|
|
Post by percy on Jan 24, 2009 12:26:39 GMT 12
[quote author=percy board=general thread=8925 post=104391 time=1232755334. I have a couple of pet hates in the sport at the moment. Alcohol and the three heat format for non-contact classes. Late finishes is about to be added to that list. If speedway is to move forward and to reach it's potential as NZ's number 1 summer sport it's nights like this at our premier events that need to stop happening. quote] curious as to what you mean in regards to 3 heat format for non con tact classes, please explain, is this for champs or just normal meets, also i like others think you should put your hand up to be an advisor to spanz,im sure they would love some help on how to improve things from the outside ;D ;D To be perfectly honest both! On a normal night I'd like to see handicapping used for all races and for championships a one race final. If SPANZ want my help they know where to find me! |
|
|
|
Post by petero on Jan 24, 2009 13:53:45 GMT 12
Wiseowl, totally agree with you, and the time of a meeting is just one of numerous family type issues Speedway must resolve. Smoking and Alcohol also form part of this.
Time and again we have been to speedway and family's, especially with young kids, are leaving early and the racing finishes with half the original crowd.
now that is not great for speedway or its future image.
add many factors together, the casual family will not spend their dollars to attend as just too much hassle and lost the initial enjoyment.
It is also not like Te Marua speedway is close to the city etc, some family's would have up to an hour to travel home even living in Wellington, let alone those that have traveled from out of town and return home the same night. A late finish is a killer under these circumstance and could be a consideration as to if you travel
at least when we go from Napier to watch at PN, at least it rarely goes past 1030pm so we know we can be home by 1230am
|
|
|
|
Post by alloyplatypus on Jan 24, 2009 14:01:57 GMT 12
Well, i know when ive been, more often than not, the Springs often drop a race or 2 for some classes to make sure the feature event gets thru. At the WP NZ Stockcar Champs, they cut a few planned races off the evening, i was in Group 3 non qualifiers and we smashed too many cars to have good numbers, so they made it an all in non qualifiers, which was lookin like it would rock.. and then we got pulled off the grid due to time. I think most fans and drivers would prefer that the meeting run its entirety.. to midnite if need be.. than have races dropped and left out.. but all that doesnt matter when you register to a true family speedway, day racin at Kihikihi. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by mike004 on Jan 24, 2009 15:11:30 GMT 12
One thing we do as parents is make sure the kids are in bed early night before and have a rest/sleep afternoon of meeting. Due to Roydons hicup at 240's kids got home at 1:30 in morning but not once did they complain. Thats racing. Sometimes you have to expect late nights for whatever reason. Just an opinion. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by petero on Jan 24, 2009 16:17:17 GMT 12
One thing we do as parents is make sure the kids are in bed early night before and have a rest/sleep afternoon of meeting. Due to Roydons hicup at 240's kids got home at 1:30 in morning but not once did they complain. Thats racing. Sometimes you have to expect late nights for whatever reason. Just an opinion. ;D most of us on here are dedicated followers so if have family, they go to speedway from day one, and we have all endured late nights etc etc, and the NZ Stocks would be no exception. However many threads on various subjects all lead back to the same common theme It is all about lifting the image and profile of speedway, and the almighty dollar and getting the spectators to attend and empty their wallets. if people do not get value for money - leave early due show running late - enjoy the show and in safe surroundings, they will not come back. Taking the kids to the Crusty Demons tonight - part of their xmas present - a well promoted show, know it will be approx 2.5 hours and home at a good time, alcohol free area's etc - simple and not a marathon like speedway at times. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2009 19:52:08 GMT 12
I would say a minority would be disappointed rather than a majority. But hey that was the best qual meeting i have seen for years. kids sleep dont they? my 4year old did. yeah kids do sleep, but whenn you ahve 3 of them that love speedway, that may fall asleep when it runs that late, abit hard to carry 3 of them to the car! |
|
|
|
Post by mike004 on Jan 24, 2009 20:04:06 GMT 12
I agree speedway needs to up its game to attract new spectators and their money. Having the two pit gate system seems to speed things up, and I believe matching the correct support classes to the main event ie Superstocks, standards and streetstocks. You have got to keep the crowd on the edge of their seat so to speak, and supply a good variety of food and drinks. (sounds like a night at Rotorua). 240's was great, bring on teams, and World of Stocks! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by nogrip-31gm on Jan 24, 2009 20:09:37 GMT 12
agree...
down at cromwell at xmas/new years i was really impressed with
the overall flow of the meeting..well from what i saw anyway.
one class was out racing the next would be on the dummy grid.
helped by the fact they have 2 gates,one in and one out.
