I recently purchased a domain "VRodracing.com". I have been talking to Max about some ideas and possibly trying to collaberate with Vrodforums.com. I wanted to hear from the members about their thoughts and potential interest in such a site. Let me layout a few of the ideas that I have had and please share your thoughts with me - I am really interested in your opinions. Here are some of my thides. First I was thinking that the site could feature various racers, providing a profile of their racing program, pictures of their bike, set-up details, racing schedule, reports and notes. Possibly also provide the racers the opportunity to promote their sponsors and maybe even try to find some interested parties that want to provide sponsorship benefits to the featured racers/members. Also I would try to develop or collect articles related to racing and building race setups. Now I have also been talking to Max about the possibility of having a racing section in the vrodforum so that all of the members can observe and participate in the dialogue. Some of this info I would try to use as source material, possibly with additional interviews for developing articles. Some of the recent threads like Kaz's seems to indicate a need for trying to gain support and sponsorship for racing - so I was thinking that this might provide some help as it increases exposure to the VRod community and the internet as a whole. Any thoughts from racers, fans, potential racing sponssors, regular riders who are interested(or not) in racing and high performance, etc? I appreciate your feedback. Racers would you like a public forum and/or a private forum. Racers would you want a place to promote sponsors or prefer to keep it focused mostly on the machines and the racing. Any suppliers with an interest in racing have thoughts?
Thanks,
Kevin

That sounds good kevin, then i only have to go to one spot to find results on you,kaz,jamie..and others..instead of seaching AMA site..etc.
You might have to beat Kaz's setup details out of him.
Also racers feedback on what setups do not work would be great to read, and what setup works best for us weekend warriors.

All the above.
But like Shawn said you'll have to beat it outta Kaz.Like many other racers.You know they keep some things to themselves.

Kaz will be a great personality to feature - he is so far on the edge that he has little to worry about from folks imitating - as that would be a major investment of time, bike and money - I predict he will be a star on the site - and we will have to convince him to lay it out for us.... I know I am curious to hear about is new setups.
Kevin

I too would like to know about his new setups.Have a feeling they are gonna be pretty sick.

I like the VRodracing.com idea. Hopefully it can be carefully linked to a "Racing" forum here at v-rodforums.com. Though if there is a new "Racing" forum, I think it will pull some of the juicy posts out of the other forums. When posting a performance tip, does it go into "Racing" or "Hi-Performance"?

Regarding sponsors, I am somewhat skeptical about those ideas actually attracting real help. I've been trying to attract sponsors to my racing via several of my web sites, and it hasn't been much help. I get a lot of traffic to my sites, but still no luck via the internet. Actually, today (but probably not tomorrow), if you go to Yahoo.com, and search for "v-rod", my site comes up at the TOP of the list. Even with results like that, plus MANY magazine articles, and winning a lot, I don't hear from potential sponsors. If I don't contact them directly myself, and in person, they don't pay any attention. But hey, maybe you'll have better luck than me. It doesn't hurt to try!

One of the great values I see to racers is that most don't have their own web site, so they need a place to showcase their racing. Your site could provide that in a way that's not really possible in a forum like here.

If there is anything on my site that would interest you, you're welcome to it: Hog Wild Racing (http://HogWildRacing.com/)

Best of luck with the new site!

Scott

p.s. Max, can you add a new forum called "Raz Kaz"?

Scott - If you are interested you can be a featured racer with links back to your site - I have some ideas on sponsorship - discounted parts that some distributers might be interested in - but you are right that can be painful - but we will see - I have a great sponsorship from my local dealer - Spirit Harley Davidson that has worked out very well for me - so I have not really pursued many additionals - when I have I tend to get cold feet as I recognize the amount of committment that the incremental sponsorship requires - but you have a good point - I really want to learn more about your program - it looks wild that is for sure.
Kevin

Scott - If you are interested you can be a featured racer ... Thanks! When the time comes (whenever you're ready), we can talk about putting together something for your site. Though I would think you want someone like Kaz before you feature an oddity like my machine.


