Topic: $2000.00 To Win Man Cup Street ET Race.....Press Release

[Bill/BentON Racing]

That's right, POP'S challenged us and we have answered! I talked with Jay Regan 1/2 owner of Man Cup.  He was all over the idea. Offered $100.00 immediately from his company,  MRE. K.  The deal is simple ,bring a SOHC 750 to the event for Street ET,  first one to win an event wins the money. If no winner Saturday or Sunday,  it rolls over to next year. We have to put up half as good faith earnest money. So I told Jay I'd send him $1000.00 by Friday. I'm working on the press release now. We are going to grow this, we have named it separately from the forum,  but like Russ Jr. this will be where the home base info will be posted. The name is SOHC 750 DRAG RACERS ASSOCIATION. Or SOHC750DRA abbreviated.Designing a logo and a t shirt.  All who donate $100.00 get a t shirt.  Also will get recognized to be determined. I know the announcer Bill Hahn Jr. will also be pleased to give us some excellent coverage. So the press release will let them know that it's in honor of Sam Green, one of the most influential people behind the resurgence of these bikes racing again and I'll always be indebted to him, thank you Sam. The t shirt will have a pic of Sam and Samauto etc.on it. Race is middle of November,  there will be live coverage,  let's thank Sam properly guys and gals.  This is about racing and rewarding all who participate. These are the people so kind as to immediately put up! Please help us, we need you, Bill
Bill BentON Racing  $250.00
George Schuld $250.00
Medyo Bastos $250.00
Keith Byers kmb69 $250.00
J. Frank Loney Dragracer $100.00
Jay Regan, MRE $100.00
Bill Pellerine $100.00
Underdog, Scott Williams  $100.00
Mark52, $100.00 for best R/T
Mike Rieck $100.00 for best ET
Your name here , c'mon man, it's for Sam and to get more participants
We are going to have the most fun yet at Valdosta,  c'mon I see 10 + 750's at least!
Thank you for reading and hopefully helping, Bill
Be the first to win $2000.00 + the regular purse and get the inaugural "Sammy " trophy, almost as good as a Wally!!

[Retro Rocket]

I thought this was all about the forum members racing their sohc 4's..?  Now it sounds like anyone who sees this advertised can have a go, it would be a crying shame for the money to go to some random with no association to the forum orthe guys working hard here to get this done and the forum members putting up the money  ?...  Am I reading this right..?

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Mick, I don't think we can limit it like that and get the response we want. We want to grow the forum, it's going to be in press release and the main way to keep up with everything. Limit it to forum members and the turn out will be like a ripple, we want a tidal wave. The forum will get more from this than anything else we've done recently to get these old bikes out of basements,  barns etc. It won't be easy to win one of these events, no matter who you are!  Yes,  we hope a forum member wins it. I believe it would be reasonable to think most people running one would want to join once they're made aware. I'm working on press release now. Open to all feedback, thanks,  Bill

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Where's Chad Isley? 

Jon, is this enough incentive for you?

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Jerry, I'm trying to locate Chad. Jon's in but bike to be determined!    Got some feedback on shirts, looks like we go with a pocket t shirt and maybe pics of racers in action, maybe one of Frank's bike, Bill Hahn double and Russ's triple, a www,sohc4.net and logo along with the name SOHC 750 DRAG RACERS ASSOCIATION also.Maybe one of Cobra Girl, got one of Sam at sunset just as he launched etc.We'll see, don't want it too busy. A shot of Larry Hayes would work also. Shirt will be a keeper I'm sure.  Bill

[underdog]

However it all works out, this sure has added the fun factor. Ha Ha , I'm afraid of all the competition that will be coming out of the woodwork by the spring race if one of you guys don't win it this fall. I'll be there in the spring either way! Just not sure if I want to cheer you guys on till then?

