Speedway NZ CEO - Ask Me Anything! (Read 32,777 times)

[TimSOZ]

At this time of year Speedway NZ seems to be the favourite target of choice for around 50 of the million-odd people who get involved in the sport in some way. There are many misconceptions about speedway’s governing body, and it’s time to answer some of your queries and hopefully provide some explanations for what transpires on and off the track.

Speedway is now in great health by any standard you care to measure (car counts, number of tracks, competitiveness of the fields, standard of presentation, reduction in injuries etc), but there is always work to be done. Speedway NZ has some control over what happens within the sport, as do tracks and competitors.Some things are not in it's control...and some things are beyond anyone's control.

How am I qualified to answer your queries? Until 2008 I was just like many of you, a moderator on this forum and consistent voice for improvement in the sport. Also happened to be Macgors first additional contributor to his site in 1998 (reviewing meetings I went to around the country), and also wrote for NZDTR magazine. Probably the catalyst for change within me were the NZ Superstock Champs in 2000. I sat on the bank texting results to Macgor who put them on this site immediately – this was the first time people who weren’t at a track had instant access to results. They were accurate too, but sadly it took the track two hours to put out a set of results, and it meant that there couldn’t be a runoff for 3NZ. From that point on I decided I wanted to do more than just complain – and after two unsuccessful attempts became the CEO of Speedway NZ (and as of this month, the longest serving).

Let’s use this thread to try and be constructive about the issues, how they arise, and how they could be resolved. Be prepared to hear that many of the issues can only be resolved by SNZ’s members, particularly at the Annual General Meeting. Also note that you can become a member too, so don’t just criticise - get involved like I did.

Ask anything you like and I’ll do my best to answer, or find out the answer if it’s not known to me. If I can’t give an explanation, I’ll tell you why. I do have some semblance of a life so won’t be sitting on the computer all day, but every question will be responded to until such time as the thread closes.

Go ahead, ask me anything!

[bikeboy]

Cheers for this Tim, can't really be more open than this,

How are the officials for the National Titles Selected, and are they graded, or assessed after these events?

Along the same lines, are the Clubs/promotors assessed on how they ran the meeting as well?

and since you have been open, i think signing your name to a question is fair as well,

Scott Wilkins,

[Admin]

Excellent Tim , those were the good old days ay . Or perhaps they were the bad old days. Bit of both I expect.

Treat this thread with the respect it deserves Folks , moderators will have no hesitation in removing nonsense or abuse.

[boner87]

One of the problems or issues that really stands out for me is calls by the "ref" as to why cars are pulled off, left on, shuffled around on track. What I'm wanting to know is as to why does it seem that there is very little consistency between ref calls for example Steiners incident vs hewson, Ashton, ngatai incident or Gavin taniwha being pulled off for attacking a car that was passing him on the grass in the teams final on Saturday night whereas on qualifying night there were penalties for gaining advantage on the grass.
All I would really like to see is perhaps a little more consistency with ref calls and perhaps some sort of connection between the refs and the commentary box so then people in the stands can hear and then understand why certain calls were made?

And plus thanks for this opportunity as well

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2014 11:37:06 GMT 12 Admin said:

moderators will have no hesitation in removing nonsense

Should remove the bit where Tim says "I do have some semblance of a life" then LOL

Serial tho great work Tim

[Murray Guy (Grandad)]

I think you have consistently displayed a willingness to listen, to add value, to respect, and I applaud you for this.

Hopefully your 'direct' employers (SNZ Directors) do not unreasonably attempt to control and manipulate your contributions.
Evident over recent weeks has been the failure of SNZ (as a organisation) to ensure that those on the ground (promoters, clubs, officials) keep pace with the professionalism and commitment made to our sport by the competitors. Specifically I refer to the staging of our pinnacle events and the officiating. I believe urgency needs to be applied to a process that enables ALL who love the sport of speedway to engage in a review of how our championship events are allocated, the criteria applied, and the formats used relevant to various class types. EG: For the NZGP to take place prior to and a week weeks out from the NZ Super Saloon Champs is unacceptable. A lot of the changes are 'low hanging fruit' and no brainers. If you apply for a GP then you must agree to run it on a date that adds value for the competitors (North & South), provides for maximum participation. Seems to me some are using these events as a cash cow rather than an opportunity to showcase the class and their venue.

