How To Promote Motorcycle Sports?

[5thRider]

Actually, if you were there for the last MRS (johor Carnival or something like...), the turnout was good, like the Kallang races, many Singaporeans were there to... aka the "target market", just not the general public(which is sad). Also, news from Johor travels fast to Singapore. That's how the riders get sponsored...

 

As you said, sure it'll be better with a track in Singapore, but what to do... just have to make do with what we have.

 

As you already know, many people are currently doing track days, with the right equipment and all,just seems for them to take the jump into racing's like asking a little too much. Everybody would like to be sponsored, but riders have to produce a result first.. Many will be surprised how many are willing to help. Alas,to start on one's own is the problem right? I mentioned before, riders who show commitment will definitely get help.. but it's always results first, money second..

 

Peter Tan of SMSA is already planning a riding course for early next year, hope the response will reward the effort...

[rhema83]

What kind of riding course is Mr Peter Tan planning to hold? Will it be a introdutory course on track riding? If so, I think it will generate much interest and educate "racer-wannabes" to take their dangerous stuns off the public roads onto the track. It will also introduce motor racing properly to the public.

 

I agree that having a local facility wil be essential to the growth of the sport. However, it is disappointing that the track, if ever built, will not be up to GP spec. Singapore likes to emphasize on "do it once, do it good" and so I am puzzled at why such a choice was made. Imagine the tourism dollars, publicity, and the growth of motor sports if a F1, MotoGP and other regional racing events are held in Singapore.

[superbike]

  Quote

Originally posted by number17@Oct 26 2005, 03:28 AM

My vote goes to none of the choices in the poll..

 

IMO, to really promote motorsports seriously we must first have a racetrack. Then followed by funding to initiate whatever programme we can think of.

 

 

SMSA is doing all it can to even consider a full race series there.. Better than nothing, but if you're talking about producing world class riders it's an up-mountain battle.

Hi bro

 

I agree with you on this 3 sections.

 

And another thing is insurance.

Slight mistake need major repair.

Not everybody can cope with that.

If they cover, it will cost you a bomb.

 

For an international recognised race is to much

cause your sock that you are wearing also

had an expired date.

 

 

Have a race circuit then slowly individual

or company will join the crowd.

 

 

Thanks

[5thRider]

  Quote

Originally posted by rhema83@Nov 3 2005, 01:56 AM

What kind of riding course is Mr Peter Tan planning to hold? Will it be a introdutory course on track riding? If so, I think it will generate much interest and educate "racer-wannabes" to take their dangerous stuns off the public roads onto the track. It will also introduce motor racing properly to the public.

 

I agree that having a local facility wil be essential to the growth of the sport. However, it is disappointing that the track, if ever built, will not be up to GP spec. Singapore likes to emphasize on "do it once, do it good" and so I am puzzled at why such a choice was made. Imagine the tourism dollars, publicity, and the growth of motor sports if a F1, MotoGP and other regional racing events are held in Singapore.

HE will be holding a track focused fundermental riding course. The most important basics to pay attention to when starting out. And to develop good habits right from the start so they don't have to "unlearn" anything, which will take more effort.

This is not only for riders who wish to compete as better riding skills always translate to better road manners as well----And that shld help keep all the "racing" and "stuns" contained to the track(fingers crossed). SO the public shld be happy too!

 

Too bad all the dollars in the world does not have effect on the government's mindset.. football is of more concern, I'm sure the money parked there could have been enough to built the damn track.. imagine money spent on a 12 year campaign to get Singapore to the world cup and it still looks an uphill task... Just the Gov's priority. Too bad the riders got to make do themselves... worst of all, it's not like footballers dont get injured like riders do.... Just citing an example, no offence to the footy fans....

 

You hit the spot.. all the tourists dolars wasted....not to mention publicity..

[2wheels]

5th rider: any details on the course? track virgin can join?

[myxilplix]

When the details of the course are made known, i'd like to sign up.

 

 

It would be good to draw the general public into motorsports. I know most of us see things from a biker's point of view, but it'll be good for all forms of motorsports as well. Hell it'll be good for anything that can be raced, maybe we'll see sidecars, trucks, those renault kangoos/wv caddies or anything on wheels.

