Posting on behalf of Dave Hetzler regarding Pueblo

[T Baggins]

...Coming out of the last corner onto the straight I saw that there was airfence to protect against a lowside mid corner. But there was nothing protecting the rider on the drive out. The trajectory of a bike accelerating out of the final corner onto the straight was straight at a wall only a couple of feet off of the track surface and riders were really cooking there. I saw some passes there were riders were dangerously close to the edge of the track going around another rider in close proximity and it could have been a disaster of epic proportions if ANYTHING would have gone wrong.

Other than that, the MRA staff and racers were phenominal as always and we had a great time racing at another new track.

Knock wood, we've only had maybe two bikes in 20 years connect with the wall where it's unprotected - and it was a glancing blow at that. Two versus literally dozens where the airfence is deployed. Dang airfence is $4k per section, so it would be quite expensive to protect the entire area... wish we could though.

Honestly we've been pushing for them to extend the straight between 9 & 10 well past the drag strip and then bring the track out around the West side of the drag strip - connecting down past where the wall ends. Or, to take it further South out of 9, then hard right and completely straight up and down well before you get to the drag box.

Unfortunately we're on now the 3rd management team in the past 5 years and so we've never had anyone in place long enough for them to make any of these changes. Tom Abbott and crew have made subtle improvements and continue to chip away at projects where they are able financially. Just found out they have been approved to put curbing in at the inside of T9 - which will be a nice improvement - especially for managing the pond of water that tends to nestle up against the inside of the turn.

[froth]

I still want Erlene back.

[PremiumBlend]

Drop Pueblo... add another Pikes Peak.

[JWinter]

IF PPIR actually paves its new road course...Pueblo could fade away very quickly. The new PPIR road course looks like it can be run both directions too. Five rounds at HPR and three rounds a PPIR, and one round at Pueblo per season (if Pueblo stays open). At PPIR we could do one round in the existing speedway, then do two rounds on the new road course just by changing directions.

I am glad we have this to complain about. It could be worse...We could be racing at Pueblo only or Hastings only or even worse no tracks.

Jeff

[hcr25]

Drop Pueblo... add another Pikes Peak.

I agree but then again I'm actually racing :lol:

[beavis]

We are all spoiled by the new track at High Plains. Racing a new track is awesome. But however highplains will have its own issues in the future. I just hope the money keeps pouring in that they can maintain the awesome surface and adding ammenties. Second of all I like going to Hastings. If you learn the shortcomings of the track its awesome to ride and the lower altitude makes all of us go faster. Their showers/bathrooms are just like at home. PPIR is also an awesome track. I like the idea that maybe it can be raced in the opposite direction. Maybe we can do that at more tracks. That would be like having 6 tracks to race and not just 3. Yeah sure it needs some work but if we races there more ofter then that will cause revenue for better track conditions and potentiality keep it open for many years to come. Hell the AMA use to race there it cant be all that bad. I never had the pleasure to race at la hunta or second creek. But I hear that they sucked and Pueblo was like Miller compared to them. Maybe we can add Miller to one of the seasons race weekends. It might be a bit farther than hastings but maybe racing a SWEET track would give some people the incentive to go. I would for sure. I have already contacted other clubs that race there and want to go.

[NossLou]

I'll add a little towards this past weekend...

First off PMP is where I first learned to ride on a track. I still enjoy going there as much as the first day I went. I have put the surface conditions past me, yet I still think of the dangers that lie once going off track which would be more suitable for a quad.... granted evey track is different in its own, but for the most part, once you ride off track a ditch or hill is going to get you. I also agree with the airwall in 9... I know the fences are quite expensive but if some one were to loose it on their drive out it would be a nasty wreck in great proportions. The vendor issue is BS... keep it like it used to be and why does the city have any per say in changing regulations towards making funds off vendors? All they are doing is scaring off vendors and reducing the amount of business the MRA brings to the city of Pueblo. Hell technically under their standards if you sell your takeoffs there you owe them a percentage.... that's effing awesome right?:roll:

Regarding Friday.... I know Faast has not done too many bike days and is still learning, yet maybe with some guidance instead of bitching they can switch things up a bit to follow more along the lines of how a typical bike day is ran. The flags do need to be addressed differently in how they are used. Also, the statement "If you go off track, you will wait till lunch or the end of the day for a ride back" will not fly with anybody laying down a bike. Don't quote me, but it was worded very close to that Friday morning at the riders meeting for those who were there. The rule if you go down, you wait for a prompt tow back should stick.... do not ride your bike back! Same as PPIR and HPR or any practice day around the country for that matter. I will also agree with the comment about the couple of ladies up front, quite rude and unapproachable to a solution of not being on the list.... luckly these new phones show bank transactions for proof.