[Retro Rocket]

Mick, I don't think we can limit it like that and get the response we want. We want to grow the forum, it's going to be in press release and the main way to keep up with everything. Limit it to forum members and the turn out will be like a ripple, we want a tidal wave. The forum will get more from this than anything else we've done recently to get these old bikes out of basements,  barns etc. It won't be easy to win one of these events, no matter who you are!  Yes,  we hope a forum member wins it. I believe it would be reasonable to think most people running one would want to join once they're made aware. I'm working on press release now. Open to all feedback, thanks,  Bill

Yes, I understand and agree on almost everything but what I don't get is , why is the forum funding the money if its an open venture ?, shouldn't sponsors take that up ?, Shouldn't what the forum raised, go to a forum member for their efforts..?  I'm sure most people here that donated money to this thought it was for the benefit of the forum members building Honda drag bikes. I'm all for making the whole affair with these old bikes bigger, that benefits everyone.. I hope you are seeing what i'm saying, I feel that if there were to be 100 bikes to turn up for this "750 Challenge Cup" { }, they should ALL contribute to the purse, the $2000 raised here is nothing to sneeze at and giving it away to some random dude with a Honda just doesn't make sense to me...   Maybe joining the forum should be a prerequisite, then they could donate to the prize pool..? Or, everyone who runs donates to the prize pool...?  I don't think the forum should be raising money for a prize pool that includes everyone and anyone,  forum money should go to a forum member.... Remember, I have no dog in this fight, I'm just trying to rationalize a few things...

[dragracer]

Even if this incentive puts Jeremy Teasely or Ricky Gadson on an Sohc bike, it's a win- win situation for all of us as a whole. I'm into this more for the greater good of the group and not so much for personal gain. One thing I've learned over time is no matter how good a racer might be, in the end, if its your time, it is your day to win regardless of your level of experience. So... don't let the thoughts of the other competitors ruin your fun. Come on out and throw your hat in the ring. We're trying to build up the SOHC 750 count. The more, the merrier and you may just find out you're enjoying yourself, win or loose.

[Retro Rocket]

Even if this incentive puts Jeremy Teasely or Ricky Gadson on an Sohc bike, it's a win- win situation for all of us as a whole. I'm into this more for the greater good of the group and not so much for personal gain. One thing I've learned over time is no matter how good a racer might be, in the end, if its your time, it is your day to win regardless of your level of experience. So... don't let the thoughts of the other competitors ruin your fun. Come on out and throw your hat in the ring. We're trying to build up the SOHC 750 count. The more, the merrier and you may just find out you're enjoying yourself, win or loose.

I get that totally Frank, Thats not what I've been saying. I would have been annoyed if I were there and donated money to something I thought was "in house" to then find out it was open to every man and his dog, I think that should have been made clear at the beginning...  If the forum or its members are to be the sponsors of an event like this then great, publicize the hell out of it and go hard, I think thats awesome, but thats not the way I think this original bet was intended, thats all...   Tell me if I have misread this whole $500 dollar Pops challenge..?

[Bill/BentON Racing]

OK, first POP'S challenge was open to all, not just forum members. Anyone whow donated money thinking it was only for forum members.....I'll refund your money. This is about raising awareness of these bikes and the forum. Do it right, this an international forum...and a international event, Man Cup has had entries from 37 countries in 2012! The intent is to get more old SOHC 750's on the track. This is a start, sponsors will come, it's us that have to get it started.
Not going to get into a debate on what people thought. You participate only if you want. No forcing anyone to donate money or join forum to participate. We are a team, lets act like it. POP's post and intent was not to limit it to forum members....it's to promote SOHC 750's,  the forum will benefit greatly by association. So if you want to help, please do so, no bait and switch here, we just want to have fun and grow this and the forum. The people listed have funded it so far, the forum is not funding it, people are, is Jay Regan a forum member?  Let's pull together to create a positive situation where all can benefit. See you in Valdosta,  hopefully in the finals!  Someone copy and paste POP's original thread, it doesn't limit it. Thanks for the input, Bill  POP'S thread says anyone winning, not any forum member!

