Professional industry insider (is that a real job?) Steve Bruhn over at Weekend Window wrote up his thoughts on what 2008 holds for the MX/SX community. Interesting stuff. Should be a very exciting year. I’m particularly eager to see what the National Promoters Group does with the Outdoor Nationals.
Entries from December 14th, 2007
Why all the dirt bikes look the same
December 14th, 2007 · No Comments · Industry, Technology
In his excellent book Market Domination author Steve Hannaford explores how consolidation in an industry leads to conversion between erstwhile “competing” products and ultimately reduces choice for customers: Competitive differences tend to narrow over time, as they must when companies are trying to keep up with better selling rivals. When markets are dominated by a [...]
My write-in campaign failed
December 14th, 2007 · No Comments · Politics of Riding
Well, last month I wrote in my name on the ballot to nominate AMA Directors for the southeast region. I also asked a friend of mine to write me in. I got the new AMA magazine today and I didn’t make the ballot. I guess it takes more than two people to get any traction. [...]
Tags: AMA
Official AMA vision statement
December 13th, 2007 · No Comments · Politics of Riding
The official vision statement for the “new” AMA was posted today on the AMA home. It contains much the same content as his previous announcement at AMA Pro Racing, with a little more detail and information geared to general membership. Basically, the vision is to do fewer things and do them better – refocus on [...]
Tags: AMA·RobDingman
How much does it cost to buy a Congressman?
December 13th, 2007 · No Comments · Politics of Riding
Via Oligopoly Watch, a New York Times article from last month reports on how “earmarks” – special amendments and addenda that Congressmen write into spending bills to payoff their supporters and cronies – are raining down a feast of cash on defense contractors. What’s interesting to us is the table of figures, compiled by Taxpayers [...]
Tags: badcongress·badlaws·badpoliticians
More changes at the AMA
December 12th, 2007 · 1 Comment · Politics of Riding
Heads rolled today at the AMA, at least according to the crew at PitPass Radio on tonight’s show. I listened to the archived MP3 file since I got in late. According to co-host Ed Kuhlenkamp three people were cut loose: Tim Owen – legal counsel Greg Harrison – Sr. VP Membership/Communication Bill Wood – Director of Communications [...]
Tags: AMA·ChangeIsGood
What price fixing in the rubber market means to motorcyclists
December 12th, 2007 · No Comments · Industry
Oligopoly Watch reported yesterday on recent price fixing scandals in the rubber industry. Why does this matter to the motorcycle community? Because we use a lot of rubber products and our suppliers are just as likely to be involved in this stuff as not. Just one cartel identified by US regulators for fixing the price [...]
Tags: badbusiness·pricefixing
AMA president Rob Dingman on PitPass Radio
December 11th, 2007 · No Comments · Events, Politics of Riding
I’m a full two months late, but yesterday I finally found time to listen to AMA president Rob Dingman’s segment during the October 9 Pitpass Radio show. Dingman is a reasonable fellow and has a big job ahead. He clearly understands the organization needs to regroup, refocus on its core mission, and do a much [...]
Tags: AMA·media·Pitpass Radio·RobDingman
The long-term effects of production-based racing
December 3rd, 2007 · No Comments · Industry, Racing, Technology
This article originally appeared at McCookRacing.com — twf In 1985 the AMA mandated production-based race bikes for all MX/SX National competition. This well-intentioned rule change was supposed to level the playing field between the factory race teams and the privateers, and reduce the overall cost of racing. But like so many such changes, this one had [...]
Tags: AMA·badbusiness