 

Look at how many non track-oriented people are fans of F1 and motogp. A local motorsports venue and local racing series can give these people some home talent to cheer about. The press will start giving local motorsports better coverage (when was the last time local/pg races were covered in the papers?) in a venue with proper press facilities.

 

There are so many possibilites. Singapore Pools getting involved. Local racers appearing in road safety campaigns. Hot-blooded youngsters learning the right things instead of whatever they learn from their "big brothers" at the void decks. Kids starting on pocketbikes like Rossi. Seeing people (non-bikers) walking along Orchard Rd wearing a t-shirt of their favourite local racing team/rider.

 

All this and more, not to mention the earlier point about the huge tourism boost if an international standard circuit is built.

[Guest ReD^R1]

I think to promote Motorsports, whether bike or cars, singapore needa have our own track first. Don't have too be too big. Just about a 4km track and technical like valencia, that would be nice. secondly track fees needa be about same as malaysia, so as to be affordable. From there, hellriders can hit track to blast to their max, as I realise alot think they can ride/drive like maniac on the road, makes them worthy of "singapore fastest" title. Cos for us who've been to track, knows that its alot more difficult. Those who wanna prove to others they are more capable can also fix a challenge on track rather than public roads. More controlled environment, hence safer. From there I believe these maniac will then feel lesser meaning to blast on public roads and endanger their license, SMSA got more chance to organise riding/driving lessons, more professional on race as I think Singapore is the only country using carpark. Damn paiseh! Having a place to get these ppl together also easier to influence them when they mix with the true sportsmen, those safety/considerate road user campaign can be more easily implemented. Singapore can even consider increase the speed limits as more ppl are better in controlling their vehicles. But chances to this kinda singapore.... remoted. Singapore more on trying to make money, rather than to spend abit of their time on motorsports.

[Axxis]

If you consider that someone who wants to try racing has to pay $180 to join SMSA and get the racing license (one category only) and then pay another $100 or so for the entry fee and then prep the bike etc, ($???) get leathers (say min $500) it's certainly pretty intimidating and expensive for something you're not even sure you will like or continue doing.

 

I would suggest that for races such as the local Kallang Carpark Cub/Motard races there is a special option for first timers or newbies, an introductory package (for say $99 or something, maybe $150 max) which includes a 1 off (weekend) race license/membership and entry to a 5 lap novice/newbie race and two short practise sessions (1 on Sat/1 on Sun). No prizes (money etc) for this category but CHEAP medalions for 1-3 positions. This way riders can take their cubs/motards etc, borrow some leathers from a friend and give it a try so they can get bitten by the racing bug.

 

In my group of riders I have a number of friends (most already have leathers) with motards (two "older" huskies and a DRZ) who would seriously consider racing in the upcoming Kallang Carpark races, novice class if the startup cost wasn't as prohibitive. To convince them to take part if such an introductory scheme as outlined above existed would be pretty easy.

[5thRider]

  Quote

Originally posted by Axxis@Nov 8 2005, 02:33 PM

If you consider that someone who wants to try racing has to pay $180 to join SMSA and get the racing license (one category only) and then pay another $100 or so for the entry fee and then prep the bike etc, ($???) get leathers (say min $500) it's certainly pretty intimidating and expensive for something you're not even sure you will like or continue doing.

 

I would suggest that for races such as the local Kallang Carpark Cub/Motard races there is a special option for first timers or newbies, an introductory package (for say $99 or something, maybe $150 max) which includes a 1 off (weekend) race license/membership and entry to a 5 lap novice/newbie race and two short practise sessions (1 on Sat/1 on Sun). No prizes (money etc) for this category but CHEAP medalions for 1-3 positions. This way riders can take their cubs/motards etc, borrow some leathers from a friend and give it a try so they can get bitten by the racing bug.

 

In my group of riders I have a number of friends (most already have leathers) with motards (two "older" huskies and a DRZ) who would seriously consider racing in the upcoming Kallang Carpark races, novice class if the startup cost wasn't as prohibitive. To convince them to take part if such an introductory scheme as outlined above existed would be pretty easy.

