Opinions about Mid Ohio ?

[thrownchain]

For those of you that went, what are your honest opinions about this year?
Imagine my surprize to get slapped for $55 at the gate for a 3 day pass, (last year $45). heard some got caught for $35 for a 1 day pass. Pretty steep in my opinion as to what was there. No featured or secondary marque. Only bike display worth while was the Penton area. The infeild was basically empty, there were more vintage friendly vendors at Unadilla. I heard a few comment that they are going to "improve" Mid Ohio right out of existence. I could go on, but that's a start.

[seanguthrie]

I had a good time, but the price is getting up there.  This was the first year I took my wife with me so 2, 3day gate passes and a camping pass set me back a pretty penny.  She did pick up a nice little 72 CB350 for $550 so that made the trip all worth while.  Just wish the guy with the Penton HS frame and tank for $700 would have sold me that tank! booo

74 250 Hare scramble
68 Six Day

[Kip Kern]

Myself, I am a Vendor (since 95) and had a great time this year.  I complain about the bathrooms/showers every year(need to be cleaned more often and by more personnel) I miss the "2 tickets with each vendor space" concept, but overall, I really enjoyed myself.  I would like to see more Demo ride participation (street and dirt) I want to buy a new BMW but they wern's there!, more decent shows at the demo ride area, a fireworks display on Saturday evening, a Military appreciation day (Saturday) more vendor participation with demos, i.e., TP Tools, Plating Companies, Jesse James for sheet metal work, painters etc. Have a short Poker run on Saturday or Sunday. More American flags flying on the facility (made in Ohio of course) Get Billy Joel to visit and put on a small 1 hour show, he loves bikes, so does Lyle Lovette and others. Put a huge big screen in the Swap area for racing coverage.  Bring back the "Wall of death"  bring back the Dyno for personal use. Open the main median for bike parking.  Invite more food vendors like the old days, i.e., KFC, Pizza hut, Burger King, Real BBQ. Sure miss the auction on Saturday too.  I would like to see an annual event that everyone would like to come to. The economy sucks and we have to be picky about what we are able to do each year and I want this event to be first on everyones list! My 2 cents!  I have relayed these ideas to the AMA already.

[[email protected]]

I agree with Kip. I understand the economy, gas prices, etc., etc. I guess I remember when being a racer you were the show, not just a paying participent. $55 for entry and $ 100 bucks to ride 2 classes compared to getting for free and getting a mechanics pass kinda adds up after race gas, van gas, food , etc., etc.. I don't want to get into a AMA vs. AHRMA thing, but that's my 2 cents.

     How about privateer J&J racing beating the " Factory Teams" ?

[Lew Mayer]

I haven't gone since they eliminated the extra free pass for your "mechanic" (wife, girlfriend etc). It seems greed has taken over Mid-O or the AMA. Not sure which, maybe both. I agree with Jeff, the riders (racers) were part of the show. Now they're just a ticket sale and entry fee.

Lew Mayer

[Mike Hufnagel]

Have someone do a better job scoring the cross country.


'12 Husaberg TE300
74 Yamaha TY 250
84 Yam IT200
75 Jackpiner w/ 250 eng.
82 KTM GS250II (import)
82 KTM 495 (2)
98 KTM 300mxc
04 KTM 125 SX
00 KTM Duke 2/rd. racer
06 KTM 950 Adv.
08 Suzuki DR70Z

[OhioTed]

I think Kip really brought up some great suggestions.  Aint gonna happen though, because of one simple word - GREED.  

I had commitments at VMD so I was obligated to attend.  BUT - neither was I about to miss the Wauseon AMCA meet - same weekend.  So, I drove out to Wauseon Thursday night, camped over, enjoyed a GREAT event all day Friday, watched the half-mile races there Friday night - AWESOME, camped over Friday night, and drove down to VMD Saturday morning.

Now, here's some interesting comparisons:  Admission to Wauseon is FREE!  That's right - FREE.  Plus, if you are an AMCA member, camping is FREE.  Yes, FREE!  And, get this:  was my campsite a blighted spot in an open field, devoid of any amenities?  Nope, how about electric, water, and sewer, for my camper?  And, shade!  Yes, there were trees.  True, I did pay $15 to see the races Friday night, but it was worth it!!!  All in all, a great time!

So, Vintage Days:  Arriving on Saturday morning, "Can I bring in my camper, with a one-day pass?"  "NOPE!  You've got to buy a three-day pass to the tune of $55, plus $70 for the camper."  "But I can't stay Saturday night!"  "Too bad.  $55, plus $70, plus another $55 for your buddy who is with you."  "What do I get for the $70?"  "You get to park your camper over there in that dusty field - no hookups, no electricity, no nuthin."

Know what I did?  Drove ten miles down the road, and for $36, stayed in a beautiful campground, with full hookups, shade, a pool, and get this - adjacent ATV trails!  It was great!  

Oh, and what was going on at VMD?  Ah, . .  the swap meet . . .  Ah, . . . was there anything else going on?  Well, there were those 1-race "championships" taking place, and Mike Seate and those folks had a nice cafe racer display in the infield.  Beyond that . . .

[seanguthrie]

quote:Originally posted by OhioTed

 

Oh, and what was going on at VMD?  Ah, . .  the swap meet . . .  Ah, . . . was there anything else going on?  Well, there were those 1-race "championships" taking place, and Mike Seate and those folks had a nice cafe racer display in the infield.  Beyond that . . .

Couldn't agree with you more Ted!  I may check out Wauseon next year.  Never had a chance to go there.

74 250 Hare scramble
68 Six Day

[thrownchain]

I may give Wauseon my money this year. $5 per day to park and free admission. Already saved $35 over Mid Ohio. Lots of old bikes, maybe something different than what's at Mid Ohio every year. Still thinking, we'll see what M/O has to offer before I make a final decision.

[Kip Kern]

Speaking of Wauseon, when is it slated for 2013?? I need some parts for my 1928 JD Harley[]

[thrownchain]

Same as Mid Ohio.

[Dwight Rudder]

Just attend Barbers Vintage Festival instead. I quit going to VMD because of the AMA screwing everyone there and what they did to AHRMA. Barbers actually wants us there.

[t20sl]

Don't want to step on sacred ground but shouldn't these comments have been directed to Jack P.?

Ted Atkinson

[thrownchain]

According to a post on 10/01/12, Jack has left the AMA.

[brian kirby]

quote:Originally posted by Dwight Rudder

Just attend Barbers Vintage Festival instead. I quit going to VMD because of the AMA screwing everyone there and what they did to AHRMA. Barbers actually wants us there.

They want road racers, they dont want US. Barber only accepts off roaders because they are forced to. You will never see me at Barber again, and I only live 1.5hrs away. George Barber can stuff it.

Brian