as one class came off the track the other was going out and the water truck circulating,do 1-2 laps then grid up,race,finish,no victory laps wih flag etc,just get out there do your thing get back in again..
the only thing to slow the meeting down was starting sprintcars and tqs,seems to take forever.....get starter motors dammit!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jumper on Jan 24, 2009 21:12:01 GMT 12
Having cars gridded in their correct position all ready to go can save a lot of time over a meeting. I did start line at speedway a few years ago and if cars come out as is wherea lot of time is wastedhave as a fw drivers have no idea where thay are supposed to be so sit round the corner and you have to almost run down to get them. Rotorua have a numbered grid and all lined up then one line let out and next. In theory all that need done is final positioning at start line then go.
I believe speedway should make all attempts to finish 10 to 10.30 with allowance of another half hour with 11pm cut off time. Getting home at 2 or 3 in morning is O.K for younger people but too much for me, though with car I help with having a bus, there is possibility of a sleep on way home.
|
|
|
|
Post by mickeymouse on Jan 24, 2009 23:18:23 GMT 12
Is Wellington really a "Family" Speedway as proudly advertised on their Web Site  ? I write this sentence with hesitation, as I know how passionate Wellingtonians are about their Province,People & Sport. However.... Is their statement correct. Last night I attended the NZ Stockcar Champs. I had previously this season been to the NZ Stockcar Teams Event at Te Marua also. Last night ........... 7 pm start 12.15am finish 5 hours 18 races over 20 minutes per race Can anyone explain ............ 1. Why is it, that the BIG events held there seem to go on till past MidNight ? 2. How can any "Normal" parent expect to be able to take their children along and get them home at a "reasonable" hour especially if they are from out of town ?? 3. Is it fair on drivers who are racing to perform to the best of their abilities on the 2nd night, to have a reasonable chance with no sleep ? 4. Is it right that without question, many of the crowd are gone.. well before the meeting ends, leaving only the diehard followers to see the end ? 5. Why is it that this has been "the norm" with Te Marua for YEARS ?? 6. Why is it that Western Springs, BayPark & Palm Nth can run major Championships to a time limit schedule... and never get near MidNight ?? These 3 venues would get closed down by their respective City Councils if they went anywhere near MidNight... ...Please help to explain to an "old bird" whos watching days have included many trips to Wellington.. only to find it "Hard to get off the perch in the Barn " the next day P.S I am sure I am not alone with these thoughts either !! Cheers Wiseowl Before I wade into this discussion, Can anyone tell me how many hours did night one of the 2008 NZ Stockcar Champs in Stratford take to complete last year, same amount of cars basically and im assuming it was the same format, 6 groups, 3 heats each, ? |
|
|
|
Post by wayne on Jan 24, 2009 23:27:02 GMT 12
[quote author=percy board=general thread=8925 post=104391 time=1232755334. I have a couple of pet hates in the sport at the moment. Alcohol and the three heat format for non-contact classes. Late finishes is about to be added to that list. If speedway is to move forward and to reach it's potential as NZ's number 1 summer sport it's nights like this at our premier events that need to stop happening. quote] curious as to what you mean in regards to 3 heat format for non con tact classes, please explain, is this for champs or just normal meets, also i like others think you should put your hand up to be an advisor to spanz,im sure they would love some help on how to improve things from the outside ;D ;D To be perfectly honest both! On a normal night I'd like to see handicapping used for all races and for championships a one race final. If SPANZ want my help they know where to find me! i hope the springs dont have any big meetings next year cause then you wont be happy, they are ditching the yank format as its boring and takes to long ;D |
|
|
|
Post by superstock on Jan 24, 2009 23:32:19 GMT 12
just enjoy it!!!!!....or dont go...easy really....find a knitting club  no cry babys....stay home with mummy then.....just got back from temarua the traffic was busy whos to blame for that then,,,  |
|
|
|
Post by mickeymouse on Jan 24, 2009 23:40:01 GMT 12
just enjoy it!!!!!....or dont go...easy really....find a knitting club no cry babys....stay home with mummy then.....just got back from temarua the traffic was busy whos to blame for that then,,, Not wrong Superstock, and should we even take a so called "Wiseowl" who started this thread seriously, when he can't even spell the abbreviation for Wellington properly, Spent the last 2 nights at "Max Motors Family Speedway", plenty of families, plenty of kids (including my 7 yr old), didn't see many dissapointed people, did you ? |
|
|
|
Post by percy on Jan 25, 2009 0:38:49 GMT 12