Well, what can I say? Starting out in racing is a real ######. There's hardly anyone to help out with finances...until you actually get started-----On your own again. But if you been to the track specials at PG, you see how many riders are there with all the right gear, but majority dont even want to take part in the FREE 5 lap fun race, much less pay for a competition licence. How do we get these guys to compete? If even those with the right equipment dont want to do it, much less mention those who are not fortunate enough to have it.

 

I agree that the start up costs are high, lower prices are always better but costs are costs. Basically, racing costs, be it paper work or machine work. The suggestion of a FUll on novice class is worth bringing up to SMSA, but without the prize money to off-set (no matter how little) the costs, I dont know about the take up rate of that.

 

The one off race licence I would have to disagree. How much would you have to charge for that? Assuming the rider wishes to compete the second round, doesn't that mean he will have to pay the full registration fees anyway after the 1st time "intro OFFER", we must be fair to the rest who have commited to the full season right? If each application has to be sent for FIM approval, how can we expect SMSA to charge a low fee for all the admin involved? You divide $60 (National Licence) over a mimimum 4 races a year-both local and PG, that's $15 dollars a race which is pretty reasonable, I doubt a ONE DAY pass can beat that... assuming the rider races 4 events.. but who wouldnt continue once you get started? It's a buzz that's hard to beat right? You just want to come back for more...

 

As you mentioned, it's starting out that hurts the pocket most. But it's the mindset that we have to change. It's just disheartening to see so many riders with all the right equipment and opportunity but it does not translate to grid positions. I'm glad that your friends are so keen to compete, I respect that and may that enthusiasm spread.

[number17]

Well well it's talk about costs and money again.

 

My opinion; If you lower or even subsidise costs for starters, what will the seasoned racers feel? They have also spent thousands; nothing special for them? They might think; What the heck is so special about these punks?

Therefore, this will lead to a lot of unwanted concerns.

 

5th rider is right, there are many out there with expensive suits and equipment but are not racing. So definitely cost is not of concern, but the passion. Whether you want to or not. If you can afford a bike that is fast enough, and a suit that is good enough, why can't you afford licence? It's just a matter of sacrificing time and money.

 

How many of us are willing to;

1.-Spend less on clubbing and more on track/ race expenses

2.- Sleep early on Saturdays to be fit for Sunday practice/ race (week in, week out)

3. - Find whatever money we have to race

 

Racing is passion and commitment. Do not confuse it with being expensive. And even then, who says motosports is cheap?

[Axxis]

  Quote

Originally posted by 5thRider@Nov 9 2005, 08:24 PM

But if you been to the track specials at PG, you see how many riders are there with all the right gear, but majority dont even want to take part in the FREE 5 lap fun race, much less pay for a competition licence. How do we get these guys to compete? If even those with the right equipment dont want to do it, much less mention those who are not fortunate enough to have it.

Yeah, I noticed that most riders aren't willing to go in the 5 lap fun race at PG.

On my 2nd session at PG I took part in the 5 lap race on my Z1000 even though many significantly faster/better riders sat in the pits and simply watched. I sat at the back of the grid and let all the other riders enter turn 1 first and then proceeded to chase down the slower riders. To me it was simply 10 extra minutes track time with less bikes out there to deal with and it was great fun. I also discovered that I wasn't the slowest rider as I had expected to be.

 

On another note have you ever seen the promotions ladies in the supermarket giving out free samples of icecream or cheese or some other product? The whole idea is to get ppl to try something, get them hooked after which they are happy to pay for it themselves. What I'm suggesting is something like that.

 

Not that it matters to me anymore as I've spent the money because regardless of how crap I am I'll be happy to just take part in say 4 races a year. The point of this thread was to ask how to promote motorcycle sports and basically what I've suggested is a possible method that is along the same lines as how many companies accross many industries get ppl to try something. Offer a free, or significantly reduced cost "trial" and get a % of those that try hooked so they will pay for the product.

 

It's easy to shoot down suggestions. It's even easier not to bother giving suggestions. But ppl were asking. Maybe the whole problem is that too many ppl are happy to sit back and shoot holes in the proposed ideas rather than giving them. hmmm... makes you think about why the question is being posed in the first place and there is your answer.

