That is as funny as it may be accurate
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This why I am proposing, (and financing), a shoot out race between CMRA and WERA sprint racers at (hopefully) the combined event at Hallett next year. Noting is better for sport than rivalry. Once it is set in motion it takes on a force of its own. I want it to be an invitational with no entry to the competitors, more than 8 laps, perhaps a qualifying session for grid or based on season points. Top expert racers from both clubs, maybe 20-25 shoot it out for a $3000 purse. If either club sweeps the podium, the money doubles.
Suggestions?
No TWS but I will be at MSRC on the 24th. I need to get a solid layout of how to run this in order to send proposals to both CMRA and WERA.
When I was a young racer I was sliding all over the track one race morning and then staring at a slightly blistered rear tire knowing that I was capable of finishing higher than I would that day. I had about decided that what I spent to get there was not worth the fun I would get out of lapping with the foremost thoughts being just not crashing, when a kindly voice from behind me commented on its condition. I shrugged my shoulders and told him I would make do and try to stay up. He asked me how long I had been racing and I told him it was my first year. Honestly I shouldn't have been out there on the money I made, with a 1 year old son and new(ish) wife. I had only begun to make the kind of money that, by eating Ramen at work everyday, could muster the cash to go racing. I would have been happy with just tracking it if that had been available but in those days but, pre-Lone Star and Ride Smart, that was the only path to an open track.
After some more polite yet concerning conversation he asked if I had the gear to remove the rear wheel. I did and he told me if I wanted he would be happy to get me another one. I absolutely did not know what to say. As passionate as I was about racing and how much I loved taking turns horizontal, it was like the best gift and the kindest act anyone had bestowed. After some insistence on his part I went with him to the Dunlop truck and was soon donned with new rubber to line the inside of my rim with. The day was saved and I had four great races with some great action with my old riding dawg Eddie Burk.
The mans name was Brooks Gremmels.
A few years later, I somehow managed to get Brooks on the phone in my effort to find out how much the awards dinner costs where my hero Colin Edwards II was to accept his HOF award. It was just a couple of months after Colin had that epic battle at Imola and won the championship and I wanted to be there so bad. That was post-911 and my lively hood was shot in the head. My race bike long sold and funds too short for the trip. When he asked for my address I though it was for some kind of mailer. Then a few days later I received my paid invitation to the awards banquet.
Because of this kindness laid upon me by Brooks so long ago, now that I am surely past any prime of blistering competition that I feel compelled on the deepest level to give back to this club, this sport and to all its participants and supporters as much as I can. I am not rich or even well off. Just successful enough to throw some of my own money down do demonstrate that I believe in my own endeavors and ideas.
I believe, working together with those that share my passion to ultimately hear the National Anthem at a world event, to have an American World Champion and believe that the very little we do is making that a possibility again. How ever the smallest amount. Every grain of gun powder is needed to win the war.
More than I have money I have the ability to get others to believe in what I do. The money I put up is only a sign of confidence. When you walk in and say "I have a great idea for your money!" that is much different than saying, "I have a great idea with my own money, do you want in?"
More competitors with more sponsorship, purses for 1st through 10th in all major categories, creates better competition, brings more spectators, which brings even bigger sponsors which brings even bigger purses and the monster feeds itself. Though it will need constant tending to keep the scraps going back into the bowl, (i.e. people like me).
I think about it a lot. My first real attempt is this shootout race. With unanimous approval, I would like to call it the Brooks Gremmels shootout. A trophy only given when a club sweeps the podium. We will want to keep that and WERA will want to take it. Ok, experts. Who's game?
To Brooks! :cheers:
Jesse -- I don't think we have met before, but I want to encourage you to talk to the various Board members informally to test ideas and get initial feedback. On a proposal like yours I'm probably not the right guy, but I would be happy to listen. Our members like Danny, Ted and Ty that have a better sense for classes and structures would be great to talk to...
All of us tend to be pretty addicted to racing, so we are usually easy enough to chase down at any CMRA event... come say hi.
Like I like to say. MAN OH MAN OH MAN! Do I need some guidance. I was simply sitting at a track day and started a brainstorm that led to the whole idea. I honestly have no real experience within the classes, venues and boards to create a viable proposal. I will be competing at MSRC on the 24th, other than that I am dedicating the remainder of my involvement this year to doing exactly what you suggest.
It's going to take the advice and support of everyone from the top down to make this a success. I know that Connie at Hallett is certainly open to the event being held there and if it is a combined event like this year maybe we can get some to hold over for Sunday if we can get a good show going. I talk to the local riders here in Tulsa and they all want to do track time. Some want to race. But everyone I talk to would ride out for a big show on a Sunday.
I have set up a LLC for Race Ad nauseam race promotions, The business has half the capital required for the actual payout. When it is all there and I can literaly "put up or shut up" I will reach out to Danny, Ty, Ted, and anyone else that has the experience to give guidance.
Long ago I remember a Red River Shoot Out. I don't remember if it is the same idea I have now, but I think it was for good money and more than 8 laps.
Rumor confirmed:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...UF1Lo.facebook
As vague as this report seemed I imagine that they have a well sorted plan to go public with it. My problem is the cost for a youngster to ride a GP style bike. They killed two strokes and the four strokes are outrageous in price. Without manufacturer assistance this program that they develop will be tough for most parents. What would be there idea for a Moto 2 bike??