To be perfectly honest both! On a normal night I'd like to see handicapping used for all races and for championships a one race final. If SPANZ want my help they know where to find me! i hope the springs dont have any big meetings next year cause then you wont be happy, they are ditching the yank format as its boring and takes to long ;D I would support the ditching of the yank format as I believe there are better formats available that still result in a one race final. |
|
|
|
Post by mickeymouse on Jan 25, 2009 0:46:56 GMT 12
i hope the springs dont have any big meetings next year cause then you wont be happy, they are ditching the yank format as its boring and takes to long ;D I would support the ditching of the yank format as I believe there are better formats available that still result in a one race final. How did we get from the original subject, eg. Te Marua (Wgtn) being a family speedway or not ?, to formats at the springs in 3 pages and 34 posts. ? |
|
|
|
Post by FrankTheTank on Jan 25, 2009 10:39:47 GMT 12
just enjoy it!!!!!....or dont go...easy really....find a knitting club no cry babys....stay home with mummy then.....just got back from temarua the traffic was busy whos to blame for that then,,, Good work, another example of the type of attitude that shows why Speedway is miles off reaching it's potential level of entertainment. You obviously don't care about the future of the sport. As long as you are happy, everybody else should be too. |
|
|
|
Post by FrankTheTank on Jan 25, 2009 10:41:22 GMT 12
just enjoy it!!!!!....or dont go...easy really....find a knitting club no cry babys....stay home with mummy then.....just got back from temarua the traffic was busy whos to blame for that then,,, Not wrong Superstock, and should we even take a so called "Wiseowl" who started this thread seriously, when he can't even spell the abbreviation for Wellington properly, Spent the last 2 nights at "Max Motors Family Speedway", plenty of families, plenty of kids (including my 7 yr old), didn't see many dissapointed people, did you ? If disappointed people equals leaving during the meeting, then yes, I did see alot of disappointed people, especially on Friday night. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2009 10:50:31 GMT 12
Hi again Wiseowl.
I suspect that you have enough wisdom to already know the answers to your questions but just like an entertaining stockcar race profits from having a stirrer in the race, thanks for filling that role by stirring the pot here on this thread.
There’s a saying…
…EXPECTATIONS ARE PREMEDITATED RESENTMENTS…
…so when it comes to my local I have learned from previous disappointments over the years to tone down my expectations. On a POOR-AVERAGE-GOOD-FANTASTIC scale Te Maura’s show occasionally makes it up to good. It’s s a club track run for members. Fans are welcome to attend the show, but if you don’t like it the you can shove your criticism up your…. This is an amateur not professional set up compared to some other tracks.
I’m not a big fan of mediocrity. Often I’ve contemplated what could been done to change the clubs culture and lift Te Maura up to the big 3’s level. Sadly the only solution I can see at this stage is to send in a hit squad heavily armed with machine guns and hand grenades with instructions to take out the current management structure and make sure there no survivors.
Then of course you need to make sure you have a new enthusiastic and competent promoter prepared to work at a poorly located track for peanuts, along with a new president, committee and a track prep team and heavy machinery as well. Easier said than done. Ramjam can stay though!
Last night I attended the NZ Stockcar Champs finals not expecting to get an elevated seat up in the run down grandstand where I usually sit, to expect the usual delays in-between the races, to prepare for irritating cigarette smoke occasionally drifting in my direction, and of course to get home late. At the end of the night I wasn’t disappointed. Even though there were other issues like waiting half an hour for the track crew to fix the broken railway posts – good job by mintie and Ramjam with the poster banner thing, and several kids lollies scrambles to help kill the delay. Overall the club put on a relatively good show and I was well pleased with my decision to attend, all helped along by getting my attitude adjusted to start with. I'll be expecting a bit more professionalism from PN tonight though!
Finally to Abbo and all other small-minded ministock fans/parents - listen up! Last night for the first time one of the ministock races almost reached the mildly entertaining rank on my entertainment barometer. How about that?
|
|
|
|
Post by scotty 911w on Jan 25, 2009 10:58:35 GMT 12
Finally to Abbo and all other small-minded ministock fans/parents - listen up! Last night for the first time one of the ministock races almost reached the mildly entertaining rank on my entertainment barometer. How about that? lol ,mabey it was the commentator ,he was goin flat out too, ;Dprob one of the fastest ministock races ive seen |
|
|
|
Post by superstock on Jan 25, 2009 11:08:19 GMT 12
phil b why dont you become track promoter, tractor driver. track preparer, in fact why dont you run it your self.....you and the other negative vibes on this post ..and see how good you are!!!!! i mean it to brian mcphee and commitee i salute you!!!! |
|
?
no cry babys....stay home with mummy then.....just got back from temarua the traffic was busy whos to blame for that then,,, 
