It has been suggested that we run championships for next year.

In the past IHRO has not run a championship, we have always let each event stand on its own merit. The ECSC which was run a few years ago was separate from IHRO.

The points in favour of a championship are:

It provides a target for riders to aim at over the year.

It would encourage riders to enter more races if they were in a position to do well.

It would encourage closer more competitive racing.

The points against running a championship are:

Most riders would sooner have a series of events but without the pressure of having to compete in a championship.

Individual events are more friendly and open.

Many riders cannot commit to doing a full international season due to pressures of work, family, finances etc.

Riders who don’t like to ride on different types of circuit would not enter.

Cost of providing trophies, awards etc would either have to be funded by a sponsor, or more likely, by an increase in the registration fee to all riders. To provide a suitable level of trophy for each class, 250 (?) 350, 500, plus possible extra awards for best ‘private’ rider in each class, would be a significant financial cost, probably in the region of £1000 (1500€) per year. When the ECSC was run, riders who wished to compete were asked to register separately to fund this, in the last year there were only 5 riders who were interested enough to pay, happily the shortfall was made up by a generous donation from one of our long term supporters.

I would be interested in your views.