In RRW it states that Tez will no longer ride for MJ and Holden will take his place.
Whats Tez going to do now?
Why is the team only going to ride the 1000? Why not keep tez and let him ride the 600?
I knew they are trying to do whats best for the team but is only being on the 1000 the best thing?
No I am not close to the situation nor do I know tez or jake personally.
M
Wierd, I was always led to belive by articles I've read that MJ and Tez where friends. Wonder why the parting?
could just be business...
When Suzuki, or any other brand, makes a deal with a team for bikes, usually the manufacturer decides what kind of exposure the team can best provide in exchange for suppport, I'm sure that Jordan Motorsports was given a deal based on their campaigning 1000cc motorcycles for Suzuki as part of the big plan.
Based on the interviews w/ J. Pridmore I've seen/read, and the article in Sport Rider a month or so ago on the Jordan team, MJ wants a championship.
Pridmore was strong before his injury at Barber, and Rapp was consistent all year. Tez Stewart wasn't even on the radar in terms of points this year. So I'd say this is a business decision - Suzuki and MJ want results, Tez hasn't gotten any decent results to speak of in '04 (on Yamahas) or '05, they get a new 3rd rider.
I 2 think it was a business move; but from a friendship thing; It would seem that one would also look after a friend where one could.
The RRW aslo said that we should thank tez and James for bring MJ to tthe sport. Ok. yeah its good for the AMA and TV and for the riders that can ride for him. But for the club level guys I still say MJs arrival does not do ish. I'm still not going to buy over priced gear justt becasue it has the MJ brand or logo.. F that! I'm still waitting to see how long before he puts out bike gear.
What really gets me is Super Dave has not posted to this thread yet :o
Tez has been where most of us will never tread. I'm glad he got the opportunity.
QuoteTez has been where most of us will never tread. I'm glad he got the opportunity.
Don't get me wrong , I do agree with you .. My point is I don't want to see him stop racing because he has gotten to a dream point that most of us have not. He should still go for his next dream to podium or a win in AMA.
QuoteWhat really gets me is Super Dave has not posted to this thread yet :o
Whaaa haaaa haaaa haaaaa
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
QuoteDon't get me wrong , I do agree with you .. My point is I don't want to see him stop racing because he has gotten to a dream point that most of us have not. He should still go for his next dream to podium or a win in AMA.
I don't expect that Tez will be able to continue in the AMA on his own dime, and it seems unlikely that another team would pick him up. He's done well, in fact better than all but the very best of us could have done. Unfortunately, he hasn't done well enough to be considered a top rider, and only the very best get a ride.
I've got to admit, this whole thing makes me sad. Tez is a friend of mine, and I'm sorry to see his dream ride come to an end. There were many haters spouting meanness when Team Jordan was formed. Hopefully they won't come out of the woodwork now and do a victory dance.
I still say that Tez accomplished what most can't. People want to talk about who has the skills. Well, guess what? There are other skills besides who can ride the fastest. Tez has a skills package that allowed him to reach a level many will never attain. For every guy that accomplishes what Tez has, there are another 500 guys who think they could be MotoGP champ with the right break. Those guys are all underfunded club racers, and they'll never be anything else. Tez had the balls to go out and MAKE his dream happen. Most guys just sit around and talk.
Well put K3. I have watched other friends go to the national level as well. It is a lot tougher than anyone can believe. Tez did really well.
Props from me.
QuoteWhat really gets me is Super Dave has not posted to this thread yet :o
LOL! I was over at WERA having fun...
Business.
The way I see it, Tez and some individuals were the people that got MJ involved. Great!
So, you get paid by having a program for a couple of years that is your payment for being a consultant...introducing people.
CCE is involved.
CCE is involved with anything that MJ does. As the potential rises, so do the sharks. Those who are instrumental, but not still necessary, are eliminated from the equation as those with the ears of others try to pull the purse springs.
Many AMA racers have had to generate their own purse strings. There should be an amount of grief that is involved in competition...it's kind of like fine wine. One usually can get a better racer from a stressed enviornment.
I remember Yates and his dad running around in a Dodge Maxi van.
The cost of association can be detrimental to a product. The MJ team wants to win. The sponsorship dollars moves that forward. Tez's performance is basically known. I would have wished that he did better. I think that he's ridden better at local events in years past. I don't think his performance at the National level has been completely represetative of what he is capable of, but I don't think that his results would have necessarily been substantially better.