Anyway, back to what attracted my attention in your introduction, to dispel an often promoted myth in an attempt devalue the concerns and thoughts of many, I can assure you that for every concern raised there will many in support or who share similar views/concerns BUT choose not to share those publically (for a variety of reasons). You say, ".... target of choice for around 50 of the million-odd people who get involved in the sport in some way." this comment implies that 999,950 enthusiasts think all is sweetness and light!

Cheers, MG

[BarryB]

Jan 13, 2014 12:03:40 GMT 12 boner87 said:

All I would really like to see is perhaps a little more consistency with ref calls and perhaps some sort of connection between the refs and the commentary box so then people in the stands can hear and then understand why certain calls were made?

That comminication between the referee and the commentary team - especially at major meetings - is somethingI would like to see made compulsary. Can SNZ put forward a remit at the next Remit Conference to that effect, for the members to vote on?

I don't spectate very often, and when I do it is only at major events, the ones where everythnig is on the line and you want to be able to follow it. There is nothing worse than not not being able to understand what is going on. Many people are born into speedway and accept things the way they are "because that's how we've always done it". Tim obviously isn't one of those people, but as somebody that came from a non-speedway background myself, I'm testament to the fact that the more you understand it the more fun it is, and eventually a non-believer can become a speedway junkie. Turning casual fans into true speedway fans should be one of our objectives, and every track can play a part in that....but it will likely take a nudge from SNZ to make that happen.


Well done on the thread.

Barry B

[percy]

I'll start with a technical question.

M4-2 Eligibility to host Allocated titles
M4-2-3 Have run the class concerned:-
(i) three times in the season prior to the title.
(ii) three times prior to the title, in the season of the title.

Kihikihi Speedway ran the North Island Midget Title this past weekend. According to their own website Midgets had been raced at a meeting just once prior to the title at Kihikihi Speedway. What is the position of the board with regards to the definition of the term "run the class"? Does this include practices? If not what punishment can be handed to Kihikihi Speedway for violating this rule?

If so what if no Midgets turn up to practice? Baypark has been allocated the 2014/15 North Island Midget Title. Can they race Midgets at a meeting once this season (and claim Midgets could have attended their practices even though none did) to make up their "three times in the season prior to the title"?

[TimSOZ]

How are the officials for the National Titles Selected, and are they graded, or assessed after these events?
Along the same lines, are the Clubs/promotors assessed on how they ran the meeting as well?

Great questions Scott!

Senior Officials are appointed on merit, with most of them having specific classes that they specialise in. However last weekend we had five different events to cover (9 of the 12 senior referees we have were involved), so availability can become an issue. Cost is also a factor, as we would soon run out of funds if we had to send a Steward from Invercargill up to Auckland every weekend.

Speedway NZ conducts a review process of all allocated title events, which includes the performance of officials and tracks. Tracks are also given the opportunity to provide us with feedback on the performance of the senior officials who attend their major titles, via an online assessment form. Our winter training mainly involves rule changes and feedback from the previous season’s title events, to try and spread the word to all tracks/officials about good processes, and prevent a reoccurrence of unacceptable practices.

[woodart]

hi tim, big ups to you , do you see snz maybe looking at nascar,woo with there travelling officals and the way those officals run there particular class and let local officals run the rest of the meeting. this would seem to avoid many of the groans that you no-doubt are sick of, cheers, paul andersen

[BarryB]

Following on from Percy's question, as it jogged my memory of another question that went unanswered in a thread earlier this month. Maybe Tim can now answer it?

Karen Carey said; "Part of the requirements of hosting a new zealand championship is that a tv quality dvd be made. If the club opt to sell this to the public is up to them. Most do as it is another way to make some cash unless they have a private dea, with the video company or with a local tv station etc."

Barry Brown asked; "How many NZ titles are not currently being filmed to this quality though Karen? And what is the punishment to the promotion if they don't?"

[BarryB]

And another question (or two); Speedway has a totally different structure to not only most (or all) other motorsports governing bodies, but most other sporting governing bodies, in that the members make the rules.