Regarding drag nite... Whoever the older lady was, affiliated with the drag crew in the dodge charger, had some major attitude issues and was blowing through our pit area with young kids present at mach6. I know this has nothing to do with the MRA, but good god was she pissed.

All in all I like PMP, I agree we have been spoiled with HPR's surface and the option of PPIR this year, but if either goes away in the future than people will be pissing and moaning about not using Pueblo... especially if we burn a relationship to that track. I'd love to ride HPR every race, but switching it up changes the entire game of the season. I appreciate what we have and actually would like to trip back to Hastings..... I know that not an option due to fund loss to the club, but seriously... get over the effn bumps and track surface and just go ride....

I hope I didn't piss and moan too much about the weekend...these were just small observations and my .02 cents, We all had a kick ass time down there, even though half the crew in our pit area blew a motor, wrecked, or took a trip in the whambulance....

Looking forward to the next round and thank you all for your help throughout the weekend... the MRA is a kick ass unique club!

[rforsythe]

PPIR is also an awesome track. I like the idea that maybe it can be raced in the opposite direction. Maybe we can do that at more tracks.

Just to clarify: PPIR's NEW as-yet-unpaved course they are working on has potential for two directions. The current oval+infield would be suicide going the other way. Pueblo would be spectacular suicide going the other way. HPR would probably just mess you up, but it still wasn't made with that in mind AFAIK (note the runoff differences between the approach to T4, and the approach to T3 if you ran it the other way).

Hell the AMA use to race there it cant be all that bad.

They raced at PPIR and so do we. Point being?

I never had the pleasure to race at la hunta or second creek. But I hear that they sucked and Pueblo was like Miller compared to them. Maybe we can add Miller to one of the seasons race weekends. It might be a bit farther than hastings but maybe racing a SWEET track would give some people the incentive to go. I would for sure. I have already contacted other clubs that race there and want to go.

La Junta was a pile. The layout had some entertaining parts, but I'm sorry to those that actually liked it, the track was a total piece of shit. SCR didn't suck at least in the years I raced there (post-repave), it had it's pucker moment areas but was just a lot of fun to ride, and could go both directions. It wasn't anything super special, but a lot of MRA'ers have great memories there. I'd also hesitate to compare Pueblo to Miller even in the days of La Junta being on the schedule, it was only moderately better then. As for MMP itself, the club went there a couple years back and the overall reception to the MRA wasn't as positive as it should have been, so it was decided that given the expense of getting there, it wasn't worth it. It's not "a bit farther", it's a good 9-10 hrs one way with a trailer. Great facility, but probably not right for the MRA, especially in even partly-shaky financial times.

for the most part, once you ride off track a ditch or hill is going to get you.

Hmmmm, sorta. You'd be surprised how many riders go off-roading there and keep it upright. Turn 9 may as well have been extended into the weeds this weekend.

The vendor issue is BS... keep it like it used to be and why does the city have any per say in changing regulations towards making funds off vendors?

I agree 100% it's BS. That said, the city owns the track and it's within their limits, they have total and complete say on any fees or taxes charged to do business within it. I think they probably just let it slide up to this point, but the fact is a city charging for an "event sales" type of permit or tax is very common everywhere. I wouldn't worry too much about the private "hey you wanna buy my takeoffs?" stuff, that's no different than selling stuff on Craigslist or a classified ad, and that is not taxed. They're primarily interested in ventures which are commercial in nature. Now I think their fee is ridiculous and is probably worth discussion with the city council, but they have every right (and some would argue, duty) to charge for business activities conducted within their boundaries.

[hcr25]

The vendor issue is BS... keep it like it used to be and why does the city have any per say in changing regulations towards making funds off vendors?

I agree 100% it's BS. That said, the city owns the track and it's within their limits, they have total and complete say on any fees or taxes charged to do business within it. I think they probably just let it slide up to this point, but the fact is a city charging for an "event sales" type of permit or tax is very common everywhere. I wouldn't worry too much about the private "hey you wanna buy my takeoffs?" stuff, that's no different than selling stuff on Craigslist or a classified ad, and that is not taxed. They're primarily interested in ventures which are commercial in nature. Now I think their fee is ridiculous and is probably worth discussion with the city council, but they have every right (and some would argue, duty) to charge for business activities conducted within their boundaries.[/quote]


I was asked two weeks ago at a track day there to remove my for sale signs from two used Pitbull stands I was trying to sell.
My understanding is if you sale something new or used you will pay.
Mike

[dave.gallant]

I hope everyone is aware that *most* of this is normal practice.

In fact, in regards to event specific sales tax, Colorado law requires vendors to apply for event sales licenses when selling product outside their normal business locations (under most circumstances).

