Race numbers - a bitch...

[Kickaha]

I don't think MNZ or the clubs have the balls to enforce the rule regarding numbers and they've let it slide to long

I can remember it being bought up at the MNZ AGM at Nelson which would be 4 years ago at least and still nothing has been done

[daytona]

Numbers and colours are to show the capacity of the machine not the class it races in. ie Clubmans classes (and others) could have several different colour numbers in the same race.

[Clivoris]

Numbers and colours are to show the capacity of the machine not the class it races in. ie Clubmans classes (and others) could have several different colour numbers in the same race.

Agree man. Clubmans riders could pick an eligeable class and go with those colours.

[Kickaha]

Numbers and colours are to show the capacity of the machine not the class it races in. ie Clubmans classes (and others) could have several different colour numbers in the same race.

Wrong, you can identify a class by the colour of the number board, they all have specific colours, some classes like post classic may also have different colours to differentiate cc limits within it

Clubmans generally have a mix of colours because there is a mix of "different classes" within it

[yungatart]

I don't know about class/colours. That is not an issue for marshals etc. Besides, with all the cross-entering that goes on...
As for any particular bike, this weekend there were an awful lot that were awful. Either too small, or not there at all, or terrible style, for instance.
The 2 bikes that do jump to mind, were one with a too small/dull gold 67 on a black background - and Mister RomanNumerals/OldEnglishStoneMasonFont (took me awhile to figure out he wasn't from LEVIN...)
Ooops, just re-read your post. I don't know of any complaints as such about yours - but it certainly wasn't that easy to see.

That rider needs to spend a weekend in the wet on point 6 on the extension track, with no lunch break. While he's out there, I will dream up a suitable punishment for him. I'm not sure if it was an attempt at taking the piss or if he genuinely believed he was being clever....

[jellywrestler]

I can remember it being bought up at the MNZ AGM at Nelson which would be 4 years ago at least and still nothing has been done

and at the nelson conference about 14 years ago too

[driftn]

There's some stunning photos in here
And some that show exactly what I'm bitching about.

Looks awesome, So I understand why you need the numbers for incase they need to point something out to you. Heres an idea.... The guy with the funny numbers bikes shat it self wave a flag at him. Just throwing it out there.

[White trash]

Looks awesome, So I understand why you need the numbers for incase they need to point something out to you. Heres an idea.... The guy with the funny numbers bikes shat it self wave a flag at him. Just throwing it out there.

You fucking idiot. How are flaggies supposed to quickly communicate issues with a bike between flag points if they can't read the number? Or are you suggesting that they just let the bike continue for a whole lap back to the first point of attention and then wave a flag at the rider?

Sharpen up son.

[jellywrestler]

Heres an idea.... The guy with the funny numbers bikes shat it self wave a flag at him. Just throwing it out there.

can you convert this to english please?


I've had a look at the photos and would say these numbers need urgent attention.
This is by no means all that need them though and remember these are static shots, you've got time to look at them they're not on a track at speed.
167
67
398
51 although i will concede that this is the barrell 51 logo and sponsorship so there's some merit in that
124
83
& the one in swahili too
44 (not bob grover)
11
171
218
34

[Ivan]

so my graffitii design numbers will be no good then if i make a return

[jellywrestler]

so my graffitii design numbers will be no good then if i make a return

depends what you want out of racing. Do you want your mates to go along and follow you, if so make your numbers clear, do you want the commentators to notice you, make your numbers clear, once the commentators notice you, and they mention you others will be interested to see who you are etc, make your numbers clear.
that's aside from the safety angle; it's not rocket science really...

[Tony.OK]

depends what you want out of racing. Do you want your mates to go along and follow you, if so make your numbers clear, do you want the commentators to notice you, make your numbers clear, once the commentators notice you, and they mention you others will be interested to see who you are etc, make your numbers clear.
that's aside from the safety angle; it's not rocket science really...

Yep, take 600SS rider 808 for example........Morris Beagley, never heard of him before but now he's world famous on KB

[malcy25]

Yea - Clubmans is really an orphan class. There was at least one there yesterday that had no numbers at all. Think it was that old Guzzi that lost his side cover.
If you stand a good distance from your bike, and the number is too small or the colour contrast to the background isn't flash....

About 10 years ago I wrote the remit that became the basis of the number board rules now - there has been some variations, but much of what I wrote is still there (the single number on the seat I'm not responsible for.). The reason for the remit was the existing rules at the time said the numbers had to be in a specific location - behind the rider and were essentially bloody hard to implement on some bikes.

I specifically didnt include a specific font (which Aussie did a few years ago), and basically tried to constrauct a set of rules which allowed min required standards, but maximum flexibility taking into account reality Eg, replacing behind the rider with being visible when the rider is seated so that fairing surface area coud be used.

There have been adititions and changes, but the rules are pretty simple to read really and should be able to accomodate all bikes with a bit of thought and places the onus on the rider to sort their stuff out. As per usual, most issues arise because riders don't read the rule book, or perceive the rules don;t apply to them.

Clubmans colours. The MNZ rule book only deals with nationally recognised classes. Most bikes even when being used in Clubmans will fit into one of the classes listed. Use that colour.

Number board size: No brainer. The rule books does not provide variation of size based upon class.

As you were.

[MSTRS:Me]

About 10 years ago I wrote the remit that became the basis of the number board rules now - there has been some variations, but much of what I wrote is still there (the single number on the seat I'm not responsible for.). The reason for the remit was the existing rules at the time said the numbers had to be in a specific location - behind the rider and were essentially bloody hard to implement on some bikes.

I specifically didnt include a specific font (which Aussie did a few years ago), and basically tried to constrauct a set of rules which allowed min required standards, but maximum flexibility taking into account reality Eg, replacing behind the rider with being visible when the rider is seated so that fairing surface area coud be used.

There have been adititions and changes, but the rules are pretty simple to read really and should be able to accomodate all bikes with a bit of thought and places the onus on the rider to sort their stuff out. As per usual, most issues arise because riders don't read the rule book, or perceive the rules don;t apply to them.

Clubmans colours. The MNZ rule book only deals with nationally recognised classes. Most bikes even when being used in Clubmans will fit into one of the classes listed. Use that colour.

Number board size: No brainer. The rule books does not provide variation of size based upon class.

As you were.

Thanks for your detailed reply.
However, I do think the time has come for the rules surrounding numbers to be re-written*. For example, the number board size (or the background equivalent on fairings) is again obselete on some bikes, and why specify that size in the rules but remove the lettering size?
Nobody wants it to be too regimented, but the whole issue needs to be addressed in a form that allows some variation, yet ensures legibility.

*and policed...

[Shaun]

Thanks for your detailed reply.
However, I do think the time has come for the rules surrounding numbers to be re-written*. For example, the number board size (or the background equivalent on fairings) is again obselete on some bikes, and why specify that size in the rules but remove the lettering size?
Nobody wants it to be too regimented, but the whole issue needs to be addressed in a form that allows some variation, yet ensures legibility.

*and policed...

To me, you started the thread based on a SAFETY ISSUE, ie, cannot identify bike/rider if reqd too Urgently Correct?

If this is correct, the awnser i simple mate, " The road race commisioner can change rules based on Safety over night"

If you genuinely see this as a safety issue, email the commisioner and discuss with them.

###### Include in SUB REGS for next round what the requirements are for numbers and boards so NO EXSCUSE for anyone