2009
08.31
08.31
The Institute for Advanced Motocross Studies has released their Five Year Plan for the future of outdoor motocross. Please see below for the PDF file.
Outdoor Motocross
The Institute for Advanced for Advanced Motocross Studies: A Five Year Plan – Download .pdf
Note: You’ll need a pdf reader to view the above document. Foxit Reader 3.0 or Adobe Reader
This is a great thing to come.We need the 2 strokes to help save this sport.Better for the younger riders,(makes better and safer riders) and helps with the cost.This is for everyone involved in motocross.I beleive that the womans class should continoue, as this is a great sport for the young woman.Thanks Ed Evans
While I value everyones opinions I have to disagree with the majority of “A Five Year Plan”. I believe MXSports has made huge positive steps to improve the sport. Most notably the switch to Saturday only Pro days. When first informed of the plan I was opposed to it but, after attenting 3 nationals this season I feel it’s a great improvement. I am an amatuer racer myself and mechanic for an up and coming rider who is trying to obtain his pro credentials. I have attended pro nationals every year for about 7 years. I even race the amatuer races on the same weekends. In years past the Sunday schedule was mostly down time allowing nothing more then the fans to sit and bake in the hot sun. There was a very long time between the practices and LCQ’s in the morning to the mains. Now with the saturday only setup there is almost always bikes on the track for spectators to watch. I have also talked to many of my freinds which agree thats the Saturday event makes it alot easier to get to. Most people have a decent drive to get to these remote tracks. Having a Sunday rest day before getting back to the hustle and bustle of the work week is only a good thing.
I for one am very impressed with the WMA races, the women have stepped it up bigtime. However, even with all the progress and speed they have made, they are still not able to run with the men. I am not putting them down in any way, at this time they are not running lap times on the same level as the men. I do believe that the top couple of women would be able to qualify in the mens race but they would be back of the pack riders. I beleive they deserve their own series and the are proving to be great roll models for young and old women everywhere and deserve to be treated as top riders. I feel that them having their own races is fantastic and deserved.
I do feel that a third class should be added for the young kids coming up that is a great idea.
As far as the 4-stroke vs. 2-stroke debate, that is a very touchy subject. Both have their ups and downs. But what I can say for sure is that we need new aftermarket companies to start making parts to create competetion and lower the prices. There definetely has to be more cominication between the public and the manufacturers.
That you for the oportunity to voice people opinions.
Thanks for putting this together. I agree with the end goal, but disagree on some things. Please consider the following:
My Thoughts
Racing Classes:
I don’t agree with the age thing. People dream, and that is good for the sport. How many people dream about playing professionally in their favorite sport? Lot’s of people.
In the back of my mind, I’m thinking that if I can get myself to that speed and fitness level, the door is open for me to race. For me, this adds something while I’m watching or riding motocross. And some riders/fans relate more to the 125 class where the age limits most apply.
If someone is able to qualify, he should be able to race. So, forget the upper age limit. Just limit to 2 Championships (win, then defend your title) or 3 top 5 seasons within 5 years. This only applies in the 125 (150) class.
The Women’s classes should continue as is. Women should also be able to ride the men’s classes if they so choose.
Classes:
125 2 Stroke / 175 4 Stroke. This should be fair and reasonable. I think 4 strokes will mostly go away in this class.
250 2 Stroke / 350 4 Stroke. The 4 may still have an advantage, maybe.
Open Class – I don’t think it works anymore. I would love to hear some opinions on this. Is this being done anywhere successfully?
By keeping the 125 class to 125′s (not 150′s) it makes the step from 80′s to the big bikes a little easier.
Womens Class – Leave it like it is now.
COMPETITIVENESS:
Don’t black flag someone if they get lapped. People get lapped for many reasons. If someone starts a race, they have a right to see it through to completion. Black flagging them is lame.
I like the requirement of a high school diploma. This fits with the 18 year old age requirement. There would need to be a temporary exception for when a rider turns 18 while still in his senior year. Maybe a grades requirement similar to other sports.
Works Bikes:
I have no idea. I would love to hear some opinions on this.
Track Designs:
I’d prefer if the tracks had fast sections and more technical sections. It seems right now that the tracks are designed for 4 strokes, wide open go fast all the time. It would be more interesting to add some turn and elevation change combinations.
Track Locations:
Adding some international venues sounds good on paper, but it would be rough for the privateers. Plus Europe already has a series, and I think adding 3 races a year is too much and unneccessary.
Canada would be fine. Just keep it in N. America.
Safety:
Amateur:
I’d like to see everyone where all protective gear available, but mostly because of cost, this should mainly be up to the rider.
Pro:
Chest protectors should be optional, like hand guards. Neck braces required for Pros. It would prevent some serious injuries, and set an example for the kids riding locally. Plus if everyone has to where one, no one will be worried that it’s going to slow them down.
All the stuff at the end about paved pit areas, etc, etc, etc…:
Paved pit areas: I prefer dirt. Put the money into something else.
Permanent Bathrooms: Why should the promoters spend all this money for one event per year? If they desire, maybe install one or two permanent bathrooms mainly for the conveniece of the ladies. More of them may decide to come back each year.
Paved Parking, Free WiFi, Eclectic Foods, etc… These things should be left up to the promoters, facility owners.
I want these events to be a little gritty. Don’t turn them into Supercross.
Just Sayin’
Moleksine, lots and lots of words, though occasionally a sketch will sneak in. ,