Malcolm
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Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
The Manx Grand Prix needs better marketing to improve its profile – that's the message from the organisers.
After an economic survey of the Manx Grand Prix revealed it gave a £5.9m boost to the Manx economy but made an overall loss to the government, organisers are facing the challenge of attracting more visitors to boost income from the event.
The event made an approximate loss of £369,000 for the government last year and a spokesman for the government’s Department of Economic Development said the £5.9m brought into the economy was still not a good enough return.
The department's chief executive Colin Kniveton said total subsidy for the event – taking into account costs incurred in all government departments – was approximately £1.1m but in return for that they would hope to generate nearer £10m in the Manx economy.
Manx Motorcycle Club chairman Harvey Garton said they were very happy to work with the department but added it was also very important to make the right decisions so the event was not diminished. "I don't think at this stage we should jump the gun and destroy the event by starting again," he warned.
"The balance (of different racing classes) is about right.
"There has been some pressure about having more classics but we already have a classic race for each class as well as the post classics.
"Unfortunately we have a situation where entries in the classic classes are in decline possibly because of the cost of running a machine on the Mountain Course. The other factor could be the age of the competitors who are not being replaced by younger blood coming in."
He added: "The main thing really is more advertising: we have to increase the profile – get the message out to the UK and Europe and to all those who don’t know about it."
In recent years the Hailwood Foundation and a team of Manx Grand Prix ambassadors have organised regular trips to the island for prospective newcomers to tour the circuit, speak to competitors and find out more about taking part.
"We have a fantastic success rate for getting over the newcomers lately so that is the life blood for the future," Mr Garton added.
David Taylor, who is both a regular Manx Grand Prix competitor and an ambassador for the event, said he thought there was no single 'magic bullet' that would solve the problem.
But he said a clear line between the classic and modern races would be popular with both competitors and spectators.
"Run the classic races (and this includes the Post Classic race) in the first half of the week and the modern bikes in the second half of the week," he suggested.
"The type of spectator that derives enjoyment from watching Manx Nortons, AJS 7Rs, Ducati 350 singles, is likely to be bored by the spectacle of modern machinery hurtling by (and vice-versa).
"There may be a nominal argument for having a mixture of old and new every day to keep spectators on the island for all of race week, I am unconvinced.
"Inevitably the congestion this results in at the end of the fortnight results in people being put off coming to the island," he said.
By John Turner
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15-02-2012, 12:45 PM |
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an old man returns
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
(15-02-2012, 12:45 PM)Malcolm Wrote: David Taylor, who is both a regular Manx Grand Prix competitor and an ambassador for the event, said he thought there was no single 'magic bullet' that would solve the problem.
But he said a clear line between the classic and modern races would be popular with both competitors and spectators.
"Run the classic races (and this includes the Post Classic race) in the first half of the week and the modern bikes in the second half of the week," he suggested.
"The type of spectator that derives enjoyment from watching Manx Nortons, AJS 7Rs, Ducati 350 singles, is likely to be bored by the spectacle of modern machinery hurtling by (and vice-versa).
"There may be a nominal argument for having a mixture of old and new every day to keep spectators on the island for all of race week, I am unconvinced.
"Inevitably the congestion this results in at the end of the fortnight results in people being put off coming to the island," he said.
By John Turner
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Sorry David I totally disagree with your statement.......I feel that your opinion is your own and NOT shared by the masses.
A modern and classic race on each day is the defining way to go and the organisers must leave the race format alone.
There is plenty of speculation on the 'other' site relating to the future of the Manx Grand Prix, most of it misses the point but there are a fair few salient points. In particular...entry fees, the lack of the publics awareness of the MGP event, event promotion (even Manx Radio is guilty of this if you read the posting before this one) and IOMSPC cost. It’s good to read the press release from the MMCC I can only hope the DED decides to back the event.
