The psychology of registering early

Daniel White

If a racer who doesn't belong to our club (and perhaps had to drive a long way) was to consider coming for our August 9th race meeting, he / she would probably want to race against a large field--or look to race somewhere else.

With less than two weeks until our next race, only 11 racers have registered. If I lived in Tennessee, Alabama, the Carolinas or South Georgia, I probably wouldn't come to Barnesville to race in a class with one or two other karters.

But the funny thing is I'm reasonably sure we'll have 50+, maybe even closer to 65-70. We regularly have 8-10 Rotax senior guys; the TAG class as well as the Clone class has experienced considerable growth as well. But you wouldn't know it unless you checked the registration list a DAY OR TWO before a race. By then it may be too late to entice distant racers.

Cases in point: Seth Blackburn. This is a guy who lives pretty far from any track--in western N. Carolina. He considers Lowes his home track but he has traveled to Florida at least twice to race. Only been to B'ville once. There's likely a few more racers like him. The Bakers Creek club only has 8 or 9 race dates. I would think some of those guys would want to race at least 2-3 more times a year.

If we can demonstrate that we will have great participation more than 2-3 weeks ahead of a given race date, I think we would be able to attract a handful of racers who otherwise might not come because of the low (apparent) interest. In short, we should give a more accurate perception of the health of our club by registering early.

I'm not saying someone should register who has no intention of coming--we shouldn't misrepresent ourselves--but if you are reasonably certain that you will be racing, by all means officially sign up. There is no penalty. You actually save $5.
_________________
Tonykart EVRR / Adkins Yamaha

Patrick French · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:41 am Post subject:

Nicely put, Daniel.
I'm in.
_________________
CRG, Rotax #08

KevinFrench · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject:

You've probably got a good point Daniel. I have registered now too.
_________________
Rotax Masters
Kosmic Mercury #602

John Wehrheim · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:35 pm Post subject:

In addition, by registering it shows you intend to race, but by no means does it commit you to race or to pay. This process is to help us register and streamline the process. Again, by registering it does not commit you financially. So do not hesitate to register if you think you will be racing.
_________________
John
Board of Directors
Sr. 2 Cycle Director

JoshuaWarren · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

that is why I always sign up early.

we went from 11 to 15 in less than 30min. Very Happy

_________________
"Porkchop Racing"
Joshua Warren
#75
Clone Senior

clarence · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 2:03 pm Post subject:

done deal
_________________
Mr. Sideways

Daniel White · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

Brent Harper · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:20 pm Post subject:

Daniel,
I thought everyone knew that adding weight makes you faster... Very Happy

I personally think that everyone should try and make 405lbs for at least on race. Cool

_________________
CMC ROTAX/SWISS HUTLESS

CMC KARTS

Daniel White · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:50 pm Post subject:

Brent, since you (and Maholik) are sporting the #1 ranking, you of all people should register early.

I mean, who's going to get fired up to race me? Laughing

_________________
Tonykart EVRR / Adkins Yamaha

Kerry Wilson · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 4:29 pm Post subject:

See your point. I am registered.

Haven't raced since race before last. I am bored and ready to race.
_________________
Kerry Wilson
Senior 4 Cycle Director
Invader #9