[kmb69]

I will give the FIRST winner of ST/ET class at any MAN CUP RACE a reward of $500 IF YOU WIN THE CLASS on a SOHC 750 base HONDA bike. Who else wants to add to the winning payout ?  Efforts equals results ......... $$$$

I do not read any stipulation other than being the first, SOHC 750 base bike, winning ST/ET at any MAN CUP event.

For all we know, he may have posted the same thing on other forums.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151384.msg1729239.html#msg1729239

I might add, not sure how Sammy got injected into this deal. Pops never mentioned him. No offense, luv u Sammy!

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Underdog , Scott Williams  just added to the list, thank you Scott, Bill 

[jweeks]

Very unlikely anyone riding a CB750 based bike will win the money. Just getting more bikes to the track doesn't make anyone a winner. Experience, practice, and a lot of luck are needed. If anyone does it, I'm betting on a Hondamatic. The clutch versions just don't repeat nearly as well as the 'matics do. The first goal should be getting a CB750 based bike winning any prize money in a regular Street ET event. (usually 4 round wins?) Let's see how the November event goes. I'll be home reading about it, hoping for the best. Frank on a good day is my bet for first $$ from the Cup event. Good luck everyone!

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Jon, I agree, odds aren't in our favor. And more than one auto will be there next year. I hope to have 1 to 2 ready. Samauto's already proved what you said, an automatic would be the best bet. We just want more SOHC750 bikes out there. It's going to draw some people /bikes. Let's all enjoy and dig em out, come share in the fun.....and maybe win some money! K, Bill

[dragracer]

Very unlikely anyone riding a CB750 based bike will win the money. Just getting more bikes to the track doesn't make anyone a winner. Experience, practice, and a lot of luck are needed. If anyone does it, I'm betting on a Hondamatic. The clutch versions just don't repeat nearly as well as the 'matics do. The first goal should be getting a CB750 based bike winning any prize money in a regular Street ET event. (usually 4 round wins?) Let's see how the November event goes. I'll be home reading about it, hoping for the best. Frank on a good day is my bet for first $$ from the Cup event. Good luck everyone!

Jon,
No doubt the SOHC bikes are in for a tough battle to win a Cup race. But then so are most of the bikes competing in events of that caliber. There's a lot of heavy hitters running street ET these days but in my experience, anyone can be put on the trailer and any bike can win with consistency and a rider that can cut a good light. In my case, 90% of the rounds I lost were due to reacting too quick(red light) or way to slow. The bike pretty much repeats the numbers. I made some rookie mistakes judging the stripe a few times against faster bikes and it cost me the round. Bottom line, I truly do believe one of the SOHC bikes can win a Cup event with the right rider and a little luck. While I appreciate your vote of confidence in me, I'm not positive I'll be the first one to go to victory lane but I'm going to certainly give it my very best shot. Ultimately, we will never truly know if an SOHC bike can win a national event unless we get them on the dragstrip, in competition. The bonus money idea is all we can do to give people that push to show up so I'm asking everyone to stay positive and show support in some way for our efforts. .

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Frank, thanks. Guys, we picking up steam....Mark52 has put up $100.00 for  the best R/T in a race, not practice, on a 750 SOHC in November!!! Way to go Mark.....now we need a mph and ET sponsor! Love it, Rock on people, this is awesome. Bill

[gschuld]

I'd be thrilled if a forum member here won the cash.  But I donated toward the prize for a sohc4 750 engined bike, regardless of who they are, forum member or not. 

Regardless, it may be while before any of this prize money goes anywhere.  Winning a national ET street event is a tough ask I'd think.  Even in an automatic.  So I'm curious, what if a few years goes by and regardless of the valiant attempts, no one manages to win the money?   

