|
|
Post by jamo91 on Dec 3, 2008 23:33:39 GMT 12
This Thred should be locked. It is not going anywhere and gone off topic and become personal. Hey Dreaves, you were the one that was hailing the Datsuns as "Winged Warriors", I am sorry if I was getting personal.  |
|
|
|
Post by Aaron Drever on Dec 3, 2008 23:40:41 GMT 12
This Thred should be locked. It is not going anywhere and gone off topic and become personal. No it shouldn't and no it hasn't Its not going to help WP or the Speedway in general all speculating myself included on what should and shouldn't be done at WP. There was a democratic election of officers and they appointed a promotor who is working in conjunction with what the elected members want to run week in week out at WP. Although most points on here a valid and have fors and againsts the bottom line is unless one or all of us put our hand up to get involved (again for some) and try what has worked (or not) in the past and promote speedway according to the 8 or so members of the committee then nothing is going to be acheived by this thred going on and on and on and on. Lets look to possitive about this weekends line up of Speedway action! |
|
|
|
Post by craige on Dec 4, 2008 0:40:02 GMT 12
well said ramjam, I'm sure there are many people on here who agree with you. yup im one of them cheque book .i will never ever go back to that joint either(if i ever come back to nz  )went to there teams champs a couple of seasons back and what a bloody circus it was . |
|
|
|
Post by bernie on Dec 4, 2008 5:09:14 GMT 12
Reading some of these threads is like watching soapy, one of them gets burnt, hates the other, says I don't want anything to do with you, you re a bastard, then phones their mates every week to see what you are doing, doesn't like what they hear and says, look I was right you are a bastard.
Sound familiar
Ive had a couple of ex's like that ;D ;D
Bernie
|
|
|
|
Post by BarryB on Dec 4, 2008 5:33:31 GMT 12
Staple diet = full fields of Saloons and Stockcars every week, close racing with lots of passing for the former with every win being uncertain until the chequered flag, the latter turning it on with plenty of heroes and villains, hitting and roll over money. Added to this, with at least one every week, top invited fields of Super Saloons, Super Stocks and Modifieds as the main draw card. That'd be my weekly diet, good fields of locals topped of by visiting drivers every week. Action on the track, and word of mouth, is way better than any marketing proposition..........
|
|
|
|
Post by gregobro on Dec 4, 2008 6:42:16 GMT 12
Spot on Barry, I was going to put this yesterday and didn't but what the hell... they are observations from someone who is a spectator only and has no axe to grind with the club - in fact I dont even know who runs the club but here goes:
First thing to fix - competitor numbers. This is the big one. How do you get back drivers who have left or are not racing? A couple of times I’ve seen stockcars heading to the park for those corporate nights that don’t ever come on race nights - the priority for the club has to be the Saturday night show, everything else has to play second fiddle. Why are drivers racing at Huntly, Kihikihi, Baypark and even Rotorua and Palmy - big fields of cars will sell the place more than anything else. Bad 'word of mouth' is what’s killing WP at the moment. Im sure some people are making money but its probably not the club or if it is, its certainly not translating into a better speedway environment.
You can advertise all you want but if the show is not up to scratch then its a dead duck. If the whole idea is to fix the place then start from the ground up (and I really mean from the ground up) the infield is a shocker, looks like a dump and this is what the crowd focuses on for the whole night. Tidy it up, grass it like Palmy or Baypark, get some signage like WSprings has, flags etc. Infield staff in matching WP branded overalls or a sponsors overalls - look more professional.
Get back to the core classes that people come to see. SuperStocks, Modifieds, Stockcars, SuperSaloons and then flesh out with the others if they have big numbers plus MiniStocks (you need these to grow the classes). Start a policy that has a minimum number for a class to race - I think Nelson used to do this: 10 Supers or no racing.
Stop airing the dirty laundry!! Work with SNZ stop making sarcastic references in your programme - very bad look. Have one person who can answer questions on Macgors etc (Bernie is doing this at the moment) in an official role - make sure you have the answers and dont get personal.
Get a frikken decent website that works!!! Its time for the flat earth society to realise that computers arent going to go away - if the people in charge really think that they can ignore the internet or ‘those bloody losers on Macgors” then it is TIME FOR THEM TO GO - they are holding your club back.
