Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

Cycle News 1984 10 17

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126791

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 2 of 47

SUPERTRAPP: FAST lOT FICTIOI Soru Kerker, but some 'acts were missing ... Another plan to save supercross By Tom Mueller . ':-;}:/rc'~~~(r:::;;~c' .~.' eers and I read with great interest Mr. G.K. Scott's recent anicle( Cycle News, September 26) rega.rding how to save supercross. I, too, have had many thoughts regarding the betterment of that sport, and I have also done a great deal of listening when persons with the power to change supercross have spoken. I'm sure many insiders have theories on what it will take to turn things around, to position supercross where it will receive major TV coverage on an ongoing basis, to where supercross is recognized as a legi timate form of motorsports. What will it take to make supercross start to grow? I. Predictability in race scheduling (a firm schedule) going into a new race season; 2. Reu-lrn to the "old" supercross format - four heats, two semis, consokllion, and main event; 3. The advent of an all-production bike race rule -now! I've been attending many NASCAR Grand National stock car races over the past two years. Though that sport doesn't directly parallel supercross, they do have one thing supercross needs drastically: Numerous outsideindustry corporate sponsors. It's no secret that supercross needs new sponsors. Sponsors offer prize money, they promote events and bring more people to the races, they lend credibility (try to think of some form of successful motorsports that isn't affiliated with a sponsqr or sponsors). I've personally heard representatives from each of the four Japanese bike manufacturers state that they'd like to have an outside sponsor underwrite some of the expenses for their team. The fact is that the money that has backed and supported supercross racing is slowly drying up. New money sources are needed now more than ever. Wrangler's withdrawal from supercross left one large gap; the sport needs a new series sponsor and numerous team sponsors. I've had the opportunity to talk to money men from some of the corporations in NASCAR. They'veenlightened me on a few matters. First, most corporations won't get involved in supercross until a firm schedule with a set num ber of races is a reality going into each race season. I've been told that there's no way a sponsor could budget a program without that information. If there're 18 events instead of 15, a large amount of money is in question regarding transportation of working personnel and VIP's, promotion dollars for each race market, and other factors. Thousands of dollars are.in question, and it's impossible for a corporate special events manager to come in on budget when he/she has to deal with a noating supercross schedule as has been the case in '84. An unfirm race schedule is, in my opinion, the biggest enemy supercross has as far as sponsors are concerned. Second, racing has to be understood to be enjoyable. The length of the program isn't nearly as important as whether it's easy to follow. The original supercross racing for• • • •• •... (Con.tinued·to page 29) .... il) ..0 o ..... u o "They told me th money." McMurter.sa ., motors blew up. "" ~;;> Just think . .. If Kerker m how much would it cost the complete exhaust system? get their name on a muffler, ave McMurter and Pietri use their SUPERTRAPP RAC.' . September 22, 1984 Ascot Half-Mile Dirt Track National Results: SuperTrapp powered Scott Pearson-1st. September 30, 1984 Mid-Ohio $uperbike National Results: SuperTrapp powered Dale Ouarterley-4th, Rich Oliver-lth, Jim Adamo-9th. Mid-Ohio Battle of the Twins Results: SuperTrapp powered Gene Church-1st. WHEI THE REAL RACI.S STARTS, SUPERTRAPP DOES ·THE KICKI.SI IDBA AMERICAN NATIONALS . Atco, NJ. September 8·9 ... Bob Molloy. on board the Karata Ent. Kawasaki Funny Bike. tokes the final at the IDBA American Nationals. Winning racers are very dediCated and serious about their sport. We. at WEB-CAM PERFORMANCE CAMSHAFTS. are equally dedicated and serious about producing the finest. most reliable racewinning camshafts available! It's your turn to win! Call one of our dealers or contact WEB-CAM direct. Step up to the best! .3

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's - Cycle News 1984 10 17