Growing the sport -- Flattrack/TT Quad/Motorcycle

[Orangecycle1]

I would like to pose a question?

What can I do as a shop owner to help grow the sport?

We plan to field a quad next race (Ocala) and in the future, possibly two and a motorcycle. But, that is not enough. I would like to see the sport show the same attendance as a motocross race, and I could be dreaming.  We have been talking up flattrack to some of the local quad riders at Waldo Motorsports and trying to get them to come out and race.

The following are Ideas we came up with and would love input, and of course everything would have to be approved by The "Southern Dirt Track Association".

Possibly having a tire manufacture donate a set of quad tires to the year end points champion.

We could offer a discount on wheels, parts and protective riding gear. We are not out to make money but to help the sport.

Our shop could help sponsor an event and put up a small purse for the winner. I know times are tough and might help to offset travel expenses. Maybe other bike shops might get on board and do more than just sponsor a rider.

I know Brady has donated tons of his time and expense to building and promoting the sport, we just want to help.

Feedback would be great!

Thanks, David
Orange Cycle

[HillKiller]

I would like to pose a question?

What can I do as a shop owner to help grow the sport?

We plan to field a quad next race (Ocala) and in the future, possibly two and a motorcycle. But, that is not enough. I would like to see the sport show the same attendance as a motocross race, and I could be dreaming.  We have been talking up flattrack to some of the local quad riders at Waldo Motorsports and trying to get them to come out and race.

The following are Ideas we came up with and would love input, and of course everything would have to be approved by The "Southern Dirt Track Association".

Possibly having a tire manufacture donate a set of quad tires to the year end points champion.

We could offer a discount on wheels, parts and protective riding gear. We are not out to make money but to help the sport.

Our shop could help sponsor an event and put up a small purse for the winner. I know times are tough and might help to offset travel expenses. Maybe other bike shops might get on board and do more than just sponsor a rider.

I know Brady has donated tons of his time and expense to building and promoting the sport, we just want to help.

Feedback would be great!

Thanks, David
Orange Cycle

    You and your business can sponsor a race. Right now that would help more than anything else. The biggest hurdle we are facing is steep insurance premiums. The cost of a one day policy is somewhere between $400-750. Without insurance there is no racing (except at Auburndale and Jasper) and with no racing there is no growth. We have in the past actually attracted some MX riders to come take a spin on an oval but in my opinion I think most tried to race an oval with a MX setup and when they didn't get the finish they expected they didn't come back. To be really fast takes experience and setup.
 In the past Ronnie's Mail Order, Thunderbowl Speedway (Brady), Torri Racing, and Clermont ATV all donated tires as raffle prizes at SFTL banquets. This is a great giveaway and is always welcomed. For that matter, any giveaway is welcomed whether it be a gas card from Shell Corp or a GC from Chilis or WalMart or whatever. It takes alot of people to get out and just ask for donations and then we can have a great banquet. The 2006 SFTL banquet for example had enough door prizes to call everyone's name twice and several people won sets of tires, helmets, cans of race gas, etc.
 I agree that sponsoring a class  is better than sponsoring a rider and for that matter just sponsor the race for that day.
     Keep talking it up with others, the more riders we attract then the more solid the racing will become and certainly more beneficial for any sponsors we have.  In many cases even when times aren't great racers will find a way to come race.
    Thanks,
                 Dave

[racerdad]

This is not directed to Orange Cycle but just a comment. My son raced TT and ST quad in Missouri before we moved back to Ga and it was pretty popular. There were races when we had upwards of 70 entries. The track we raced held the Missouri State TT championship race annually. We would even have 30+ entries during the winter racing indoor. It was helpful to get new people show up and race to have more classes. Not everyone has a 450cc or modified engine bikes. Beginner classes that only allow certain tires and limit mods, 200 4 stroke that limited bikes to warriors and blasters, attract newer people. It's a little intimidating to get on the track and face modified bikes you know you have no chance against, so why spend your money? So I think the new classes that have been added will do alot to get more people interested. Talking it up at the shop as you said does alot also. If the word spreads to a group they usually come by the track to check it out and most of the time they come back to give it a shot. It's hard not to get hooked once you try it! Displaying modified quads at your shop is good advertisement also.

[fastrnrik]

A shop getting behind a track or race series is very helpful. Discounts to series members and riders, even if small, will help alot.

Sponsors are another big factor. In any type of racing, people like to win money and/or prizes. It is a fact that if their is a cash purse or prizes, more riders will show up.