I think that given the proper input and coaching that he would have done better both years. Some were speculating that Tez would do better because of the input from other riders on the team, and I discounted that because riders need to go do their thing during the weekend. Kind of like when someone asks for me to follow them during practice...well, yeah, for a moment, but I've got work to do too...I want to go faster, and I need to focus and break things on the set up to see what I need to do to make me go faster.
QuoteDon't get me wrong , I do agree with you .. My point is I don't want to see him stop racing because he has gotten to a dream point that most of us have not. He should still go for his next dream to podium or a win in AMA.
It happens to a lot of people.
I don't see that he could have gotten a podium spot with the riding that he did in the AMA series.
I didn't see anything in his riding or attitude in club racing that would have necessarily shown me that he was capable of that either.
I can hope for it, and a rider always has an opportunity to make changes, IF THEY CAN, to make themselves faster.
Podium finishes are far and few between.
Many, many, many, many riders have good intentions. Opportunities are open and closed on many fronts. For most, the financial opportunities are the hardest. Tez had that door opened for him. That opportunity was available but it didn't change the result.
My hopes?
Tez was a lot of fun. I didn't hang out with him, and he didn't hang out with me.
Tez has more knowledge now that he did before this journey. He's valuable. As a rider you can go away, or you can do something else. He can ride. I recognize some of his strengths, and his weeknesses. He's still a racer.
I'd love to see him race. Somewhere, someplace. Because of what he's done, he's a meaningful part of the road racing community. Tez...go find and R6, toss some tires on it and keep it simple. He'll go tear-as$ing by me on the brakes heading into seven, and I'll think that he isn't going to make it while I try to get under his apex...
From experience, the emotional trauma alone from doing a full AMA program is really hard. Knowing who you don't trust, what's bs, and recognizing that sometimes your very best often isn't good enough can be draining.
With that, I can understand why he would walk away after doing something that most can only dream of. But in the midst of the dream, sometimes it's a nightmare.
QuoteHe should still go for his next dream to podium or a win in AMA.
Even with all the money in the world, sometimes our best is not enough...even with more skills.
Yeah, Mladin puts on his pants just like we all do, but he's Mat Mladin. It's a different set of skills, experiences, etc.
Did anyone consider it might be Tez's decision?
And for reasons beyond our business? ;)
Good point.
If I put myself in that position, I don't think I'd want it to be honest. Granted Tez is much faster & more experienced than I, but here are my thoughts.
If I was offerred an expenses paid ride on a top sattelite AMA team tomorrow (yeah, right) , I think I'd have to turn it down. Bypassing multiple levels of competetion and jumping into the deep end of the pool would not likely enhance my skills much. Would more likely frustrate and scare me to death running with the top guys in the country (arguably the world).
If I was a naturally gifted rider, who went out and set the world on fire on every machine I'd ever ridden the story might be different.
Maybe a phased approach would've been better?
1. 1st year, Sponsored CCS effort, good equipment, some testing, wrench support etc.
Things went well?
2. 2nd year, bump to FUSA, associated upgrade in equipment, personnell, etc.
Things still going well?
3. 3rd year Bump to AMA, and national glory???
If Jordan's got the interest in helping his friends progress through the ranks AND winning, maybe his program should extend down from the top-flight series through the FUSA and club level.
As much as I'm not a NASCAR fan, the big teams there seam to really know how to develop their talent. The top cup organizations also have Busch teams, Truck teams, ASA, etc.
It's frustrating to me that riders in roadracing have to bankrupt themselves to even have a shot at catching the eye of the people running the "full ride" teams.
As the sport grows, I hope that the benefits will start to trickle down to the less visible, and local series' so that those with out great financial resources or connections will have a chance to live the dream.
That was a very thought-provoking response, Ridgeway. Well said.
Lets hope Tez keeps riding! I don't know him personally but it would suck to hear he quit, hopefully he show's his face in the club scene again and keeps riding because he loves the sport. That's why he started riding and racing in the first place rite?
These have been the best posts i've seen on this board in a long time.
If Tez did decide to stop for what ever reason I know he has got to be going threw some tuff times.
But he still needs to ride some why some how.