Whilst I appreciate the 'loss' detailed in the DED figures, may be correct, it is difficult to dwell on a calculated figure and take the reward to the IOM out of context. It must be remembered that economic cash flow is an impossible figure to calculate. The IOM benefits from economic cash flow generated by the MGP in ways that cannot be calculated for instance services and jobs available/utilised by the MGP spend put money into the economy and thus stays in the economy....if the 'motorsport' cash flow is reduced what are the DED going to replace it with. Economic cash flow is the life’s blood of any community, without it pressure is brought onto the benefits system. Less services/jobs, less tax-less tax less money available for benefits.
The MGP needs to be promoted (sold) better. To continue to put the loss of revenue on the competitor is a flawed business plan, it’s obvious that increasing the entry fee will result in a reduced competitor entry, a reduced competitor entry, as seems to be happening, leads to a lower economic cash flow.
To dwell on a single issue, say insurance and the possible fact that the MGP entry fee doesn’t cover the cost is also flawed; the event is a golden opportunity to generate funds.
I hope progress is made.
Spread the word 'SUPPORT THE MAN GRAND PRIX'
I was there many times a few years ago, returned in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. SUPPORT THE MGP
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28-02-2012, 06:31 PM |
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FCM
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
(28-02-2012, 06:31 PM)an old man returns Wrote: (15-02-2012, 12:45 PM)Malcolm Wrote: David Taylor, who is both a regular Manx Grand Prix competitor and an ambassador for the event, said he thought there was no single 'magic bullet' that would solve the problem.
But he said a clear line between the classic and modern races would be popular with both competitors and spectators.
"Run the classic races (and this includes the Post Classic race) in the first half of the week and the modern bikes in the second half of the week," he suggested.
"The type of spectator that derives enjoyment from watching Manx Nortons, AJS 7Rs, Ducati 350 singles, is likely to be bored by the spectacle of modern machinery hurtling by (and vice-versa).
"There may be a nominal argument for having a mixture of old and new every day to keep spectators on the island for all of race week, I am unconvinced.
"Inevitably the congestion this results in at the end of the fortnight results in people being put off coming to the island," he said.
By John Turner
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Sorry David I totally disagree with your statement.......I feel that your opinion is your own and NOT shared by the masses.
A modern and classic race on each day is the defining way to go and the organisers must leave the race format alone.
There is plenty of speculation on the 'other' site relating to the future of the Manx Grand Prix, most of it misses the point but there are a fair few salient points. In particular...entry fees, the lack of the publics awareness of the MGP event, event promotion and IOMSPC cost. It’s good to read the press release from the MMCC I can only hope the DED decides to back the event.
Whilst I appreciate the 'loss' detailed in the DED figures, may be correct, it is difficult to dwell on a calculated figure and take the reward to the IOM out of context. It must be remembered that economic cash flow is an impossible figure to calculate. The IOM benefits from economic cash flow generated by the MGP in ways that cannot be calculated for instance services and jobs available/utilised by the MGP spend put money into the economy and thus stays in the economy....if the 'motorsport' cash flow is reduced what are the DED going to replace it with. Economic cash flow is the life’s blood of any community, without it pressure is brought onto the benefits system. Less services/jobs, less tax-less tax less money available for benefits.
The MGP needs to be promoted (sold) better. To continue to put the loss of revenue on the competitor is a flawed business plan, it’s obvious that increasing the entry fee will result in a reduced competitor entry, a reduced competitor entry, as seems to be happening, leads to a lower economic cash flow.
To dwell on a single issue, say insurance and the possible fact that the MGP entry fee doesn’t cover the cost is also flawed; the event is a golden opportunity to generate funds.
I hope progress is made.
Spread the word 'SUPPORT THE MAN GRAND PRIX'
At a major Bike show held in Holland last week attended by 10,000s not many when asked about the MGP knew the event existed. FACT.
A problem the MGP does face is the lack of interest by the classic lads now, they are getting older and not being replaced by younger riders, this will result in a decline of the event unless something else can be found to replace the classic races
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28-02-2012, 06:42 PM |
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Gstarron
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
A great thread..!! And we all have opinions... Now, I suspect that there are people that are only interested in the Classics, and there are some that love it all... changing the schedule won't affect those that love it all..(like me and I bet most of you..!)... But will that change bring more or less revenue to the Island..? I am not sure...
