Old School Race Series in the South

[Zippy]

Is there any appetite for it for next year. I thought we had a cracking series running for 2 years and then it all fell to shit.

I'll put my hands up and admit I didn't race much this year but even if I had I would have raced against nobody else.

We really need to boost the numbers for next year I think and really get back to the good old days of 2 gates at least per race meeting.

[chewy]

Agreed, but no ones interested.  I didnt have a car, I do now though 

as long as the car has no lugs and 1" threaded forks you will be ok dude 

[RATTY]

Im up for it, would be cool to see it back up and running

[Haro82]

I think it needs someone , like a Moley type person to keep the interest going. I think the north is kept its popularity because a thread goes up on here with the riders that are going to pitch up and that creates more interest. I'm sure that if any newcomers look at the Preston old school thread and see there is going to be loads of old schoolers down there to look after them they would be more inclined to pitch up.
 There is nothing worse than turning up at a meeting with no one to race or only two or three of you.

 

[big kev 40]

im always up for a bit of fun

[moley]

I think there are a few reasons why the decline in the south happened.

1.  Riders improved and moved to different (proper) classes.   Which is what the OS class should do.   When riders regain or acquire new skills to compete against  better riders then its only right that they should step up to continue their learning curve.

2.  The South's OS class wasn't a regional meeting.   It was spread out over 3 different series/meets (I think).  Now that its Officially attached to regionals it might restrict the numbers of riders due to extra travelling costs to make all of the meets.

3.  I think if Tony didn't have any health problems then the series would still be going strong as he was the main rider giving the series its impetus and drive.   Hopefully now that he's back riding and with the likes of Glen (who's always eager to ride) then the OS down south can attract the numbers it had 2 summers ago.

I think the main reason the North is doing well is the video footage.   It makes racing more fun when you can see yourself racing (even if you fall off).

The OS needs to keep attracting new blood as riders leave to do other classes.   The video footage shows that even the worst riders  can get around a track and will give those viewers who are thinking of racing that extra nudge to race.

The whole point of the OS is to get the older riders back on the track and have some fun.    The only problem is getting people on the track for that important first race. Once they are on track and lined up on that start gate they'll discover how much fun it is.   OS sells itself.  If you've raced once then you'll race again.  

The Northern Winter Series is good too.  No BCF fees or license.  Hopefully the newbies at Preston will get hooked before the shitty weather comes.

People always look for excuses not to race.   No bike, Not fit enough etc, etc.   Dont give them a choice not to race.  As soon as someone shows an interest then dont let them go.  If they dont have a bike then get them a loaner to race on.   Once they've raced once then they'll come back for more.  

The other upshot of OS is that you'll probably end up dragging the rest of your family into the sport too.   Look at Imogen Hill (British Champion).  

I expect to see 30+ riders racing OS at next years Brits!!  

[moley]

Nice one Glen!!   

You should give the Beemer a thorough testing by driving up to Preston!!! 

[Peter J]

The video footage shows that even the worst riders  can get around a track

My ears are burning  

Oh yer and Moley will lend even the worst rider a bike  

 

[moley]

I even pump the tires up too!! 

[Peter J]

lol 

I only asked you to do that so I could watch 

[moley]

lol 

I only asked you to do that so I could watch 

You scare me!! 

[hooga1975]

I havnt raced all summer, infact I have hardley ridden a bike at all.  I recently started thinking about the OSS and how much fun we had for two years, and that got me thinking about riding again.  I was going to start racing Braintree in their winter series on my shiney new cruiser, but if we could get a few of us back for the old school, I would be game.

[Peter J]

lol 

I only asked you to do that so I could watch 

You scare me!! 

I scare me 

[moley]

Ya Crazy B@st@rd!!!   

[Zippy]

I've missed racing with my mates in old school.

I just want to race with my mates and not take it too seriously.

[JT Smooth]

I've missed racing with my mates in old school.

I just want to race with my mates and not take it too seriously.

thats what makes the north os class so big.......its all about having a laugh and taking thge p1ss out of each other 

[Zippy]

I plan on racing an Aero Pro next year in old school as well. Proper old school from '84

[THIRSTYKIRSTY]

i wouild love to see it all get up and goin propper down sowf again

and when it does we will have to arrange propper north verses south comps

be brill

russ

[thecrooch]

im always up for it.....  was fun racing the Brits really got the juices flowing for OS again... 

[Zippy]

We could run it with the regional series but I think it would be nice to also include the Hersden rounds into the series as well and we have had some classic racing at the little track.

It would definitely be nice to have an independent series running for the old school so that we can inject some fun and camaraderie back into the racing.

[Kaner]

I want to start racing in the South Oss next year. Ive got my Kuwi to race on but have never raced other than at MK this year so what Im saying is I would be proper crap but up for a spin!   

[Zippy]

That's what the OSS is all about Ben, it doesn't matter how crap or good you are it's about getting out on your bike and having a laugh.

[thecrooch]

until the gate drops of course.....

[moley]

That's what the OSS is all about Ben, it doesn't matter how crap or good you are it's about getting out on your bike and having a laugh.

Yep!!  Everyone starts crap!!

And after 2 years you'll still be crap but not quite as much plus you'll be slightly fitter too!! 

[moomin]

Tony spoke to Kenny just recently about a revival and needing to get back to the way things were, especially a return to a strong OS class in the South.

There's a fair few who are looking to ride, list i can work out so far

Kev Carlin
Kev Riviere
Ratty
Zippy
Hooga
Crooch
Glen
Kaner
Billstup (when he can stay in 1 pce  )
medaved
Spike
Mr Magoo

Maybe Gary72, Quadpaul, Mike et all can be persuaded to come back from the dark side too 

Maybe it could be run alongside the South winter series and Hersden, taking your best say 5 results etc so that people dont have to commit to all the rounds as in todays financial climate it's a squeeze for everyone.

I wouldn't suggest that it's run the way it has been in the past where fees are paid as people have licences/memberships to pay for, however, we have a few trophies here, which could be used for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

The south region have a meeting soon to announce dates, i think Hersdens may allready be out so i'll speak to Tone in the morning to see what he thinks