Truth be told: I started this post for a reason. There are not many blks that have gotten to that level. A few years ago there were very few blks on the track or in the pits for TDs. We all need role models/ people to see the say "yes I can try to better my self to get to that level" I may not get there but I can try. Localy here in MA there" NED Brown, Sean, AJ, Storyteller and a few others. At the AMA level there is Tez and Aj and ned and stroyteller run at VIR.
I talk to my "kids in my ride for life programs about " trying to be there best no matter what. I tell them about Ned, Tez and the others. Super dave was the tpoic of conversation last week. Why you ask.. Becasue we talked about how some people that you don't even know can become your friend and part of your family becasue that are good people that care and want to help you and they even though they don't know you from adam.
So Tez is a role mode and he probably never even knew it. So I I say thank you Tez from my Kids 8-17 from DC Ride again some how
As I said before, Tez and I are friends. Therefore, I've had chances to discuss much of this with him. Out of respect for Tez, I wouldn't repeat those conversations here. But I will gaurantee you that Tez KNOWS EXACTLY how much of a role model he's been. Tez has invested a lot of his time while working for Jordan on exactly this. He and I have talked about all the appearences he's done to inspire the kids and spread the word through the black community about racing.
Regardless of what comes next for Tez, his contributions to this sport and to the black community are beyond reproach.
Really, considering that Tez made it to the top level, became nationally known, has been a role model to many, and had a good time in the process, what has he got to be ashamed of? Hell, as a rider he could even run a whole race and still be on the same lap with the best riders America has to offer! I'd be damn proud to have accomplished so much myself!
QuoteThese have been the best posts i've seen on this board in a long time.
If Tez did decide to stop for what ever reason I know he has got to be going threw some tuff times.
But he still needs to ride some why some how.
Truth be told: I started this post for a reason. There are not many blks that have gotten to that level. A few years ago there were very few blks on the track or in the pits for TDs. We all need role models/ people to see the say "yes I can try to better my self to get to that level" I may not get there but I can try. Localy here in MA there" NED Brown, Sean, AJ, Storyteller and a few others. At the AMA level there is Tez and Aj and ned and stroyteller run at VIR.
I talk to my "kids in my ride for life programs about " trying to be there best no matter what. I tell them about Ned, Tez and the others. Super dave was the tpoic of conversation last week. Why you ask.. Becasue we talked about how some people that you don't even know can become your friend and part of your family becasue that are good people that care and want to help you and they even though they don't know you from adam.
So Tez is a role mode and he probably never even knew it. So I I say thank you Tez from my Kids 8-17 from DC Ride again some how
Thanks Smoke. Tez did well and should be givin props for that. I'm sure it wasn't easy out there for him being one of the only Black guys at any given track and under the spotlight as well. But beyond that he is a good rider! Yes he may not have been the fast AMA rider but he seems to me to be getting faster and still is plenty faster than most club guys.
I get a little aggravated that people write him off, the same people who have no idea what it takes to run up front at any level let alone at the AMA level. We'll never know but I would think that taking a good, solid club guy and throwing him in the deep end at the AMA, he has done better than most would have.
Role model, definitely.
Also...
The other day at a NESBA trackday I was asked if NESBA had any other black control riders. (I'm the only one that I know.)
When we looked around there were a few more black guys at the trackday than normal and I said, "not right now but if it keeps growing like this, there will be." I was also asked if more guys are starting to come out and race, (Tez' name was brought up) and there are.
With more participation and guys getting faster and faster, it will trickle down and run the gamit from AMA to even working with a trackday organization. It just takes a little time.
Now it's not something you can measure but with guys like Tez out there exposing the sport to a number of guys who could care less about racing or even trackdays, I think it will have a influence everywhere. Jordan and guys like him aren't the olny role models, there are alot of other at every level, and Tez is one of them.
For all the haters I look forward to reading about Tez doing well at a local track near you. :)
I must say i have always defended Tez in post bashing him. I dont know him but i know the talent it even takes to qualify. That Tez would rip it up at a club level race.
I will also say Tez in one of the nicest and easy to talk to people in the padock. Everytime i see him he is smiling and taking to someone. He represents Jordan very well off the bike. I think that is important.
I would hope Jordan offers him some level of support next year, be it ama or club level.
After reading this, I realized something interesting: I'm also a friend of Tez's, as well as a fan. But it never really mattered to me that he was black. He's just such a d@mn nice guy. I put people in catagories based on how they present themselves as people. Tez is always friendly, forthright and humble. The fact that he is black is secondary.
