OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Dickie]

Well, I can't believe but there appears that there is going to be a Thunder X Series again for 2012. This is great as it appears to be one of the only Quad Class events in the South East QLD Area. The rounds are as follows:

Round 1 - 12 August 2012 - QLD Moto Park
Round 2 - 2 September 2012 - Mundubbera
Round 3 - 16 September 2012 - QLD Moto Park

It appears that you just enter via nominate.com.au and enter for each round, at $110.00 Per Round. Prize money is 1st: $100, 2nd: $75, 3rd: $55 and 4th: $45.

Last year this event really struggled with numbers, and I believe the quad class will really struggle to get the numbers this year. 10 entires constitute a class, with a maximum grid of 20 and 5 reserves.

At this stage I cannot commit to being at these rounds due to a lot of other commitments. But it would be good to know who is planning on coming along.

Josh

Last edited by Dickie on Thu Aug 09, 2012 12:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

[surfin]

I will be there.

If MQ had changed their license model for this year I would have had 2 quads racing, but I am not buying a full MQ license for my son for just 3 events
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[ddingo]

Would love to have a ride but my license has run out and the same as Craig think it is to expensive for only 3 races.
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[Dickie]

Yes, it is unfortunate that you cannot get one day licenses for these events, especially for a class like Quads.

That being the case, and numbers being down across the board. I really do not expect this to get off the ground.... for the quad class anyway.

[Dickie]

No further interest yet? I have emailed the organisers asking if they have heard any interest from quad rider...... waiting for a reply.

[surfin]

I'll nominate closer to the closing date
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[Dickie]

I agree...... otherwise we will probably lose an "administation fee" for like $25!

So, based on my FB Post, those who have expressed interest are:

Myself
Craig
Postie
Jake


And thats about it.

[surfin]

Bazz will most likely be there. Bit sad...where has everyone gone?
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[Dickie]

It's not necesserily where has everyone gone, it is where have the events gone? It is not worth your everyday rider to go out and get a Full National License to race 1 race series. Then, its not worth it any more as it is all expense and no gain for the rider. I am not talking financially either. Most races you turn up, race, go home...... no social atmosphere, none of the things that attract people to race. Unfortunately it is a rich persons sport, and quad rider (make a stereotypical, unfactual statement) are not generally the richest people haha.

[flipper]

I think a lot of the problem is the format & the atmosphere. I will drive something in the order of 18,000km to attend races this year. Why? Because it's worth going if the event is well run and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

Other than Ironpot (and can't comment on Mundubbera) ThunderX was neither last year.

At events like Thumbpump & Finke, Quad riders are friendly & there is a lot of comradeship. On the track riders are fierce competitors but without feeling the need to try and win regardless of who gets hurt in the process. Everyone helps everyone and there is no "agro". Quite frankly I saw some appalling sportsmanship (or lack thereof) at ThunderX last year.

Maybe its the difference between short course racing & enduro style events...

[Queensland Quad Riders]

Ok everyone
I have just spoken to Officals and they are geeting back to me if we can run on a day licence,to get the number up.

QQRA team.

[JB83]

I'll probably do rounds 2 and 3.
The cost of Noms is rediculous. What happened to the days when first place prize money would not only cover your nomination but also pay for your fuel home.
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[surfin]

Queensland Quad Riders wrote:

Ok everyone I have just spoken to Officals and they are geeting back to me if we can run on a day licence,to get the number up. QQRA team.

ok I just spoke to someone on the ThunderX subcommittee.

They will allow one day licenses for the quads.

It is still supposed to be minimum 10 quads for the class, but they will run with less, and just not do all the prizemoney etc

To be eligible for the Qld Title, you need to have a full license, not just a one day

So not sure if this will now increase quad numbers there
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[ddingo]

Jamie that was a long time ago (lol)

Entries close for the 1st round on sunday the 5/8/2012.
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[Dickie]

I think a collective decision needs to be made, and soon, in regards to whether we have enough interest to put a class together, so that we can start organising and nominating.

I am just suggesting that because I dont want to drive 6 hours for four quads because people have said they are going to turn up, and dont.

Not a rant, just trying to make sure we are all happy

[Postie]

I spoke to a bloke from Charleville today , reckons he may be able to add another 2 possibly 3. I'll give him a callback tomorrow and see how they are travelling . will keep you guys posted

[Dickie]

Well it appears everyone else is going elsewhere. So I am not bothering about thunder x then.

