True Production Racing series

[CHOPPA]

Im more inclined to think hobag 650's in pro twins

lol theres no way it will be ninja 250s..... I think archer could be on the money

[Cleve]

lol theres no way it will be ninja 250s..... I think archer could be on the money

Agree. Based on Shaun's comments in other posts and the fact the Ninja 250's don't have a class at Nat's. It COULD be trumpy 675's as the only other option based on what Shaun is saying in other posts but costs would be so much more. So has to be the Korean SV650 copies.

[slowpoke]

Shauns concept is exciting because it:
1. is all about the riding, not the bike
That's pretty much how it is now, unless you are in the top 5 Nationally. I dare say any good rider on an average bike can beat an average rider on a good bike. Craig Shirriffs turns up to a Vic Club round (more riders turn up than at a Nat's event) and beats the superbikes on a 600, Jay Lawrence, Johnny Burkhart, Sam Smith, Choppa etc do much the same. The excuse of having someone else spend more on their bike is exactly that: an excuse. The difference is in the mirror not in the bank balance.
2. reduces the barriers to participation. Sorry RT, but this is really what our tiny, exclusive and ridiculously expensive `sport' needs.
Bike racing of almost any form is way cheaper than 90% of 4 wheeled racing, yet cheque (haha) out the money and sheer quantity of competitors on display at a NZV8 supercar round in all classes vs our tiny comparatively cheap National Series There are huge numbers turning up to the Winter Series yet only a few turn up to the Nationals, so competitor numbers aren't the problem, maybe it's more to do with timing/location/travel??? Dunno......
3. has the potential to be good fun e.g. riders pitted togethor, helping each other, racing hard, talking shit and having a few afterwards. Whats its all about right?
Exactly what happens now.
Bring it on.

Yup

All that aside, I hope lots of people get involved and make it a roaring success. My fear is that people won't do the sums and realise that it is a cheap way to make a name in a championship.
Fingers crossed the bikes are visually and aurally exciting, with talent unearthed and given a feasable path to success which at the moment does not exist.
Ok, so you win the XYZ championship on Shaun's bikes (good onya fella!) what then?
1. You jump onto a supersport ride and do well. Cool!
2. Then what? You jump on to a Superbike, right?
3. and effectively get punished through our cross entry rules where you get half the racing as those on a Supersport bike. Who is going to want to make that progression?
Shaun's series sound's great but unless some co-ordination and a logical "career path" is established NZ is still a ticket to Nowheresville for a young talented racer.

[scrivy]

Nz Championship rounds will cost for the entire series $5000 ONLY That inclused 2 sets of Tyres and Petrol

What dad wouldn't pay for their kid to do this?!

[Toast]

Yup


3. and effectively get punished through our cross entry rules where you get half the racing as those on a Supersport bike. Who is going to want to make that progression?

I don’t think that only being able to do one class in club racing is really a concern for those who are good enough to compete at National level on a thou’…it wouldn’t be for me anyway.

…and if you’re not good enough to compete at National level on a thou’ then maybe you should be on a 600?

[lostinflyz]

I don’t think that only being able to do one class in club racing is really a concern for those who are good enough to compete at National level on a thou’…it wouldn’t be for me anyway.

…and if you’re not good enough to compete at National level on a thou’ then maybe you should be on a 600?

someones gotta race a thou. or else is superbike racing to only occur during jan/feb at the nationals.

[vtec]

I agree with Toast, I think there's no need to be on a superbike until you are one of the best supersport racers. There's so much to learn on a 600 with more than ample levels of danger. Only reason I can see for riding a superbike if you aren't one of the best supersport racers would be if you are a large lump of a man.

[Toast]

Only reason I can see for riding a superbike if you aren't one of the best supersport racers would be if you are a large lump of a man.

Even then, look what Nick Cole can do on one!

[Toast]

someones gotta race a thou. or else is superbike racing to only occur during jan/feb at the nationals.