Perhaps, if sohc participation in the man cup SERIES is the main goal, a (or the current) prize might be better utilized if it was for the highest points standing at the end of the year for any sohc4 750(starting next year, more time to prepare a bike for those interested).  This way there IS going to be a winner at the end of the year to win the money, so more incentive for people to join.  If general participation in the Man Cup is the goal, you could split the 2000 into 500 for each of the 4 scheduled Man Cup events next year.  500 going to the highest placing sohc4 750 @12.99 ET or less( or whatever)  Even if you couldn't do all the events, you might just come out for one or two with the hopes of making 500 per each time.  Trying to bring new people out with the dangled carrot of winning a Manufactures Cup race event against the entire field of seasoned participants is probably not nearly as useful as racing only against the scores of the handful or more of sohc4 guys for the prize money that WILL be won by someone at EVERY event.

If there is no ET/mph cutoff, we could have a bunch of dead stock cb750 bikes running 13s and 14s.  If that interests people, great.  But those that are currently running these bikes,  Benton, Frank, and others, are running powerful bikes in the 10's and 11's.  Perhaps sub 12.99 ETs.  A stock cb750 can be made to turn 12.99 or better without opening up an otherwise stock motor.  Good tires, exhaust, and a cam/timing change will do it for most.

I think it would be important to not discourage guys from bringing out the faster bikes.  In fact it would be great to add a modest prize incentive for the faster bikes.  Since faster certainly does not make the bikes more consistent


Just some food for thought...

George

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Great ideas George. We will look at that for next year, pretty interesting ideas, Bill

[dragracer]

I'd be thrilled if a forum member here won the cash.  But I donated toward the prize for a sohc4 750 engined bike, regardless of who they are, forum member or not. 

Regardless, it may be while before any of this prize money goes anywhere.  Winning a national ET street event is a tough ask I'd think.  Even in an automatic.  So I'm curious, what if a few years goes by and regardless of the valiant attempts, no one manages to win the money?   

Perhaps, if sohc participation in the man cup SERIES is the main goal, a (or the current) prize might be better utilized if it was for the highest points standing at the end of the year for any sohc4 750(starting next year, more time to prepare a bike for those interested).  This way there IS going to be a winner at the end of the year to win the money, so more incentive for people to join.  If general participation in the Man Cup is the goal, you could split the 2000 into 500 for each of the 4 scheduled Man Cup events next year.  500 going to the highest placing sohc4 750 @12.99 ET or less( or whatever)  Even if you couldn't do all the events, you might just come out for one or two with the hopes of making 500 per each time.  Trying to bring new people out with the dangled carrot of winning a Manufactures Cup race event against the entire field of seasoned participants is probably not nearly as useful as racing only against the scores of the handful or more of sohc4 guys for the prize money that WILL be won by someone at EVERY event.

If there is no ET/mph cutoff, we could have a bunch of dead stock cb750 bikes running 13s and 14s.  If that interests people, great.  But those that are currently running these bikes,  Benton, Frank, and others, are running powerful bikes in the 10's and 11's.  Perhaps sub 12.99 ETs.  A stock cb750 can be made to turn 12.99 or better without opening up an otherwise stock motor.  Good tires, exhaust, and a cam/timing change will do it for most.

I think it would be important to not discourage guys from bringing out the faster bikes.  In fact it would be great to add a modest prize incentive for the faster bikes.  Since faster certainly does not make the bikes more consistent


Just some food for thought...

George

Good points George. I fully agree with the priority of the challenge being to bring out more SOHC bikes. At this point we're simply following Pops call out for a winning SOHC bike in street ET at a Man Cup event.

Bill asked for input and comments so lets keep it coming. We can consider changing the requirements for the prize money next season based on end of year points standing, provided all who contributed are in agreement. While its a lower goal than a win, a person who dedicates him/herself to attending all of the events does have a greater chance at being a recipient of the challenge money- after all, we primarily want the bikes to show up on a regularly basis and this proposal meets that end.We could still set aside a  lessor amount for a winner of a Man Cup event as an added bonus to the Cup purse. I'm open to that option myself.

