Huntly, we have a problem...

[The Chow]

Hi Guys

I would like to voice my opinion on the matter of Paul S not standing for commissioner.As a member of the close team that ran the series , I am qualified to let you know what shit has happened over the last few months.

However first things first , Paul may have decided to not run. But what you the riders have to realise that it is not just Paul you may have lost but also the volunteer team behind the scenes , you know the people , the ones who put all the flags up and scaffolds and signage for the sponsors and TV , run the internet site for the champs which by the way is no more , which by the way gave coverage to get over 60,ooo individual users and over 1,500,000 hits from March 08 to March 09.the same people who organise the prize givings , commentate , feed the riders on race day morning and do countless other things that many riders take for granted. I'm not talking about the clubs , I'm talking about the series people.

Remember riders we did all the stuff to the best that we could do for amateurs , so you guys could get your fun out on the track , weekend in and weekend out.

We got bagged for the low turn outs at the nationals , we got bagged at Paeroa and on the radio by a well know commentator , we got bagged by the governing body , we got bagged for the lack of TV coverage .

You name it we got bagged for it. And yet we the team , Paul Stewart , Jim T , Jim D , Ian , Guy , Neil , Paul and Heather Seranake and Lynda Blair did it because we loved the sport , but to be honest , it is a job anyone can do , well isn't it? . Well now your chance to find out , someone pick up the batten and lets see what you can do.

The series is not run by one person and it doesn't really matter about how much money is being spent or how much talk is talked , the series does not happen without a group of people who are prepared to do it because they love the sport first for no wages other than some expenses in some cases.

[Rcktfsh]

Yes, but then I probably need to clarify what really should be a rigid etiquette......its probably not so appropriate for current competitors, team owners and commercial suppliers / service providers within racing to stand for positions within MNZ. Conflict of interest.

way to big a conflict of interest.

[Rcktfsh]

Actually...Now that I think about it. I'd second that.

you obviously haven't thought about it.

[FROSTY:Me]

However first things first , Paul may have decided to not run. But what you the riders have to realise that it is not just Paul you may have lost but also the volunteer team behind the scenes , you know the people , the ones who put all the flags up and scaffolds and signage for the sponsors and TV , run the internet site for the champs which by the way is no more , which by the way gave coverage to get over 60,ooo individual users and over 1,500,000 hits from March 08 to March 09.the same people who organise the prize givings , commentate , feed the riders on race day morning and do countless other things that many riders take for granted. I'm not talking about the clubs , I'm talking about the series people.

Hey chow. I'M NOT attacking you but asking the pertinent question.
Are the rest of the team going to go if Paul S goes or is it your opinion??
Given you are one of the nationals "crew" are you saying YOU are out if Paul S is gone or are you saying you would work wioth another RRC?
Also is it possible that this is a storm in a teacup ? Ie Paul having a variety of reasons for wishing to retire and the conflict with the CEO being a final straw situation.

[The Chow]

Thanks

I can't speak for the others , but yes I can work with other people and have done for many years.

Storm in team cup? No it isn't , Paul was all prepared to carry on for another two years , and how do I know that?

He had already secured more major sponsorship for 2010 and 2011 seasons (i'm not sure if I should have said that but the major sponsor was increasing funding by 50% not reducing), and paul had plans looking at new classes and how to run the meetings.

In fact we talk about it at Pukekohe.But that is now probably up in the air. He asked me among other crew people earlier in the season to commit to two years with him , but I said with the shit that happened this year I could only commit to him for a year and review it from there.

So I hope this gives you an idea , of what potentially has disappeared.

[CHOPPA]

Thanks

I can't speak for the others , but yes I can work with other people and have done for many years.

Storm in team cup? No it isn't , Paul was all prepared to carry on for another two years , and how do I know that?

He had already secured more major sponsorship for 2010 and 2011 seasons (i'm not sure if I should have said that but the major sponsor was increasing funding by 50% not reducing), and paul had plans looking at new classes and how to run the meetings.

In fact we talk about it at Pukekohe.But that is now probably up in the air. He asked me among other crew people earlier in the season to commit to two years with him , but I said with the shit that happened this year I could only commit to him for a year and review it from there.

So I hope this gives you an idea , of what potentially has disappeared.