We are working on some things that will encourage growth. We will be teaming up with the SSQSA, which is large, well run MX series for quads. We will be running the TT and flat track racing portion of this series next season. There will also be a XC series. This has traditionally been a quad series, but the TT and flat track series will include motorcycles as well. The reason we are teaming up is to consolidate the riders under one "umbrella" and provide them with a venue for all types of racing. This will draw MX and XC riders from the same organization over to TT and flat track racing. Additionally, we will be adding a new class structure that will include some more varied classes for the kids.   

[BT243]

I found in inviting prospective flat track quad racers  to practice sessions at the track where it is not intimidating and more laid back is a great boost in growing the sport.

[Orangecycle1]

Lots of good input...

So I hear insurance...I am a numbers man, show me cold hard numbers. I like to see things in black and white. So, who is in charge, call the shop 352-468-3979, lets iron out some details and lets look at a race date.

Sounds like you have plenty of people for year end stuff.

Discounts to series members and riders...NO PROBLEM!!!! I said this before, it is not about the money. I am a dealer for more than I can say. Rims (ITP, we are even talking to Douglas) , Tires (I bought a LOT of tires to test, even working on a wider right front rim/tire combo) , lowing kits, protective gear (Thor, Sixsixone, EVS.......)ECT>>>> I can not post prices less than retail due to our contract with certain distributors/manufactures. If you need something, call.

I glad someone posted about a practice day/track.....so future riders/racers can come out and not feel the pressure of a race. If it could be close to North Central Florida, like the new Ocala small track (Brady is building) would be a great help. Most of the riders I know work all week and would be able to come out on a Sunday. I would not feel comfortable telling riders to practice on Ocala's big track. Might be a little to intimidating.

Bringing the riders under one umbrella is a fantastic idea.

We do not mind helping out.
David

[HillKiller]

Lots of good input...

So I hear insurance...I am a numbers man, show me cold hard numbers. I like to see things in black and white. So, who is in charge, call the shop 352-468-3979, lets iron out some details and lets look at a race date.

Sounds like you have plenty of people for year end stuff.

 Numbers? Nothing definate yet. The process is lengthy at first. There is a long form app that has to be submitted along with pics of the track, ie., an app has to be submitted for each prospective track. Then we wait. The average time period assuming the track is approved is about 30 days, and that's just to get the quote. If we agree to the quote then we pay up and the quote is sent to underwriting for final approval. Once we are on board we get much quicker coverage for additional dates to a track but adding a new track would be the long part again. Brady and I are also pursuing another option but don't have an answer yet. All this while we run our daily lives too! Ahhhh the rush!
  No, actually we don't have plenty of people for year end stuff, all of those mentioned were donors of the 2006 series and since the 08 series started late we don't have any corporate sponsors as of now. Any charity will be readily accepted!

[Eko Engines]

I just found this site through a post made on another forum that I sponsor.



Just figured I would introduce myself:

My name is Dustin...


I started EKO beginning of this year in south west florida. Developing mostly Titanium and Carbon Fiber Drag Racing & Flat Track racing components. This has been a hectic year so far, but things are going fairly well for a new company. Things are very small scale for us right now, but we are working hard to keep things moving in the right direction.


I have a few interests outside of the ATV industry, but atv's have always been my passion. I spend every second of nearly every day lately developing, building, testing, researching, and etc. I am truly an enthusiast ...and I get caught up in how much technology has NOT made it into the atv racing scene....Hopefully I can help to change that in the next few years!



I wanted to post this in here, because this is the type of people and organizations I hope to make an impression on in the future. I enjoyed the spirit of this post.....There were some excellent ideas in the thread....I especially liked the idea of having a "non-race" day event for new comers. A race day setting can be very intimidating to anyone who has never been to the track.


Anyhow, Seems that TT racing is becoming more and more popular....It would be great to get to know some of the young race organizations early and possiby be able to contribute. I dont know who is who yet on this site, but being a florida local I will be sure to check out this site more often.



I'll do some reading around the forum and hopefully become a more active member as time allows.



For now I just wanted to make myself not a stranger....

[jayman]

Welcome to the site, there are plenty enough racers around here!  Some are just keyboard racers though.....  I will not call any one out though   

[Eko Engines]

Thanks!,

I'll feel my way around the site in the next few days....



Its eye opening to see how much atv racing goes on in florida. I guess I am just too far south!

[derek330]

hey eko, welcome to the site.   i am a fellow engine builder in south georgia and have been following the FT and TT racing around here since 05. been alot of good times and alot of great races!
brady and dave do a hell of a job in promoting the sport! i started out small also and this form of racing has helped me get my name out.  pare that with some highly satisfied customers and that = success.
hope to see you and David from orange cycle @ the track soon!  once you get in you will be addicted.