Hansen Racing in the UK
- Thread starter BriarcliffMx
- Start date
ck1racerx
PR Addict
OK, I took 15 days off PR and yesterday when I heard about this I knew I would have to post... Damn knit hats...
Hansen and the AMA, my two favorite subjects.
The "career" number system has been a joke since it began. I know it was started to make it easier for the average Joe to identify the riders. Much like the #43 in NASCAR will forever be one King no matter who ever runs it. The problem is the written rule. Or lack thereof. It is MY understanding that once your number was established, then it was yours until you do not score points in a calendar year. Once you retire then that number can be assigned to someone else. Sounds pretty simple until you add in the crybaby riders and the directionally challenged AMA. There have been dozens of changes by both the riders and the AMA. Look at the Dung. He was CAREER number 10... until 5 came open... Hot Sauce, number 9 and never turned a lap for a whole year, comes back and he still gets 9, WHY? The Laser twins (sorry, never going to live that one down) get 800 and 801... Forever? Heck, if Pastrana ever throws a leg over a bike again you can bet his next broken bone he will be 199. Now the AMA tells the Douche bag, knit hat wearing, I got most of my rides based off my last name Josh Hansen that he has to ride the 57 because that is the number he earned? I thought Plessinger was #57? Guess that was for his "I have not made it big yet" career.
The number 100 to 109 use to be reserved for big name riders that did not score points in the previous year due to injury and or factory guys coming over from the GP's. Guys like the great 22 who ran the 109 (If I remember correctly) then he earns enough points to get the 22 from... heck I don't remember who had it before him. So, I guess what I am saying is either you have a rule for career numbers or you don't. This is where I lean to the Hansen side of the argument (there is a first) Why does the AMA tell him he has to change numbers if guys like Laser boy can still run 800? Knowing the AMA I am sure it comes down to the all mighty dollar. I don't know, but I would almost bet on it.
Then again, on the AMA side, or common sense side, Who cares about the number anyway? You really want to be identified by a number? No thank you (unless it is #1)
I say bag the whole "career number" crap and go back to the top 99 guys get a new number each year based on points. That way when you see the #9 you know it is a top notch guy and not just some washed up has been that is still stealing good rides from up and coming kids that have a future in the sport.
Now, on to the "riders union" statement. We have posted on this time and time again. It is next to impossible because you have young men that are already risking their life for a fainting chance of "making it big". Even if you could convince all the up can coming kids and the middle of the road guy to ban together for the grater good, it is not going to stop the big guys because they have contracts that says they have to ride. And the AMA, NPG and Feld would just go to the same type of format the GP's have adopted. No one goes to a pro race because Scott Champion or Josh Hansen is there. People want to see the Dung, Toe smack and the rest of the factory guys.
The riders do need a voice. Problem is, even if they had one, no one would hear them under the current set-up. We are in a very odd sport. If you think Pitracer is "cliquish", try the Pro level. You have a very small group of people pulling the strings. And they make it abundantly clear, you are not one of them.
I have looked at this from every possible angle. as a racer, fan and worker and the only way for the pie to be cut evenly (or even to get a slice) has to come from the AMA. This is why I have been so hard on them since I first posted. They HAVE to be the voice of the rider and not just another group with their collective hands out. I firmly believe in the concept of the AMA, but the perception (which we all know is reality) seems to be they are not in the riders corner.
Hansen and the AMA, my two favorite subjects.
The "career" number system has been a joke since it began. I know it was started to make it easier for the average Joe to identify the riders. Much like the #43 in NASCAR will forever be one King no matter who ever runs it. The problem is the written rule. Or lack thereof. It is MY understanding that once your number was established, then it was yours until you do not score points in a calendar year. Once you retire then that number can be assigned to someone else. Sounds pretty simple until you add in the crybaby riders and the directionally challenged AMA. There have been dozens of changes by both the riders and the AMA. Look at the Dung. He was CAREER number 10... until 5 came open... Hot Sauce, number 9 and never turned a lap for a whole year, comes back and he still gets 9, WHY? The Laser twins (sorry, never going to live that one down) get 800 and 801... Forever? Heck, if Pastrana ever throws a leg over a bike again you can bet his next broken bone he will be 199. Now the AMA tells the Douche bag, knit hat wearing, I got most of my rides based off my last name Josh Hansen that he has to ride the 57 because that is the number he earned? I thought Plessinger was #57? Guess that was for his "I have not made it big yet" career.
The number 100 to 109 use to be reserved for big name riders that did not score points in the previous year due to injury and or factory guys coming over from the GP's. Guys like the great 22 who ran the 109 (If I remember correctly) then he earns enough points to get the 22 from... heck I don't remember who had it before him. So, I guess what I am saying is either you have a rule for career numbers or you don't. This is where I lean to the Hansen side of the argument (there is a first) Why does the AMA tell him he has to change numbers if guys like Laser boy can still run 800? Knowing the AMA I am sure it comes down to the all mighty dollar. I don't know, but I would almost bet on it.
Then again, on the AMA side, or common sense side, Who cares about the number anyway? You really want to be identified by a number? No thank you (unless it is #1)
I say bag the whole "career number" crap and go back to the top 99 guys get a new number each year based on points. That way when you see the #9 you know it is a top notch guy and not just some washed up has been that is still stealing good rides from up and coming kids that have a future in the sport.
Now, on to the "riders union" statement. We have posted on this time and time again. It is next to impossible because you have young men that are already risking their life for a fainting chance of "making it big". Even if you could convince all the up can coming kids and the middle of the road guy to ban together for the grater good, it is not going to stop the big guys because they have contracts that says they have to ride. And the AMA, NPG and Feld would just go to the same type of format the GP's have adopted. No one goes to a pro race because Scott Champion or Josh Hansen is there. People want to see the Dung, Toe smack and the rest of the factory guys.