OK, yes there are many many race enthusiasts that do not know much about the IOM, the TT, the MGP and all the other awesome racing events..! The word needs to be spread..!!!
As far as racers for the Classics... well, I think the rules really help.. having some of the TT Stars race in the MGP is a draw in of itself..! And as the current racers go.. well true, some do not want to compete with the TT Stars, while others think of it as bragging rights.! And because the Classic bikes well... do not always finish... there is a chance of a good finish and actually "beating" a TT Star.. well those are stories to tell the Grandkids about..!
Cheers..!!!
Ron - Long live the TT and MGP..!!!
(This post was last modified: 28-02-2012, 07:47 PM by Gstarron.)
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28-02-2012, 07:45 PM |
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chris
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
(28-02-2012, 06:31 PM)FCM Wrote: At this weekends newcomers trip to the IOM for the MGP over 26 riders turned up, including the 5 we brought over from Germany to join our Dutch riders at this years MGP. This was the first of the 2 planned trips this year and it was a great success.
What disappoints me is that on today's Manx Radio news they reported the story of 6 sidecar newcomers visiting the IOM last weekend, no mention of the 26 MGP newcomers who are the future of the TT. These MGP riders pay their own trips to the Island not like the newcomers to the TT who's trips are paid for.
I am also a bit confused why the Tourist Department here have a Motor sports and Promotions team, who only seem to promote the TT and not the S100 or TT. Can someone please clarify what this department really do with my taxes. Got to agree with FCM, it would be nice to have some news/interviews on Manx Radio about the MGP Newcomers, I assume the Newcomers would be pleased to be interviewed.
When ever I have spoken to potential Newcomers from France/Italy, they all want to race in the TT, and when you suggest entering the MGP, they all say what is that, where is it held? Once you explain where, and what it is, most of them come and enter the MGP.
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28-02-2012, 11:53 PM |
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chris
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
(28-02-2012, 11:53 PM)chris Wrote: (28-02-2012, 06:31 PM)FCM Wrote: At this weekends newcomers trip to the IOM for the MGP over 26 riders turned up, including the 5 we brought over from Germany to join our Dutch riders at this years MGP. This was the first of the 2 planned trips this year and it was a great success.
What disappoints me is that on today's Manx Radio news they reported the story of 6 sidecar newcomers visiting the IOM last weekend, no mention of the 26 MGP newcomers who are the future of the TT. These MGP riders pay their own trips to the Island not like the newcomers to the TT who's trips are paid for.
I am also a bit confused why the Tourist Department here have a Motor sports and Promotions team, who only seem to promote the TT and not the S100 or TT. Can someone please clarify what this department really do with my taxes. Got to agree with FCM, it would be nice to have some news/interviews on Manx Radio about the MGP Newcomers, I assume the Newcomers would be pleased to be interviewed.
When ever I have spoken to potential Newcomers from France/Italy, they all want to race in the TT, and when you suggest entering the MGP, they all say what is that, where is it held? Once you explain where, and what it is, most of them come and enter the MGP. Pleased to report that Manx Radio did have some interviews with some MGP Newcomers along with MGP Winner Dave Moffitt today on Saturday Sport.
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03-03-2012, 11:01 PM |
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Gstarron
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RE: Manx Grand Prix in need of better marketing, say organisers
Ah.. overall today was an awesome day.... back at the races here in the states (put a new unknown rider on my bike.. and got a win too..!)..
OK, so after the races, the "Chat Session" starts... and I handed out about 20 MGP flyers... amazing how many of the guys have the IOM on their "Bucket List" but had no idea of how, etc... Of course some of these guys are all talk, but several were all ears and wide eyed... I suggested to several that they use their Holiday time to first see the action and learn more about how it all works... then work on getting prepared to do an entry the following year... we will see...!
BUT the main point was that here I am among a few hundred racers... and many have no real knowledge about the Manx Grand Prix... and that it is possible to race it...!
I will be handing out more flyers tomorrow...
Cheers..!!
Ron
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29-04-2012, 04:47 AM |
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