Nevertheless, we should carry out this season with the original plan and keep our fingers crossed that the stars will align for a rider of an SOHC bike to win street ET at the November event.

I'm hoping everyone will remain positive about what we're trying to do here and show support by whatever means they feel most comfortable by monetary or moral support.

[POPS 911]

My $500 is a deal with me and the winner = no honor race in my statement of intent !!!! Let BILL payout his HONOR RACE in the HUMOR part of the MAN CUP RACE on SOHC. My rider next year on my 1978 CB750A HONDAMATIC will be J. TEASLEY as this young man lives 10 minutes from my home and I know and have raced with his whole family for years. Frank will be my they win or they lose ..... PAY ME THE MONEY.  A real honest race for money would be a total package number race = for that deal my rider will be BOB BURT our local ST/ET racer who has won NATIONAL TRAILS champ of champs many times on a HONDA BIKE against the best car classes this track has to offer with many 25 years or more DIV.3 NHRA racers " DEAD ON THE DIAL ' racers.

POPS BK911 NHRA ST/ET

[Bill/BentON Racing]

POP'S,  that statement not very positive. Let's grow this together. The deal isn't to just honor Sam, it's to grow the bike count. Please bring Jeremy Teasley....my buddy Jimmy "ChaCha" Heisler put him on the trailer in Rockingham! And he's agree to ride a 750 next year! He also put out Ben Knight, Frank put out Ron Arnold,  last year's champ. You want to compete please do, just have fun doing it POP'S.  Don't tell me to go to humor page when it was me who took up for you immediately and asked to have it moved back. Enough of this nonsense,  everyone grow up and let's have fun! End of story, Bill

[underdog]

Well, I'll just share a couple thoughts from my experience of being on the board of a national sanctioning body. First thing is don't complicate it by trying to make everyone happy. Some folks will always be unhappy no matter what you do. A complicated system alienates people, both newbies and old farts(referring to myself), so just keep it simple. The modern NHRA is a great example of that.
  I would also say that a point system based on the 4 Mancup races would show who the more skillful racers are, however you also run the risk of pushing away racers that aren't from the southeast area. For Jon Weeks to compete in all 4 races, he would need to win all the money just to make his basic  traveling expenses. I will support what ever system you guys come up with, but I wont be able to make all those races. One trip to Valdosta(or whichever venue) is quite an investment for most of us in fly over country. Most folks that could afford to make all 4 races( not from the southeast) probably aren't racing our old Honda's. I'd suggest giving us all a reasonable shot at a "Super Bowl" caliber, single event will bring more folks out that can take a little vacation time and enjoy meeting everyone. Regarding how long it will take to get a winner, well, that's a good point and I don't have the answer for that.
  Just my 5 cents(inflation!). You guys have my full support either way!!

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Good ideas again. Keep them coming. We'll keep thus one simple, Win on a SOHC 750 based Honda, win the money.
Only other ones right now, is a $100.00 at end of event for R/T, ET, and MPH, best of each wins $100.00. That's it for this year, unless enough money was raised above $2000.00, we could pay out to person with most points for the weekend whatever is over $2K. Let me know your feedback, but what I just wrote is not going to change except if we can increase the payout. Next year we can do it differently. Award each weekend, still a big prize to win, and the other categories plus we can talk about overseas participation,  I'm all for it, the November race would be the one for us to hold a big get together, c'mon,  Bill 

[TurboD]

I like seeing the money for ET, RT, and MPH. I think this will help to bring out racers, more so than the $2000 to win. These are more realistic goals for many.

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Yes and we can grow them for this year All one has to do is let me know what yall want to add to and back up and we can increase R/T,MPH and ET. , Bill