Whats Wrong with Australia's Sponsored Drivers
05-25-2009, 06:00 PM
#64
as a (smaller) importer with a few sponsored drivers the past few years it is more important to have someone who has a good standing in the community and is willing to help out other drivers (even if they don't run my gear)
there is no point in sponsoring the fastest driver if he is a tool and is not respected.
there is no point in sponsoring the fastest driver if he is a tool and is not respected.
I was taken very good care of by the previous owner of HarrisRC not because I won anything of note but because I promoted his business & it showed, far more important than a passing victory
No one showed us much at all when we started, a few words perhaps but no great direction was given, trial & error & thats not a bad thing, you learn & earn your stripes..
05-25-2009, 06:07 PM
#65
I guess my argument isn't realy with sponsored drivers but rather the need some people feel to 'copy' what everyone else is doing. I dont like the easy way out (thats probably why I race vintage buggies) and I'd rather learn why a certain set up works rather than take a carbon copy from everyone else.
I believe the Australian racing scene has a wealth of great drivers (and mechanics) to learn from but learn we must and stop looking for the easy way out. Only then will we all make great drivers and mechanics and truly enjoy the spoils of our victories.
Too many times have I seen or heard of drivers wanting the same car as the better drivers have. The funny thing is that some of the drivers could drive a shopping trolley well and still win.
I believe the Australian racing scene has a wealth of great drivers (and mechanics) to learn from but learn we must and stop looking for the easy way out. Only then will we all make great drivers and mechanics and truly enjoy the spoils of our victories.
Too many times have I seen or heard of drivers wanting the same car as the better drivers have. The funny thing is that some of the drivers could drive a shopping trolley well and still win.
05-25-2009, 07:32 PM
#67
There are very few sponsored drivers, in the way the avg person would consider a "sponsorship"
99.99% of people out there you would regard as sponsored merely recieved a wholesale less x% price from the importer.
Even the kankles, the best placing Aussie at an onroad electric worlds, pays for his stuff.
99.99% of people out there you would regard as sponsored merely recieved a wholesale less x% price from the importer.
Even the kankles, the best placing Aussie at an onroad electric worlds, pays for his stuff.
05-25-2009, 07:43 PM
#68
Certainly nothing "wrong" with Simon Nicholson. He was very approachable and helpful to me with my Phi at the Reedy Race this past weekend. Even though I am...an American. 
Funny story (sorry Simon)...We went to an Outback Steakhouse for dinner one night at the Reedy. Simon ordered a steak and asked for it to be cooked "rare". The waitress very nicely informed him that 'rare' meant cold in the center at this particular restaurant. So, they settled on 'medium rare' to eliminate the cold center.
Then the waitress queried him with..."And your two sides?". Initially, Simon looked at her in puzzlement. Then, he said "Do you mean I have to tell you how I want each side (of the steak) done too". Whereupon, she returned the look. And, we totally cracked up while she told him about the available 'side dishes' for his meal. You had to be there.
Simon may well be the Australian version of our Matt Francis...
Bill
Funny story (sorry Simon)...We went to an Outback Steakhouse for dinner one night at the Reedy. Simon ordered a steak and asked for it to be cooked "rare". The waitress very nicely informed him that 'rare' meant cold in the center at this particular restaurant. So, they settled on 'medium rare' to eliminate the cold center.
Then the waitress queried him with..."And your two sides?". Initially, Simon looked at her in puzzlement. Then, he said "Do you mean I have to tell you how I want each side (of the steak) done too". Whereupon, she returned the look. And, we totally cracked up while she told him about the available 'side dishes' for his meal. You had to be there.
Simon may well be the Australian version of our Matt Francis...
Bill
05-25-2009, 08:44 PM
#70
Actually, Matt was spectating and visiting at the Reedy during the weekend. I do not think I have ever seen him is better shape physically...ankles and all...He has been riding his mountain bike for sure...in his retirement.
05-27-2009, 02:20 AM
#71
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