Whats The POINT

[Gary]

Most of the Teams like ours are funded buy old racers like me, who put there money and time into trying to help young riders,a lot of them do not appreciate it and bring loads of baggage (nightmare family).Unfortunately i have not won the lottery so do not have bottomless pit.

Spot on mate and then they pull you down for helping them as though its your fault little johnny just cant cut the mustard and Dad always knows best.
Well if Dad knows best then why lick **** to get the Ride in the first place then pull down the team and everyone around it through jelousy and not listening to the advise given.
All these youngsters go home at night and Dad again always knows best. He may have done a track day or two and may also have been a club racer at some time.

We decide to vet our riders from now on and only commit to Riders who commit back to us too......We now have a great Team and all the Riders deserve the input they gain from the sponsors and the Team .......but the door is always open to go and get another mug to help pay for their racing if they are not happy.

Sometimes i do sit back and think Why !!!!!!
But when i see the faces on our Riders when the results are acheived by all ....then thats Why.

[AP Kawasaki]

It all comes down to outside sponsorship at the end of the day. Every team, weather new or old has to invest in infrastructure, capital equipment and depreciation. Depending on what the team has to offer will determine the cost to run each rider. The overall cost will obviously be reduced if more riders are run, so in theory the more riders in a single team the lower the cost. But that results in a higher initial outlay for the team, i.e. bigger tuck, awning and more bikes. Newer teams are therefore disadvantaged. The more established teams have already been down this very expensive path and are now positioned to reap the gains of paid up riders and sponsors – deservedly so, after all they would have already made huge commitments and financial investments to get their teams established. Now it is their turn to recoup some of their investment whilst their former riders move on to bigger and greater things with new teams (thanks to them).Without such teams Jamie Hamilton would not have gotten a mention on this forum.
As a new team, AP Kawasaki is dependent on paid riders. The initial investment has been considerable but has come from people with a background of passion, not money. I do not believe there is a team in BSB or club that did not establish themselves on anything other than passion. For sure some of the teams were able to fund comfortable motor homes, but they still came to race meetings and devoted themselves to their riders. Look at the “Father Son” teams.
We are fortunate to have Matt Bilton in our team for this season. We recognize he has a shot at the title so have supported his ride as best we can, after all our team will benefit greatly for the 2011 season. The financial gain for us as a team with a winning rider has been openly discussed with Matt and his family. At the end of the year if Matt finishes in the top 4 we are still unable to support him in any way for a ride the following season. We are a superstock 600 team, Matt will have to leave the series (according to the rules).
So the teams and riders need sponsors. Jamie needs a sponsor as does Matt and every other rider, weather club or BSB. The teams need sponsors to support the talented riders we have here in the UK. The riders need sponsors to fund their participation.

Unless you can prove to me there are teams at our level making money please keep replies constructive rather than argumentative.

[boyley]

Well said, i am father and son and know how expensive it is to run a season

[SEVENTY SEVEN]

So the teams and riders need sponsors. Jamie needs a sponsor as does Matt and every other rider, weather club or BSB. The teams need sponsors to support the talented riders we have here in the UK. The riders need sponsors to fund their participation.

Unless you can prove to me there are teams at our level making money please keep replies constructive rather than argumentative.

You do not actually need sponsorship you need resources which can come from various sources. Some or all of these may come from sponsors. In the main I suspect most riders manage to race because they use there own or family money and help from friends and suppliers who are passionate about the sport. This is probably the biggest driver that keeps the sport going.

Racing in the elite series in the UK should be enough for those that succeed to progress without the burden of finding the resources. This way the most talented riders are able to progress which is the way it should be. It is up to the teams and riders to ensure there is a sufficient return for their efforts. The minimum prize for any champion running in a BSB series should be a ride at the next level.

How many teams/riders actually attract genuine sponsorship (hard cash) based on hard business principles - virtually none. That is because most teams/riders do not have the wherewithal or time to do the necessary work that is necessary. It is much easier to use your own money or get the rider to pay. If anyone wants to know how to get sponsorship they should read Guy Edwards book " Sponsorship and the World of Motor Racing" - this is the sponsorship bible - just seen one advertised for £250 secondhand.

As far as teams making money I doubt there are many. But there are a few team principles that clearly make it pay just check out their lifestyle. Please also remember that some (not every) teams have built up capital assets paid for by riders fees that will be sold and kept by the team owner when the team is finished. Just reward some might say.

Most riders, dads and team owners are dreamers in the nicest sense all looking to be number one. Unfortunately there are some whose egos are bigger than their brains and that is why teams and riders fall out. There have been a few examples usually covered by polite excuses – just check out the riders that jump ship half way through the season. I’ve heard both sides of the story.

I am surprised that some riders are going back to the team environment having had bad experiences before. There is nothing more satisfying than running your own team and beating the established teams eg Peter Hickman, Craig Fitzpatrick. Lets hope talent rules over the cheque book in 2010.

[jinkster]

leave it out now, this topic is boring and depressing. Lets look forward to brands.

[gtb-racing]

well said jinksy haha see ya at cadwell this weekend