Date Posted:13:41:05 08/28/07 Tue Author:David Author Host/IP: adsl-66-142-228-122.dsl.kscymo.swbell.net / 66.142.228.122 Subject: The NEW NMMA
Changes that I see need to be made to get tracks and racers interested in joining the NMMA again.
1. Give tracks/ track owners/racers more say in what goes on. How?... by listening and applying what works. Many tracks and other organizations have made racing much similar then the way the NMMA is doing (did) it. Over the years good rule proposals were voted down and bad rule proposals voted in...why?... often because of "Self Serving Politics" that did not have the majority in mind or the racer in mind.
2. SIMPLIFY the rule book. I have read the rule book cover to cover numerous times and even with this years revamp its got a long ways to go. When we go race an outlaw tracks they give rules for the class your in and its normally not more then 2 or 3 paragraphs in length. MAKE IT SIMPLE! Toss the current book and start over... stop trying to "fix" something thats not working.
3. The NMMA needs someone to take charge and get Sponsors. There is no reason why the NMMA can not find Cash and Contingencies for a Points Fund. We had one once and after it worked for a year or 2 then the NMMA decided it was taking too much money out of the general fund by offering it...this is FACT! That was the start of the bad that has come to the NMMA. If you call some of the companies/sponsors of that point fund and ask them how they felt about they NMMA not taking care of the racers you will know what I am taling about.
4. The NEW President needs to face the concerns AND complaints head on and not pick and choose what he wants to take issue with. Its not an easy job but someone with communication skills, common sense and a good calm demeanor is vital. Keeping the Racers and tracks at the fore front of good decision making. I personally believe the President should be close to a track thats sanctioned NMMA so he keeps his own interest focused in racing and can be held accountable by atleast some of the drivers face to face.
There are many other things that are important but in my view this is a start of what I would like to see and I believe if you put the racer first then the tracks will be seeking out the NMMA.
A few years ago I was talking to one of the "National" higher ups and I mentioned how cool it would be to have 20-30 tracks sanctioned NMMA... his comment was... "we have no desire...we want to keep it small and family oriented and keep it low budget so people can afford to race"... I agree on the Family Oriented... but not to grow? Also there are classes for the "Budget racer", but dont try to keep every class in the same income bracket. By the way without saying who told me these things I can tell you he is still in the same position today.
Hopefully there is some good POSITIVE comments but all comments are welcome.
