What would it take to bring you back to RACING

And the track owner would still make less money than if he had 150 people showed up at full price.
As I mentioned, it would not be long term, but for one weekend. I know tracks don't make the money they should. I know how much it costs to put on a race. I know tracks lose money 9 times out of 10 when they put on a race. It sucks but it's true. So, to put on a race knowing there might not be a significant revenue, just to get people talking again was just an idea. Just spit balling here. I don't like seeing the sport die locally, but the sad truth is that it is. And you're right, PEOPLE AREN'T RACING ANYMORE. Myself included. The amount of people involved in motocross has drastically decreased in the past few years. Good luck to everyone searching for the answer, but I was just throwing an idea out there.
 
I think timed races would be cool. I'd prefer to be on the track for 10 minutes per race rather than 3-5 laps. Timed practices as well. I know smith road still uses timed practices on race days and I can put in a solid 10-12 laps in the allotted time, much better than 5 laps (if you're lucky). Also, you'd know exactly when you'd race/practice based on a schedule.

We like practicing at Smith Road, but since they only ran 3 laps per class for their 4th of July race is one of the reasons we won't be back for their Labor Day race. The kids on the little track were racing for less than 3 minutes (and they put the 65 Jrs and 50 Srs on there and they should be on the big track), and the big track was averaging about only 4.5 minutes. I don't care how good a track is, but getting more seat time for pre-race practice than you do for both motos combined is not worth racing. If they didn't waste 2-4 minutes per class between the checkereds and the next gate drop, they could of easily gave every class another 2 laps each (and grouping classes together could be an additional 2 more laps per class). Again like practicing there but their time management for race day is TERRIBLE!
 
We like practicing at Smith Road, but since they only ran 3 laps per class for their 4th of July race is one of the reasons we won't be back for their Labor Day race. The kids on the little track were racing for less than 3 minutes (and they put the 65 Jrs and 50 Srs on there and they should be on the big track), and the big track was averaging about only 4.5 minutes. I don't care how good a track is, but getting more seat time for pre-race practice than you do for both motos combined is not worth racing. If they didn't waste 2-4 minutes per class between the checkereds and the next gate drop, they could of easily gave every class another 2 laps each (and grouping classes together could be an additional 2 more laps per class). Again like practicing there but their time management for race day is TERRIBLE!
I was upset as well when I heard we were only running 3 laps. I got cleaned out in the first turn and scraped my way from 20th to 10th and I feel if I had 2 more laps I could have pushed into the top 5. But I agree 100% that's not the way to go on race day
 
Id really like to get back to some racing but I quit because I was tired of being there all day for a quick practice session then 2 short motos
I just started going to the open practices and could pretty much ride as much as I wanted and then get back home to get some take at easy
at home time.
Then practices got boring for me so I just hardly ride anymore.
I miss it all and had some fun times at Beans and Malvern and the others.
Just seems time is going so fast there isnt time to do it all
Figure out how to get more riding without the high cost of multiple classes and I would give it another go
 
How would you recommend getting the word out to people who don't use FB, Insta etc?
Idk I'm not in advertising lol but I've taken my son to several tracks and the only track I can think of that has signs is Malvern,and the sign is only 5 miles away. How can people know about tracks if they're not advertising anywhere. Maybe advertise pitracer at dealerships or make sure everyone that goes to Kames or something gets a race schedule. Try to get a list of Ohio tracks put in with new bike owners manuals lol I'm sure someone can think of something better just throwing out something to get ball rolling
 
From the standpoint of always being a mx family we try an practice up rt62 an bc an other northern Ohio tracks when we can but we live southeast Ohio but now days we race a lot of gp an harescrambles not really because of money it's the time spent at the tracks an just wanted to change it up alittle an has made me a better mx rider in +40 because in don't wear down as bad on a mx track one thing I have always thought is an this goes for any track or any racing mx -gp-harescramble why should the rider have to pay a gate fee is when he is the entertainer for people that does come watch racing
 
I do think its true that the older racers like myself have just backed off racing and there arent as many new kids riding because everything is so dang expensive
I dont know how a young family with a couple kids wanting to race can do it with the price of things like they are
 
Idk I'm not in advertising lol but I've taken my son to several tracks and the only track I can think of that has signs is Malvern,and the sign is only 5 miles away. How can people know about tracks if they're not advertising anywhere. Maybe advertise pitracer at dealerships or make sure everyone that goes to Kames or something gets a race schedule. Try to get a list of Ohio tracks put in with new bike owners manuals lol I'm sure someone can think of something better just throwing out something to get ball rolling

