| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
Ya know. . . I've been thinking about this. There's been a lot of talk and the discussion has been fun. But, THE ELVES have always taken the bull by the horn and ACTED. Looks to me like, we've got the horse, we know where the next race is and all we need is the jockey. Jeremy McWilliams, on his website, alludes to being interested in doing more FORMULA EXTREME racing. It occurs to me that the challenge it to get the wheel, so to speak, connected to the axle. I'm tossing in the first $250 to the: And am going to basically suggest that we do, in this thread, what Buell owners have always done. . . ACT. If you want to "bench race", this isn't the thread for it...if you want to ante' up, please join me. Buells shown they are committed, Willie G showed up in a Buell shirt, Owners showed up in droves and besides, I've never seen Barber. I'm also going to approach the TEAM ELVES racing group about providing a stipend and see if Jim Bantz would be willing to act, once again, as Treasurer. Anyone else interested? Let's kick some ass....I think there is power in our numbers. Court P.S. - I'll leave it to Blake to figure out how to do one of those "tote boards" to track donations and I'll busy myself making certain there is some sort of ELVES RECEPTION at the first race we can get this guy to.....I mean if you saw Jeremy ride in Daytona, you understand my enthusiasm! | ||
| M1combat |
I saw it Court... I saw it. Bloody BRILLIANT road racer I tell you. If this takes off, I'll throw in $100. Quite frankly though, Wouldn't he collect money from our Badweb Contingency fund from last year anyway? We need to start throwing more money at that too... Maybe that's where this stuff should go? As a side(ish) note... McWilliams was the ONLY rider sacrificing T5 for the T6 exit. Not even Duhamel/Zemke... That's the right way around those turns. I saw it BEFORE the damn race and so did McWilliams. Mladin wasn't even doing it... (Message edited by M1Combat on March 17, 2006) | ||
| Davegess |
As a side(ish) note... McWilliams was the ONLY rider sacrificing T5 for the T6 exit. Not even Duhamel/Zemke... That's the right way around those turns. I saw it BEFORE the damn race and so did McWilliams. Mladin wasn't even doing it... Jeremy did give me reason to rethink the old "AMA riders can run with the best in the world. Mladin and DuHamel are getting screwed not getting WSB rides etc" argument. | ||
| M1combat |
McWilliams was also the only guy picking the bike off the edge so as to put more power down coming out of the horse shoe (I didn't see it myself, but Fusa21 mentioned it to me). He knows what he's doing... | ||
| Madduck |
Court, I'm in for $500. Let me know when and where. Paul | ||
| Bigsherm9r |
I'm in for $200. | ||
| Blake |
Court and all, While I'm with you in spirit, BIGTIME, I'm not sure if this effort properly fits with BadWeB policy and our need to maintain it fairly and equitable for all. You seem to be talking about giving money to a non-sponsoring dealership and/or their rider. If that is the case, then I'd offer that, I'd rather see us offer a purse for the top Buell finisher(s) for the Road America (Elkheart Lake) FX race or something like that. We already have a fund with significant ($6K) reserves that can be tapped for this. That approach rewards performance and gives all the Buell FX teams/racers equal opportunity for the award. How might Ciccotto/Hal's or Crevier/Dealy's feel if we raised a bunch of cash for Jeremy/Warr's but nothing for them? I just want/need to be fair and to abide by board policy. I hope you can see my point. This exact issue actually came up last year when we all were talking about backing/supporting one of the FX teams. One of our sponsors at that time expressed concerns about the team/dealership of choice gaining commercial/competitive value from the BadWeB support/effort. A valid point I think. I'd love to see Jeremy and Warr's back over here for some more FX racing. Please try to understand my need to adhere to BadWeB policy, not just when it is convenient, but even when it is not. Please. What do you all think? Good grief! I cannot believe I just asked that!  | ||
| Court |
Not a problem, in fact it'd be smart to move the XBRR racing stuff to the TEAM ELVES site to avoid nasty commercial issues. I was thinking of starting to toss in NPR fund-raising style inducements like racing apparel and autographed XBRR Service and Parts manuals as inducements. Whatever it takes to get this guy back in the USA and racing. I sent Josh a note and we'll see if we can't get the logistics arranged. A consensus of Buell riders?. . . I like that. | ||
| Josh_ |