 

If you don't compete you can't lose!

HOO-****IN-RAY!

[5thRider]

  Quote

Originally posted by Axxis@Nov 10 2005, 09:53 AM

On another note have you ever seen the promotions ladies in the supermarket giving out free samples of icecream or cheese or some other product? The whole idea is to get ppl to try something, get them hooked after which they are happy to pay for it themselves. What I'm suggesting is something like that.

Offer a free, or significantly reduced cost "trial" and get a % of those that try hooked so they will pay for the product.

I will bring this up with SMSA and get the details of their reply back to you asap. As i mentioned, it's not a bad idea, I only hope it's feasible as there are of course benefits to it. Thanks.

[myxilplix]

After reading all this i'm inspired to take part in the 5-lapper at the next track day, even though i'll probably come in last.

[5thRider]

  Quote

Originally posted by myxilplix@Nov 10 2005, 04:55 PM

.........even though i'll probably come in last.

Surprise yourself!

[Fatgrunt]

  Quote

Originally posted by myxilplix@Nov 10 2005, 04:55 PM

After reading all this i'm inspired to take part in the 5-lapper at the next track day, even though i'll probably come in last.

but at the very least, you are out of the "i wish to race" to... well... i've got the feel of how it's like in a mini race. go for it... i'll try to turn up to support you..enjoy,BUT.......... just try to don't be like me... from 7th position from start line to last position seeing everything blast past me when the red light is off, then it finally got to me.. "oh, start liao" then i start going for it... finished 6th at last,it was the 3rd week i got the RVF though,

[Axxis]

Please disregard

[5thRider]

SMSA Racing School Trials

 

 

• Set your basics straight

• Be assured of your overall direction

• Become more precise

• Intensive

• ONLY SERIOUS NEED APPLY

Be clear of YOUR weaknesses and strengths

 

Please EMAIL me if interested and leave mobile number. Will be in January, small class. Participants will receive reply through email or mobile phone.

[maik]

5th rider: bro, you really ambassador already.... i think i'll have to go riding in the track again... try to gain more business also... you say sending the bike since last year, the bike still not here...

 

looking at the situaton, you like no fight out there now... marky is nowhere near you... look's like mr. jrpl39, hantu, myself, have to try liao... haha... just joking... now no bike, ride bicycle fight with you...

[maik]

  Quote

Originally posted by 5thRider@Nov 23 2005, 09:03 AM

SMSA Racing School Trials

 

 

• Set your basics straight

• Be assured of your overall direction

• Become more precise

• Intensive

• ONLY SERIOUS NEED APPLY

Be clear of YOUR weaknesses and strengths

 

Please EMAIL me if interested and leave mobile number. Will be in January, small class. Participants will receive reply through email or mobile phone.

brother, i also want to join leh, can? .... hehe...

 

let me know if need help, so that i can change flight...

[Axxis]

Strange how this thread keeps jumping to the top even though there are never any new posts.

[donutBoy]

tink it jumps to the top cos someone voted in the poll

...anyway...we are...going....

[Axxis]

ah ok. That makes sense.

[number17]

  Quote

Originally posted by 5thRider@Nov 23 2005, 09:03 AM

SMSA Racing School Trials

 

 

• Set your basics straight

• Be assured of your overall direction

• Become more precise

• Intensive

• ONLY SERIOUS NEED APPLY

Be clear of YOUR weaknesses and strengths

 

Please EMAIL me if interested and leave mobile number. Will be in January, small class. Participants will receive reply through email or mobile phone.

Hi there,

 

I'm curious to know how much it'd cost and who will be teaching?

[Axxis]

And is it only for SMSA members?

[ambasnakeman]

was watching macau gp on tv the other day, and the location is interesting.

 

singapore has plenty of locations like this. only needs roads to be closed for a day or 2. how to promote? encourage betting, like horse race? through the proper channel of course. events like this can be held 4 times a year. since its roads, defenitly plenty of crowds.

 

talk about safety, people can die of walking these days. so whats with racing?