Shifter costs and the PMT

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1834

Good point Mary-Anne, but FSA is far from a PRO sport in the U.S., just like baseball isn't really a pro sport where you live.

MM

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

Sure, but what I mean is they've managed to be a pro sport without attaching themselves to something else first. All the little muppets like us who buy CRGs (for example) because they are so damn successful and stylish are paying Vitantonio Liuzzi's wages, not major outside sponsors.

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

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My other point/question is "what about in Europe". What better place for us to know if FC motors are a good choice than to look at Europe. Have they been succesful there (Mary-Ann we need your knowledge again ). If they work over there, why would things be different here?

You can't really compare it because in Europe 100cc is the top of the sport. FC is really just something the manufacturers do so they can put more championships on their adverts (excuse my cynicism) I think there was only 20ish racers in the Euro Champs this year by the last round.

ICC is pretty successful though, people seem to stay in that for years and not progress often to FC so I guess a lot of people in that just enjoy shifter karting at quite a high level.

I've got to admit, I wouldn't pay $7000 (or whatever the latest figure being bandied about is) or anything like it for a new kart engine. Maybe I might for one that had won some stuff. But if Americans are willing to pay that for the convenience of using readily available engines then fair enough. I can't see it being a good thing for you guys to change to ICC and FC unless 2/ Moto engines are no longer available and the market doesn't want 4/, neither of which are certainties.

People at this level will always spend whatever they can afford, whether they are trying to get extra hundredths with an ICC or tenths with a crosser engine (even assuming that would be the case)

Stephen Buckley · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 861

Rob,

I hate to say it but I think Terry is right on. If you stand at a supermarket or in a mall somewhere and start taking a poll of what people think of karting, their minds would fill up with visions of a Sears yard kart. It just is!

Jeff Franz · Joined: 16 Jul 2001 Posts: 524

quote:
Originally posted by Terry Tilton:
Start charging admission at Barrie and rock island and see what happens to the attendance.

Terry,

I agree. At an event where karting is the headline attraction, charging admission would likely have a very adverse affect on the spectator figures at places like Barrie, Rock Island, and Quincy in the Park.

I would very much like to hear Mr. Kelly, Mr. Ruthhart, and Mr. Traeder's opinions on this subject.

Jeff

Rob Hogenmiller · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 850

I would expect attendance would directly fall dependent on the amount charged. Shoot maybe even ask for a Dollar donation, something.

I agree most people would think of a fun kart if they could even think of something. Majority people don't know what a Formula car is either and if you say Open Wheel the blank stare still remains.

Unless you can show that karting is directly bringing in more fans at an attached event the purse money will not be increased for karting.

I'm not saying attaching is a Bad idea. I think it's GREAT idea for the future of karting and building a great ladder foundation for drivers. I sure hope the relationship grows for the future.

Keith Archambeau · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2001 12:33 pm Post subject: Shifter costs and the PMT

One thing that has made some sports pro, Or more known. Was that some one decited to make a movie! A "B" movie in some cases. Endless summer,(surfing)On any sunday ( dirt bikes, motocross ) RAD (freestyle bicycles) Days of Thunder (Nascar goes nuts) Grand Prix (F1) Le Mans (sports cars) whole bunch of sking movies. I sure theres more. I think Hollywood is what we need. Boy meets girl, good guy, bad guy kind of thing. Now comeon Alfonso, Sean let's do it!