Do you want to be in the top 10 in NZ?

**slowpoke** · 10th January 2009, 04:48

Just turn up!

I just checked out the entry numbers for the Nat's at Teretonga and it makes for pretty sad reading. From www.nzsbk.co.nz, 2008 vs 2009:

650 Pro-Twin 5 (2008) 10 (2009)
Formula 3 13 (2008) 8 (2009)
600 Sports Production 20 (2008) 17 (2009)
125GP 12 (2008) 12 (2009)
Superbikes 19 (2008) 10 (2009)

And we wonder why it's not on TV.....

edit: Sorry 'bout the format but it won't display as I wrote it and I can't be arsed dickin' around with it.

**roy.nz** · 10th January 2009, 05:30

That is pretty sad, i'd do it if i had the coin, but times are tuff when you are an apprentice!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

**White trash** · 10th January 2009, 06:56

Definitely sad alright. I think a lot of people from last years season realized that the rules and regulations are in favour too much of the guys with the big sponsorship. There's absolutely no reason to race the national series anymore unless you're good enough to be on one of 6 or 7 bikes. There's zero reward and you get know nothing dropkicks from this very website telling you what a looser you are.

In saying that, massive respect to Honda for this year chucking a decent team in the mix and LG for getting behind Sloan in such big fashion.

**vtec** · 10th January 2009, 07:20

Originally Posted by White trash

Definitely sad alright. I think a lot of people from last years season realized that the rules and regulations are in favour too much of the guys with the big sponsorship. There's absolutely no reason to race the national series anymore unless you're good enough to be on one of 6 or 7 bikes. There's zero reward and you get know nothing dropkicks from this very website telling you what a looser you are.

In saying that, massive respect to Honda for this year chucking a decent team in the mix and LG for getting behind Sloan in such big fashion.

All valid comments Jimmy. I felt the same, I've only done two Nationals events, and was probably on the cheapest bike in the fields, qualified comfortably which 95% of riders wouldn't even be able to do, got lapped after about 20 laps, which means I was about 5% slower, on a bike with about at least 10% HP deficit, second hand tyres, and a learner rider. Actually did amazingly well for where I was experiencewise at the time. Risked life and limb and spent thousands of dollars only to be derided by the commentators for being lapped traffic and holding my lines.

I've come a long way since then, but would still only compete in Nationals if I had a brand new bike with brand new equipment and tyres. No point doing it and riding your pants off to still be off the pace. There is no incentive.

Yeah, good on Honda and LG. Corporate sponsorship is thin on the ground these days. I've been lucky enough to get some minor sponsorship and am very thankful for it, but it's only enough to help me dabble in racing.

**Coyote** · 10th January 2009, 08:14

I just got word that my VFR is worth about $1000. So I won't be selling it when I upgrade. Think it's time to race it

Also got a bucket to get on the track first.

**vtec** · 10th January 2009, 08:29

That a boy coyote. Come race in the animal pack that is F3. Affordableish and fast and fun and safeish.

**cowpoos** · 10th January 2009, 08:43

Originally Posted by White trash

Definitely sad alright. I think a lot of people from last years season realized that the rules and regulations are in favour too much of the guys with the big sponsorship. There's absolutely no reason to race the national series anymore unless you're good enough to be on one of 6 or 7 bikes. .

Do you want to elabourate a bit more to those who ARE going to question your thoughts on the matter??

**Biggles08** · 10th January 2009, 08:44

well....I'll wait till the numbers in the 600 class dwidle to 10...then I'm in :-)

seriously tho...its not a pretty picture really. Sloan and Ed have done a great job capturing a good corporate sponsor and maybe we all just need to all take a lesson from them. Create some excitement (true or otherwise) and get out there promoting our own sport to corporates...I'm trying! I think the more sponsors like LG, the more exciting the possibilities are for more to join. Show the LG website to potential corporates and get their imagination going. Watch this space...hopefully I will have something soon

**slowpoke** · 10th January 2009, 08:45

Originally Posted by White trash

Definitely sad alright. I think a lot of people from last years season realized that the rules and regulations are in favour too much of the guys with the big sponsorship. There's absolutely no reason to race the national series anymore unless you're good enough to be on one of 6 or 7 bikes. There's zero reward and you get know nothing dropkicks from this very website telling you what a looser you are.

In saying that, massive respect to Honda for this year chucking a decent team in the mix and LG for getting behind Sloan in such big fashion.

Carnts! It's fuggin' disappointing to hear that people are being bagged for just having a go.

I kinda wonder if people are a bit intimidated by the likes of Stroudy, Jones, Charlett, Williams and co. In most classes there is a reasonable gap between the likes of those guys and the rest of even a National level field. Unless people feel competitive and in with a chance of winning maybe they don't feel they should front up, when realistically the only way they will ever get competitive is to take a few lumps, learn from the experience of trying to stay with them, and come back faster next year.

By and large the attitude seems to have changed from one of just having a go regardless of where you finish to not fronting unless you are close to the front.