Surely if we lost that sponsorship it would be somewhat in spite?

There must be a round at Hampton Downs this year...???

[The Chow]

That is up to the new road race commissioner to sort out with Sponsors isn't it?

Again the major sponsor would decide on what is right for them , we have no say in it , it is their money.

The deal has been done by Paul alone and no one else. So what do think , how would you feel getting hassled for doing good.

In the words of Alfred E Neuman (Mad Magazine) "You can be on the right track and still get hit by a Train".

[FROSTY:Me]

Given theres clearly "some" emotion around this Id like to ask people who really KNOW. Job description wise within MNZ
Who is SOPOSED to do what?
If funding was expected for the national series why was it withdrawn?

[The Chow]

goo question , asked the office?

see you around , got to go and fire up the Honda and get back to work.

Best of luck

[scracha]

Why persist at all with MNZ? Clearly they've got little focus on road racing. Most road racers I've spoken too aren't at all happy with them and this is another example of them sucking the enthusiasm out of volunteers. Why not start an organisation purely for road racing?

No doubt our next AMCC newsletter will have another rant about "armchair experts on Internet forums".

[Robert Taylor]

Why persist at all with MNZ? Clearly they've got little focus on road racing. Most road racers I've spoken too aren't at all happy with them and this is another example of them sucking the enthusiasm out of volunteers. Why not start an organisation purely for road racing?

No doubt our next AMCC newsletter will have another rant about "armchair experts on Internet forums".

There are in fact a few good people within MNZ, Chow eluded to that. But they are fighting a dogmatic attitude at the top, one who is not a team player.

[Tim 39]

Just a thought/idea...

If the so called breakaway occurred (other than insurance issues what does MNZ do for us?) would Paul Stewart be interested in being the commissioner for the new NZ Road Racers union or whatever it would be?

The way I see it, that would be the ideal outcome. The MNZ issues would be eliminated, Paul S is most certainly very good at being RRC, and his previous experience in the job would be greatly appreciated especially in the initial stages of getting this thing going. Without all the crap that goes on, then hopefully new blood would attracted into the actual running of the series also.

with less politics and criticism, more support and helpers being encouraged I could see it as far more appealing, and would be happy to pay twice as much for a licence and do a bit more to help run the series.

[Mishy]

goo question , asked the office?

see you around , got to go and fire up the Honda and get back to work.

Best of luck

Thanks for your input, perhaps we can all learn a lesson regarding supporting those who support us.
Call me crazy . . . . . . .

All the best.

[FROSTY:Me]

Scratcha. You make a good point though.
I think (will stand corrected) that MNZ is affiliated with FIM .
On our little bit of the world that means squat.
Licencing etc could be administered by the tomato growers association for all the difference it makes.
( Except for the licence holders life insurance we have whilst competing.)
Where it gets tricky is if a rider wants to race overseas.
You need a FIM affiliate in order to be able to get international licence and insurance cover.
Could an alternative governing body for road racing be set up?
Good question.
I think the most likely issue would be if MX riders wanted to road race -2 worries MNZ blackballing and MXers having to get two licences.
Another concern would be --would FIM recignise 2 motorcycle race organisations?


Could someone remind me what actually happened to the old administration n NZ--the ACU (Auto Cycle Union?)

Interesting that this conversation was had in the bears community a few years back

[Robert Taylor]

Scratcha. You make a good point though.
I think (will stand corrected) that MNZ is affiliated with FIM .
On our little bit of the world that means squat.
Licencing etc could be administered by the tomato growers association for all the difference it makes.
( Except for the licence holders life insurance we have whilst competing.)
Where it gets tricky is if a rider wants to race overseas.
You need a FIM affiliate in order to be able to get international licence and insurance cover.
Could an alternative governing body for road racing be set up?
Good question.
I think the most likely issue would be if MX riders wanted to road race -2 worries MNZ blackballing and MXers having to get two licences.
Another concern would be --would FIM recignise 2 motorcycle race organisations?


Could someone remind me what actually happened to the old administration n NZ--the ACU (Auto Cycle Union?)

Interesting that this conversation was had in the bears community a few years back

The MNZ situation is fixable, it entails changing some of the people. Its a bit like Governments, you get what you vote for. If you dont like what you get, remove them.