Not really gonna offer a solution or suggestion, just point out my/Mitchy's comfort level in hopes that it may spur thought and a resolution that make the majority happy.
First, thanks for the kind words from those of you that approached Mitchy Sunday and congratulated him on Vegas results/experience and the kind words ref. Mitchy's riding. Also, Shaffernocker for setting Mitchell up with a Gatorade...he ordered me down to get some pics of you riding. Hope you were able to locate under my profile in the Crow pics.
I was also present with 007DAD when we were asked about the mini-quads running with 50/65's. Neither of us had an issue with that and I am not sure why, if they, were actually broken out. I thought there was just big bikes, big quads, 85's, and mini-quads/50/65's. I thought the mini quads moved to the mini track on their own as I don't recall seeing any of them after the first session for the rest of the day. So, for the most part we are talking about 2 50's and 3-5 65's, and less than 5 mini-quads. 5-10 more bikes to run with the 85's (about 10). I agree, no sense in running the mini-quads nor 50/65's separate...there was not enough of any of them.
Either way, based on Crow's track and the turnout, I had no problem with running Mitchell on his 50 with the mini-quads, 65's, or for that matter, if they would have added him with the 85's. The turnout was not huge and the track was plenty wide enough and long enough to space them out. In fact, Mitchell not only loves 50cc battles with Hunt, but also enjoys running the track the same time Maley and Talboo are out there on 65's, and has asked several times to get out there with Original44's son Johnny, who rides a YZ85. Those are his friends and although he can't keep up, when they go past, he has a rabbit, so to speak, to chase for a corner or two. Running him with the big bikes, would not have been wise and I agree, can create problems for big bikes, but I don't think Mitchy would have been any problem for the others mentioned. As indicated, Mitchell and Hunt on 50's were doing all the same jumps, but the triple, the big bikes were doing. He knows how to hold a line and would have been fine in the 85cc class.
[video=youtube_share;MLeZf0cijgI]http://youtu.be/MLeZf0cijgI[/video]
There was a point that a TTR50 did a session with the 65's and 50's and that rider or his parent soon realized it was best that rider, to ride the little track. Like Rocket mentioned, common sense and a parent has to be able to place his child in a level that the child are capable and comfortable with. If not, like Jer from Briarcliff has indicated and done for going around jumps, the promoter needs to step up and ask the parent to move their child. At the Apple Cabin, I have sent Mitchy out with the big bikes before the large crowd arrives and at the end of the night when all are packing up. I have yet to see this cause a problem for anyone on the track, and if I think that is the case, I am the first to pull him. Common sense needs to take priority..first with the parent...and if there is none there...the track owner. The goal at the end of the day needs to be safety, as much as possible.
Running big bikes/faster 85 riders that wanted to go out with them, big quads, and all others (50's/65's/slower 85's and mini-quads) would have been fine by me on Sunday. 3 classes running 20 mins each. Just my $.02.
We are also striving to run the big tracks for all the same reasons, Maley, Talboo, and Hunt are...we are running tracks for Lorettas regionals and the little tracks do us no good! The qualifiers and regionals, for the most part, all run on large wide open tracks that get rough as hell. Little tracks do not allow for the speed they need to be comfortable with nor the tough conditions and regions that allow their little guys/gals to run on their big tracks, will eat our kids alive.
Obviously, I see no need to run a separate practice for a small group of mini riders, whether beginner or advanced, but I also do not see a problem with faster 50 riders running, based on volume and the track, with 85's and 65's. That is how we managed his long riding career from age 5 to now, 8....lol. It was a dad and son talking about it and insituting some common sense. He chose many times to ride the little tracks even though I was trying to get him on a big track. Now, he goes the other way...wants nothing to do with a little track as he loses interest fast. I think this is how the normal progression and advancement should be for these kids. Be honest with your child and if they are not good enough, then get them on the beginner tracks until they are and they are comfortable with being on the big tracks. We can all look at riders and tell whether they have any business being out there based on the talent that is there. Make the right call whether you are a mini riders parent or a C rider, ie. Hershey (no offense your the only C rider I could think of), getting out there with the A/B class. LOL! Hehe!
I know this for sure, Mitchell had a blast Sunday, had 4 or 5 20 minute sessions and took full advantage of that time on the track..so much so...he wants to go back. No doubt those sessions made 1 little guy happy this weekend. I hope you all, for future events, will allow him and capable small bike riders some time, however it may happen, to put their wheels on the non-beginner tracks in our area.
Thanks to all at Crow for that time.