Work with the Auckland City Council - its quite obvious that every thing around WP is getting funding and new lights, clubrooms, street signs etc (look at the cricket club, even the bloody cemetery is being looked after) what is the relationship with ACC like? Appears not to be working.
Size of the pits - this is an ongoing issue. Can some of the carpark be used or the field next to cricket that is fenced off? Speedway was here first - take back some of the turf!
Food - needs to be reassessed, offer something a bit more than what is currently there.
Commentary - needs to be informative as well as entertaining. Jamie McCarthy is someone to aspire to. Work out the music and the cuts from talking live then switching to the sponsor station. Get a sponsor station that suits speedway. Play music during downtime (if you have to have downtime) rather than complete silence. Info about whats going on around the country. And this criticism is not just for WP, but stop repeating yourself over and over or using the same catch cry and working a joke to death!!
Sponsors - gets some big names in like Pick A Part, Metalman, Mad Butcher and plaster their branding everywhere - AND CHARGE THEM FOR IT BIG TIME - once you start getting big crowds again.
The concrete wall around the track looks like it needs replacing. If Cromwell can do it surely Auckland can? Again it looks shabby and low grade.
A long term plan - is there one? What are they aiming for or is the long term plan just survival? Get a Business Mentor in - I even think they are free, with some fresh ideas.
Get rid of anything on the infield like skid pads, smaller tracks for bikes etc. These dont work. The lighting doesnt even allow for a good view of the bikes when they had the bullring - what a disaster that was. The action is supposed to be on the big track.
Dummy grid - why are there long breaks between races? There are two gates to go in and out, a short sharp programme is the best 7pm - 10pm.
Im sure there is more but hopefully this posting is seen as being helpful not 'having a go'
How long has this club been spluttering along!!!! I hope Waikaraka Park does “ride again” - it needs to.
|
|
|
|
Post by Colin E on Dec 4, 2008 6:51:14 GMT 12
WP has definately got to pick its act up and to that end the evidence in the positive in so far as attempting to move forward is there for all to see for those who want to see it.Those who are blind will never see it unfortunately and that is there right,but bombing those who are endeavouring to better the place says more about those dropping the bombs,than it does about those working to get the job done.
The above from DTM1 says it all I believe.
We all have opinions as to whether the decisions made by WP Promotions are right or wrong, but at the end of it all, THEY are doing something!!!! Not sitting back and waiting for something to happen.
The sad thing is that there are a lot of people waiting for it to fail so they can say "I told you so".
If they do fail and they do so while trying, at least they have tried.
And no I am not a big WP fan I am a motorsport fan and enjoy most forms of it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2008 7:00:07 GMT 12
I guess with support for rugby down The NZRFU will start putting on American Football or Rugby leauge games as pre match entertainment to Super 14 games, No about as likely as the hoon skidders inviting Ministocks to race at Pukekohe during their meetings
|
|
|
|
Post by chairman on Dec 4, 2008 8:35:38 GMT 12
Its not going to help WP or the Speedway in general all speculating myself included on what should and shouldn't be done at WP. I think there's a distinction between "speculating on what should and shouldn't be done at WP" and a group of hard core speedway fans giving feedback on past meetings and saying what would attract us to future ones. Leaving aside the posts which obviously don't warrant anything else, I think the discussion has been good feedback for the club on what works and what would attract people. ... the bottom line is unless one or all of us put our hand up to get involved (again for some) ... Some of us have put our hand up to get involved (again) and not heard anything (again). It gets boring after a while ... Gary |
|
|
|
Post by King James on Dec 4, 2008 9:53:06 GMT 12
I just have to say growing up at WP, when the heroes were out in force and the city of sails classic & modified Silver dirt cup saw drivers from all over the country go to WP for the action.
Growing up there was special. I left West Auckland in 1996 and re-located to Palmerston North.
I hadnt been back to Auckland till I hitched there for Teams in 2008.
All I could think when I walked through was WOW what has gone on here, its looking like the cemetary bend cemetary all the way through. I felt sorry that a track with a rich history, was left un-cared for and slowly dying and flaking away.
The action on track was red-hot as I remembered but the whole WP was less to be desired.
After reading all this WP threads that always pop up, I tend to agree with most of Gregobro's suggestions, and that alot of what he has said would contribute to a successful speedway.
