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Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: truckstop on October 04, 2010, 11:22:22 PM

Title: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 04, 2010, 11:22:22 PM
So, I've heard that Femmoto was a two year deal.

Any word if there will still be a women's class, at least Middleweight, for 2011?
Since it's run with F40, besides the money spend on unclaimed trophies, is there much of an additional expense for running an unpopular class?

We received shiny new health insurance cards today, so I'm planning for next season. :)
I sold the Hawk, but still have the 600, however I'm not interested in running co-ed middleweight, and by next summer I'm still 4 years off from F40. Maybe I just need to HTFU.
I do know of a couple of girls with 600s that are toying with the idea of racing next year. No guarantees, but it'd be nice to still have the class.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: twilkinson3 on October 05, 2010, 11:27:20 AM
I think you'd find the MW and HW ranks in the coed dept not a bad thing assuming the grids don't suddenly get full, but here's hoping you have the femmoto races to run next year, it'll be good to see you 2 back at the track
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: DJChyk on October 05, 2010, 01:37:09 PM
I do hope they keep the class.  Having a female-only race option was one reason I got my license, though I did race LWF40, too.  As someone new to racing, the idea of getting stuffed in a corner by some testosterone-ravaged guy trying to prove he could beat a "girl" was not thrilling.  (Having been out there for a season, I now know that's not a typical scenario.) 

Unfortunately, in our region (GP), there were generally only 2 of us running Femmoto, one expert & one noob on a dinosaur (me).  Didn't make for exciting races for either of us (though I did become adept at getting lapped - lol).  BTW, Femmoto runs with Thunderbike in GP.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: HAWK on October 05, 2010, 01:58:16 PM
Good the hear you two will be back next year.

It's rules time right now so get all your girlfriends together and make sure Kevin hears you. I know you have a couple that were racing pretty regularly here in the MW and I think there were a couple on the fence that maybe you could convince to take the plunge. If you all voice support that's what makes it happen.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 05, 2010, 05:52:52 PM
I've been out of the loop this season, so I guess I don't actually know who the girls were paired with. It may have been Thunderbike in the MidWest as well.

Two seasons ago there was exactly one girl riding in the lightweight class in the MidWest, that would be me... and there was nobody this year, besides Tea once on a borrowed bike. I've got a nice stack of participation awards to show for it, although it was still fun riding with ULWSB.

This year it looks like participation was pretty spotty.

I know of one girl with a 750 who sounds like she may consider getting a license, in which case I'd be happy to ride in the heavyweight classes with her.

Anyway, I can probably get some unguaranteed commitments out of three or four girls to get licenses next year, but can't make any promises. I doubt that's enough for CCS.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: HAWK on October 05, 2010, 08:08:07 PM
Have them send Kevin a letter, if they are thinking about it he needs to know. If they show no interest then there will be no class. Meghan, Tea and Tanya did as many weekends as I did, start writing letters.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: backMARKr on October 05, 2010, 09:26:38 PM
Quote from: DJChyk on October 05, 2010, 01:37:09 PM
Unfortunately, in our region (GP),......runs with Thunderbike in GP.

I don't think I would worry too much about the GP region for 2011....
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Supergirl on October 06, 2010, 09:32:02 AM
I plan on running Femmoto next year, given they keep the class. :-)
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Supergirl on October 06, 2010, 09:32:52 AM
Oh, and we almost made it to 6 entries at RA this year... :D

Wish I could have run the last two BHF weekends..
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: DJChyk on October 06, 2010, 12:26:52 PM
Quote from: truckstop on October 05, 2010, 05:52:52 PM
I've been out of the loop this season, so I guess I don't actually know who the girls were paired with. It may have been Thunderbike in the MidWest as well.

They ran it with F40 the last round at Blackhawk ;)
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: DJChyk on October 06, 2010, 12:42:27 PM
Quote from: Supergirl on October 06, 2010, 09:32:52 AM
Oh, and we almost made it to 6 entries at RA this year... :D

Wish I could have run the last two BHF weekends..

Missed you at BHF!!

Quote from: backMARKr on October 05, 2010, 09:26:38 PM
I don't think I would worry too much about the GP region for 2011....

