LRRS

[jamotech741]

Not one to kiss ass, but after hearing about various racing clubs going out around the country due to the economy (wsmc most recent), glad we have good people keeping LRRS on the upside.

Thanks to everyone that volunteers their valuable time to make it happen!

[mzdagrl]

Also thank you to all the racers and families who make the sport what it is here in New England. It may not be the biggest dollar maker at NHMS, but as long as people continue to race, and fight for track time, it will continue.

[b0xmonkey]

It's shocking to me that WSMC could go belly up. With the so-cal market and being able to race 11 months out of the year I would think they would be very profitable. It's a shame to see to see it go under.

[Karaya One]

When we had our Michelin race tire meeting last November, every single vender had a reduced attendance at their tracks, some down 50%.

And every vender reported increased track day participation - but not enough to replace the loss in club racing. The consensus is the trackdays provide a better value for your performance motorcycle dollar.

Look at the powersports industry - shrunk 50% since 2007. How many riders/racers were tradesman? Builders, GC's, or connected to that industry?

Motorcycles are toys. When money is tight, the toys get sold.

[Karaya One]

It's shocking to me that WSMC could go belly up. With the so-cal market and being able to race 11 months out of the year I would think they would be very profitable. It's a shame to see to see it go under.

Of course, the California economy is about to melt down. Huge deficits, public employee pension system unsustainable and crushing the system. Politicians who refuse to fix the system since they are indebted to the unions. Foreclosure crisis, illegals, over-regulation.....

Don't get me started!

[Puppet]

It's shocking to me that WSMC could go belly up. With the so-cal market and being able to race 11 months out of the year I would think they would be very profitable. It's a shame to see to see it go under.

I ready somewhere...maybe the wera board...that they only had 70 racers there last month. Can't make a series profitable with those kinds of numbers

[Woodcraft]

I was talking to John Ulrich yesterday, and he told me that the racing in California hasbe come fractured. Every track runs it's own series - WSMC, AFM, WERA, Chuckwalla and racers cannot run one championship - they have too many to choose from. That contributed as well. They also have small Novice grids and push guys to expert quickly (to middle ground class), and many riders get discouraged that they can't compete.

This is why we've pushed for the Novice class to be structured the way that it is, and I'm glad that NHMS has agreed to workwith us on that. We need to keep the flow of new riders into the sport, make them feel welcome, and move them along as they are ready. There is a core group of riders up here that really care about the sport and see the track as a way to not just race, but see a group of friends that they have built over the year....that is what will see us through the leaner times. It's definitely just as much about the people as it is about the racing. We'll be OK.

[gmdboston]

Of course, the California economy is about to melt down. Huge deficits, public employee pension system unsustainable and crushing the system. Politicians who refuse to fix the system since they are indebted to the unions. Foreclosure crisis, illegals, over-regulation.....

Don't get me started!

When I had a shop in El Segundo, there were so many regulations and taxes I closed it and left the state. I still own the territory, but I will never do business there again. The state is able to unconstitutionally tax income derived from business conducted on other states by renaming taxes as "fees". Even the state agency that collected sales and use tax is called "The State board of Equalization". Fuck those Socialist dipshits. Let the state go bankrupt, no more bailouts, no more loans. Businesses are leaving the state like rats leaving a sinking ship. hopefully this will be a lesson for future elected officials both local and federal to follow the Constitution, and not follow the "Robin Hood" mentality of "redistribution", and "Fair Share" in exchange for votes. but I'm not bitter.....

Jackie?

[CBR929RE]

It's shocking to me that WSMC could go belly up. With the so-cal market and being able to race 11 months out of the year I would think they would be very profitable. It's a shame to see to see it go under.

that might be part of the problem. racing is expensive so to get to 11 rounds to fight for a championship is a huge hit on the wallet.

I ready somewhere...maybe the wera board...that they only had 70 racers there last month. Can't make a series profitable with those kinds of numbers

that was CCS Southwest. although maybe WSMC also had low numbers.

[b0xmonkey]

When I had a shop in El Segundo r

"I left my wallet in El Segundo"

[Johnny B]

Businesses are leaving the state like rats leaving a sinking ship.

One of the more notable "rats" is Graves Motorsports, now in Georgia.

[yamaduc214]

I was talking to John Ulrich yesterday, and he told me that the racing in California hasbecome fractured. Every track runs it's own series - WSMC, AFM, WERA, Chuckwalla and racers cannot run one championship - they have too mant to choose from. That contributed as well. They also have small Novice grids and push guys to expert quickly (to middle ground class), and many riders get discouraged that they can't compete.

This is why we've pushed for the Novice class to be structured the way that it is, and I'm glad that NHMS has agreed to workwith us on that. We need to keep the flow of new riders into the sport, make them feel welcome, and move them along as they are ready. There is a core group of riders up here that really care about the sport and see the track as a way to not just race, but see a group of friends that they have built over the year....that is what will see us through the leaner times. It's definitely just as much about the people as it is about the racing. We'll be OK.