...I have some ideas on sponsorship - discounted parts that some distributers might be interested in ... That's an angle I think will work well!


I have a great sponsorship from my local dealer... Me too. Bartels' has done VERY well for me, even helping me get two free motors from MoCo. If a racer doesn't have a good relationship with a dealer, they are in for lots of tough times.


... so I have not really pursued many additionals - when I have I tend to get cold feet as I recognize the amount of committment that the incremental sponsorship requires... You hit upon an important point for me. I've learned to pass up most sponsorships offering a "discount" on products. Even for a hundred bucks savings, it's not worth all the effort of keeping them regularly informed and happy, unless the relationship with them can lead to something much bigger. For the racers that want a bunch of product discounts try this: Sponsor House (http://www.SponsorHouse.com/) It really does work if you want to spend a bunch of money (at a discount price of course) on racing stuff.

Keeping sponsors informed is as easy as sending a ZIP file containing a race report and some photos after your event. Even easier is to maintain a mailing list of sponsors and potential sponsors, and shoot a mass e-mail containing a link to the race report and photos maintained on your website.

When discussing sponsorship, provide a written contract that defines the obligations of both parties. That way, expectations are clearly defined and there should be no issues.

Dealers are the preferred option for "in-kind" sponsorship. Parts distributors and manufacturers will most frequently provide free or heavily discounted product - which is certainly worthwhile.

Remember, sponsorship is a form of advertising which you are selling. Don't lose that perspective - be personable, professional (and that includes following up/through on YOUR commitments) and you'd be surprised what kind of support is out there.

Of course, cash is the "holy grail" of sponsorship... As in any other type of sales, look first within your "sphere of influence"... local businesses with whom you already have established a relationship. Know in advance what it is you want from them, and be reasonable in your expectations of what you will provide in return. How will you "add value" to their business?

Kim - wise advice from seasoned racer - We need you to join the VRod racing community - we could have a quick-chicks section...... Hey I actually got the site up and running - it is merely a draft - I was trying to see if I could get anything to work at all - this is the first time I have actually done anything with a site - so pay no attention to the content I was just trying to see If I could post pictures, make links, add text, make a menu etc. - Long way to go but I am proud that I could get over the first hurdle - I hope that I do better at racing this year than my crude attempts at building a website. Beyond sponsorship issues are there things that folks would like to see on the site - Shawn I think that a problem section and did not work as expected is notes is a good idea - I am dealing with a setup problem on my electric shift setup as we speak - a setup issue that I was unaware of when I speced the setup - fortunately Rick N was there to share his setup config which I believe will resolve my problem. It was a design error on my part - not a product issue - but still a pain in the neck that I could have avoided with propoer information if it had been available.
Kevin

count cycle nuts and bolts in, how about eagle H.D. jamie?
anyone interested in seeing our drag bike go to v-rod only
gallery.tell me what you think!

Guess I'm gonna have to start draggin' the Rod again this year, huh? My launches are sooooo lame... best 60' was a 1.9 or something like that. Practice makes perfect!

As for your new site, so far so good! I wish I had the time/software to get mine to where it "should" be (I'm so embarrassed!)... you have undertaken a most commendable task!

Other good things to have would include a calendar of events from all the "major" sanctioning bodies (NHRA, Prostar, HDRA, AMRA, etc.)...

Scott... your website is GREAT! Excellent example of what "works" when presenting a racer program.

Rick - your in - as I figure things out I will outline what we need, pictures, profile. etc. Thanks for the help - I will tell you how it works out.
Kevin

Kim - do you have a twenty eight tooth - with stock 30 tooth my best 60' was 188 but frequently 1.9x or 2.0x With 28 tooth constantly in 18x and occassionaly in 1.7x - Kevin

I'm still running the stock pulley (30T?)

That is the problem - it kills the bike at launch - it isn't you.....I think that you need to start drag racing at least occasionally - you would be the first woman that I know of racing a VRod and woman always seem to do better at Drag Racing than men - it will drive all the guys crazy which isn't a bad thing either - we'll feature if you want.
Kevin

:jeannie: Twist my arm, Kevin... Okay fine... you win!

