State of Superbike in NZ

**svr** · 16th August 2008, 13:46

Originally Posted by brads

Geez mate,looks like you have been to the Shaun Harris school of spelling to!

popular school...

**DEATH_INC.** · 16th August 2008, 14:08

It's biggest problem is we all can't afford to do it. There is no cure for this unless there's a 100k salary to go to everyone who signs up.

**Newblade** · 16th August 2008, 14:57

My 2 cents worth for what its worth

I think that Road riders can help this whole situation.I am a huge fan and personal friend of Craig Shirrifs,and have spent the last 14 years or so riding to meetings all around the country to watch these guys race.If WE collectively as motor cyclists were to turn up to meetings and PAY our money at the gate,this in turn would lead to more money in organising clubs funds and then into Racers pockets.Only through prize money and sheer numbers of us supporting meetings will the rest of N.Z wake up and see what all the fuss is about.As for T.V coverage IT'S NOT FREE!!.I think it falls to MNZ to pay for anything broadcast from local content.(Dont want to be quoted on that),it's how I believe it works.

Thought 1: If there is say 100 000 Road riders out there having fun and 25% of us turned up to race meetings the gate takings would be rather large.
25 000 people at say $20 per ticket = $500 000.And at that rate how long before we would have our next Aaron Slight,Robert Holden,or Simon Crafar out there showing what kiwis can do.
As said 14 years of watching some absolutely brilliant guys putting their hands up and saying look at me,then to fall because of financial hardship.
Just have a yak to some of these guys at a meeting and see just how hard it is for them.
My hat is off to all of you who for the love of racing,spend your hard earned money so a guy like me gets to have a great few days every year watching you go hard and fast around circuits.THANK YOU!!

Long may it continue!!!!
Regards Craig Pedersen aka Leggz

**speedracerjimmy** · 16th August 2008, 17:33

Originally Posted by Maido

i hear that Brad Self guy is gunna be riding a Cagiva sponsored by Cadbury Chocolate, the only catch is he has to wear the Gorilla suit and play druns inbetween races.

dude..Brad lives in oamaru his closet is pobably full with gorrila suits thats just normal clothes to him.
dont no if he has enough co-ordination for playing drums tho..

**Robert Taylor** · 16th August 2008, 18:48

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

It's biggest problem is we all can't afford to do it. There is no cure for this unless there's a 100k salary to go to everyone who signs up.

The cold hard reality is not everyone can afford to do the two elite classes, that is no different to any other form of motorsport. Considering the size of our population the grid sizes in these classes are actually not too bad.
There are classes that have been concieved that are more affordable but are still great to watch e.g Pro Twins.

**Robert Taylor** · 16th August 2008, 18:53

Originally Posted by Newblade

My 2 cents worth for what its worth

I think that Road riders can help this whole situation.I am a huge fan and personal friend of Craig Shirrifs,and have spent the last 14 years or so riding to meetings all around the country to watch these guys race.If WE collectively as motor cyclists were to turn up to meetings and PAY our money at the gate,this in turn would lead to more money in organising clubs funds and then into Racers pockets.Only through prize money and sheer numbers of us supporting meetings will the rest of N.Z wake up and see what all the fuss is about.As for T.V coverage IT'S NOT FREE!!.I think it falls to MNZ to pay for anything broadcast from local content.(Dont want to be quoted on that),it's how I believe it works.

Thought 1: If there is say 100 000 Road riders out there having fun and 25% of us turned up to race meetings the gate takings would be rather large.
25 000 people at say $20 per ticket = $500 000.And at that rate how long before we would have our next Aaron Slight,Robert Holden,or Simon Crafar out there showing what kiwis can do.
As said 14 years of watching some absolutely brilliant guys putting their hands up and saying look at me,then to fall because of financial hardship.
Just have a yak to some of these guys at a meeting and see just how hard it is for them.
My hat is off to all of you who for the love of racing,spend your hard earned money so a guy like me gets to have a great few days every year watching you go hard and fast around circuits.THANK YOU!!

Long may it continue!!!!
Regards Craig Pedersen aka Leggz

The basic intent of what you are saying makes a whole load of sense, the biggest problem being getting people to the gates. I think the second biggest problem is that there would still be a sizable number that would snivel at having to pay even your nominal low figure of $20. It never ceases to amaze me how the same person that can snivel at the gate fee wont similarly snivel at forking out $20 for beer......( as an example )

**kickingzebra** · 16th August 2008, 19:40

sure, you guys are right, currently we racers (and crashers) put on a show. No one knows, and no one cares that the show is on. Why?

Answer that question and we have a REAL WORLD marketable commodity.

No one gets something for nothing.

**brads** · 16th August 2008, 21:47

Originally Posted by speedracerjimmy

dude..Brad lives in oamaru his closet is pobably full with gorrila suits thats just normal clothes to him.
dont no if he has enough co-ordination for playing drums tho..

And this coming from someone fom waimo country??!!!??

**Newblade** · 17th August 2008, 09:59

Originally Posted by kickingzebra

sure, you guys are right, currently we racers (and crashers) put on a show. No one knows, and no one cares that the show is on. Why?

Answer that question and we have a REAL WORLD marketable commodity.

No one gets something for nothing.