Speaking of which, when does the TeamElves XBRR arrive? | ||
| Court |
We need to talk . . . you may be surprised. I think much excitement is afoot. Can you imagine Homecoming with Jeremy McWilliams and a host of Buell storming Road America.  P.S. - you forgot those 3 lovely words.... . . . . . . . . COUNT ME IN!" | ||
| Aeholton |
Blake, I understand not using BadWeb reserves for this effort, but do you have a problem with a separate collection being started for the McWilliams effort? I'm not a rich man, but if it is still a go count me in for $100 to get Jeremy to Barber. I've almost got my wife talked into letting me sneak away for the weekend to attend.  | ||
| Blake |
Court, To clarify, my concern is not related to any "commercial issues." My concern relates only to the fair and honorable management of this board, a non-commercial grass-roots community of Buell enthusiasts, according to stated policy, equally for all. I feel the need to be wary telling folks on one hand that they must not solicite funds for someone or offer stuff for sale here while on the other hand permitting others do so absent required conditions. It must be of no consequence whether I am enthused/supportive about one or the other or not. I just got off the phone with Court. The details at this point are all mostly up in the air. So please stay tuned. We certainly are not lacking in excitement and enthusiasm. I have a gut feeling that this will end up happening, one way or the other. And that can only be good. I will say that in my view moving the effort to the TE site, entirely off of BadWeB is absolutely not the answer. Making the effort something that all of BadWeB can get behind while still honoring our policies and maintaining our integrity would seem to be by far the most promising and productive approach. Agreed? Some thoughts on behalf of BadWeB: If Warr's were to come on board as a sponsor, all this would be moot, wouldn't it? It also might not be out of the question to arrange an equitable trade, say the prominent display of a BadWeB decal on the race bikes and elsewhere in return for sponsorship and its privileges? Just thinking out loud. We've done that type of thing before for some TE efforts, Peter's Dakar effort and most recently the Fire Man's LSR Down Under effort too. Shouldn't be too tough to make similar arrangements with Jeremy and/or Warr's. Should it? I'll contact Warr's and see if they are interested; I'm thinking that they might just be. How's that sound? And to be perfectly clear...  (Message edited by blake on March 17, 2006) | ||
| Aeholton |
Cool! Will wait to hear more. | ||
| Court |
The details are very easy. The SOLE purpose of this effort is to raise funds to bring Jeremy McWilliams to the Unites Sates to ride a Buell in another FX race. It is not tied to Warr's in any way. Very simple....just a question....do you want to support the effort, yes or no. If so, how much? K.I.S.S. Court | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Let's just relax for a moment and catch our breath. 1) As a representative of a sponsor (Drummer) I completely agree with maintaining the integrity of the rules of this board. In the case of Warr's the solution is trivial and obvious. 2) Jeremy will need at least one bike and probably two plus spare parts. He will also need a support crew. If Warr's were to agree to field the effort (I"m not ignoring what you said Court) it would cost them probably $25K US just to have them all here with bikes for a week. Feel free to correct my estimate. 3) If Warr's didn't field the team, then who would? Would the factory do it? That would be REALLY cool, but it hasn't been the path they have chosen so far. Is there another US dealer who might step up? They would still need a couple of RRs and a crew. It's big money no matter how you look at it, more than we could raise. 4) Now for the stickiest point so aptly pointed out by Blake: What about the other three riders and dealers that put down some hard cash and a lot of hard work? The last thing I'd want to do is to appear to disrespect their effort. 5) All that being said, I'd sure like to see Jeremy kick some Japanese ass.   Count me in as long as we do this right. | ||
| Jima4media |
Lets have a bake sale! No, seriously, what would be wrong with a letter writing campaign to convince Harley to support this effort to get a rider to ride at future FX events. Having Harley spend a few marketing bucks makes more sense than dipping into the pockets of a few fans. It doesn't have to be Jeremy McWilliams, even though I was impressed with his performance at Daytona. Doug Chandler would be a good choice also, and has the advantage of knowing the U.S. race tracks. | ||
| Jkhawaii |