Our local drag strip, Great Lakes Dragaway (www.greatlakesdragaway.com) has their Harley Shootout (http://www.greatlakesdragaway.com/harleys.htm) on select Wednesday nights through the summer. We have an '89 Sportster that is piloted by John's coworker, Carl. They do pretty well in the money class. It's braket racing, which I don't know if I'm wild about (heads-up is much more exciting) but still a lot of fun. As long as I can get out of the office by 5:00, I'll have enough time to go home, take care of the dog, grab the bike and head up to the track!

Now your talking - feature article coming up - IL woman make VROD history....we will need pictures, race reports and anticipate the first of many win reports. Now I am going to add you to the site and put the pressure on - you will of course have editorial right of approval and links back to your site - you might want to add a VRod pic or 2 to supplement road racinbg hardware. :)
Kevin

Good Idea, let me know what you think I can do to help support you. Maybe info about what works, what doesn't, good combinations,....anything to get potential riders into enjoyng their bike more with a little racing, I think is great.



count cycle nuts and bolts in, how about eagle H.D. jamie?
anyone interested in seeing our drag bike go to v-rod only
gallery.tell me what you think!

Kevin,
NOW this IS getting Good!!!!!!!!! :hyper: You have Mild to Wild ,Factory Racer and Female Racers!This is Gonna Be a Great Little asset to the V-rod Community and for a Racer it is a Chance of a Life time to be involed is such a great Project.We are Truly Pioneering the V-rod World! :thumb: I have Some Really INCREDIBLE Plans and Have some really Great People Behind me.It will be Great to show case Them Also! :kaz:

Jamie and Kaz - thanks for the enthusisam - MAx was trying to coach me beyond my hopeless position being baffled by the technology - I am working on the framework for the site and hopefully I will be ready to go soon - if it brings me to tears then I will have to use my "Call a Friend" option and dial max's number..... Hopefully my progress will be apparent in the near term - when is the next race Jamie - and Kaz when will you be up and running again?
Kevin

Here is my collection of photos to get ready for Saturday - The VRod ready to go in the driveway - some shots from the track - my sons last year trying to convince me it is time for them to move up from Pit duty to racing - them both on their new Sportster - which they will share at the track this year and a few shots including a final run of a jet dragster - that went out of control at 300MPH - I have an after shot also if anyone is interested.

Jamie - I would like to do an interview with you - I promise that I will use a spell and grammer check annd also will provide you with the article prior to publishing for your approval - I will work on some themes - pictures will be required and I will get a ProStar race schedule up - I will have a section for race reports and we will need pictures - BTW can you find any pictures of the dragbike that was up at the research center.... Kaz and Rick same holds true for you guys as you both have major engine programs underway - Hey Jamie - I would REALLy like a picture of you beating the warrior - off the line and through the traps - you know I have a thing about that program - autographed would even be better. We need the QuickChick to get ready to rumble..... a constant diet of rice is bad for the system, and going fast while turning is a bit dangerous you know - maybe we can nickname you dagerous curves.....:) - you need some potatoes in the diet- the irish way of dining. My best attempt at humor - no harm intended.
Kevin

Hey Kevin,

The next race is in Virginia in a couple weeks. We should be ready for some more good times. I think we might be going to the local racetrack for some set up work next week, so we can get the chassis working better with all of the extra weight on the bike. Also I want to get the MTC clutch working good. It just takes time and a lot of passes to dial it in, but you have to make the time.....and that's been a little tough the past couple months for me and the team.

Hey Kevin,

The next race is in Virginia in a couple weeks. We should be ready for some more good times. I think we might be going to the local racetrack for some set up work next week, so we can get the chassis working better with all of the extra weight on the bike. Also I want to get the MTC clutch working good. It just takes time and a lot of passes to dial it in, but you have to make the time.....and that's been a little tough the past couple months for me and the team.
Get Your Lazy A$$ES To the Race Track and Test Son!We Need the Championship!The V-rod Shall be the New King of AMA Pro Star and your the Man to Do It! :chair: Get Cracken! :diablo:

ROFLMOOOO!!!!!

