I was going to steer clear of this one, but....
This discussion has been going on for as long as I've been on PR, and before that, trackside at the events.
1. If Chris Knox's sole goal is how to return Ohio to "relevence", encourage the riders that WANT to reach the top level, to race the events necessary to go to "the show". And figure a way to finance it for them. Talking crap about people's parents reduces your relevence and credibility. Congrats on qualifying for a SX, it is certainly an accomplishment. There are a whole host of Ohio riders I have heard of that equal or exceed that, that have done more for Ohio racing and it's "relevence".
2. The proliferation of practice tracks in Ohio has diluted the field of racers for a LONG time now. Economically, great for the riders (racers, practicers,open riders, whatever). It has, however, cut into the ability of racing facilities to make enough money to exist. This is evidenced by the loss of many, many facilities across the state (good ones and bad ones). The thing to note on this- good facilities (racing or practicing) will draw enough survive. Note the word "survive". Ain't no one in this business making big money. All those that thought there was soooo much money, opened up for $10 to draw riders away, then found out what it really cost to run a track, shrivelled up and died out are testament to this. I could start a thread and get everyone to supplement my memory for a list of those.
3. CRA- You all can demonize the CRA all you want, but as others have pointed out and been roundly criticized for....they provide a product that is wanted, and to a larger degree, needed. And has since the 80s (obviously something works, whether you like it or not). Without lower skill level tracks, your rider base withers as buyers of machines find out they don't have the balls to make it at AMA level tracks and quit. Those that want to, will excel and grow. They will do what they have to to live up to their own expectations. They are a SMALL percentage of the total rider base. Others are content to feel like a racer and enjoy the time at the track. If riding isn't attractive, the sport as a whole dies. As Jason has said, Malvern and Pyma have alot of weekends because they have lights. Those events work for a group of people who might not otherwise participate. If those weren't run, riders have no where to go, or go to practice tracks, neither of which supports 2 tracks that can make the money it takes to survive. They may also go to other events elsewhere that wouldn't go to your local area (i.e., going to Michigan, western PA, etc.) Point to all the facilities you want that are affected by the scheduling, but its going to happen, especially to those that are not at the center of the population. The CRA might have issues, and some surely have issues with them, but they have survived when alot haven't. And they provide new riders a place to stay involved.
4. Quality of events. The best quality events will survive only if they are TRULY quality experiences. In every respect. OIR did well because it was close to the population, had all the amenities close by, and put on a quality program. People are running around the place saying how "they must just be KILLING it with 500 people here". That year, they started with a $15-20k tractor repair to make up for, before one gate dropped. They and their staff worked huge hours getting it ready to go. Two tracks worth of work, staff, ambulances, awards, etc. They had some of the best awards I ever saw. But all of that comes at a price, and one that would have dug their grave if it rained and that number didn't show up. Odds are, they got a warm fuzzy feeling for helping the moto community and the kudos of those on the board for their efforts, because the money wouldn't be worth it to me for all that work. Conversely, a popular AMA track had a great layout, beautiful track, and tried to give the riders what they said they wanted. It was miles from amenities, and many more miles from the population. Puts on a big event, great ideas, should be the most special anyone has seen. I skip my usual place for me and my kid to go, it's supposed to be so great. Riders said they'd be there, and no one shows, except the regulars. Make alll the assumptions you want, but until you step up and pony up YOUR cash and try to do it, you will have no clue. But the least we can do is support those who do try to put them on.
5. Tracks aren't tough enough here. See above. Open your own, make it as tough as you want. Then check paragraph 3. Your turnouts won't support your expenses. Plenty of riders here say how they want 6-10 lap motos, big doubles, triples, whoops like a SX, yada yada. The 10-15 riders who would actually show up and ride it to the full extent won't pay for your day, unless you charge $1000 for that thrill. The damage done by turning off 100 more who show up thinking they can do it, find out they can't, and go on to tell 20 people each what a terrible time they had will cost you tenfold. Again, a vilified, but sound business plan that tbe CRA recognizes. Most people just aren't cut out for it, and that's not a bad thing. They're still riding.
Now that I've made a post as long as anything Rocket can do...thanks for reading. Back to our scheduled programming.