Now, I would be surprised if a tire vendor actually clears $50 for the weekend after busting tires for 48 hours straight in 100 degree heat, but that is a different economic discussion.

[dave.gallant]

Oh, and my post is in reference to anyone with a Colorado sales tax license.

IMHO, individuals should be able to sell whatever the hell they want.

[rforsythe]

I was asked two weeks ago at a track day there to remove my for sale signs from two used Pitbull stands I was trying to sell.
My understanding is if you sale something new or used you will pay.
Mike

Either that was really incorrect application of city ordinance, or the ordinance also affects private sales of single items (not commercial business transactions) and they should be hitting up every citizen that posts a microwave for sale on CL in Pueblo for taxes and fees.

My guess is whoever told you that had no clue what they were *really* supposed to be enforcing, and/or was just an idiot.

[ducati7044]

Being a casual observer of the MRA website I had to register to make a comment on this post. Hey newbys. You should have seen Steamboat. Considering the wining going on here I'm sure you would have literally SH%T your pants and sucked your thumb after riding a lap there. And for some odd reason we all couldn't wait to race there. AND most of us were hung over while doing it. Or how about Aspen. According to todays "standards" of what's acceptable they would of closed that track down instantly. Our bikes had shit brakes, no suspension, and tires that were laughable. But you know what we learned how to ride a motorcycle. I still race with AHRMA. An overly powerful cr500, an xs650 with way to much modification and a KZ750 superbike built by my best buddy Pete Hockenstad.
We'll race anywhere, anytime and be happy and thankful we're doing it. The events are usually packed with fans and riders, there's no money involved and the club is flourishing. We are good friends on and off the track with a social environment second to none. Just ask past AHRMA national champion Glaefke. But I see you lost him too. No wonder you're going broke. A little more passion for riding a motorcycle and a lot less wining about the venue would probably serve you well. Think about it.

Mark E. Hoyt

[Bartman]

Mark I remember those days as well, but back then we had whiners and complainers to. They just whined about different shit then now, if you think back I am sure you remember that as well as the good aspects of the club.
Now I have not been around as long as Ricky O or Otis but I have only missed a handfull of races in the last 20 years with the MRA and what I can tell you is what I see.
And that is old timers always say it was better in our day, BULLSHIT BULLSHIT BULLSHIT(oh and did I mention BULLSHIT). It was different but not better just different, as time marches on different people take the club in different diretions and lets face it some of us reactionary old timers don't like it so we either go away or (and here is the shocker) we change with the times and keep going.
Bartman

[T Baggins]

Hey Mark - talk about a blast from the past...!

We've definitely become spoiled over the years for sure, but as recently as a few years ago we ran at La Junta which made the cobblestones at Tour de France seem smooth... :lol: High Plains is still like butter though, and we're loving every lap of it!

I honestly think the bigger issue is that not all of our members can afford to attend ALL of the events - so they drop the one or two that they like the least or cost the most to attend (distance, hotel, etc...). Not everyone is as die-hard as we all were back in the day.

The current societal approach to protecting everyone from themselves is "the norm" for the young guys - they don't know anything different. That, versus us old guys could do pretty much whatever we wanted to ourselves, so long as we were willing to accept the consequences. The thought of racing on a track that could be dangerous makes some people uncomfortable I guess... Turns out that RACING itself is dangerous - but don't tell anyone. :wink:

While I'm sorry about the issue with Jon G, it is an absolutely isolated incident. I can't say for sure even what the issue is because still to this day nobody has ever officially come to the Board about it or filed a protest. There is no mass group effort to keep Jon away - in fact I think all but a dozen of us have asked him back... but that's up to him. If he doesn't feel welcome because he got crossed up with one or two people then it is what it is - but I don't think that it's fair to make a blanket assumption that "the MRA drove him away".

Overwhelmingly the guys who have been away for a while (as well as the guys who have been here year after year) who have come back in 2010 have said that they were extremely pleased with the direction of the club this year, family atmosphere, professionalism of the events, communication, fiscal responsibility, etc... They're referring to it as "a positive change over years past" so I think that's good.

To be clear, we're not "going broke" - so please don't use that statement as fact. Nothing could be further from the truth. Last year we "went broke" - that is a fact! But have since made significant changes to the operational structure to ensure that something like what happened last year never happens again.

So if that means that we cancel an event due to poor participation (whatever the reason for it) then that's what we'll do.

Understand though, that canceling an event to keep from going broke is not the same as going broke.

Knowing now that you still have several toys in your garage, let me remind you that we're offering license reciprocity this year - so your Ahrma license gets you on the track. Your CR500 would probably win Colorado Class, the XS650 is legal for Supertwins U, and the KZ750 would be something else in Modern Vintage...