I do marketing and I have to agree completely, marketing for local motocross outside the motocross community is nonexistent. When you think of Malvern you think of Kame's, great promotion for Kame's. Prior to racing at Malvern I have never heard of Kame's, but because of the Kame's bucks I went to Kames to check them out. Bought the boys some MX toys with their Kame's bucks, but then returned many times to by guns, bow / gun cases, hunting boots, ... BUT on the flip side I have never seen any promotion for Malvern while shopping at Kame's.
Each track should be working closely with each bike shop in their areas and provide the shops with free gate, entry and or practice fees for each bike they sell, and a similar deal when some buys lets say $250 in parts or gear. Cross promotion is imperative and just isn't happening.
 
they do it because they literally spend money they don't have. I was talking to a guy who was talking about trading bikes in and really never pays them off, always has a bike payment. One rule I have always lived by, is I don't finance motocross. If I can't pay for the bike or afford to go race, I am not racing.

I've seen people or the last 30 years finance everything to go racing. Not gonna happen here. I prefer to still have a nice house, cars, eat, live, etc.

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Ok so I'll throw this out there: I stepped away from racing in 2004. Sold it all. Put myself through college and got back into the sport 3 years ago.

During my hiatus, I picked up mountain bike racing as was fairly succesful at it. Raced the local OMBC and 331 series. OMBC was fairly comparable to our local series. Decent following, traditional race format and classes.

However, the 331 series was a whole nother animal. It still contained the traditional XC style races, but also had races comprised of time trails, team races, short tracks, and enduros. It touched all facades of the sport, kept the racing competive and interesting each weekend, and was a breath of fresh air into a stale sport, which arguably, is what our local series has become. You could purchase the whole series entry fee's up front at a discounted cost and NO membership was required. Awesome turnouts, hot dogs and beer post race. Folks would stick around 2-3 hours post race just to B.S.

So what's stopping us from doing this? Have a 10 race series through the year: 2 MX, 2 Harescrambles, 2 GP's, 2 Supercrosses (could even use the fair races for these), a team race, and a time trial. Cut out all of the bullshit classes, run an A,B,C, 2stroke, Vet +30, womens big bike classes. No engine size requirements. Run what ya brung. 65 and 85 mini classes, no age divisions.

This is what would bring me back personally, something other than the same old 3-5 laps we run. You have to keep the local scene interesting, otherwise we're.going to keep losing racers to practice days. Oh and quit charging racers to get into the damn race!

@ck1racerx @Route 62 mx park @MalvernMX @hershey @Meister @GeorgiePorgie what say you?
 
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Ok so I'll throw this out there: I stepped away from racing in 2004. Sold it all. Put myself through college and got back into the sport 3 years ago.

During my hiatus, I picked up mountain bike racing as was fairly succesful at it. Raced the local OMBC and 331 series. OMBC was fairly comparable to our local series. Decent following, traditional race format and classes.

However, the 331 series was a whole nother animal. It still contained the traditional XC style races, but also had races comprised of time trails, team races, short tracks, and enduros. It touched all facades of the sport, kept the racing competive and interesting each weekend, and was a breath of fresh air into a stale sport, which arguably, is what our local series has become. You could purchase the whole series entry fee's up front at a discounted cost and NO membership was required. Awesome turnouts, hot dogs and beer post race. Folks would stick around 2-3 hours post race just to B.S.

So what's stopping us from doing this? Have a 10 race series through the year: 2 MX, 2 Harescrambles, 2 GP's, 2 Supercrosses (could even use the fair races for these), a team race, and a time trial.

This is what would bring me back personally, something other than the same old 3-5 laps we run. You have to keep the local scene interesting, otherwise we're.going to keep losing racers to practice days. Oh and quit charging racers to get into the damn race!

@ck1racerx @Route 62 mx park @MalvernMX @hershey @Meister @GeorgiePorgie what say you?
Now that's something I'd be interested in.
 
Note to promoters:
70 replies by 32 different people posted to this topic, Almost 2400 views and in just 3 days. = PitRacer is a great way to advertise to your customer base. Stop getting your butt sting because people post something you don't like. No track will please everyone.

SO, I have been told by no less then 6 different promoters this year that people DONT want more laps. Turns out, the majority DO.

