Jim VanSchoonhoven
I would like to see things change between OBRA and USAC, but it is more
important to see racing in Oregon improve like it has been.
Unless, USAC is going to make some BIG changes, I would say OBRA is better
off doing things the way they have been. The USAC organization is losing
more and more power nationwide. They need OBRA more than we need them.
Every where we go, almost everyone is upset with them. One of the most
common comments Jeremy and I hear is... if there was another organization,
our race would go with them.
One of the main reasons given for being mad at the USAC is, they are not
doing their job in a professional, open manner. Many of their decisions are
based on who you are, where you live, or who you ride for, rather than
fairness and the rules. Here is one example: a radio call to a NORBA
Officer (I will not say his position) about a rule that needed
clarification. Instead of an answer back to the promoter, his reply back
was, well, who is this going to apply to??? The promoter blew up and yelled
back what difference does it make who it is. Reply back, it just does. This
was at a NORBA National Cross Country event.
At a time when racing is more in the news and on TV than ever, USAC is still
having a problem growing membership. On the other hand, OBRA and some of
the other organizations are growing and offering more to their membership
than ever before.
When USAC decides the organization and the people they hire are there to
serve the members, I hope OBRA can work with them. So far, I don't see that
happening and many of the promoters I talk to don't see that happening
either.
I would say go to the meeting, but watch out. If you look at what is
happening in Oregon, we are providing a lot of USAC World Team members by
providing good local races through OBRA. For a state USAC tells everyone
has no racing, we seem to be doing fine. Having said all of this, it sure
would help the Elite riders to have one organization, but only if that
organization is fair, hard working and committed to all levels of racers!!!
Jim VanSchoonhoven
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.m-@obra.org [mailto:mike.m-@obra.org]
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2002 11:02 AM
To: obra
Subject: RE: [OBRA Chat] OBRA and USAC
To be a bit more accurate; Gerard Bisceglia and Matt Murphy will be in town
to attend the American Track Racing Association meeting 11/8 & 9. Bisceglia
asked to meet with me the evening prior to the ATRA meeting. Although I am
sure that OBRA will be part of the discussion, it remains unclear to me
whether he wants to discuss FIAC (I am the FIAC president), ATRA (I am the
treasurer and membership person), Alpenrose, or whatever. Personally I
think that it would definitely not be in OBRA's best interest to even think
about entering any increased relationship with USAC at this time. Let me
know what you think. I certainly would like to be able to adequately
represent the OBRA membership concerns.
Mike Murray
-----Original Message-----
From: Candi Murray/Oregon Bicycle Racing Assn [mailto:cmur-@obra.org]
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2002 10:41 AM
To: obra
Subject: [OBRA Chat] OBRA and USAC
Members
The new chief executive officer for USAC is coming to meet with OBRA the
week of the 17. Is there anything you all would like discussed?
Candi
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