Class format

Discussion in 'Rule Book Proposals' started by HWY99, Jan 17, 2016.

  1. HWY99

    HWY99 Team Green

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    After the club did everything humanly possible last season to increase the number of racers there was no improvement - this wasn't due to the weather or unfriendly pits. The race school and track days were very successful and subsidized the racing thanks to the efforts of many. A huge amount of work went into generating interest in the club, new business and income. You may think the club is flush with cash but a couple of poor turnouts due to bad weather could change that in a hurry.

    We don't have the greatest dates but similar to when the club was in it's prime at Mission. The trend is track day rider numbers increasing and racers decreasing. Cost seems to be the biggest barrier to racing which needs to be addressed somehow. There's been lots of discussion about classes and the WMRC becoming a track day club etc. but how many of you are going to come out to the track days and race every round rain or shine? We may get more racers from the race school moving forward but in the meantime I suggest you think about the club's survival if you want to race in the future. The club exec can't perform miracles, though I did see Jason Hanson in Church the other day.

    Our classes are currently set up for a club with 100+ racers not 30 to 40 depending on the day. I believe this needs a complete rethink to keep the racing interesting and the club viable.

    The following class structure is for discussion on how to deal with the low grid numbers per class, high cost of racing and generating more participation and revenue:

    Moto 1 (1:16+)
    Practice group #2
    Previously - 600 Supersport/HW Twins, Formula Ultra, Open Supersport, Superbike

    Moto 2 (1:17-1:22)
    Practice group #1
    Previously - Battle of the Twins MW, Formula Classic, Middleweight Superbike, MotoTT, Sportsman

    Moto 3 (<1:22)
    Practice group #1
    Previously - 250 Supersport, Lightweight Supersport, Lightweight Twins

    Hybrid
    Practice group #3

    General guidelines:
    Lap times are approximate but consistent breakouts would get riders moved up with points from previous class.
    Qualified riders could elect to race in a faster class.
    Track day format with rotating sessions - 2 practices and 3 races/class time permitting.
    Flat rate cost same as track days with early registration incentive.
    Hybrid riders pay nonmember track day rate.
    No gate fee for participants.
    Hybrid - 250cc+ fast track day riders.

    I expect a severe flaming from those who need corks surgically removed from their backsides!
     
  2. Dean

    Dean Just a beer league racer

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    I understand what you are trying to do, however, racing in my mind is about bikes on similar (not identical) hardware and displacement.

    What you are proposing is bracket racing, which also has a purpose. Based on human nature, what you will eventually see is someone like me in Moto2 trying to hit the 1:17 mark exactly and not pass it. Then with a good start, all I need to do is bait the guys behind me to bypass the time, and get disqualified. It happens in F118, it happens in MotoTT and it happens at the mini-club in Moto4. You already have a couple of bracket classes, why create more?

    For me to move to Moto1, which I could do on my SV, as the last year I was running it, I was in the 1:16s, but would *never* be competitive in that group at all. Once I bumped to that group, I might as well just get a new bike or quit.

    I have no better suggestions though. Racing is expensive. Only people well into their careers can really afford it. You keep trying to make it cheaper, but in order to do that, you need volume. Once you have volume, the class structure as it is today, is valid. Catch22.

    There are only so many folks with the means and desires to race in the local area. You need to try to cater to those that have the will and means to race. There are 3 clubs in close (5 hour proximity) quarters. Fashion your rules to be very similar to promote club hopping.
     
  3. *Jay*

    *Jay* Member

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    I don't want to come off in a negative way...but would just like to point out a big white elephant in the room. There has been a number of incidents in the not so distant past of this club that have done severe damage to the moral of the members. No need to rehash the details of exactly what went on but for anyone that may not know the history: Nasty politics , recession, sound limits, questionable rule changes, more nasty politics etc.etc.

    I think what I am trying to say is the club needed an enema.

    I believe that the current WMRC is made up of positive club volunteers and executive, and that they are serving the interests of an enthusiastic group of local amateur road racers. Not every racer is going to get along, but given that they are racing that is human nature and why we have rider reps etc.

    If the club is to grow we need to nurture and support the current classes that see the largest grids. Additionally we need to encourage racers to participate in the other classes. With the state of the Canadian/USA dollar we may see the latter for local racers that participate exclusively in the US.

    The school has been a success and gives exposure to the race club. The track days have been a success and give exposure to the racers and club. Getting the message out that we race motorcycles in the lower mainland is the goal. Enticing spectators is the goal. Racing our bikes is the goal.

