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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Aug 2005 : 4:49:47 PM
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We need to get 20 sidecars to this meeting to ensure we have sidecars.
I ask that teams do their best to get this number to the event. Its in our hands to get a race, nobody else's.
John Daley
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John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
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Geoffpgrant
Level 3 Member
South Australia
204 Posts |
Posted - 29 Nov 2005 : 10:06:07 AM
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OK, It is now time to commit yourself!
As John said, we need to get 20 sidecars together for the Island Classic.
It is time to vote with your actions!
Do you want sidecar racing to continue? If the answer is yes then get out there and help the rest of us who are actively pursuing the sport.
Come on, all you Victorians especially, Phillip Island is in your state you know - you don't really have an excuse for not being there!
Please don't let sidecar racing down.
Geoff
Sidecar #30 |
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peen0_0
Level 3 Member
Victoria
224 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 6:39:06 PM
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Well, if it is really a desparate case to get more outfits to Phillip Island, how's about some help for those of us trying to get into the sport.
I've listed here before seeking advice and parts, but alas, nothing forthcoming. My brother and I are completely new to the sport, and as keen as mustard, but we need your help and advice.
I need parts, see "You must be logged in to see this link.".
Can/will you help us?
Cheers,
Tony. |
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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2005 : 12:46:53 PM
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As of Wednesday 7 dec. PIMS has 4 entries for the sidecars.
I have phoned 6 extra who have committed to enter, but we need more. At least ring PIMs and tell them your entry is in the mail. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2005 : 12:54:36 PM
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Following a call with PIMS today, 18 dec. 2005, Sidecars will not be present at the Island Classic.
The promoter has insisted on achieving a minimum number of 20 machines which is a number not achieved for many years.Currently they have 14 on the books and I know of 3 others who have not yet sent their entries.
Whilst it may be easy to think poorly of the decision the reality is that if the sidecar blokes want to actually race they will need to re group themselves and get active. Nobody else can do it.
Personally I am not happy, Max Hooper and I spent time ringing people up but we need a change of either attitude or new blood to actually improve the situation. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
Edited by - john on 19 Dec 2005 1:00:29 PM |
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Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2005 : 8:04:36 PM
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The change of attitude is needed by the promoter. Last year 14 machines were enough this year they want 20. What a joke, anyone can see if they look back that it will be near on impossible to get 20 historic sidecars in one place at one time. It hasnt happened in years. Have a look at the programme and see how many other classes have 20 entries and still get a run, sure they can combine them and make it look ok but that isnt the issue. PIMS are well known for not wanting sidecars Historic or Modern why not just give them away and promote sidecars heavily for the Nationals which is what should be our major event. Other events could also jump on board such as the Southern Classic or the Barry Sheene Memorial.
As a point of interest have a look at the Modern sidecar entries over the past year and see how that went, they have struggled with numbers at times and they are able to gain sponsorship etc a lot easier than Historics if they struggle what chance do we have?
I say to hell with PIMS.
By the way I should be back on the track early in the New Year, surgeon should clear me by March he reckons
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
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David
Site Administrator
Australia
999 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2005 : 08:03:56 AM
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I agree that the promoter needs to have an attitude change, but the racing communitiy also needs to have a change in their attitude as well.
There are some users complaining that there is not enough for them in racing, but they will not get out there as they think others will do it. And then there are others that do nothing. They don't go and race, they don't even get on to sites (not only this one) and help, but when they do get on to different sites, they are so negative towards the others that are not involved in their race meeting, which affects the whole sport of Classic, Post Classic and Historic racing in Australia.
14 Sidecars should of been way more than enough to have a great couple of runs at a national meeting, let alone the Island Classic. Just watching over 10 Sidecars on a track is reasonably hard to see who is where and how they are all going, let a lone 20..
The promoters need to re-think and MA should get off their fat arses and work their magic to try to promote the sport a bit better and support the riders/passengers to get them out there. I have not seen any Sidecar races in Australia with at least 20 entries. The promoter and MA, take a hard look at what they are doing and stop trying to kill the sport of Historic, Classic and Post Classic racing in Australia anyway that they think they can. It maybe Historic racing, but it is a future for most people.
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Regards,
David
Webmaster & Owner of Classic Motorcycling Australia
Quote: I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted to be paid. |
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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2005 : 2:06:06 PM
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I can say I have been working with South Australian Geoff Grant, The Sidecar Club in Vic., Hartwell MCC, Two Wheel Torque, Max Hooper and Lindsay Urquart to establish a whole new promotion and encouragement scheme.