Just me again people,At least we now have this forum to inform the masses

So be assured when the season starts i'll be putting my money where my mouth is and making lots of noise on this website.I'm committed to encouraging guys n gals to turn up to the meetings.

**R1madness** · 17th August 2008, 17:47

Cost is a big factor but not always the bigest. Lack of distriduter assistance, lack of retailer assistance, lack of spectators are all to blame. There have been several south island riders pull out of the top classes this year because no matter how much they put into the sport they cant get the help needed. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet but if my little shop can help support Brendon Marshall GSXR1000, Andrew Stroud GSXR1000, Andrew Evans GSXR600, Robbie Stokes RG150 street stock, Cameron Horgan RS125, Mark Butcher R1, then i dont see why others cant get off their fat arses and do the same. We are not a franchise so there is no direct benifit to helping these guys other than my name on their bikes which no one sees because you lot cant be bothered going to the track and there is stuff all tv coverage. But what the hell, i do it for the love of the sport...... aye!!!

**kickingzebra** · 17th August 2008, 19:38

Ian is a legend!!
Your enthusiasm over the nationals is AWESOME!!

It is really cool to see people who aren't even on a bike out there, and getting their hands dirty for the cause!

Hell, it does cost to help people, but there are some that help me, and when I can I try and help others out, and it needn't be big, Parts of my old bike raced the nats this year, and that helped newer riders out.

We all can do things about the state of this racing business, and I think watching V8 supercars rise to fame has a lot to teach us.

Sold stroudies big yellow yet Ian?

**Robert Taylor** · 17th August 2008, 20:19

Originally Posted by R1madness

Cost is a big factor but not always the bigest. Lack of distriduter assistance, lack of retailer assistance, lack of spectators are all to blame. There have been several south island riders pull out of the top classes this year because no matter how much they put into the sport they cant get the help needed. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet but if my little shop can help support Brendon Marshall GSXR1000, Andrew Stroud GSXR1000, Andrew Evans GSXR600, Robbie Stokes RG150 street stock, Cameron Horgan RS125, Mark Butcher R1, then i dont see why others cant get off their fat arses and do the same. We are not a franchise so there is no direct benifit to helping these guys other than my name on their bikes which no one sees because you lot cant be bothered going to the track and there is stuff all tv coverage. But what the hell, i do it for the love of the sport...... aye!!!

Im with you, there are not too many guys such as yourself providing such support. A word about the distributors though, Suzuki NZ pump a lot into road racing, disproportionately so and have done so for many years. And in the last couple of years Yamaha NZ have stepped up. This has more than a little to do with their results. Another distributor will soon join the party.

**brads** · 17th August 2008, 20:29

Originally Posted by R1madness

Cost is a big factor but not always the bigest. Lack of distriduter assistance, lack of retailer assistance, lack of spectators are all to blame. There have been several south island riders pull out of the top classes this year because no matter how much they put into the sport they cant get the help needed. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet but if my little shop can help support Brendon Marshall GSXR1000, Andrew Stroud GSXR1000, Andrew Evans GSXR600, Robbie Stokes RG150 street stock, Cameron Horgan RS125, Mark Butcher R1, then i dont see why others cant get off their fat arses and do the same. We are not a franchise so there is no direct benifit to helping these guys other than my name on their bikes which no one sees because you lot cant be bothered going to the track and there is stuff all tv coverage. But what the hell, i do it for the love of the sport...... aye!!!

Telling other dealers to "get off their fat arses and do the same" is not a fair comment mate.
1,Just because they sell motorcycles does not mean they are Road Race supporters,so why would they if they know bugger all about it.
2,you are based in CHCH? and if you are meaning southern dealers he is a quick list of dealers who do support mx/road to a high level,
Timaru Honda,support MX,very strong MX team.
Oamaru Honda,support MX and Road Racing
McIVER and Veitch,Long time MX supporters and Road
Power Zone,Balclutha,MX
Brent Scammel Honda,winton, MX
Southland Honda,Road Racing
Honda Country Ashburton,Road
Davidson Honda,Alexandra,MX,Hill Climb,speedway.
As you can see alot of them are MX,with a couple of the older dealers supporting Road as well as MX.
Fat Arses?? Dont think so.

**R1madness** · 18th August 2008, 01:24

Hi Brad. Nope i mean big franchise dealers that make new road bike sales based on the results of the nationals. I can see your point and big

to those in the rural areas that support the dirt scene, That make sence for them. But where is the support from the city dealers??? Sure M&V have always supported Jason and Dean in their road racing but look at their last name....... Oamaru Honda has been a big supporter of yours but its the name thing again.... not critising them or your efforts but do wonder who else they help out in the road race scene?
Robert true suzuki put a fair effort into their road race program. I would say it has done their sales wonders over the last decade. the others????? pfft. What about all the distributors/wholesalers of bike related products. (Yourself excluded here Robert because you work as hard as i do for the scene) The scattering of products they offer as give aways at prize givings is an insult to the guys and girls that put the money and bodys on the line.
If every bike dealer in the country that sold road bikes put up a measely $200 each imagine the prize money. More money, more riders, more spectators, more coverage, more sales, opps now i am just being silly.
Kiceingzebra Nope i havn't sold it i am going to keep it for myself. Now if only i could ride it fast enough hahahaha.