[JB83]

No offence to the older generation but it seems now that most quad riders are in the older age bracket and are more intetested in social rides. Thunder x isn't for everyone, generally you have to be some what fit to enjoy it properly and alot of quad riders just want to take it easy like at hooks wknd. It's always being difficult attracting people to it.
When I first started racing quads we had 3 series of mx and a host of dirt track and motard races, with most riders being in they're twenties.
Most those guys aren't racing anymore. A junior class with a 250cc standard machine is meeded to attract younger people into the sport. Starting to sound eccentric aren't I.
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[Dino]

JB83 wrote:

No offence to the older generation but it seems now that most quad riders are in the older age bracket and are more intetested in social rides. Thunder x isn't for everyone, generally you have to be some what fit to enjoy it properly and alot of quad riders just want to take it easy like at hooks wknd. It's always being difficult attracting people to it. When I first started racing quads we had 3 series of mx and a host of dirt track and motard races, with most riders being in they're twenties. Most those guys aren't racing anymore. A junior class with a 250cc standard machine is meeded to attract younger people into the sport. Starting to sound eccentric aren't I.

None taken. I'm no racer but the economy is pretty RS ATM.
Events, venues, sponsorship plus the cost of competing are all suffering.
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[Roycroft]

Thunder x is the best racing for atvs nothing like fanging it in an open paddock. Connondale and mundubbra were my all
Time favourites.
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[just doin it]

MQ asked us several times would we hold a round of Thunder x, that`s cause no clubs want to do it. Only one entity gains out of Thunder x. We know only to well as we have held a round or two since 2006. JB is correct in saying it`s too dear for no reward for doing well, then on top of it want to take $25 off you guys that nominate when the rest of us don`t. Take a look at the vets, same price to enter ,half the reward. Then look at where the venues are, two at moto park, where`s all that revenue go. This series will, is dying a slow death, we the quads will get blamed for not turning up, along with a lot of bikes, gee i wonder why.
Might sound like whinging, but let me tell you we have been jumping through hoops for too long. We are putting all our efforts into the Cross Country [ sep /oct ] using the Thunder x track as part of it and with just a bit more !!!!!!!------ with MQ sup regs will be out soon. Let me give you a quote from the enduro sub comittee minutes from the CEO of MQ, "we encourage clubs and promoters to be clever, keep people in the sport" unquote. The list goes on, it seems the only people that want ghange are the riders as most of these people in positions still have there head up the same spot.
And sorry , we won`t be at any Thunder x`s as shoulder surgery is next tuesday.
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[Dickie]

I think it is pretty much official that there is no quad class. But having said that I was told on Sunday there was only 10 entries total as of last week.....

I suppose we could go through an pick on all the issues that have lead up to the demise of TX. But really, a leopard can't change its spots.....

[Dingo555]

just doin it wrote:

MQ asked us several times would we hold a round of Thunder x, that`s cause no clubs want to do it. Only one entity gains out of Thunder x. We know only to well as we have held a round or two since 2006. JB is correct in saying it`s too dear for no reward for doing well, then on top of it want to take $25 off you guys that nominate when the rest of us don`t. Take a look at the vets, same price to enter ,half the reward. Then look at where the venues are, two at moto park, where`s all that revenue go. This series will, is dying a slow death, we the quads will get blamed for not turning up, along with a lot of bikes, gee i wonder why. Might sound like whinging, but let me tell you we have been jumping through hoops for too long. We are putting all our efforts into the Cross Country [ sep /oct ] using the Thunder x track as part of it and with just a bit more !!!!!!!------ with MQ sup regs will be out soon. Let me give you a quote from the enduro sub comittee minutes from the CEO of MQ, "we encourage clubs and promoters to be clever, keep people in the sport" unquote. The list goes on, it seems the only people that want ghange are the riders as most of these people in positions still have there head up the same spot. And sorry , we won`t be at any Thunder x`s as shoulder surgery is next tuesday.

For racers like myself who are very unlikely to receive any reward at all it is just far to expensive to turn up when all I really want to do do is get together with a group of like minded people for some FRIENDLY competition. Personally I am far more interested in the bragging rights and the campfire racing after party rather than any cash reward I am going to receive. Keep up the good work Hook and Sonya, Kay and I will be at the cross country with bells on..
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[flipper]

just doin it wrote:

we won`t be at any Thunder x`s as shoulder surgery is next tuesday.

All the best for the surgery mate. See you in September guaranteed.

[just doin it]

Received a text from ---------- re Thunder x yesterday stating noms are very low, the late entry fee has been wiped and instead of closing on the 5th , will keep them open till the 8th [today] 40 had nominated, how sad is that, like i said and most out there , gee i wonder why.
Anyway look forward to Cross Country, and thanks for the best wishes.
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