World Champs
What happened to this sport being affordable. Its $200 to enter the Worlds and that doesn't even include transponder hire. Does adding 'World' to the title really mean we have to pay that much?
I agree
$25 "transponder hire" on top of $200 is taking the piss IMHO.
I've numbers on my sail! If they want to provide a different system then fine, but why should I pay extra for it?
I see BBC have this "extra" on their race days and I also have to pay "a track hire fee" (cost not stated).
When I first started to race at ABC we where given transponders and then returned them at the end of the day. For FREE!
If they are worried we will nick them, then I don't mind paying a $25 bond. How much are these things anyway?
Hi Haydon
Wow! this is serious stuff so better raise some cash quick
Anyone want to buy a gold medal? – totally unique and one of only two ever awarded to a Blokarter anywhere in the world I believe – Still unengraved so you can put you’re own name on it too – The lanyard’s a bit worn because I wear it everywhere I go – even to bed!
Rgds
“We Are The Champions” Dog
Haydn <...> said:
What happened to this sport being affordable. Its $200 to enter the
Worlds and that doesn't even include transponder hire. Does adding
'World' to the title really mean we have to pay that much?
I would tend to agree. It may be cheap for those coming from overseas but for those on Helen Clark wages or Super, it's too tough. As a 'newbe' to the sport who tends to be at the rear of the field but intended to participate. Now as a retiree, I will have to rethink when you add costs of transport, accomodation and meals for a week. "She indoors" will not be amused even if I get a free T-shirt!!
TEEBEE #85
Sorry Haydn – we forgot to mention the senior citizen discount, the under 18 youth discount, the people who don't qualify for working for families discount, the people who qualify for working for families discount, the people who qualify for a tax cut discount, those paid by Aunty Helen discount, the "I just want to be there and don't care if I finish last" discount and the people who have to travel over 50,000km to get there discount.
Nick ABC :-)
P.S Sounds like you need a sponsor Haydn. I am sure people here will have suggestions of companies you can approach. And being last years champ will make it easier. I will google a brass letter manufacturer for you. I am sure we will find a way of sticking their name in nice big thick brass letters on your sail. Can someone please checkout lead battery manufacturers as Haydn is a very busy student?
On a more practical note has anyone asked Sealegs?
Thankyou Nick
Haydn <...> said:
Thankyou Nick
The World’s represent really good value for money.
Competitors get six days and nights of world-class racing and off-track fun. For their money they will enjoy food and drinks at the welcome bbq on Sunday afternoon and the fully catered, off-site celebration function on the Friday night provided in their entry fee, and a get an event t-shirt. Not only that, every competitor will go in the draw to win a 2008 Sport 4.0 and very impressive spot prizes. Those who have their entry in before 1 August will also go in the draw for some fantastic blokart performance products as well. First-place-getters will walk away with a custom POD, as well as (in case we have forgotten this is the WORLD championships) the title of WORLD CHAMPION – and the trophy to prove it (for most sports, this all they get and all they care about).
With such high stakes involved, and international competitors spending THOUSANDS of dollars to compete for the title, a highly accurate timing system is crucial. Having the results for 150 competitors, from the rapid-fire heats, available minutes after they cross the finish line keeps the racing charged. Volunteers (I mean no disrespect whatsoever) with pen and paper are not really going to cut it, are they? Therefore if competitors do not own a transponder, the event will need to hire one from Timing NZ at a cost of $25. Alternatively, competitors could look into purchasing these at the cost of $165 (the amount the event will be up for if it is returned damaged or lost – something we normally discover after everyone has departed).
It is not cheap to organize an event of this size and quality. The cost of compensating and paying for venues, hiring equipment and expertise just to name the obvious. A depressed market, and with many high profile events failing, means sponsorship money is hard earned. And although our aspirations are otherwise, blokart Racing is only participated in by a very small minority. We are extremely grateful for all the hard work that volunteers put in. Without them the event's costs would be horrendous.
If you are someone who would rather be part of the solution, rather than expend your energy repetitively expressing your concern, the organisers would definitely appreciate you securing a title sponsor for $10,000. I know thye would be happy to direct any surplus monies (outside of the increased obligations to that sponsor to ensure they get high media and advertising exposure) into reducing the entry fee and (if there is anything left over) cover the cost of hiring transponders.
This is going to be a fantastic event (if you doubt that, it wont matter what the entry fee is). If you are a Kiwi, (as pointed out earlier) it is right on our doorstep. Seize the opportunity to be part of the inaugural WORLD BLOKART CHAMPIONSHIPS. Don’t wish you had.
You will have plenty of opportunity to express your concerns about the cost of participating in the World’s, when it is held in the Northern Hemisphere, next time.
Well said Peter, as a comparison the world champs for a well known class of small yacht being held in America next month is $1200 USD entry. Cant wait for the event, come on October.
Hi Peter,
OK enoughs enough on this topic!
I withdraw my earlier comments with some reservation.
Pity your excellent explination was not posted when entry forms were sent out and then purhaps a different marketing approach would have recieved a more positive responce. Easy to be wise in hindsight. However, I will still be there even as a observer!
Teebee
Believe me there’s loads of positive vibes around I can assure you – just like Nicko we can hardly wait for the event, the good company and lots of fun.
Cheers Gaye J
PS: You should have received both our entry forms and fees by now.
You might be right, Tony:)
We tried to incorporate all these benefits into the entry form.
Hopefully your observing will be done from the cockpit of your kart, with only a little [be]hindsight:)!
Pete,
Here here, good one Peter
Catch you at the Worlds, if not before!
Regards
Phil
Hi Nick
Dominion Lead Mills are happy to sponsor Hayden.
Conditions: Kart must be lead coated and sponsors name in big lead letters on both sides of the sail
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