Kevin, you absolutely crack me UP!

My 'Rod is officially OUT OF EXILE... brought her home last night and rode her to work this morning. We're busy 'making friends' again... It's weird going from draggin' knee to steering with my butt! I'm going to be at Blackhawk this weekend trying to dial in the suspension on my Rice Baby, but as long as the weather holds out, I'll be getting up to speed on that curvy silver thang in no time!

Stay safe in those curves - do not want to hear any reports with the word Highside or Lowside - run like the wind....................
KSP

Great stuff Kevin!
Let me know if I can help in anyway!


John

This may prove to be great reading material.
You have my attention.
Good luck getting it going full bore.

BobT

Work is in progress - wallet is lighter but got the software and a nice template for the site.... Max - this stuff is harder than it looks - I am gaining a greater appreciation for your commitment. John - we need you out at the track this yesar - one more VRod in the fray - my son go to school out there near Pomona - he is great for Pit duties and he could snap some pictures for the site....
Kevin

kspz3 if there is anything I can do to help you let me know and I will be happy to take a look for you.

Thanks Max - I have been trying to progress on my own counting on the fact that if I got in trouble I could take you up on your offer - the old "Call a friend" option. The template that I got use omething called ccs I think and is HTML based - it can be edited from the Frontpage - but does not rely on those proprietary extensions that you had warned me about. The site that I put up was just play time - prototype to see if I could get anything there - The one that I am working has nice menu system and lots of sections for articles, pictures, racer profiles, news even forum areas although the forum section is just a pointer since other software is needed - there is a classified section also, etc. I have to download it yet and then figure out if I can do the modifications - so I am hoping to surprise folks with a really nice site - I am also thinking about adding a section for customs - but still working through concepts. It is easy to think of things to do but then I need to figure out how to implement - one thing that I do remember from my programming days is simplicty wins. son I will try to stay disciplined - Maybe once I get the site and play with it for awhile we can talk or I can show it to you for advice. I have been working late into the night - pretty excited about the whole thing - it has been kind of fun....Kevin

Kevin,

I think you're starting to grasp the difficulty in creating a web site. I have several of my own and it is great fun, but also much more work than anyone would expect. You are correct in your thoughts about keeping it simple. Decisions you make now about how to organize things and such can force you into difficulties later when the site grows. Think ahead! Also, I don't want to discourage you, but it is as much or more work keeping it going as it is getting it setup. The work NEVER ENDS. I've been maintaining one particular site for 8 years, and I've seen tons of related sites come and go. Most people get all motivated in the beginning, create something cool, then get burned out and the site becomes stale within a year or two. You have to really have a passion for the subject (racing), computer stuff (programming, technical problems, etc), and communicating (emailing, story writing, photo editing, etc). Be ready for it to take over your life. Your child has just been born!

Best wishes,

Scott
http://SidecarCross.com
http://HogWildRacing.com
and more

Scott - thanks for the cautionary guidance - it is easy to let enthusiasm rule - and I am concerned that I could easily get in over my head - I will keep your advice in mind.
Kevin

Hi Comedy Kevin! No harm done and your humor is fine, keep it up. It will only get better!

No problem on the talk with you and I will get you some pics of us from the track for some action shots. (Out front of course....)

Yea, I'll take some pics of the V-Rod drag bike for you. I think it is over in the Juneau Ave bldg. Do you want any specific angles, views,...etc. that you would like?

Actually I think I might have some older digital pics already that we took in front of the PDC for the photo shoot back in 2002. There might be a model riding or sitting on the bike though.....well let me know what you want and I see if I can find or take some pics.