They can still race them at club meets, ofcourse...my point being is that as you get more serious you are probably more concerned about putting in a couple of good races rather than having 4, getting over-tired and wearing engines, tyres, etc. at a higher rate.

[Shaun P]

Yup

All that aside, I hope lots of people get involved and make it a roaring success. My fear is that people won't do the sums and realise that it is a cheap way to make a name in a championship.
Fingers crossed the bikes are visually and aurally exciting, with talent unearthed and given a feasable path to success which at the moment does not exist.
Ok, so you win the XYZ championship on Shaun's bikes (good onya fella!) what then?
1. You jump onto a supersport ride and do well. Cool!
2. Then what? You jump on to a Superbike, right?
3. and effectively get punished through our cross entry rules where you get half the racing as those on a Supersport bike. Who is going to want to make that progression?
Shaun's series sound's great but unless some co-ordination and a logical "career path" is established NZ is still a ticket to Nowheresville for a young talented racer.

I think its great, once a young racer has gained enough experience in respective classes in NZ or Aus, proven themselves and is commited enough the only real progression/step up is to race in USA or Europe

[Shaun]

I think its great, once a young racer has gained enough experience in respective classes in NZ or Aus, proven themselves and is commited enough the only real progression/step up is to race in USA or Europe

And MotoDynamix has shown this can be done, ( With a budget) ie

Dominique Jones in the usa

And 2 more going there next year through tis programmme

More next month sorry folks

[oyster]

Shaun P
A feasible path to success does exist in New Zealand, but only in Canterbury. There the 10 to 12 year olds are trained in Young Junior Road race, then, at 13 Streetstock and 125 GP. All before turning 15. Steve Ward Racing this year has 4 riders for the championship. 2 x 15 year olds, 2 x 16 yo. All have at least one full championship behind them, and a minimum of 40 RR log book entries. 2 have competed in Australia. One 15 year old has completed 2 championships and has 2 NZ titles.
This is a feasible and proven career path, the sad thing only one club in the country is committed to it. Generally speaking any other initiatives around the country haven't got the patience for a "5 year plan" such as this, but want the "just add water / instant success" variety, (which will NEVER work)
If anyone is seriuos about international success in fute for NZ Road rAcers, they need to look over the fence at Karting, Motocross and countless other sports where development requires patience, committment and starts young

[Sparky Bills]

Look forward to hearing what the bikes are.
5K for a season is bloody cheap!

Not saying that keeping the bikes together between racing is bad (cause thats a great idea!)
But I just like having MY bike in MY garage so I can work on it and marvell at its fine form etc
Plus I LOVE showing it off to friends etc

Hope this works out for Shaun. I think it would be a great step forward for bike racing in nz.

People can step up out of this class with more sponsors etc after a season of kicking ass too.

[svr]

Slowpoke: I love it whenever someone mentions money and other barriers to access motorcycle racing people say 'nah mate, it's cheap compared to car racing...'
I give up!

[Shaun]

Shaun P
A feasible path to success does exist in New Zealand, but only in Canterbury. There the 10 to 12 year olds are trained in Young Junior Road race, then, at 13 Streetstock and 125 GP. All before turning 15. Steve Ward Racing this year has 4 riders for the championship. 2 x 15 year olds, 2 x 16 yo. All have at least one full championship behind them, and a minimum of 40 RR log book entries. 2 have competed in Australia. One 15 year old has completed 2 championships and has 2 NZ titles.
This is a feasible and proven career path, the sad thing only one club in the country is committed to it. Generally speaking any other initiatives around the country haven't got the patience for a "5 year plan" such as this, but want the "just add water / instant success" variety, (which will NEVER work)
If anyone is seriuos about international success in fute for NZ Road rAcers, they need to look over the fence at Karting, Motocross and countless other sports where development requires patience, committment and starts young

Agree Pete

My plan for this, is to definately work in with the STH Island Plan and future building of star riders.

We will talk more personally next month.

PS, I Think I may have sold a MULI Champion on the idea of getting into this with me as a partner as well now! YEH