Reduce the number of classes. Don't tell me people want these made up "open" "D" "125" Schoolboy 2" "Girls" "breaking up 65 into Jr and sr." breaking up 50's into 4 class. Because THEY DONT. Everyone wants more people in their class. More classes just means more $ out of the same peoples pocket instead of you working to get new customers.

Open practice is working well in this area because riders get more time on the bike, costs less, and getting home early. There are plenty of good ideas on here from reduced gate fee, split programs, different types of series and even races without awards. Try doing some of these and not just copying another series or organization.

Keep the ideas coming.

Hmmm, a Moto, Super, GP series.... very interesting..
 
How do we fix this?


1986 12 Kids from Ohio in the 50 class at Loretta's Compared to 2015 5 Kids.


Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc Stock 4-8


1986


Loretta Lynn Ranch


1 Patrick Mcpherson Reynoldsburg, OH


2 Jon Weaks Fairborn, OH


4 James Post Spencerville, OH


13 Chris Skeels Warren, OH


14 Joey Belmont Lancaster, OH


16 Jermaine Sly Mesopotamia, OH


17 Rusty Hanning Nelsonville, OH


18 Bobbi Jo Pomeroy Columbus, OH


19 Karl Scott Iv Painesville, OH


24 Chaz Arnfield Lisbon, OH


34 Andy Barstow Union Furnace, OH


37 Jeremy Berwanger Murray City, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (7-8) Limited


2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


36 Austin Weinsziehr Amanda, OH


40 Wyatt Brock Cleves, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


37 Gabe Holen Andover, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Shaft Drive Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


19 Vander Webb Delaware, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Special Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


6 Caden Weinsziehr Amanda, OH
 
How do we fix this?


1986 12 Kids from Ohio in the 50 class at Loretta's Compared to 2015 5 Kids.


Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc Stock 4-8


1986


Loretta Lynn Ranch


1 Patrick Mcpherson Reynoldsburg, OH


2 Jon Weaks Fairborn, OH


4 James Post Spencerville, OH


13 Chris Skeels Warren, OH


14 Joey Belmont Lancaster, OH


16 Jermaine Sly Mesopotamia, OH


17 Rusty Hanning Nelsonville, OH


18 Bobbi Jo Pomeroy Columbus, OH


19 Karl Scott Iv Painesville, OH


24 Chaz Arnfield Lisbon, OH


34 Andy Barstow Union Furnace, OH


37 Jeremy Berwanger Murray City, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (7-8) Limited


2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


36 Austin Weinsziehr Amanda, OH


40 Wyatt Brock Cleves, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


37 Gabe Holen Andover, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Shaft Drive Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


19 Vander Webb Delaware, OH



Loretta Lynn Ranch - 51cc (4-6) Special Limited

2015


Loretta Lynn Ranch


6 Caden Weinsziehr Amanda, OH


The national amateur scene isn't ours to fix and we need to quit fixating on that. Loretta's has lost the spark it used to have simply because the risk/reward to become a professional racer isn't what it used to be. Also the cost to compete competitively at Loretta's is ridiculous, and once again, isn't our problem to fix. We have to start basic and simple and keep our focus here at the local scene.
 
Ok so I'll throw this out there: I stepped away from racing in 2004. Sold it all. Put myself through college and got back into the sport 3 years ago.

During my hiatus, I picked up mountain bike racing as was fairly succesful at it. Raced the local OMBC and 331 series. OMBC was fairly comparable to our local series. Decent following, traditional race format and classes.

However, the 331 series was a whole nother animal. It still contained the traditional XC style races, but also had races comprised of time trails, team races, short tracks, and enduros. It touched all facades of the sport, kept the racing competive and interesting each weekend, and was a breath of fresh air into a stale sport, which arguably, is what our local series has become. You could purchase the whole series entry fee's up front at a discounted cost and NO membership was required. Awesome turnouts, hot dogs and beer post race. Folks would stick around 2-3 hours post race just to B.S.

So what's stopping us from doing this? Have a 10 race series through the year: 2 MX, 2 Harescrambles, 2 GP's, 2 Supercrosses (could even use the fair races for these), a team race, and a time trial. Cut out all of the bullshit classes, run an A,B,C, 2stroke, Vet +30, womens big bike classes. No engine size requirements. Run what ya brung. 65 and 85 mini classes, no age divisions.

This is what would bring me back personally, something other than the same old 3-5 laps we run. You have to keep the local scene interesting, otherwise we're.going to keep losing racers to practice days. Oh and quit charging racers to get into the damn race!