Jamie - Thanks - if you can find the ones that you have we could see if they will do - my approach to digital photography has always been take lots of shots and then pic the best looking - the airbox cover, seat and exhaust have me personally curious as they appear to be very distinct pictures. But I think folks would like to see profiles of the bike the best. I am looking forward to some pictures from you at the track -do not forget to get some hanging out in the pits - I think we need to put a bounty on those warriors - get some great prize for taking the championship from them - oh we need to think of something - a big gathering of VRods for a celebration - I wish you and Larry the best of luck racing those guys. BTW - mine checked out at test and tune - I am launching like a girl (I mean KBOlsen style) but I hope to get the touch back -= else IU will just dial in the dropped clutch bog.... I will retain the title of King of the Soft Launch.... Kevin

Hi Comedy Kevin! No harm done and your humor is fine, keep it up. It will only get better!

No problem on the talk with you and I will get you some pics of us from the track for some action shots. (Out front of course....)

Yea, I'll take some pics of the V-Rod drag bike for you. I think it is over in the Juneau Ave bldg. Do you want any specific angles, views,...etc. that you would like?

Actually I think I might have some older digital pics already that we took in front of the PDC for the photo shoot back in 2002. There might be a model riding or sitting on the bike though.....well let me know what you want and I see if I can find or take some pics.
Anyone is Cuter then You and Your Baggy Leathers! :eek: Thats why Your Not Chasing all the Chicks away is Because they Need to see your Tight Little "Keyster" :moon: in your Leathers!You need my New Book"How To Look Really Cool for the Chicks at the Track 101"! :deal: I Trade Ya for a Copy of Your Book"How to be the Fastest V-rod in the World"! :notworth: I'll teach Ya My Secrets if You Teach me Yours! :twisted: ;) That could be a Pretty Scary Combination! :cheers:

Scott - I looked at your sidecar site - wow that is impressive - my hat is off to you - it is more work than I can handle - your advice is very useful - actually you scared me a bit but that is probably a good thing as my enthusiasm could easily get me into a place that I can not live up to. I will keep it lite and fun - or make every effort to do so - that has been a guiding principle for my racing also - my wife always reminds me that I have a job and racing must remain stress free, fun activity or else it is time to find another hobby - I did find out that the government values my winnings as income but my expenses as a hobby (don't count) - now that really had me going - they are always thinking..... they won over $400 last year..... Oh well I better not get started on that topic....Kevin

Kaz - I would pay to see the chicks reaction to those ultra sexy lemon yellow leathers of yours - Kim - any comments on Kaz's wardrobe..... :) When will you be on the track again Kaz?
KSP

Kaz - I would pay to see the chicks reaction to those ultra sexy lemon yellow leathers of yours - Kim - any comments on Kaz's wardrobe..... :) When will you be on the track again Kaz?
KSP
I'm gonna Hopefully does some Pretty Insane Smilley Face Burn Out's in Laughlin after my Hot Rod Bike shoot.Then She' needs to go Back To Sam's for the New BB Build Up.I need the Turbo Bike Fixed first so thats just waiting on the New Tranny.That might be here with in the WEEK if All Goes Well! :hyper: :dance: :notworth: I've Learned to Not Count My Chicken's ,but every once in awhile You get Lucky! ;)

Lucky me - most weekends, I'm surrounded by sweaty (glistening), half-dressed guys wearing leather! LOLOL!!!!! Personally, I like my cake a little more "beefy"... most drag racers (and many roadracers) are such wiry little thangs... When I met Geno Scali (my personal fav straight-liner) my first instinct was to take him home and cook him a good meal! At least he's my height!

I certainly do not suffer from that malnutrioned, body of a horse racing jockey syndrome - Bike and Rider - 850 lbs - I would actually need to put us both on a serious diet to get to the 800lbs min weight in the ProStar Hot Rod Cruiser class - note that Jamie has 120 lbs of ballast to make weight. I guess I will need to stick to the local ET racing while the skinny guys do that heads up stuff - oh weel there goes my dreams of life on the road as a "Factory" drag racer.....:) How were those dangerous curves this weekend - did you get to the track - times what you expected - weather suitable..
Kevin

Ya It's a Bitch fitten in a size 48 after a Big Meal!I've been working out Pretty Good and it's Kinda Getting Tuff to Breath in my Leathers! :eek: Once it starts getting HOT"120+ At the Track" it will Melt off Like Butter in the Heat! :twisted: I thought about Just Getting a Bigger set of Leathers,but they were a Limited addition and won't be made again! :banghead:

Kaz - Vanson won't take care of you on that? Bummis...

