I have issues with some of the races that are run on Thursday nights at the track. I've heard others complain about this as well. Since now is the time that next year's race schedule will be set up, I feel it's a good time to have this discussion.
The biggest thing the track needs to survive is public support. 60-lap scratch races are not fun to watch. Neither are 80-lap madisons (or 80-lap anything for that matter). They just aren't. The crowd doesn't get into it at all. We enjoy them because we are bike racers. Most of the people in the stands are not. Do a head count on the number of people in the stands at the beginning of the night, and do a re-count before the long races start. I bet 50% leave.
The fans generally don't understand the circus races, even with Bob spelling it out for them.
I understand the need for these races, but spice 'em up! Make them fun to watch! Throw in some cash primes, have sprints every 5 laps instead of every 10. I dunno.
What else is there? I want to be clear that I'm NOT saying we shouldn't run these races, but is there any way to make them more exciting?
Out at nationals, the only time the (small) crowd get even remotely excited was during the sprints and points races. The fact that only 30-40 people were there watching the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS is a huge indicator that maybe something needs to change.
We need spectators. They need incentive to come out and watch. What do we do?
6 comments:
Strippers on the infield. Then you can run any set of races you want, and no one will leave.
I think it's a proven fact that sprints, keirins, and miss & outs are the most popular races at our track. No question there.
The "UCI interval" for sprints in points races is 2.5 km and we're perfectly aligned with that. Nothing stopping us from throwing in cash primes, either from the "NSC" or from the crowd though, especially during scratch races. I think at least one cash or merch. prime should be mandatory every time we have a scratch race over 25 laps.
Otherwise, I think the "betting" games do a reasonably good job of keeping spectators engaged throughout the night. I'd even say that our normal Thursday night program gets more spectators and keeps them more engaged than even Elite Nats.
No 2 ways about it, though - watching a 100 lap points race is boring unless you're inside it.
our normal Thursday night program gets more spectators and keeps them more engaged than even Elite Nats
5-fold. At least.
I believe the audience would appreciate the costumed & choreographed Sickboy & Tenacious-T dance to that German techno song.
The crowd leaves before the big races when a 5 person Womens field is doing a 40 lap scratch race. Sadly, without the continued large fields that we saw earlier in the year when the racing was 'exciting' this took a toll on the crowd.
The same goes for the 80 lap scratch races. Heck, just to get 10lap sprints in the madision rather than the more traditional 20laps was like pulling teeth.
I wish this wasn't the case, but when the last races of the night are being put on the very very very last ones are suffering because people want to go home.
Also, what kills the track is the downtime between the races. Waiting 5min between each race so Mr. Fancypants can get off their rollers, or find a holder etc...takes to damn long.
4th.
Great!!! finally someone NOT taking a jab at the nonathelete, not legetimately upgraded sprinters. I know this because most sprinters do not ride rollers at the track.
Thanks Super Rookie
Post a Comment