Do you see this as; a/ a strength? b/ a weakness? or c/ a bit of both.

Is it personally frustrating to you that; a/ half of the members don't seem to understand that? and b/ that more don't actually get involved in the remit processes?

Barry B

[TimSOZ]

boner 87 said:
One of the problems or issues that really stands out for me is calls by the "ref" as to why cars are pulled off, left on, shuffled around on track. What I'm wanting to know is as to why does it seem that there is very little consistency between ref calls for example Steiners incident vs hewson, Ashton, ngatai incident or Gavin taniwha being pulled off for attacking a car that was passing him on the grass in the teams final on Saturday night whereas on qualifying night there were penalties for gaining advantage on the grass.

All I would really like to see is perhaps a little more consistency with ref calls and perhaps some sort of connection between the refs and the commentary box so then people in the stands can hear and then understand why certain calls were made?
Okay there are a couple of points in here.

Firstly, in terms of the communication between officials and the commentator – there wouldn’t be one referee in the country who would refuse to inform the commentator about the reasons for their decisions. If there is, we want to know about it! Spectators have the right to be informed, but officials aren’t going to have time to go out of their way to run up to the commentary box every time they make a decision, so logicially the commentator and/or track need to instigate some sort of process to ensure the information gets to the paying public. At Palmerston North on Saturday night you could hear the phone ringing in the commentary box. They’ve got it nailed, and every other venue should be thinking about how they can deliver value to their stakeholders.

Regarding consistency, which is always a bugbear….Speedway NZ put in a lot of work over winter to try and get consistency in decision making, more than we ever have before. I think it’s probably unfair to say there is very little consistency, but there is certainly some inconsistency. Some of that is to do with the rules themselves, and the penalties that can be applied. This is where speedway is vastly different to other sports. Using rugby as an example, every offence has a prescribed penalty.

That is the case with some of our rules, for instance the Superstock tyre rule has no grey area. If your tyre is too soft you are out of the race meeting. Other rules and penalties give the officials no assistance in what penalty they are to apply, if they believe an infringement has occurred. The rule we get asked about most is the “over aggressive attacking” clause in Streetstocks. Officials have asked for many years for the members to clarify this rule at a rulemaking conference, but the interpretation and penalty is entirely up to the Referee on the day. That appears to be the way the members of SNZ want it.

In terms of consistent decision making at a race meeting, there are many variables that can impact on the outcome when an infringement takes place. First time offenders may get a lighter penalty than a repeat offender. Sometimes a general warning is issued to all competitors as a result of an earlier incident. The intent of the competitor may be taken into account as can the importance of the infringement on the race. It’s also important to note that a warning is considered to be an adequate penalty in most cases. All of these things can make a difference.

So in summary – the simple answer to achieve consistency is to prescribe set penalties in the event that a rule is broken. How does that change? The next opportunity is at the 2015 Annual General Meeting, so things will stay the way they are for at least the rest of this season and all of next.

[panicstations]

What a neat idea for SNZ to be directly involved in this forum. Wouldn't it be an idea to have a thread full-time allocated for the speedway public to ask SNZ queries so that others can get a much better insight and understanding of why decisions and issues that effect competitors are made. Eg. Others will no doubt have the same querie but may prefer to hold a grudge against 'SNZ' instead of being proactive and asking the question.

Be interested to see if other macgorians would appreciate this idea??

Bob Leslie 10K Saloon

[TimSOZ]

Barry asked:
That communication between the referee and the commentary team - especially at major meetings - is something I would like to see made compulsary. Can SNZ put forward a remit at the next Remit Conference to that effect, for the members to vote on?

Hi Barry
Why wait until 2015? This is something that every track could have in place by this weekend, if they really wanted to. Ultimately though, anyone can now submit a rule change, as anyone can become a member of Speedway NZ (its $40 per year and you get discounts on Bluebridge ferries and at Steel & Tube). Look forward to receiving your membership application….and remit!

[TimSOZ]

Percy asked:
M4-2 Eligibility to host Allocated titles
M4-2-3 Have run the class concerned:-
(i) three times in the season prior to the title.
(ii) three times prior to the title, in the season of the title.