However, within the black community, to have someone like Tez in a such a visible position can only enhance the lives of others.
I love that this sport is becoming so diverse, whether it be women riders, black riders, riders of other or mixed ethnicities, just gives it all more flavor.
Tez, I know you lurk here sometimes. We love you...so come on back and race F-USA and CCS, and bring all that you've learned at Jordan if it's in your future to keep racing.
It's just a damned shame that there is so little support available at the club level...
:-/
QuoteIt's just a damned shame that there is so little support available at the club level...
:-/
There is support for the local events , it's called contingency! Funny thing is you have to earn it by finishing in the top 3 in most cases. The problem is most racers feel they should be entitled to support just because they show up! We support some local racers that earned it over the years. Jim
Jim,
Yes, contingency is there and it's a great piece of assistance. However, a bit of interest from the manufacturers and supporters in the form of parts support, etc would go a LONG way.
Earning support is key, and I wouldn't expect/suggest anything else. However, (contingency aside) there really isn't any to earn! In Canada, there are many different classes of roadracing, and to my understanding, the factories play a bit part in each of them in different manners.
From simple discounts, to parts budgets to full bikes...
I truly believe that the investment could pay off for larger companies...
This guy has the answer!
http://media.skoopy.com/vids/vid_00829.wmv
I know Tez pretty good and he is one of the nicest guys I had met through racing....seriously.
As far as Tez's riding.....he could skin the bacon off the back of 99 percent of the racers on this bbs.
He's a talented racer! 8)
QuoteI know Tez pretty good and he is one of the nicest guys I had met through racing....seriously.
As far as Tez's riding.....he could skin the bacon off the back's of 99 percent of the racers on this bbs.
He's a talented racer! 8)
MMmmmmmm. You said bacon... ;D
Alexa,Princess said you should spend more time working like her and less time online!
QuoteAlexa,Princess said you should spend more time working like her and less time online!
tell the Princess, that that is the funniest $hit i've read all day. ;D
Tell Princess I said I'll be hanging on to her "special delivery" until she behaves. :P
She said keep it , you are the most wonderful mother and she wants you to have it!
QuoteShe said keep it , you are the most wonderful mother and she wants you to have it!
Where is my daughter and what have you done with her? :o ;D
QuoteAfter reading this, I realized something interesting: I'm also a friend of Tez's, as well as a fan. But it never really mattered to me that he was black. He's just such a d@mn nice guy. I put people in catagories based on how they present themselves as people. Tez is always friendly, forthright and humble. The fact that he is black is secondary.
Wouldn't it be nice if the world shared that view? It's too bad that it would be an issue at all, good or bad.
All in All....
I wish I had an AMA season....
between my boy, Tez and Me...
Glad one of us had the experience...
40
QuoteBut it never really mattered to me that he was black. He's just such a d@mn nice guy. I put people in catagories based on how they present themselves as people. Tez is always friendly, forthright and humble. The fact that he is black is secondary.
Bingo!
QuoteIt's just a damned shame that there is so little support available at the club level...
:-/
Try racing at the AMA level and see what that costs. Yeah, you might get some more support, but the expenses and commitment are many times more than the club level.
I'm with Jim, Jeff.
There is a huge new swing in the "ideal" of entitlement. If I want money, I just have to commit to knocking Jensen off the top spot.
There isn't a huge market base of individuals to advertise too. Now, if you could motivate people to some see you, etc...then you can market it.
Yes, could Tez have made the decision to do something else. Where's Tezboogie?
I havent talked to Tez since this, but hope he stay n the sport.
Regarding OEM support. The manufacturrers have budgets just like everyone else. Suzuki still pays the depest and rewards you for being competive. How many other manufacturers host an event like the Suzuki cup finals that pays a bunch of cash.
However, the motorcycle industry that none of us are getting rich at. Do you honestly think asking someone for sponsorship and you'll "thank them during your CCS race weekend win will get you any help?" In the end it all comes down to return on investment. Nobody shows up at at CCS weekend to spectate that isn't associated with a rider.
Be creative and go promote the industry out in the community. Why do you think I get sponsorship from American Suzuki? I've been able to enjoy the other side of the coin now and get sponsorship requests from people and its entertaining to say the least. rust I've made the same mistakes and its an extremely expensive and arduus task running at the AMA level. Guess what it takes to run a 2 rider team, it will blow your mind.