Eric,

I agree whole heartedly about the way that some of the changes that have come about the Novice class are the right thing for us. I also am grateful as well that LRRS has people that look at the welfare of all it participants and help make it a family environment.

On a side note about the economy and how other clubs feel the struggles as well as us, I think one thing about LRRS that is difficult to understand is that there is no rider or vendor I feel ,that doesnt feel we have a great thing at the NHMS with some very competitive racing, but what troubles me is the lack of Public promotion that doesnt exist to make our series more attractive to future participants and sponsors. I know that there are alot of people, who give it all they have at the track to see us safe. I would like to know of thoughts of rallying the riders who are willing to help "promote" the LRRS series. There are alot of local events and venues "we " should be present at.. I know that these may have all come up before, but with living on the seacoast and being from MA, I feel that there is a market of riders we are not connecting with. The beaches along the seacoast see thousands of people all summer long, everyone rides sport bikes, ect. I see oppty to promote our sport with representation from the riders, vendors, NHMS. another example would be the "Summer Nationals" in worcester, again an inexpensive opportunity to show representation, to locals who in my opinion would benefit from what goes on at NHMS.
I am sure there are alot of us who feel if given the oppty we could do more. I for one am willing to donate my time to help bring in more excitement and friendships to the LRRS.. just my .02 cents.

[a13x]

On a side note about the economy and how other clubs feel the struggles as well as us, I think one thing about LRRS that is difficult to understand is that there is no rider or vendor I feel ,that doesnt feel we have a great thing at the NHMS with some very competitive racing, but what troubles me is the lack of Public promotion that doesnt exist to make our series more attractive to future participants and sponsors. I know that there are alot of people, who give it all they have at the track to see us safe. I would like to know of thoughts of rallying the riders who are willing to help "promote" the LRRS series. There are alot of local events and venues "we " should be present at.. I know that these may have all come up before, but with living on the seacoast and being from MA, I feel that there is a market of riders we are not connecting with. The beaches along the seacoast see thousands of people all summer long, everyone rides sport bikes, ect. I see oppty to promote our sport with representation from the riders, vendors, NHMS. another example would be the "Summer Nationals" in worcester, again an inexpensive opportunity to show representation, to locals who in my opinion would benefit from what goes on at NHMS.
I am sure there are alot of us who feel if given the oppty we could do more. I for one am willing to donate my time to help bring in more excitement and friendships to the LRRS.. just my .02 cents.

I know you're talking about LRRS, a local club racing org, but you could also insert "AMA Pro Racing, MotoGP, World Superbike" into that above paragraph when it comes to the UNITED STATES presence.

Just saying this is a issue not limited to LRRS, but rather motorcycling racing in the country.

FWIW: I agree with you. I put the onus on the participants/rider of motorcycles as a whole. Industry isn't going to find 100 million dollars tomorrow to fix everything. Anyone with a passion for riding/racing can help, even if you don't work at a motorcycle company (i don't)

[a13x]

One of the more notable "rats" is Graves Motorsports, now in Georgia.

Graves HQ still based out of Van Nuys.

[Johnny B]

Graves HQ still based out of Van Nuys.

The grapevine (thought to be reliable) had him moving everything to the Atlanta area. A quick check of the 'net proves you're right, they just added an east coast operations center. But I can't help but wonder that if the climate in Cali gets worse then there's an escape route to the Kennesaw, Ga location.
How goes it for you and Jen in that state?

[yamaduc214]

I know you're talking about LRRS, a local club racing org, but you could also insert "AMA Pro Racing, MotoGP, World Superbike" into that above paragraph when it comes to the UNITED STATES presence.

Just saying this is a issue not limited to LRRS, but rather motorcycling racing in the country.

FWIW: I agree with you. I put the onus on the participants/rider of motorcycles as a whole. Industry isn't going to find 100 million dollars tomorrow to fix everything. Anyone with a passion for riding/racing can help, even if you don't work at a motorcycle company (i don't)

thanks a13x. I consider myself far from experienced in the sport to really understand the complexity of putting together successful programs. I know the closer you get to AMA, World Superbike, Moto GP it becomes more about the "business" of racing, and rightfully so when you consider the talent of the "professional " racer and the return on the investment for the company.

I dont work at a bike shop or even a motorcycle company, (honestly I wish I found racing younger in my life, as well as the industry) If I did I would feel compelled to find ways to promote all disciplines of the sport of rideing. I think thats where the struggles of the economy weigh down the aspiration of entrepreneur trying to make it.

This racer, races for the love and addiction of the sport, if a call was sent out to promote the sport, I would volunteer my time gladley. I think the strongest point club racing has is that of their ability to build community within themselves, we need to use that to promote our sport and get out there and represent with pride.. Case in point, Look at the X-Games 20 years ago vs now... the participants made that sport a success, because of their character.. cooperate america kept its momentum by marketing and being present in the sport.

my .02 again , so ill put it to rest. Maybe we just need to gather our troops and take it to the streets ourselves and get more people to participate in promoting the local club race organization they belong to. I for one will be the first in line!