The plan will revolve around attracting new participants and will include a DVD, rolling chassis for sale, loaner outfits, special attraction/ promotion for existing club races and offers of encouragement. Together with more training days and promotional events.
Overseas sidecars have been in the duldrums and riders took action to reverse the situation. We see the need to do something as well now.
Who would have thought my prediction of 2 years ago would have led to the situation we are in.
I ask that we dont abuse promoters, but use our resources to overcome the situation. If we do it right they may be asking us to attend and I hope we all accept that invite when we have 30 sidecars regualrly turning up, for that is my aim. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
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Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2005 : 11:33:47 PM
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John if you are carrying various strategies to encourage greater participation why is it a secret? I read the SA Newsletter each month and am involved with the WA club and also as you know visit this site and havent seen a thing to date about this. It needs to be worked on at a National level not just a Victorian one. If every Vic outfit came out to play you wouldnt need support from other states.
As for abusing or being critical of promoters I think in this case it is justified for the reasons I stated in my previous posting.
If we in WA the organisers at Winton and the Tasmanians could run the class at the last 3 Nationals with fewer than 10 outfits then surely PIMS could run with the 14 you claim to have available. Sorry but this is one instance where I have to disagree with you.
In spite of that keep up the good work and if we in the west can help in anyway be assured all we need is to be asked.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
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acotrel
Advanced Member
Victoria
2147 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2005 : 11:38:20 PM
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John, Phillip Island run an excellent meeting each year, and often bring overseas stars out to participate. I can understand the promoter asking for a decent size grid for the races, before he will run any particular category.
I believe I saw similar postings to the above, before last years Island Classic. I don't think it serves any purpose, haranging riders to participate, and pointing out that part of the sport might be failing. I'm glad to see that you are actively encouraging riders to take part, however I suggest you should look at what you are offering. Perhaps the sidecar race at the Island Classic might be promoted as the Australian Historic Sidecar TT, and have both Junior and Senior Classes. Period 3 outfits up to 850cc could run in the Junior Class regardless of capacity, the Senior class could cater for over 850cc machines.
I suggest there is another factor to look at - the competitivemess of machines, one against the other. For example I don't believe anything with other than a Trex Honda motor could win an historic sidecar race, and it might be necessary to reduce capacity of some machines.
I'd point out that in the car world there are special interest groups that race HQ Holdens (yuk!). To cheat in that class it comes down to fitting different spacers on the springs, and modified pickups in the petrol tanks. The cars are so closely controlled that these minor changes give advantage.
When you compare historic sdecars to that type of vehicle, the advantages some riders have are enormous.
What I am saying is that if riders are going to get close racing for a worthwhile result, I'm sure they will turn up.
(I believe that the BMW outfit Lindsay Urquardt built should have been competitive in our historic classes. The truth is it wasn't, and Lindsay promptly gave the game away.)
I believe the answer to diminishing sidecar fields is in the rider's hands, and waiting for MA or others to help will get you nowhere. It's up to the sidecar riders to get organised and develop a decent competition, that they all believe in. If you can find a sponsor to donate prize money, or a purchase voucher, for the TT winner, that would also probably help. |
Is your machine authentic or merely eligible? |
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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2005 : 3:27:04 PM
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Alan 21 There is no secret business as it has been listed here and on other sites.
I have not had time to personally telephone every sidecar operator in the country because I am trying to run my business at a busy time, get a sidecar ready and take a few calls. The plan was only formualated in the last 7 -10 days after the sucessful training day and SA became involved when Geoff Grant rang about another issue and I made an offer to him.
The proposal on the sidecar site asks interested people to get involved.
Realistically, without trying to cause offence I think it will be difficult to involve WA machines at Vic or SA one day track days or BBQ's but they will be welcome to use or improve the proposal.
The non secret proposal involves publicing a plan for anybody to use and improve apon.
The 14 outfits at the Island is not a claim that is fact, the claim by me is 17 outfits indicated they would enter.
I am as disappointed as anybody but I have found abusing people / promoters may not open doors in the future for the short term pleasure one may get.
You are correct about every outfit in Vic possibly filling a grid, but they are not coming out, hence the new plan. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
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matcho mick
Advanced Member
New South Wales
570 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2005 : 11:53:46 PM
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has anyone concidered Pukekohe's theme in Feb 06 is sidecars,apparently they have 70 s/cars attending this meeting,i know it dosen;'t explain last years P Isle no show for s/cars,but next year a maybe?  |
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john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2005 : 09:50:14 AM
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I am thinking of going over to watch. I have spoken with them about management practices and we are using some of them already.
They have worked hard to achieve that, infact some of our outfits cant go to the Island because they are going to NZ.
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John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
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