Stroud makes a stand!

**cs363** · 21st February 2009, 19:17

Haven't seen any other threads regarding this:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikatotimes/4854476a6414.html

Would be interesting to hear KB'ers views, I'm erring on the side of agreeing with Stroud's actions on the basis that we have a handfull of top class riders who are a major part of the attraction and the rewards for motorcycle racing in NZ aren't exactly going to make anyone rich, and when you throw in the fact that Paeroa is a high speed potentially dangerous street circuit, then what is wrong with diverting a small amount of money to attract riders of the calibre of Stroud & Co? Perhaps the lure of some extra $$$ would have got Bugden there? (not sure of his reasons for not attending)
Surely the organisers can afford to skim a little off the top of the money made that just goes to the local rugby club or whomever?

Appearance or Start money is common place in many top forms of car racing in NZ so why is there a resistance to it on the motorcycle side?

Discuss....

**MVnut** · 21st February 2009, 19:44

Good on you Stroudy, and all the best for the Champ Series

**AllanB** · 21st February 2009, 19:46

Originally Posted by cs363

Appearance or Start money is common place in many top forms of car racing in NZ so why is there a resistance to it on the motorcycle side?

Discuss....

Another thought - how much would you be prepared to pay to see top class riders?

I think the appearance $ is a fair call, what will it cost may be another matter.

Look how much people paid to see that Beckham chap in Wellington last year (and how much they lost in Auckland later in the year!).

Comparing Beckham with motorcycling what would you pay to see Rossi do a few laps (and burnouts) plus sign some tits

at lunch-time during a top NZ meet?

**Paul in NZ** · 21st February 2009, 20:11

Seven kids.... feck....

**tri boy** · 21st February 2009, 20:24

In the eighties in Aussie, we got paid $100 appearance money at each small town speedway track we raced at, plus prize money.
If you had a good night, it would pay for travel/methanol, tyre wear, and a few bourbons at the bar.
Can't believe guys like stroudy arn't getting good appearance money.
The top ten in each class should be on a sliding scale. It's not like the crowds arn't at the street rounds. MHO

**t3mp0r4ry nzr** · 21st February 2009, 20:25

I definitely support Stroud's call. ALOT on the line for little reward.

Off topic rant: I REALLY dont know how the top super-bike guys meet budget. I really dont. $60k (one particular top level superbike riders annual race budget) is hard to front up with for anyone, Stroud (with 7 kids), included. I have seen what a particular top rider is remunerated from the so-called "factory" sponsership, and even considering many round wins, there would still be tens of thousands decficit to make up, by the rider or personal sponsers. The reward?? bragging rights. There is little monetary remuneration in NZ bike racing. GEEZ, they must really love racing bikes!!

Good on Stroudy for having the sack too!

Just to add: reading the above post reminded me of an article I read yesterday of past years speedway tails. Appearance money and prize money!! HOLY CRAP. The riders, to get appearance money, were contracted to approximately 25 meets per year at the nominated track. The appearance money was to attract the punters, ensuring boomer gate sales!! What UNBELIEVABLE times our generation has missed out on!!

**cs363** · 21st February 2009, 20:25

Originally Posted by AllanB

I think the appearance $ is a fair call, what will it cost may be another matter.

My understanding is that the organisers are making quite good dosh the last few years, so I'm just questioning why not divert some of the present take? Because as I understand it the money is just going to local sports clubs etc. So I'm suggesting a few more slices of the pie...
So, in theory there should be no extra cost.

For the likes of Rossi and co I'm sure people would expect to pay 'over and above'

**mikeey01** · 21st February 2009, 20:31

It's an interesting stand (hanging ones gonads out) but what this stems from is nothing short of greed, no not on Andrew's part but the organisers!

So someone bins it big time, who covers the costs?
Do you and I via ACC levies?
Should the organiser cover some of the cost?
What is the cost of entry for a racer and prize money?

**DEATH_INC.** · 21st February 2009, 20:36

Be nice to see the lads being paid....but who decides who the top level riders are?
Be better to see every one getting paid, but would we all pay more to go and watch?
Bah, this is NZ...I doubt it'll happen.

**Kickaha** · 21st February 2009, 20:59

Will not having Stroud there make any difference to the crowd figures ?

I would doubt it, so why would the organisers bother to pay to have him there

**sinfull** · 21st February 2009, 21:00

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

....but who decides who the top level riders are?
.

Ummmm they do !!! Points = top correct ?

To be honest, if you were to say that i would see the same sort of racing at pie rowa that i saw last weekend at manfield (edge of the seat stuff) I'd make my way there now !
As it is, i may make it next year !

**Rob Taylor** · 21st February 2009, 21:07

Yea well Done Andrew.We have $70k plus just in bikes & van alone..And yes it costs alot & we are always looking for help,but NZ motorcycle racing is very low profile & doesnt get much coverage....a thing sponsors need...So for us its a love affair

(with Vicki not Nick..... well Nick if my wife has anything to do with it!!!)

**jafar** · 21st February 2009, 21:21

As the top riders are not coming does this mean that the entry fee is mabey a bit high ?

This is like having the big day out with a karioke machine

**CHOPPA** · 21st February 2009, 21:46

Fair enough, Andrew is a professional and i wouldnt go to work for free! I cant really relate though cause i would do anything to ride and it costs a fortune...