I don't disagree that there are people not going to the races because of DMG, but, that wasn't the issue being discussed. What was being discussed was teams, not spectators, falling out of the mix. To say that DMG is the primary reason for Kawasaki and others leaving isn't 100% accurate. Regardless of what Ray Blank says, they didn't bring a competitive package. It's not like they were running at the front and only being beat by the Buell. Even if that was his argument, now that Buell is out, what will he blame it on? I will agree that DMG is part of the reason for Honda's pullout, but, not 100%. Blank states that he can't say to his boss that racing in the US is helping to sell motorcycles, but, on the flipside, if you aren't putting a package out there that puts you at the front of the pack, of course it isn't going to help you. What do they think the buying pulic is thinking -'man, that Honda must be a great bike being able to consistently run mid pack - I've got to get me one'.
It certainly is a sad state of affairs, and to those of you who continue to say you're cancelling your AMA membership, ...going to boycott the races, ...etc. etc. are only hurting the motorcycling industry even more. We need to be supportive. That doesn't mean we need to agree with or drink the DMG kool aid. The quicker DMG is out of the picture, the quicker we start to remedy this, but it will take interest by the general public and the race fans out there to show to the Mfg's that they can get back in. This can only be accomplished by continuing our involvement. If you can't go to the races, or pay your AMA memberships due to your personal economic situation, thats different. Thats reflective of the true reason the Mfgs and Sponsors should be gauging their involvement and business decisions on. The juvenile reaction of taking your bucket and shovel and going home only skews the market conditions in a negative manner that can only continue to delay the recovery!
Thats my .02 anyway.
Merry Christmas everyone. Heres looking at a better 2010!
Randy - You and I have agreed on various race topics in other posts, but this is like listening to myself think and respond. I couldn't agree more with your comments and views.
It certainly is a sad state of affairs, and to those of you who continue to say you're cancelling your AMA membership, ...going to boycott the races, ...etc. etc. are only hurting the motorcycling industry even more. We need to be supportive. That doesn't mean we need to agree with or drink the DMG kool aid. The quicker DMG is out of the picture, the quicker we start to remedy this, but it will take interest by the general public and the race fans out there to show to the Mfg's that they can get back in. This can only be accomplished by continuing our involvement. If you can't go to the races, or pay your AMA memberships due to your personal economic situation, thats different. Thats reflective of the true reason the Mfgs and Sponsors should be gauging their involvement and business decisions on. The juvenile reaction of taking your bucket and shovel and going home only skews the market conditions in a negative manner that can only continue to delay the recovery!
Thats my .02 anyway.
Merry Christmas everyone. Heres looking at a better 2010!