Guess we'll see. It would be a shame if they did.  A lot of good people just want to enjoy racing without driving 10 hours & taking two days off from work.  I hate to see all the "doom & gloom" predictions about the demise of the GP region & CCS in general.  All the negativity achieves nothing.  I've been pit crew/spectator for a number of years & just started racing this past season, so my perspective is different than some, I'm sure.  Grids were light this year because of the ROC debacle, hurt feelings and the economy.  Unfortunately it only takes a few to poison the waterhole.

Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: twilkinson3 on October 06, 2010, 01:53:55 PM
Someone just remember to twist Shelly's arm in the offseason (I nominate Tea and Tera...) - that lady needs to come play....

MW has been running the almost/non existant Femmoto rounds at BFR same as last year Jen, I seriously would get letters of intent from the ladies out to kevin to keep it going (you know us testosterone laden blitzkreig captains are always rooting for you ladies...after all it beats the hell outa looking at Laconte 8-)p )
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Knightslugger on October 08, 2010, 11:27:22 AM
can i run with the girls? i wont put up much of a fight, honest...
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Cowboy 6 on October 08, 2010, 12:41:45 PM
I tried that this year   ::: Didn't work ! :ass:(http://www.csbracing.com/bio/jwc/gallery/large/jwc20100923-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: benprobst on October 08, 2010, 02:32:37 PM
Quote from: DJChyk on October 06, 2010, 12:42:27 PM
Missed you at BHF!!

Guess we'll see. It would be a shame if they did.  A lot of good people just want to enjoy racing without driving 10 hours & taking two days off from work.  I hate to see all the "doom & gloom" predictions about the demise of the GP region & CCS in general.  All the negativity achieves nothing.  I've been pit crew/spectator for a number of years & just started racing this past season, so my perspective is different than some, I'm sure.  Grids were light this year because of the ROC debacle, hurt feelings and the economy.  Unfortunately it only takes a few to poison the waterhole.



By a lot do you mean 14?
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: funsizeracing on October 08, 2010, 06:45:39 PM
I still have mixed feelings on this class.  I don't want it to go away, but I don't support it either.   I know I can't have both.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: tstruyk on October 08, 2010, 09:19:19 PM
is this another time for some to argue adding more classes depletes already small grids?  IMO racers are racers... not male or female, just another person I need to beat... The only broad I've ever run against is as tough if not a tougher competitor than any of the guys I run against... fuckin midgets.   :ass:  when she beats me the only complaint I have is she only weighs 42 lbs and can actually gety UNDER the windscreen... standing up!  Her AM year she cut her teeth punting a kid by the name of probst at the bus stop at topeka... but i wont name any names...

ok seriously though... yeah its kinda cool, but really... kinda goin backwards IMO.  I dunno, either you are a racer or youre not.  Thinking of the gals that race regularily around these parts... none of them need their own class... Caudle, stiles (ryan), Apple (spooner) Paris... I dunno, I guess its a less "intimidating" introduction to racing, but... I dunno.    I dont think its necessary... but it doesnt impact me either way.  Good for you if you get it, I just dont see the need.  Come race with the boys, we typically dont bite unless provocted.  Just watch out for Speedy after his third beer and a rogue clothes stealing bear...   

BTW... rockin my pink bracelet this month!   :cheers:
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: tstruyk on October 08, 2010, 09:20:41 PM
 
Quote from: Cowboy 6 on October 08, 2010, 12:41:45 PM
I tried that this year   ::: Didn't work ! :ass:(http://www.csbracing.com/bio/jwc/gallery/large/jwc20100923-5.jpg)

thats awesome... wish I had thought of that
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: skiandclimb on October 11, 2010, 03:23:34 PM
The following is my wife's opinion, and her's alone, but I thought it was interesting enough to post up her female perspective...

"Why is there a "girl only" series with CCS? You can't come into a male-dominated sport and just expect them to make a special class for you. If you want to race- you should race, regardless of sex. Anyways, aren't there a bunch of girls who can already kick the boy's asses?  The bike doesn't care if you're a guy or a girl...just race!"   End quote.

Timmay- watch out, she's also a midget!!!!

Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Cowboy 6 on October 11, 2010, 06:23:24 PM
My wife said the same thing.

Now that we are quoting women, I have to say that it is pretty much what I  have been thinking all along as well.

Kind of like Miss Black America...
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: skiandclimb on October 11, 2010, 10:41:18 PM
WET: White Entertainment Television. Can't do it....too racist.  :jerkoff:
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 11, 2010, 11:42:53 PM
I've honestly always been torn about it. I don't think it's necessary, a racer is gonna race, but still supported it because of the potential to draw more women to the sport. It was also a good opportunity for some of the fast girls to make some money.

Was it successful? I'm not sure. Bad economy when all the other classes are floundering anyway is maybe a bad time to judge.

That all said, I'm more comfortable racing with F40, Thunderbike, and Lightweights, than I am racing with a field of AM Middleweights.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: tstruyk on October 12, 2010, 09:06:06 AM
QuoteThat all said, I'm more comfortable racing with F40, Thunderbike, and Lightweights, than I am racing with a field of AM Middleweights.

Is there anyone thats comfortable racing in a field of AM MW's???   :ahhh:

turn 40 and buy an SV  :biggrin:

Kuhn your wife rocks!   :cheers:  We need to get out for some single track!
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: spyderchick on October 12, 2010, 10:33:41 AM
Quote from: truckstop on October 11, 2010, 11:42:53 PM
I've honestly always been torn about it. I don't think it's necessary, a racer is gonna race, but still supported it because of the potential to draw more women to the sport. It was also a good opportunity for some of the fast girls to make some money.

Was it successful? I'm not sure. Bad economy when all the other classes are floundering anyway is maybe a bad time to judge.

That all said, I'm more comfortable racing with F40, Thunderbike, and Lightweights, than I am racing with a field of AM Middleweights.

I feel the same way, I never minded running with the guys (LW) and Rhiannon ran with the guys in a variety of classes, including 600s both at the club and pro level. Neither of us ever had a women's class to run in, so I don't know if we would have.

It takes a certain type of personality to race, and we still have a mental glass ceiling amongst women. Racing is one sport where you can be equal and being smaller is not necessarily a handicap. The big thing is getting over the fear of crashing and getting hurt. If a female is doing trackdays, once they are comfortable handling the bike, they should be able to race. I think many doubt themselves and their abilities, but the guys who've never raced are in the same boat, they're just less hesitant about taking the next step. I think if some of these women see it in a different light, they might be more likely to move over to racing. Some may be having a blast doing trackdays, and that's fine too.

Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: funsizeracing on October 12, 2010, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: tstruyk on October 08, 2010, 09:19:19 PM
IMO racers are racers... not male or female, just another person I need to beat... The only broad I've ever run against is as tough if not a tougher competitor than any of the guys I run against... fuckin midgets.   :ass:  when she beats me the only complaint I have is she only weighs 42 lbs and can actually gety UNDER the windscreen... standing up!  Her AM year she cut her teeth punting a kid by the name of probst at the bus stop at topeka... but i wont name any names...


You make me sound like some crazed road racing version of Jojo Bits.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels the class is unnecessary.  I came under a lot of pressure from the other girls to run the class this year, but I have a hard time supporting a class that I feel hurts women in racing more than it helps.

Unless you're trying to break a bolt loose, man-size largeness doesn't really help.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 01:06:28 PM
Quote from: tstruyk on October 12, 2010, 09:06:06 AMIs there anyone thats comfortable racing in a field of AM MW's???   :ahhh:
Ha! That's my point! Now that I have a 600, and no LW bike, I'm guessing I'll go to HW.

Quote from: tstruyk on October 12, 2010, 09:06:06 AMturn 40 and buy an SV  :biggrin:
I have four years to go!
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 01:25:54 PM
Quote from: funsizeracing on October 12, 2010, 11:53:25 AMI have a hard time supporting a class that I feel hurts women in racing more than it helps.

Is this because it gives the impression that women *need* their own class?

It was super frustrating talking to spectators that had never been to an event before making the assumption that the women all raced in the women's class only, and there was a bit of shock when I pointed out Meg in one of the regular classes.