I would be willing to chip in some but like other have mentioned the other riders and teams may not be happy about money going to only one rider/ team we seem to have only a hand full of people on board right now giving between 250 and 50 so thats going to be good for airfare and maybe a few nights hotel at a holiday in or something | ||
| Court |
I'd say this idea has pretty much fizzled due to potential conflicts, which I do understand. We'll be doing something different to make certain we take a proper crack at seeing McWilliams back in the states on a Buell. Thanks to all who offered to help and I'll follow up with you offline. Court | ||
| Ebear |
Well,whatever you decide Court....count me in to support whomever,however....Maybe at least lets get the contingency pool going again!! | ||
| Buellrcr |
those guys are backed they dont need the money, help out the little guys so some day we can race in that level. | ||
| Court |
I bought 4 FMJH t-shirts and have contributed to 4 different race efforts this year. In addition, we support the "little guys" through our impressive contingency fund. Everybody needs help. The purpose and ONLY purpose of this thread was to raise several grand to cover the cost of bringing Jeremy McWilliams back to race in the US, not to recommence the classic "what is true racing?" debate. Find me a racer who DOESN'T need support and that'll impress me. Anyway, in the interest of "no racer left behind" I've conceded that this effort stands not a chance here. I will continue supporting all the racers I can. Court | ||
| Bomber |
count me in, as well! I look forward to the deatails, and would LOVE to watch McW | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Even tho I'm not likely to get over to see it I'm still ready to chip in. ps. What's this K.I.S.S. stuff Court? I know another one. M.ay Y.ou A.lways S.tay S.afe Is there a connection?  | ||
| Court |
Grumpy: Thanks from across the sea! The BIG thing is that we, as Buell enthusiasts, make certain McWilliams knows how thrilled we were to see the performance he put on with the Buell. Bear in mind that Daytona, even with the increased attendance, is the smallest crowd he's ever seen for years. It's important that we, more than anything, let him know we WANT to see him again! If you haven't visited his website yet, check it out and leave a comment if you get a chance. I'm hoping a ground sell of grass roots support will bring him back.....I GOTTA see that again! Court | ||
| Blake |
Maybe I'm too tenacious and stubborn for my own good. I'm not throwing in the towel on your idea Court. Maybe I'm too much of an idealist? Hope you are laughing at that. To borrow one of your own entertaining personal gigs... You sure you aren't late for your optimists' anonymous meeting?  The BadWeB racer's fund is still in force. It is waiting for direction. My bad not getting to that yet. Will address related issues in that topic on the Quick Board. Cheers, Blake | ||
| Court |
>>>>throwing in the towel I think not. Progress is quite excellent and I'll be eager to see what happens with the racers fund. All good news. | ||
| Blake |
Cool. | ||
| Jimidan |
I would like to see McWilliams back on a Buell in the AMA-FX also, but we don't know whether he and the team even want to come back for another FX race. However, I can tell you for sure that the Buell Hannover team wants to, as evidenced by an email I received back from Volker Schirmer, crew chief and team owner. I had sent him a suggestion regarding installing a cush-drive in the rear hub (see XBoard, The Case for a Cush Drive in the XBRR), and he made the following statement in his return: "i hope that we can fix the problems on the bike soon so that we can race some more fx events in the states. it was a great event for us, so many support from buell race fans and customers. i am still working on the bike , searching sponsors etc. etc. for upcoming fx events. please visit us next time in the pit." The will is certainly there...now just to find the way. Jimidan (Message edited by jimidan on March 23, 2006) | ||
| Jimidan |
The fair way may be to offer a $$$ amount to the top finishing XBRR at Barber, that way there is no favoritism to one team at the expense of the rest...kinda like the Cal Rayborn Award at Daytona. Hey, whatever it takes, there are a lot of us there to help it happen. Jimidan | ||
| Court |
>>>>but we don't know whether he Very cool about Hanover. I can tell you, with absolute certainty, that Jeremy McWilliams is very interested in coming back. Parallel efforts to see this happens are underway. I hope everyone will take a moment, slip over to his website and let him know we'd like to see him back. Court |