**Biggles08** · 10th January 2009, 08:58

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Carnts! It's fuggin' disappointing to hear that people are being bagged for just having a go.

I kinda wonder if people are a bit intimidated by the likes of Stroudy, Jones, Charlett, Williams and co. In most classes there is a reasonable gap between the likes of those guys and the rest of even a National level field. Unless people feel competitive and in with a chance of winning maybe they don't feel they should front up, when realistically the only way they will ever get competitive is to take a few lumps, learn from the experience of trying to stay with them, and come back faster next year.

By and large the attitude seems to have changed from one of just having a go regardless of where you finish to not fronting unless you are close to the front.

Of course people are intimidated by them....and so they should be...they are fast BUT who will be the next one to come along.....being intimidated (maybe not the correct word but we will run with it) is part of learning from those who have mastered the art of anything one is interested in. Only those who believe in themselves will ever get out and have a go...that has always been the case and always will be.

I don't think their is anyone to blame for the dwindling numbers more than all of us...we are the ones who can make the numbers up...lets just all figure out a way that we can all afford it. I plan to do the Nats next year...who else? I really don't care at this stage about where I will come...but I will be looking to improve my skills this year while I have the chance.

**GIXser** · 10th January 2009, 09:34

I have mulled the above comments and thoughts over and over in that tiny brain of mine,
So why do the nats?
From a sponsors point of view they get zip out of it (unlike the Tri series)
entry fees and other "fees" are ridiculous and ofcourse there is the other travelling costs.

If i had to blame someone or something (which im not at this stage)
it would seem that Mnz still run a very antiquated ship to say the least.

start with the entry forms: it may seem silly to all but you still have to send your entry in for the nats and any other races by post, along with a cheque (who still uses checks)??

promotions: i know of other sports, that are far better advertised and promoted with little or no money, it seems that "the organisers" either have no clue or are to old or simply think it is what it is, but none of it is seriously promoted!! again apart from the tri's

It is great getting hold of a sponsor, problem being is keeping them as we all know it ISnt all about results otherwise they would not have sponsored me, (someone comes last in motogp/superbikes and they have sponsorship) i
its about getting publicity!! hence the wanky posters etc.
If the organisers actually put a little more effort in with advertising material/promotions they would find numbers increase, riders as well as public watching it unless you are directly involved in racing it would be pure luck you would hear that there is a race on somewhere then when you turn up you get charged ten bucks at the gate.....FOr what??.. some derilict coffee stand and toilets that have more shit beside it than in it.

I also think this is where the tall poppy syndrome comes in like trash said.. people bag ya for having a sponsor.. comments like Why would they give it to you etc and you wont finish first etc. people need to learn in this sport to encourage each other more and feed of one another ( something i will probably write up a bit later)

at the end of the day, who gives a fuck if shirriffs or stroud comes first or bugden, as long as the racing is good, and enjoyable for the racers and spectators alike. is that not what racing is all about!!

So coming back to sponsors, i think it is almost impossible to hang on to a sponsor as they simply get no return on their dollar, i promote and justify it the best i can, but without mnz putting a little effort in sponsorship will dissappear.

all that said, im going to have a hell of a ball this season, and stir a bit of shit here and there..

and if people want to support us please have a look at this http://www.nzlive.com/en/nzlivecom/lg-sports-experience
and if you come please visit the bikes or make it known that you are there to visit the bikes as the more we get to turn up the better it looks for sponsorship next year, it will be a good day to take the kids etc some good free entertainment

**Biggles08** · 10th January 2009, 09:44

Originally Posted by GIXser

If the organisers actually put a little more effort in with advertising material/promotions they would find numbers increase, riders as well as public watching it unless you are directly involved in racing it would be pure luck you would hear that there is a race on somewhere then when you turn up you get charged ten bucks at the gate.....FOr what??.. some derilict coffee stand and toilets that have more shit beside it than in it.

This is quite true and even being involved in the racing community it is not the easiest finding out what is on and where! Also...sounds awfully like you are describing AMCC and Pukekohe here....

**roogazza** · 10th January 2009, 09:50

Oh come on guys ! Ever noticed how how the good guys never get on here and bleat ?
What happened to racing for the love of it and trying to be the best you can.
Here's a tip , get off this facking KB site and do it.
Jim , I thought you had a good bike and figured you could be there ?
Vtec, for christs sake stop telling us how good you are and making excuses for old tyres and bikes etc.

If anyone wants to be a NZ champ they have to make the effort.

If I wasn't 60, I'd be back in a flash. Gaz.

**lostinflyz** · 10th January 2009, 09:50

yea Gixser is right on the entry forms. i dont have a cheque book so its farkin hard to enter events. Ive sent cash in the post alot but ive lost it a few times and that stings the budget.

on spectator entry 10 bucks is bloody steep. someone must be pulling a few coins between rider entries (what something like 180 dollars a person for sth is. rounds) plus entries ect. ect. Don't these events have sizeable sponsorship to keep costs to spectators/competitors down????