start.

However, what if the majority is suggesting dumb rules that will put off newcomers or prevent people returning to the sport?

Surely it's about more than just the will of the riders on the day; surely its about the future.

What are your opinions on the best structure for the classes? Status quo or change to formats to reduce entry level costs and increase participation etc?

Shaun, I'm not nitpicking, I've been on a lot of committees and I know how they often work out: the 'representative' is often faced with making decisions on the spot that he/she hasn't had time to canvas the masses about.

Therefore it remains important to understand just how you personally would like to see things run and classes structured.

[quallman1234]

RE Streetstock class: your comments from here



Would this be on your agenda if your were to be voted in?

Serious question:
How would you go about making possible change?
Dictatorship? - After all, you've been at the sharp end of the game for 23 years.
Or Consultation? - Will your vote be the vote of the people?

(No Insult implied - Just getting an understanding of your ways Before one votes)

Racey.

South island Might work but would be pointless!
North Island would completely fuck the whole Streetstock.

There's already "streetstock and streetstock over" in the southisland. - 18 And over go in Streetstock over and 18 and under go in streetstock. (on the track at the same time)
There's also serperate streetstock trophies for under 18's in the north island.

A under 15 bucket class (serperate) maybe but its not viable in New Zealand for a only 15 and under streetstock class (and none others)

I think streetstock is aboustely fine atm, not enough interest / money for youngin's atm.

Not only this but streetstock enable's people who wanna go racing who have there learner/restricted liences (15 + Nowadays) or oldies to buy a Cheap 250 v-twin or RG/kr to go racing for a giggle and maybe get into it

It would be stuipd to do such a thing and ruin anyone's chance's of having a go at racing on big track without a big cash commintment.

[scrivy]

I think streetstock is aboustely fine atm, not enough interest / money for youngin's atm.

Is this the same ATM that sidecar Bob looks at on the net???

[CHOPPA]

yeah mate the mnz need more people like you that have our intrests at heart and are not scrared to let them know +1 for me

[Shaun]

Thanks Shaun, that's a start.

However, what if the majority is suggesting dumb rules that will put off newcomers or prevent people returning to the sport?

1) If that was to be happening?, it would come down to a joint decision of the Road race commisioner board- but I personally would be looking for a way to re direct some of this input, into the POSITIVE bin!

Surely it's about more than just the will of the riders on the day; surely its about the future.

2) I cannot awnser that, as it is a team decision, but I do agree with your angle on it!

What are your opinions on the best structure for the classes? Status quo or change to formats to reduce entry level costs and increase participation etc?

3) Honestly, I do not see any real issues with the classes at preasent, YES it costs money- but so does just being alive, this is sport, Motor sport, so it is going to cost ya, however, I would love to find a way to employ our own marketing person, to go out and professionally market our sport, like a letter that I sent out to 225 License holders a few years back with a self addressed and paid for buisness proposal, That only 46 People replied to- WOW, the real problem in racing in NZ, is the riders them selves I believe, it was that way when I first started, and still is that way, it is a me me me sport, and we need to learn how to work togther to go forward. MNZ is only a political organisation group, they have a role to do, and seem to do it, BUT where they lack, is communication with there riders, the people who pay there wages!!!!!!!! WE OWN IT!

Shaun, I'm not nitpicking, I've been on a lot of committees and I know how they often work out: the 'representative' is often faced with making decisions on the spot that he/she hasn't had time to canvas the masses about.

4) If I was to find myself in that position? I would have to say, that my reply would be based on the effect to the riders more than any other party, UNLESS there was a shite load of issues with a series sponsor, then I may have to make a buisness decision, rather than one based on passion only.

Therefore it remains important to understand just how you personally would like to see things run and classes structured.

My main goal with this role, would be to help create a proper forum, where the riders can post and ask questions, and make suggestions, we severely lack communication. Every one, would have to sign in using there real name and MNZ license number, so as a way to keep it clean, direct, productive.

And my personell goal is, to learn how to shup up for once, whilst working in a team enviroment, YES I will speak my mind, as I always have, good or bad, but 90% of the Nats riders, Must know by now, that my passion and commitment to our sport is second to no one.

5) So are you going to PM with your name, so I know who I am typing to please? You say some very good things, and some very rrrrr interesting things, ( How was that for politics!) I believe it is important to know who you are talking to, and what there history is, as they may be worth listening to?

[idleidolidyll]

That's much better Shaun and you already know me but sure, I'll PM you again.

Your idea for a forum is great as long as MNZ take note and make changes. However, I would NOT limit it5 to licence holders only, I'd let those who watch and who might join also post comments given that they are part of motorcycling and perhaps the future of the sport.