This will be my final post on this topic. Really it's just pissing me off and I'm wasting a bunch of my day trying to convince you that what we are doing IS working...

What you are asking for is not a small tweak, or minor change. This is a massive restructuring which would take considerable time and effort - with absolutely NO assurance that it wouldn't be a total and complete failure. This is not an undertaking that I would support at present.

We have data, facts, proof and money in the bank to show for our efforts. The 2012 Schedule is Set - and unless there are changes to classes or class structure at the Rules Meeting - 2012 race weekend will look EXACTLY like it did in 2011.

Munch,

If the average entry per rider RIGHT NOW is less than $180 - answer me this:

1) Who would accept a 100% rate increase? If the average rider can afford less than $200, how are they gonna pay $400?

2) Which classes do you propose we eliminate so that we can fit all the racing in on Sunday? If we ran 3 wave races, the track would be a disaster and classes would have to be combined which would cause riders to "miss" one of their current races. We already have a small problem with that now... (STU / MVO - Ladies / MVU)

3) How many racers will we lose as a result of the two above?

I believe you guys are assuming that "everyone" runs on Friday practice or at least wants to (really it's more like 20-30 guys - you can confirm with Glenn if you want), and that "everyone" has $400 to spend on entry fees/practice each weekend.

The numbers show that this is not the case. You are attempting to build a program that suits YOUR specific needs and budget. OUR job it to build a program that best suits THE MAJORITY of the members. We have 200 people to please. This might work great for the 30 or so who always practice on Friday - but the other 170 will see it only as a significant fee increase.

You could have the same net effect by doing the following, using the existing schedule:

Practice Saturday 3 Sessions - FREE

Race 2 sprints on Saturday - $190 (use them for "practice" if you wish)

Race both Endurance Races on Saturday - $90 (more practice or as races - your choice)

Practice Sunday 2 Sessions - FREE

Race 5 Sprints on Sunday - $110

Total Cost = $390

Club Nets $390

So if you WANT to pay that much, and WANT to ride that much - there is nothing preventing you from doing exactly that - right now.

To show how your perfect program would be my worst-case program... If we ran the schedule you suggest, I'd probably quit altogether (as a joe-member racer) because:

1) I don't want to practice for 6 hours, I'd much rather race.

2) I don't have any interest at all in endurance racing, as I have no endurance, and don't care to find any.

3) To put together a raceday schedule that fits everything on Sunday, you'd have to eliminate some of the classes I run in. It wouldn't be worth it to me to come out for one or two races on Sunday only.

If someone wants to put together a focus group using real numbers, real data, real entries and specifically poll every member (and get financial commitments from them so the MRA doesn't fall on it's face) - then by all means please do so.

The current system IS working, we ARE succeeding, and there is absolutely NO reason to completely abandon our business model.

Perhaps there are 100 guys out there who would embrace your schedule and fee structure. That's 100 fewer than our current system services. The purpose of the MRA is to provide an opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to compete in a safe, fun, fair environment. I believe we are doing that, apparently much better than many other clubs in the US, and have been doing so for over 30 years.

WHEN the MRA Fails - as it appears you guys must think is inevitable because the current schedule doesn't perfectly address your practice and racing needs - you have my blessing to put together whatever program and schedule you deem fit when you create the new racing organization (assuming you are willing to take on the responsibility of running the new entity).

Or, if you feel so strongly and can't wait till then - then by all means, I encourage you to create, fund, insure, and run the "BMRA" (better motorcycle roadracing association). Or at least serve as an MRA Board member so you have even a tiny base knowledge about that which you are so anxious to fix. We have fine tuned the MRA for 3 decades, and that's exactly WHY we continue to succeed.

For now, under my leadership, the MRA will continue to make small and manageable changes to ensure our perpetual success.