All easier said than done, but you gotta focus on whats really important.
|
|
Dirtnz
Junior Member
Posts: 82
|
Post by Dirtnz on Dec 4, 2008 11:25:50 GMT 12
I totally agree Gregobro and your also right KJ when you walk through the gates of WP it's almost like walking through a time shift in the respect that the place doesnt appear to have changed at all in the last 20 years.
Look at other tracks running in the upper north island and the progress's they've made in recent times Rotorua in the past 5-6 seasons has had a complete overhaul so much so when you watch old video footage from the track in the ninties it's unrecognisable Huntly in recent years has progressed in leaps and bounds and their facilities are looking great everytime i go back it's like something new has sprung up and Kihikihi look how far they've come in recent years they've held some pretty big meetings and taken advantage of them to the fullest and now they have been granted the rights to hold the NZ Superstock title in 09/10 look what they are doing to the venue they are completely reshaping the landscaping almost two years out from hosting the big event!
My point is WP has a tendancy to promote the meetings of a lesser interest something cronic then dumb down the big meetings we're their big money will come from for example.
When this demo derby thing was held up there all i herd on the radio for the entire week was the WP add advertising this event so much so i got sick of it but yet when they hosted the NZ Superstock title a few seasons back i herd absolutely nothing zip nudda the only peace of advertising i seen was a sign about the size of an A4 piece of paper about 500 meters away from the track whilst i was driving there for the event.
One would think common sence would prevail you have been granted the right to host one of the most prestigous titles in the sport and one of the biggest draw cards on the speedway calender year after year yet it was almost like WP couldnt care less and just fumbled their way through it.
Like others on here have said WP needs to start working with SNZ rather than against them start using some common sence and open your eyes to where the big money is coming from and take advantage of it as much as you can i class myself as a true speedway fan i dont care how much i need to pay to get through the gate as long as i know im going to get my monies worth im not going to pay to go watch boys racers i can go stand out on the street on a friday night for free if i wanted to see that i mean come on WP use your heads!
Dont clutter the infield as others have also mentioned the last few times i have been to big meetings up there i've been dissapointed to have something on the infeild obstracting my view to the other side of the track like a big ramp used for a motor x display etc FFS i didnt pay to come and see a motor x display i wanted to see the racing.
Commentary well im sorry that leaves alot to be desired again the last few times i have been there the commentator has stuffed up names of big competitors and at last years teams event he got two teams completely and utterly wrong HB had just had their race and the KK Kings came out for theirs and the entire race he was calling the Kings the Hawkeyes!! come on buddy if your going to be a commentator at least learn your teams and drivers that was just ridiculous.
all in all WP needs a complete overhaul and new attitude at least clean up your facility if you cant afford to upgrade it actually listen to your punters and what they are telling you hell put out a spectator survey like Paradise valley did a few seasons back but do it at a big meeting like the Teams Nats where you will get a vast responce from not only Aucklanders but the visitors from outside the region that travel year after year aswell.
Promote your big money earner meetings instead of letting them fade into the background behind demo derbies etc and take advantage of them if Kihikihi can do it there's no good reason why Waikaraka cant ether!
i would love to see Waikaraka ride again some of my foundest memories from the late 80's early 90's were had at this venue and in recent years it's been a shame to say the least to walk through the gates of what was then a thriving place to be on a friday/saturday night but sadly now a place that blends in with the cemertary next door.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Dec 4, 2008 11:49:10 GMT 12
gregobro , awesome post and right in line with my way of thinking with regards Waikaraka .
Told Mr Abrahams a few short years ago that Waikaraka needs to start being nice to people . make everyone welcome and feel valued and then build on that .
To my mind Waikaraka has the best selection of classes of any track in the North Island and is home to many great drivers . Just need a few more on hand come race nights .
Pat on the back to Bernie too , doing a good job with communication and I'm sure it's no easy task .
Aaron mate , give the minisprints a rest . The truth is the general public don't give a toss about them and would rather be watching another stockcar , saloon or modified race .
Watch the paying public during the meeting and learn what they enjoy watching .
And if only we could get Jamie back behind the Mic , if only .
And to those with the blank 'I will never attend Waikaraka again' mentality . why bother commenting ?.