@ck1racerx @Route 62 mx park @MalvernMX @hershey @Meister @GeorgiePorgie what say you?
That my friend is a great idea! Oh and just a FYI we don't charge racers to get into our indoor races I'm thinking about the carload idea of charging instead of per person. I like that idea too


Sent from my iPhone using PitRacer mobile app
 
Ok so I'll throw this out there: I stepped away from racing in 2004. Sold it all. Put myself through college and got back into the sport 3 years ago.

During my hiatus, I picked up mountain bike racing as was fairly succesful at it. Raced the local OMBC and 331 series. OMBC was fairly comparable to our local series. Decent following, traditional race format and classes.

However, the 331 series was a whole nother animal. It still contained the traditional XC style races, but also had races comprised of time trails, team races, short tracks, and enduros. It touched all facades of the sport, kept the racing competive and interesting each weekend, and was a breath of fresh air into a stale sport, which arguably, is what our local series has become. You could purchase the whole series entry fee's up front at a discounted cost and NO membership was required. Awesome turnouts, hot dogs and beer post race. Folks would stick around 2-3 hours post race just to B.S.

So what's stopping us from doing this? Have a 10 race series through the year: 2 MX, 2 Harescrambles, 2 GP's, 2 Supercrosses (could even use the fair races for these), a team race, and a time trial. Cut out all of the bullshit classes, run an A,B,C, 2stroke, Vet +30, womens big bike classes. No engine size requirements. Run what ya brung. 65 and 85 mini classes, no age divisions.

This is what would bring me back personally, something other than the same old 3-5 laps we run. You have to keep the local scene interesting, otherwise we're.going to keep losing racers to practice days. Oh and quit charging racers to get into the damn race!

@ck1racerx @Route 62 mx park @MalvernMX @hershey @Meister @GeorgiePorgie what say you?


They're not coming to the races anyway. It won't hurt turnouts anymore than it already is. That sounds interesting and fun. It's almost at a nothing to lose stand point either. Seems like tracks are payng their bills with practice and taking huge losses on race day.
 
Ya know. What stresses me out is knowing if I have a son I'm gonna have to be driving ALOT to get him to the races to line up against other kids. It isn't gonna be a short drive to pymatuning and malvern like it was with me. This is partly (well I mean mostly) why I'm trying to figure out how to make more money lol. Because id like to give my kids what I experienced ya know? But what I experienced on mom (nurse) and dads (electrician) 50,000k a year income both is gonna take my fiancé 100k a year income both to match. I feel bad for this kids today in Mx because when I raced 50s-105s the scene was good. It was exciting and people were racing.
 
The national amateur scene isn't ours to fix and we need to quit fixating on that. Loretta's has lost the spark it used to have simply because the risk/reward to become a professional racer isn't what it used to be. Also the cost to compete competitively at Loretta's is ridiculous, and once again, isn't our problem to fix. We have to start basic and simple and keep our focus here at the local scene.
But remember, these issue are very much one in the same. Ohio riders are not NEAR as fast as they use to be. We have plenty of people trying to make it to LL but don't make it because they are not good enough. WHY? Because they run 4 laps per moto. And /or play ride during open practice. We need racers in the area. We have tons of riders.
 
If a track was losing money on every race, they would NOT be racing. That statement is very inaccurate. Sure they can make more on open practice because they provide no flaggers, no paramedics, etc. How does that help you and keep you safe in case of an emergency. Open practice at these tracks are killing racing. When I was young, many race tracks never had open practice. If you wanted to ride that track, you showed up and raced it. 4 laps of practice in the morning and we went racing.

While I get the open practice thing, it is killing the racing scene. and Saturday practice before race day hurts race day turnout. if a track is running a Saturday practice before a race make people sign up to race to be eligible for the Saturday practice before the race.

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If a track was losing money on every race, they would NOT be racing. That statement is very inaccurate. Sure they can make more on open practice because they provide no flaggers, no paramedics, etc. How does that help you and keep you safe in case of an emergency. Open practice at these tracks are killing racing. When I was young, many race tracks never had open practice. If you wanted to ride that track, you showed up and raced it. 4 laps of practice in the morning and we went racing.

While I get the open practice thing, it is killing the racing scene. and Saturday practice before race day hurts race day turnout. if a track is running a Saturday practice before a race make people sign up to race to be eligible for the Saturday practice before the race.

Sent from my SM-G900V using PitRacer mobile app

I agree with John about Saturday practice killing race day #'s but nowadays parents/riders bitch about not having enough time to learn the track.
 
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