[a13x]

The grapevine (thought to be reliable) had him moving everything to the Atlanta area. A quick check of the 'net proves you're right, they just added an east coast operations center. But I can't help but wonder that if the climate in Cali gets worse then there's an escape route to the Kennesaw, Ga location.
How goes it for you and Jen in that state?

Doubt he'll move everything out, just having the race shop near Yamaha USA HQ is pretty key.

Jen and I are doing fine. We're renting still but looking to buy. Love it here.

[a13x]

I dont work at a bike shop or even a motorcycle company, (honestly I wish I found racing younger in my life, as well as the industry) If I did I would feel compelled to find ways to promote all disciplines of the sport of rideing. I think thats where the struggles of the economy weigh down the aspiration of entrepreneur trying to make it.

This racer, races for the love and addiction of the sport, if a call was sent out to promote the sport, I would volunteer my time gladley. I think the strongest point club racing has is that of their ability to build community within themselves, we need to use that to promote our sport and get out there and represent with pride.. Case in point, Look at the X-Games 20 years ago vs now... the participants made that sport a success, because of their character.. cooperate america kept its momentum by marketing and being present in the sport.

my .02 again , so ill put it to rest. Maybe we just need to gather our troops and take it to the streets ourselves and get more people to participate in promoting the local club race organization they belong to. I for one will be the first in line!

Don't overthink it homie. Want to know what you can do to help the motorcycle industry/racing. Be an advocate!

Example:
Round up some friends and drive 5 hours to the AMA race at NJMP. Buy a ticket. Visit the vendours. Buy some racer t shirts. Enjoy the races. Have fun. hell bring them up to Loudon to try it out.

Example:
Talking at a bike night with some street riders? Do they know about racing? No? Share your info and passion with them. Point them to the @MotoGP @AMAProRacing twitter feeds. Tell them about the teams racing on XYZ brand they rep. I met some guys once wearing JORDANS, riding SUZUKIS, and were BLACK. They had no idea MJ had a bike team. Know how pumped they were when they found out? and the team was racing 40 miles down the road the next day?


We don't need to do big things to help the sport/industry. Just be inclusive to all people riding motorcycle and passionate. Yes that even means harley guys.

[Pittenger5]

Don't overthink it homie. Want to know what you can do to help the motorcycle industry/racing. Be an advocate!

Its incredible how many people I talk to at work that have no idea racing even EXISTS. And this in a city where there's a good chance of having a motogp race in 2 years.

[jamotech741]

Talking at a bike night with some street riders? Do they know about racing? No? Share your info and passion with them. Point them to the @MotoGP @AMAProRacing twitter feeds. Tell them about the teams racing on XYZ brand they rep. I met some guys once wearing JORDANS, riding SUZUKIS, and were BLACK. They had no idea MJ had a bike team. Know how pumped they were when they found out? and the team was racing 40 miles down the road the next day?

Ive always thought that proves how unnoticed motorcycle racing is overall... that MJ has a racing team and people that love him have no idea. Im surprised he doesn't promote his team more, it would be good for the whole sport.

[tsorfas]

Ive always thought that proves how unnoticed motorcycle racing is overall... that MJ has a racing team and people that love him have no idea. Im surprised he doesn't promote his team more, it would be good for the whole sport.

I work with black people who are involved in Hip Hop and other "black" entertainment business and they had no idea about MJs racing team.
and little wayne rides a skateboard and the next day you have every black person buying skateboards and DC shoes. I dont get it.

[Boosh]

I live in Concord about 10 Min from the track and you have no idea how many people don't have a clue we race there.

[lrrs699]

I live in Concord about 10 Min from the track and you have no idea how many people don't have a clue we race there.

i purchased a scooter from a kid in concord, like you said. he had no idea any other racing was going on there besides nascar twice a year.

[mzdagrl]

I live in Concord about 10 Min from the track and you have no idea how many people don't have a clue we race there.

Same deal - used to live there, no one knows. I first came up to check it out since we were new on the board, just meeting people, and lived so gosh darn close. We didn't know there was anything going on there either til joining NESR. I got hooked the minute I drove through that tunnel. I tell virtually everyone I meet that I have a halfway decent conversation with that I work there, and they all say "wow, I never pegged you as a NASCAR fan". I then have to go on to explain that I'm not, and go into the other racing and events that go on.

Also, I used to work at Merrimack Valley High (in Penacook), which serves to town of Loudon. There was one girl in particular who could see into the track from her backyard, and would watch the events on the weekends. I convinced her to come check it out for real one day and she loved it. Unfortunately she moved shortly after.

Eric will remember the "advocacy" I did a couple years ago - brought my class to a Penguin Day (yes, it was educational). Got a couple of them buzzing about trying out track days. The more people you tell, the more likely you are one or two of them will catch the bug.

[Awesome]

You'll need to also hypothesize that no one cares. I'm a motorcycle guy, I haven't been racing for a year, and I don't go to the track to watch. There's very little appeal because the accommodations, food and entertainment are sparse.