Might pay to look at what's happening closer to home .
|
|
Dirtnz
Junior Member
Posts: 82
|
Post by Dirtnz on Dec 4, 2008 12:33:13 GMT 12
And to those with the blank 'I will never attend Waikaraka again' mentality . why bother commenting ?. Might pay to look at what's happening closer to home . I hope my post didnt come across like that Macgor im not implying that at all i still attend meetings at WP every year and will continue to do so i was just simply pointing out a few things that have happened in recent years that have stuck with the true fans of speedway like myself and reasons why people could be put off attending. Like my last statement says in the previous post i would love to see Waikaraka ride again and i really hope it does i used to think it was one of the best facilities in the country and there's no reason why it cant be again. |
|
|
|
Post by King James on Dec 4, 2008 12:36:20 GMT 12
Na Dirt, I think it is referring to further up the posts. Me and you both will be back in WP in March and looking forward to it.  WP - If you want numbers, bring back Roger Bertram  |
|
|
|
Post by BarryB on Dec 4, 2008 13:34:41 GMT 12
Well I think this thread proves one thing for once and for all, many a paying punter wants the place to succeed so they can go and spend some of their hard earned moolah with the ASSCC......but only if the show demands it, and the general feeling seems to be that it currently doesn't. I guess there's the challenge for the current promotion.
Gregobro, awesome post as per usual, but you've outdone yourself this time. If you're a "loser on macgors" I'll eat my hat.
Drevz, the average punter is short of cash right now, maybe you shouldn't be encouraging them to spend what little they have across town in other threads ;D ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by chairman on Dec 4, 2008 13:43:12 GMT 12
many a paying punter wants the place to succeed so they can go and spend some of their hard earned moolah with the ASSCC......but only if the show demands it, That comes back to how much is demanded for the show. As I said a few weeks back we went to the meeting where they ran all the last years titles that was changed from $20 to $15 entry and thought that we got our moneys worth at $15, and would happily have gone back for more nights like that. There wasn't anything new on, just a good night of speedway racing at a good price. Gary |
|
|
|
Post by Aaron Drever on Dec 4, 2008 14:08:27 GMT 12
Aaron mate , give the minisprints a rest . The truth is the general public don't give a toss about them and would rather be watching another stockcar , saloon or modified race . I see - Well thats interesting as Minisprints are one of fastest growing classes in the country. Even big dollar guys like aggressor see Minisprints as a feeder to Midget/Sprintcars and made comment on them on their website. I understand where you are comming from but different horses for different corses. As for Barry Browns comment regarding promoting WS - its a no brainer for any true speedway fan where there is going to be 30 odd sprintcars and no WP on? |
|
|
|
Post by pallmall on Dec 4, 2008 14:30:41 GMT 12
Aaron mate , give the minisprints a rest . The truth is the general public don't give a toss about them and would rather be watching another stockcar , saloon or modified race . I see - Well thats interesting as Minisprints are one of fastest growing classes in the country. Even big dollar guys like aggressor see Minisprints as a feeder to Midget/Sprintcars and made comment on them on their website. This is one of the problems with speedway today. There are some great DRIVERS classes that are not SPECTATOR classes (unless you are related to the driver) Minisprints must be a good learning class and a fun to drive class, but they are not a good spectating class. They are a club day/sunday country track class. Western Springs runs three core classes that they have run for years, and it is a premium speedway. (apart from F2 and the second kiwikidz race they get it nearly right) Traditional stockcar/saloon tracks have fallen into the trap of trying to run loads of different classes that may be great for drivers, but people are not going to pay $15/$20 to watch. Good fields of stockcars/super stocks, modifieds, saloons/super saloons are the spectator classes. |
|
|
|
Post by Aaron Drever on Dec 4, 2008 14:35:34 GMT 12
Agree - dissapointed but agree
|
|
|
|
Post by pallmall on Dec 4, 2008 14:48:08 GMT 12
Agree - dissapointed but agree No need to be, I encourage people to drive speedway in whatever class they want. Their expectations need to be managed however, if they are having fun and enjoying their driving, it shouldn't matter if they are at a country track on a Sunday arvo, or at a club day with 100 people watching. The problem is too many also want to be stars and race in front of big crowds on a Saturday night, and to do that they should move to a promotable class, not try and impose their class onto the clubs to run them, or the spectators who will soon leave in droves for another Saturday night fix. Think Drive Days at the motor racing circuits. If you want to get your kicks driving Pukekohe you pay to hire the track and do your stuff, you don't demand to do it in front of the Aussie V8 spectators. |
|
)went to there teams champs a couple of seasons back and what a bloody circus it was .