Kihikihi Speedway ran the North Island Midget Title this past weekend. According to their own website Midgets had been raced at a meeting just once prior to the title at Kihikihi Speedway.
What is the position of the board with regards to the definition of the term "run the class"? Does this include practices? If not what punishment can be handed to Kihikihi Speedway for violating this rule? If so what if no Midgets turn up to practice? Baypark has been allocated the 2014/15 North Island Midget Title. Can they race Midgets at a meeting once this season (and claim Midgets could have attended their practices even though none did) to make up their "three times in the season prior to the title"?


To be perfectly honest you have almost answered your own set of questions. The rule says “run” not “race”, and there are many variables involved but at the end of the day if the track makes an attempt to schedule three practices/meetings and weather or lack of cars intervenes it is very unlikely that an allocated title would have the pin pulled on it at the last minute. Imagine if Woodford Glen’s third meeting of the season for Modifieds was on January 2, the day before the NZ’s, and it rained. Then imagine if SNZ said the NZ title couldn't take place the next day? The disruption to competitors who have entered in good faith would be large, not to mention the logistics of organising the rescheduled meeting. Most times common sense prevails, and dispensations from this rule are granted on request.

[TimSOZ]

Do you see snz maybe looking at nascar,woo with there travelling officals and the way those officals run there particular class and let local officals run the rest of the meeting. this would seem to avoid many of the groans that you no-doubt are sick of, cheers, paul Andersen

Hi Woodart
This exact scenario was put to the floor of the 2003 AGM as a proposed rule change, and rejected. Change to allow a travelling roadshow of officials will therefore have to come from the members. Maybe its time for another look at this??

[Deleted]

Hi Tim,

why so many half cocked rule changes?

all stockcar drivers need to wear the new helmets but if you pay a sum you can use your old one...? whats that about

stockcars need new cages, but if the one you've got is previously legal..you dont need a new cage...?? so you can continue to use your cage but you cant build a new one in the same way?? whats that about?

why send a stockcar off the track just because his bonnet gets ripped off?
its part of the racing, however it seems SNZ prefer to have thousands of dollars of 'hard earned' sitting on the mid field because of a plastic top that doesnt protect anything...( this is a throw back to very very early days and should really be biffed out, no one arrives at the track without a bonnet any more)

why send a walled car to the infield? we didnt send cars to the infield in the days of rope wire and sand traps, its usually a quick hand to get him off the wall and keep that 10,000 dollar machine doing what it was meant to do, the car can always be relegated to being in last position on the track ( obviously not teams racing)

Last question, Does SNZ do any type of "personality testing" before giving a person any sort of responsibility...

thanks Tim.

[BarryB]

Jan 13, 2014 15:04:15 GMT 12 TimSOZ said:

Barry asked:
That communication between the referee and the commentary team - especially at major meetings - is something I would like to see made compulsary. Can SNZ put forward a remit at the next Remit Conference to that effect, for the members to vote on?

Hi Barry
Why wait until 2015? This is something that every track could have in place by this weekend, if they really wanted to. Ultimately though, anyone can now submit a rule change, as anyone can become a member of Speedway NZ (its $40 per year and you get discounts on Bluebridge ferries and at Steel & Tube). Look forward to receiving your membership application….and remit!

You know as well as well as I do that most of them won't. I tip my hat at Palmy for leading the way. I'd me surprised if more than one or two others follow the lead without being pushed however, but would love to be proved wrong. Maybe SNZ could wire their ref's for sound like other sports have been doing in recent years........I know. There's no question in there........

Let's do it on the terracotta,

Barry B

[Parrot]

I have two questions one of which you partly answered before, both relating to Napier running the superstocks champs.
1) How did Napier get approved for this title which is supposedly 1 of the top 3 speedway meetings of the year, when it was unable to fit more than 7,000 people safely. You cant be happy with what happened surely. It was a crowd safety issue when someone has to wait 30 minutes for an ambulance to be able to reach them from 400 metres away.
2) Specific incident regarding walling. Bryce Steiner never stopped and was there for at most 20 seconds before dropping onto all four wheels. 2 other cars were walled for over 2 minutes before the lights went on. Why?

Stephen Biddick 43 years a speedway fanatic