Dangerous Curves kind of sucked this weekend... my head's not quite right, and neither is the bike. Weather was beautiful - just enough cloud cover to keep the temps darn near perfect (75-80), occasional strong wind gusts were great in the paddock but made for interesting moments on the track. I struggled through most of the morning with abysmal times, making several ride height adjustments to see what might work better and ended up packing it in mid-afternoon out of frustration. My plans for racing Road America this weekend were contingent upon getting some decent laps on Sunday but since that didn't happen, I'll be up there working the corners instead. Next outing will be either (a) instructing with STT at Grattan on May 1-2, or (b) a practice session at Grattan in a couple weeks where I'll be riding a friend's SV650 for the first time (we'll see if I fall in love with the lightweights, as everyone keeps predicting) - the plan is to ride on an endurance team at Grattan in May (CCS/FastTrax "Great Lakes" region). Hopefully my mental mindblock will "shake loose" by then and I'll be back on pace - it really blows when FUN is not being had.

Actually - I lost 17 lbs in the past coupe of months - down to 195 and the 48 tight cut is fitting OK - the motivation - my wife was measuring me for some custom leathers and the numbers killed my appetite.....KSP

Kim - the best way that I know of to handle the curves is to avoid them :) low, long and lean - get ye to the straight and narrow ......KSP

Kim - the best way that I know of to handle the curves is to avoid them :) low, long and lean - get ye to the straight and narrow ......KSP

Yeah, but then I'm gonna have to cut off a leg or something to get my weight down. I was Angelle's size when I was 10 years old. :rofl:

I still maintain that the problem with drag racing is that it's over too quickly.

Yeah, but then I'm gonna have to cut off a leg or something to get my weight down. I was Angelle's size when I was 10 years old. :rofl:

I still maintain that the problem with drag racing is that it's over too quickly.
KBOlsen,
After My Crash I Lost that edge"I now had FEAR" It Sucked!I was not enjoying my Time at the Track and I had Lost a $hit Load of Speed!I went to another Track and Did Really Well,but the FUN was Gone! :( I'm through with the Super Bikes for Now and Just concentrating on my Drag Race Pro Mod V-rod Program and leaving that "CCS Out here"Stuff to the Young and Fearless.I'm not willing to hurt myself anymore to be the Fastest.The Drag Racing is something I think I can be Very Good at for AWHILE! :thumb:

KBO - The leg idea has some potential quite interesting and innovative - It could work with either an electric or air shifter - assuming that you can launch like a pelican. Feels like a karate kid sequalt in the making - small town girl with one leg goes on to defeat the the reigning NHRA bully "Savolle" through creative physical modification and the application of racing technologies, and highly refined mental capacity - can anyone give this girl a hand - oh my another innovative weight loss idea - would make one hell of a weight loss book - How to lose weight in a a few easy steps....
KSP

:laugh: KBO - The leg idea has some potential quite interesting and innovative - It could work with either an electric or air shifter - assuming that you can launch like a pelican. Feels like a karate kid sequalt in the making - small town girl with one leg goes on to defeat the the reigning NHRA bully "Savolle" through creative physical modification and the application of racing technologies, and highly refined mental capacity - can anyone give this girl a hand - oh my another innovative weight loss idea - would make one hell of a weight loss book - How to lose weight in a a few easy steps....
KSP

kim , I gotta say i like your ideas, nothing worse than not being informed about people your sponsering. Most are 1 year deals because the riders fail to provide visability and follow=up. DH

DH,
You are right - if someone has stepped up to sponsorship they should be actively kept in the program. I know that I am with my sponsor almost every week. That keeps them involved and to be honest I really enjoy hanging out with the crew. It is a big part of my program.
Kevin