Trust me I'm still learning from my mistakes, however quit whining about sponsorship and do something to promote the product sponsors that you have. Tehy aren't going to give you cash unless they see a track record from you of things you have done. I would say that Stumpy is proabably one of the best guys that I have seen lately going above the call of just thanking his sponsors at the track.
Foremost, if you are racing for fun at the club level, plan on spending it on your own dime. If you want to reach the AMA level you have to be willing to spend a buttload of money and be willing to look at it as ian investmnt just like going to college with no guaaranteed return.
IF you are going to spend that kind of money, be dedicated and seek the advice of people who have been around the sport for several years. Trust me...you shorten your learning curve and save a bunch of money in the checkbook. Fortunately, Jim has been a good source of information for me and saved me a bunch of money. However, I've still made decisions this year that have cost me a lot of money that I won't make again.
Its a tough sport and be willing to put in the work or simply write the check for fun. In the end, I still think its the coolest job/sport ont he face of the earth and I woulnd't trade it for anything.
From the guy that followed a program...
Years ago when CART was so good and they were the INDY 500, the program was so good because the teams worked hard. It wasn't because the organization promoted so much. The teams recognized that if they made an impact, they would reap rewards.
FUSA bought TV time for a race they had at Pocono in, I think, 2000. Great ratings, but they never carried on. The 2000 FUSA racing was great. It was a real alternative to AMA road racing.
So, if you're gonna "make it", you've got a couple of ways to do it.
You can be a Denning or a Jensen and go win contingency money. Good money there too. No dealer autograph sessions, etc.
Or you can bang your head against the wall and try to play in the big show. If you have a program, hey, it's the place to get your program some recognition.
Hey kevin your in Italy go have fun! stay off the darn Computer! jim
Actually I'm in Nice, France right now stuck trying to get to the MotoGp race.
I was typing on an Italian keyboard and it makes typing a little tougher.
Looks like I'm going to London tonight and then to Valencia in the morning. I hadnt put London on the travel list but it should be cool.....
Can we run the raceshop from Italy, I want to live there! Caio!
QuoteActually I'm in Nice, France right now stuck trying to get to the MotoGp race.
Your not in the middle of the rioting in France are you Kevin?
Rioting?
Is it about deodorant or something?
QuoteActually I'm in Nice, France right now stuck trying to get to the MotoGp race.
I was typing on an Italian keyboard and it makes typing a little tougher.
Looks like I'm going to London tonight and then to Valencia in the morning. I hadnt put London on the travel list but it should be cool.....
Can we run the raceshop from Italy, I want to live there! Caio!
Whoa, sweet, did you get to see the Bol d Or?
QuoteRioting?
Is it about deodorant or something?
I just about blew my coffee out my nose! ;D
If it seems like I'm "whining" about my sponsorships, I'm obviously not conveying my point very well.
For what it's worth, my sponsors typically report a 4-10x ROI on my sponsorships (which have been quite well I must add).
QuoteActually I'm in Nice, France right now stuck trying to get to the MotoGp race.
I was typing on an Italian keyboard and it makes typing a little tougher.
Looks like I'm going to London tonight and then to Valencia in the morning. I hadnt put London on the travel list but it should be cool.....
Can we run the raceshop from Italy, I want to live there! Caio!
Hey Kevin you didn't cause any of that rioting?
What rioting? I was in the south of France (dont bother going there, way better places to visit). Flew to London last night. Went out and had some cocktails and man that place is fun!!
Nice to be able to speak to people who speak english and I can read all of the signs. Just when my italian was improving. Actually, its amazing how easy it is to get around Europe without being fluent in the language.
Met some really kicka$$ people on this trip. I'm at the airport getting ready to fly to Valencia. I'll check back later with you all from the MotoGp round. I guess I should start my own thread and not jack this one...eh.
Ciao!
Jacked...
K3 Chris Onweiler.. I just sent you an email.....
QuoteWhat rioting? I was in the south of France (dont bother going there, way better places to visit).
Ask Rhiannon about riding through the south of France with a local sportbike club. She had a blast!
QuoteK3 Chris Onweiler.. I just sent you an email.....
Try again, Lone Wolf. I'd changed my e mail address, but didn't update my member profile here. I just made the change now, so you can get ahold of me if you try again. Your first message went to a dead account.
K3..... ok, email resent to your existing email addy. ;D
Chris, thank you for your response, i sent you another email as well.