So come on out, and bring old hairy Glaefke with you - I personally guarantee you'll have a good time!

[ducati7044]

Thank You Tony. You're a true gentlemen! I apologize about the "going broke" remark.

[T Baggins]

No apology required, it's an issue of location on the timeline. Previously - we went broke; currently - we're trying not to. :wink:

That's why they pay me the big bucks... I guess. :lol: :lol: :lol:

In all seriousity though, you should look at your calendar and plan on coming out to one of our events. I'll call Shettsline (he's still hauling the mail on Gentleman Jim's CR500) and you guys could have a grudge match for the ages!

[Desmodromico]

Since the cost of having races today is totally related to insurance costs and track liability, I am of the opinion that suggestions for improving safety are not just bitching by noobs, but constructive for the future of the club.

I guess if people would rather go backwards in that regard you could always go run IOM or the Northwest 200 and show us your brass balls.

I had a blast at Pueblo, the track is fine, that said more airfence would be welcomed if it could be afforded as would a better transition into the straight which would also make for better racing.

[dragos13]

I had a blast at Pueblo, the track is fine, that said more airfence would be welcomed if it could be afforded as would a better transition into the straight which would also make for better racing.

The transition onto the straight is actually ten times better then it was a couple years ago. They repaved a large section and made it to where you could actually "find" a decent line through there.

As for air fence, where would you suggest we put the additional sections? I only ask because we do have more fence, just not sure where the riders think it would be needed.

[gsnyder828]

As for air fence, where would you suggest we put the additional sections? I only ask because we do have more fence, just not sure where the riders think it would be needed.

Tire wall in T8 would be nice.

[Desmodromico]

The transition onto the straight is actually ten times better then it was a couple years ago. They repaved a large section and made it to where you could actually "find" a decent line through there.

As for air fence, where would you suggest we put the additional sections? I only ask because we do have more fence, just not sure where the riders think it would be needed.

Casey,

The guy from super street who crashed just caught the very end of the airfence, I am thinking that the faster guys could impact a little further down the straight if they lost the front over the bumps on the outside, of course Ricky seemed to use the dirt over there as his exit point so maybe the really fast guys would prefer not to have it up.

[JimWilson29]

If you riders would like to volunteer to help set up and tear down the air fence a the next Pueblo race weekend, we can make it work. :wink:

[T Baggins]

As for air fence, where would you suggest we put the additional sections? I only ask because we do have more fence, just not sure where the riders think it would be needed.

Tire wall in T8 would be nice.

Ge-off,

Timmaay! and I looked at that on Friday evening... with Pueblo having moved the first half of it back 20-30' already, and then they moved the last half of it back an additional 30' or so recently - we couldn't clearly determine "where" the point of impact would be "if" someone were to get out that far. The wall (used to be a berm) that SpiderBob hit a few years ago is much further back now than it was then for sure.

We pretty much determined that if you lost it on the brakes going in, you'd never make it to the wall. If you lost it on the gas going out, the way they moved the tail of the wall back you'd not get there either. So it leaves the "unknown" region that might be impacted if you were to somehow lose control or crash in the straight between 7 & 8 - before getting on the brakes or tipping in (which is what happened to Bob). Which makes the trajectory and possible point of impact infinite...

That said, I've asked that they take the entire thing and move it back another 30' or so, in more of a gradual arc better following the contour of the track.

After seeing the SS crash in 10, I do think we could deploy at least one more section there on the North end.

Buying more, at this point, is not a viable option, as they are about $5K each.

[JimWilson29]

Ge-off,

Timmaay! and I looked at that on Friday evening... with Pueblo having moved the first half of it back 20-30' already, and then they moved the last half of it back an additional 30' or so recently - we couldn't clearly determine "where" the point of impact would be "if" someone were to get out that far. The wall (used to be a berm) that SpiderBob hit a few years ago is much further back now than it was then for sure.

We pretty much determined that if you lost it on the brakes going in, you'd never make it to the wall. If you lost it on the gas going out, the way they moved the tail of the wall back you'd not get there either. So it leaves the "unknown" region that might be impacted if you were to somehow lose control or crash in the straight between 7 & 8 - before getting on the brakes or tipping in (which is what happened to Bob). Which makes the trajectory and possible point of impact infinite...

That said, I've asked that they take the entire thing and move it back another 30' or so, in more of a gradual arc better following the contour of the track.

After seeing the SS crash in 10, I do think we could deploy at least one more section there on the North end.

Buying more, at this point, is not a viable option, as they are about $5K each.

Will we have the 3 old sections back from SMRI by the next Pueblo round?

[T Baggins]

Yep, they'll be back for that event - if not sooner...