    Threads like these are awesome because it shows that some people are thinking outside the box. Sometimes that is exactly what is required to get results, instead of repeating the same actions expecting a different outcome.

    I hope we can continue to maintain the momentum that was generated in 2015 and enjoy our upcoming season. Find more racers to join our ranks, and above all have fun racing motorcycles.
     
  4. cookie

    cookie Two Smokin'

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    I was going to leave this alone but the problem is so glaring I can't help myself. In this format riders who now enter and pay for 2, 3 or 4 classes each race day would now be able to enter only 1 unless they had multiple bikes.
    I'll put the cork back in my ass now.
     
  5. *Jay*

    *Jay* Member

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    I with captain obvious, only 3 classes meaning one class per bike would not provide value for my race dollar. Also I would suggest not putting the cork back in.
     
  6. HWY99

    HWY99 Team Green

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    Don't hold back Tony, I welcome your feedback. The proposal is based on rider skill level so those entering only one class would get three races instead of just one. With four sessions including hybrid (if that works out) rotating like a track day everyone gets a fair shake. It is bracket racing as Dean pointed out which does have some drawbacks that could probably be overcome.

    I hope you didn't find the cork extraction and replacement too uncomfortable!
     
  7. HWY99

    HWY99 Team Green

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    Although a lot was done last season to turn the club's decline around in terms of racer participation I wonder if it was too little too late. We have to rethink what we are doing if repeating something year after year that isn't working. Any damage to the club from the past will take time to turn around which I believe is possible.

    The fact is the WMRC isn't a WMRRA and doesn't have the same active membership base, resources or a new premium quality track. Most of the people that go south never come back unless for a cameo appearance to demonstrate their improved skills. The WMRC only has a few higher level racers left who are head and shoulders above everyone else. With hardly any competition their victories must feel hollow along with collecting a wheelbarrow of trophies every season. We are fortunate they hang around to pass on their knowledge to the increasing number of track day riders and ever dwindling number of racers.

    The WMRC is primarily made up of average Joe's who are motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to experience the excitement of road racing. There doesn't seem to be a super competitive attitude in the pits because the more serious racers have probably gone south. That means we should be catering to the locals who are starting out and don't want to be racing at 200% crashing and getting injured or worse.

    The WMRC offers high quality training on a technical track which is less intimidating due to lower speeds for new road racers. It's a great local option for the weekend warriors on a budget who don't want to travel or compete at a higher level. We may not have he best track but we can offer a true taste of racing for those looking for more than a track day. No point in trying to be something we aren't and cater to the select few who have already moved on and probably not coming back. The exchange rate may help this season but that's a variable you can't count on long term.

    There needs to be more of a plan for the club rather than putting out fires trying to stay financially viable which is stressful for the exec and uncertain for the membership. The WMRC has to adapt to the current market conditions and cater to the needs of those keeping the club afloat rather than the few squeaky wheels trying to retain a model that doesn't seem to work.
     
  8. andre331

    andre331 New Member

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    steve, I'm having a big problem with your use of terms like real or serious racer and call our track and level of competition less than that of our friends to the south..... if someone takes race school ,pays for a licence, straps number plates on a motorcycle and pins the throttle when the flag drops THEY ARE A RACER...... things have gotten out of hand in the last few years, with all the emphasis on horsepower, displacement etc. we should all remember how it used to be. not just for nostalgia's sake but to remember racing is about doing it on the track, not the street.... its about finding a solid bike be it a older or newer one ,prepping it , going to the track and racing FOR FUN and hanging out with like minded people.... who gives a shit about trophies ,podiums and the rest. at old westwood my friends and I rode stock bikes finished somewhere between ten and twentieth out of forty bikes. we had fun and didn't get carried away with competitiveness.... maybe old fashioned, but we had a great time
     
  9. HWY99

    HWY99 Team Green

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    Andre, my apologies re the terminology because I didn't intend to diminish racing with the WMRC. I have thoroughly enjoyed racing with the club and the comradery that goes with that. My intent was to have a discussion about how to make the club better and attract more fellow racers. The bigger clubs and tracks are competition for us and do draw some local racers. The local mini bike track has ex WMRC members who race there because of past club politics or the lower cost. For the record I'm in full agreement with what you said which should be the essence of racing with the WMRC. Unfortunately a lot has changed since the old Westwood days due to demographics, competition from other clubs, cost of racing etc. People have lots of choices and maybe the WMRC needs it's own niche to be successful instead of going head to head with the WMRRA and others.
     

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