The riders do need a voice. Problem is, even if they had one, no one would hear them under the current set-up. We are in a very odd sport. If you think Pitracer is "cliquish", try the Pro level. You have a very small group of people pulling the strings. And they make it abundantly clear, you are not one of them.
I have looked at this from every possible angle. as a racer, fan and worker and the only way for the pie to be cut evenly (or even to get a slice) has to come from the AMA. This is why I have been so hard on them since I first posted. They HAVE to be the voice of the rider and not just another group with their collective hands out. I firmly believe in the concept of the AMA, but the perception (which we all know is reality) seems to be they are not in the riders corner.
GeorgiePorgie
PR Founding Father
In sure the small group of people pulling the strings can buy ama power. The riders won't ever be able to organize.
John250
PR Founding Father
Laser boys and TP get numbers 800, 801 and 199 because that is their assigned AMA numbers, and I am sure all are life members of the AMA. Just like I have 250 on my life member AMA card. Anyone in the pro ranks can run their three digit AMA number if they choose to I believe.
Hansen is an idiot. Probably not riding SX because no one will pay him to ride SX. Has nothing to do with his freakin #100. Who gives a crap about him being out there any way.
Hansen is an idiot. Probably not riding SX because no one will pay him to ride SX. Has nothing to do with his freakin #100. Who gives a crap about him being out there any way.
GeorgiePorgie
PR Founding Father
Hansen must have some good cash flow coming in still. He has made it this long riding a dirtbike. Shoot he was driving around in a 1984 Toyota a few years ago riding. Are endorsements getting the job done? I can't imagine British arenacross paying spit either.
John250
PR Founding Father
Daddys money taking care of him.
GeorgiePorgie
PR Founding Father
Do you have proof of that?
ck1racerx
PR Addict
Filter me? Come on man. No one posted crap for 2 weeks. Your right though, no one cares about Hansen. Let him stay over there. One less rolling road block in the LCQ's.
Strouble
PR Addict
I don't understand. I am glad he is back. Their is more than one person that posts on here, that others think could be filtered someway.
I am sure I could have used a filter for my words sometimes looking back.
The point is whether you agree with him or not...he pushes the envelope and speaks up regardless...I am glad for it.
I think he tells his perspective unbiasly, whether right or wrong, unashamedly...but not with disrespect. He even learns from his mistakes.
hershey
PR Elite
Hahahahaha!
What do you want? A perfect utopian society that is boring and no one has their right to an opinion? That is the society Carl Marx wanted, we all know how well that worked out.
It amazes me how many people have skin as thick as tissue paper. An opinion doesnt make a person wrong, an ass or bad. Remember, EVERYONE has an opinion....EVERYONE. Just as many people think of your opinion the same way you think of his. Should YOU be filtered?
john lilly
PR Addict
I am personally glad to see CK1racer is posting again. As the others said, its his opinion and he is subject to it, also he brings up a lot of good points that he backs up with facts or at least numbers which always seems more easy to believe. He also has an interesting perspective on many subjects and it makes me want to read what he has to say. My only complaint with him and I'm not suggesting that he changes his ways but he does seem to have a hard time moving past some of his topics at times when they have been fully explored, I must say imo, here. However, I do like reading and seeing his input on Pitracer and it would be a very boring world (& pitracer)if we all thought a like. Carry on CK1, its been boring without you!!!!
ck1racerx
PR Addict
Its not about me. I just want everyone to look at issues from all angles. WAY too often we as racers (and parents of) are force feed how the sport will be run. Since we are paying 100% of the bills and or providing 100% of the entertainment, it sure seems that we should at least have a say on how and more importantly, why?
Posting facts, figures and even opinions are how we all learn. Since my checking account is currently in a rebuilding year (as stated on the browns topic, which I though was VERY entertaining) I doubt I will ever be in the position to own and operate a track again. So why not ask questions, expect answers and demand change to improve the sport for everyone? Agree or disagree with my postings. That's great. Tell me I am full of crap, fine. Just be prepared to present a better argument and we all get better as a group. I wish more guys that have made it to the professional ranks would post more on here. Dudes like Sellards that made it further then I and in a different era could shed even more light on how things have changed (both good and bad) over time. I know what the view looked like from mid pack in the late 80's and early 90's. But I never seen it from the top.
Oh and John, I don't let them go because "fully explored" does not mean improved results. Write that down...
Now can we please talk about how cool it is to wear a knit hat in the summer time?
Posting facts, figures and even opinions are how we all learn. Since my checking account is currently in a rebuilding year (as stated on the browns topic, which I though was VERY entertaining) I doubt I will ever be in the position to own and operate a track again. So why not ask questions, expect answers and demand change to improve the sport for everyone? Agree or disagree with my postings. That's great. Tell me I am full of crap, fine. Just be prepared to present a better argument and we all get better as a group. I wish more guys that have made it to the professional ranks would post more on here. Dudes like Sellards that made it further then I and in a different era could shed even more light on how things have changed (both good and bad) over time. I know what the view looked like from mid pack in the late 80's and early 90's. But I never seen it from the top.
Oh and John, I don't let them go because "fully explored" does not mean improved results. Write that down...
Now can we please talk about how cool it is to wear a knit hat in the summer time?
GeorgiePorgie
PR Founding Father
You guys ever been to birch creek?
hershey
PR Elite
I took that picture the day after the infamous crash!