How can we make this better?

[Sobottka]

i think you should be in the top 10 (or 15...whatever) in any region to get an invite!!! it is the race of champions... not an "open" event 

[jer271]

your right rob the only thing is the turn out would be low.

[weggieman]

So you make it mandatory that a rider has to compete in at least 3 regional or two ASRA events in order to get an invite to the ROC. That at leasr makes them qualify in some way rather than just show up at Daytona and cherry pick.

And Russ, '07 is your year for top tens buddy. Is the bike back at Valley yet?

[kylbie]

im new to ccs as of this past season, but i think that something should be done as far as gridding by points.  some of us cant afford to pre reg for all the races.  other than that i like racing with ccs and will be there for 07 no matter what the rules say.

[cardzilla]

I agree with you totally on the time issues... grids, protests, etc.  It all boils down to TOO MANY CLASSES.  I don't understand why there are so many, I know that CCS wants to give everyone an opportunity to race, but surely you can expect them to conform to a tighter classing structure.  If someone really wants to race they'll enter a race regardless of how competitive their bike is.  If you're finishing mid pack in LW supertwins, what's the difference  in finishing mid pack in MW supersport?  Do we really need superbike AND grand prix?  They are essentially the same.  Pick one name or the other, allow the purpose built race bikes in it and call it a day.  Maybe entry fees will increase a bit, but they'll hopefully be offset by the higher contingencies available.  The same $ divided over fewer classes should allow bigger payouts and paying further back... not to mention you don't have to worry about grid minimums.

On the subject of pro riders competing I have a different view.  I like the opportunity to run with them.  In big money races (ROC) I think there should be a rule that they have done some other club races first, but that's it.  You'd be surprised, but most of those bikes aren't that much better than the ones you and I ride.  They are where they are because they are very talented, not vice versa.  Sure, all they worry about is racing and they don't deal with the headaches that we do, but if you want to be where they are you are going to have to run with them despite their advantages.  Look at what May did to get where he is! 

Other than the fewer classes thing there could be an improvement in the way CCS views their racing.  CCS officials all care about racing and the racers... no doubt.  It just seems, IMHO, that they don't realize what a marketable product they could have.  I know we race at a lot of non-spectator tracks, but we also race at a lot that do allow specatators.  Sure there are going to be a host of logistical issues, but if that's what it takes to make this sport less expensive (and, gasp, maybe even a little bit profitable), I'm game.  I know it's apples and oranges, but the Moto-ST event ran smooth as glass... with EXTRA practice time.  I could hear all the mayhem going on over the PA system for the CCS events and I felt for all of you. 

[russ1962]

I'm just like the Cubs: wait till next year...

The Mighty One is at Speedtech in Oshkosh, b'gosh.

Russ
5076

[goldwing70]

Many of the reasons we do this are the same, some are different.  I have been trying to grasp just how much better these nationally (and internationally) accomplished racers are, and seeing them in a race against people I recognize locally helps.  Some say this is unfair.  I find it very entertaining. 

[HandleThis66]

So, we have some good points.
1. Require racers to run a mandatory number of CCS races, or accumulate a certain number of points, to be invited to the ROC.
2. Grid by points throughout the season, not by pre/post entries.
3. Eliminate repeating classes.
4. Decline entry of CCS races if a racer holds a top ten points status in AMA Pro Racing, in any class, within a year of the event (including all CCS events, not just the ROC).
5. Utilize the ASRA pre-grid time as a buffer for red flag incident/weather related delays, to ensure qualifying sessions.
6. Implement marketing tactics into spectator events to generate interest/revenue.

One other thing I did overhear from a few of the ASRA racers during another race this season, was the grueling race schedule for Sunday's events. Racers competing in the contingency paying events seemed to be running a number of back to back races, with minimal time (less than sufficient) to get their bikes teched and off to their next race. It became a bit of a melee, with not much time for even a drink. I know of at least one racer that brought this up to race officials and am not sure if anything will be done about it. Just another coal to throw on the fire...something to mention about event scheduling in the future.

On the subject of pro riders competing, I have a different view.  I like the opportunity to run with them.

As for the pro's, that is why there is a national series. I don't have as much of a problem with pro's running a qualifying based race with ASRA, that is what it is there for. It is my understanding that the CCS races are based on a 'shootout' of the top running regional racers...hence the grid by points basis. Let the club racers that have worked hard all year long get the opportunity they deserve to win some money and a pretty trophy. Especially considering they have day jobs and can't concentrate on developing their riding 24/7. Leave club racing to the club racers...if you want to run with the 'big boys' enter the ASRA series, that's what it's there for.

All of these ideas, of course, are subject to modification. I am putting this out only because I have heard some very negative feedback within other racing organizations, CCS/ASRA racers themselves, and potential sponsors/contingency companies. I am just as guilty as the next to participate in the 'post race bitch session', and am finally taking the initiative.
As I don't have the time to follow up on all of this, considering this (currently) is no longer my primary competing association, I hope that someone will be able to continue with the effort.
Maybe a statement of change can be written up and sent to CCS/ASRA, and the ball can start to roll to make things better for everyone in 2007.

[Ducati23]

Why complain about who shows up to race?  If CCS & ASRA allow it, then it is allowed.  If a dealership or some private individual calls up an ex-GPSBKBSBMFJ whomever who hasn't raced in 10 years and offers them a chance to ride their personal - shop - exwhatever bike for a one off ride, what would any of you do?  By God you'd show up with your gear and have some fun. I see the guy who finished 2nd was club professional cherry picker for life Robert Jensen, jeez I feel bad that he lost a race and didn't get all the money.  I think it is cool to see former champions go out and have a little fun. Maybe it shows how high the bar should really be set?

[motobenco]

Don't raise the bar any higher I have trouble reaching my drink as it stands.

[clutch]

I agree that Geoff May shouldnt have been allowed in the CCS races.  He's riding a fully supported Suzuki Satellite Team bike.  I believe at the AMA Grand Championships, if you held a AMA license or any pro license you couldnt compete in some of the classes.  For Example, they had the normal Expert MWSS and then a Semi Pro class for the guys who had the pro licenses. 

[Clay]

On the too many classes issue, why not get rid of ALL of the superbike classes?  They don't pay manuf contingency and they're the same as the GP classes wich DO pay manuf contingency.