On the other hand, I've never gotten the impression that it hurts...much... any more than having an F40 class for "old people". There are fast old people, as there are (err) fast women.

I'm still curious to know if there are women who started racing because of the class.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: tstruyk on October 12, 2010, 02:05:30 PM
Quote from: funsizeracing on October 12, 2010, 11:53:25 AM
You make me sound like some crazed road racing version of Jojo Bits.


SSSSSHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!  I was trying not to name any names...
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: spyderchick on October 12, 2010, 03:14:56 PM
Quote from: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 01:25:54 PM


I'm still curious to know if there are women who started racing because of the class.

Good question. I'd like to know as well.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: twilkinson3 on October 12, 2010, 03:29:49 PM
Like I said Jen assuming not much changes try the MW round at the season openner next year...with densities where they have been I don't know you'd have a real problem with that crowd anymore (yes it's still scarier than LW but fug there's going to be like what 4 amateurs in LWSS next year????)
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 03:43:18 PM
Good point T. Easier to keep an eye on dodgy riders when there's only 5 people on the grid.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: funsizeracing on October 12, 2010, 05:03:10 PM
Quote from: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 01:25:54 PM
Is this because it gives the impression that women *need* their own class?


I'm still curious to know if there are women who started racing because of the class.

Yes, I think that's a pretty good description of why I don't like it.

Someone should start a poll.

How many women won't race if the class is gone?
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: SoudersD on October 14, 2010, 10:09:21 AM
Quote from: truckstop on October 11, 2010, 11:42:53 PMThat all said, I'm more comfortable racing with F40, Thunderbike, and Lightweights, than I am racing with a field of AM Middleweights.

Tell me abou it. Having my AM ULSB class combined with AM MWGP was what got me into trouble at NJMP Lightning last time out. Came up on some slower MW's while leading ULSB, tried to take the outside to set up for the inside on the next corner when one of the MW guys stood it up mid-corner and ran me off track. I don't know why they didn't just combine us with Supertwins like usual. :rollseyes:

Quote from: skiandclimb on October 11, 2010, 10:41:18 PM
WET: White Entertainment Television. Can't do it....too racist.  :jerkoff:

They already have that, except it's called CMT.  :biggrin:

Quote from: Cowboy 6 on October 08, 2010, 12:41:45 PM
I tried that this year   ::: Didn't work ! :ass:

Haha, I think I saw you as you pulled off the grid.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: DJChyk on October 15, 2010, 06:05:35 PM
Quote from: spyderchick on October 12, 2010, 03:14:56 PM
Good question. I'd like to know as well.
Quote from: truckstop on October 12, 2010, 01:25:54 PM
I'm still curious to know if there are women who started racing because of the class.
It was one of, but not the only, reason I got my license.  Being slow, new & having an older bike, I wasn't competitive in much other than LWF40 (and not even there, as it turned out), so at least it gave me another option to get out there. 

When I was first approached I was told FM paid no matter your finish.  Found out that was a only an inaugural year perk.  I'm indifferent to the class continuing.
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: skiandclimb on October 16, 2010, 10:14:25 PM
Quote from: funsizeracing on October 12, 2010, 11:53:25 AM
Unless you're trying to break a bolt loose, man-size largeness doesn't really help.

I can think of a couple times my "man-size largeness" has helped me out.... :spank:  :lmao:
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: MegRyan on October 21, 2010, 05:16:33 PM
I'd prefer not to race the class because I find myself just riding around more as a practice then I do racing. I did run the class though so that it would stick around. I do agree to a point that there shouldn't be a NEED to have the class. If you want to race your going to race no matter what.

But motocross has had a Women's class for as long as I've been racing, I haven't done any research on it to see how long it has been around. The Women that race motocross don't get told there any less of a racer because they have their own class so why should we.

So if Women start road racing only because there is a Women's class then so be it. Don't judge!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Women's Class
Post by: Carnag3 on October 24, 2010, 06:57:58 PM
I know 3 girls that are pretty quick and do not like running the Femmoto class, they prefer to run in the regular MW and HW classes. 

Meg your fast saw you at Summit battling it out with Rachel this year :P