The demographics have changed. Immensely.
This has been a hot topic everywhere on FB and the Webbin different districts.
1). We need newbie friendly tracks. The big triples have to go to the pros. They need to go to SX, AX and outdoors. Not at the grassroots level.
The only people coming into the sport is 2nd and 3rd generation riders. If you never been to a race and go the first time, the C class is very daunting. Your not going to participate if this is "C" class with jumps they do. Furthermore, my fiance worked at ClubMX till recently. C riders ride with Brayton, Alessi and Barcia. At ClubMX sometimes That's not C anymore. Sorry. I know by the rules it is, but that's not going to bring people into racing. The "C" class problem is the single biggest problem and why people are gravitation to Woods racing.
2) The bikes aren't to expensive for what you get. People are buying those side by sides at $20k a pop, so its not a money issue as much as a perceived money issue. We have $3-4 K bikes They are used bikes. A 2012 450 is competitive in today's racing , this is not the 70's where every 6 months , the technology of the bikes was progressing very, very rapidly.
We need to break this mentality that everyone needs the latest greatest steed or you can't race and be competitive. Otherwise all the perceived cost of racing will be it's unaffordable.
3) We need to change the mindset of the sport. At this time, I believe the mentality is to get to Loretta's. I see it here in this very site almost everyday. There is not enough racers to support local raving if everyone is chasing Loretta's
4) The tracks and dealerships need to work together, but I'm not sure that can work into today's business model. What do I mean? Well, the gift cards compete with the local dealerships, and the local dealerships could care less. I get it. Amazon and the like is the way of the future. When all the old farts die, there will be no small hardware stores or motorcycle stores. We buy off the internet for all retail stuff. So this would be a hard obstacle to overcome. Stick and mortar stores are going away and all jobs will be serviced based. Retail will be push a button and have it delivered. Hell, even corporate Yamaha now competes with their own dealer network selling patts, so I'm open to ideas here how we get a local shop involved.
5). Local pros need to donate some time to help new riders learn the basics of riding. Like setting up bike, simple turns, jumping etc. and the promoters need to be involved with the dealers on this. Everyone needs to donate some time, otherwise nobodies gonna show up that is new to the sport.
6). The philosophy of " It's motocross- suck it up pumpkin!" has to go. I know, I grew up with it too, but today with insurance rates and injuries costing so much, we are not going to get new blood. It's a matter of time to have a major injury. People on the outside think it's crazy to risk it all for what we get.
Sorry. Christmas eve and I'm out at my family party. Done on my iPhone. I have more to say on the subject, but that's another time.
Sorry about the Grammer, or lack of it.