ZIP E-Bay Auction

No 4 · 25 Jul 2003, 09:44 (Ref:670929)

I see Martin Hines is auctioning another drive in ZIP Formula powered by Ford on E-bay. Great marketing initiative. What do people think?

JR Ewing · 25 Jul 2003, 09:56 (Ref:670937)

Is it getting the drivers in though? How many drives have been auctioned off so far?

jonathanc · 25 Jul 2003, 10:09 (Ref:670944)

I think this is the second one. Last one went for about 1100 uk pounds I think. This latest one is a double header + test with a reserve of around 1900 pounds. I'd pay 1000 but not 2000 especially as it is being auctioned off.

Not sure if it is a good idea as I personally think it makes zip look like they are desperate for 'bums on seats' so speak.

darcym · 25 Jul 2003, 10:10 (Ref:670945)

they have gone for quite good prices, I am still keen to see if there are any hidden extras..

There has been 1 race deal that I saw, and I saw the auction for the full season but I am not sure if it was sold.

DSM · 27 Jul 2003, 21:06 (Ref:672686)

'Not sure if it is a good idea as I personally think it makes zip look like they are desperate for 'bums on seats' so speak'

Of course it does, they are!!

No 4 · 28 Jul 2003, 07:24 (Ref:672991)

DSM - I think that's a bit harsh. We talk about motorsport needing new initiatives to promote itself and also pull in more drivers. Surely the E-bay auction is first and foremost great PR for ZIP and if it can add another driver to the grid, then that's a bonus!

JR Ewing · 28 Jul 2003, 07:28 (Ref:672994)

Spot on No4, DSM is rather anti anything that isn't Formula Honda methinks...

No 4 · 28 Jul 2003, 08:27 (Ref:673045)

JR - I'd forgotten that 'factor', you could be right!!

DSM · 28 Jul 2003, 20:38 (Ref:673688)

Actually, guys you're miles off as anyone who KNOWS me will tell you!
Tell you what I am anti? The way our whole sport has been manipulated for the personal gain of individuals over a number of years and is controlled by people whose actions demonstrate no real concern for its health.
Having said that, the average grid for FZ this year SHOULD mean it will lose Championship status, for what it's worth, next. Are you saying they're NOT desperate for more entries?

Mrs BlackX · 28 Jul 2003, 21:08 (Ref:673701)

Quote:

Originally posted by No 4
I see Martin Hines is auctioning another drive in ZIP Formula powered by Ford on E-bay. Great marketing initiative. What do people think?

They haven't had a bid yet and the £1990 is only the starting price!!!..... The reserve hasn't been met yet!!

**Stephen Green** · 29 Jul 2003, 08:41 (Ref:674003)

No one has mentioned that the successful driver will need to have a racing licence before he/she can compete. If they don't hold one then the cost of the drive goes up accordingly.

I have never made a secret of the fact I dislike F Zip and that I feel it will die a death, like many other one make series have done over the years.

Bob Pearson · 29 Jul 2003, 09:45 (Ref:674068)

You have my sympathy DSM. Having been attacked overnight on another thread for allegedly rubbishing everything except Formula Renault I know how you feel. I am beginning to think that it is all too easy to create the wrong impression when the conversations aren't taking place face to face. It is possible to have a passion for one thing without hating everthing else.
Just for the record, I agree about welcoming new initiatives etc, but I don't think I would have auctioned drives for the reason DSM put forward.

JR Ewing · 29 Jul 2003, 09:48 (Ref:674072)

Have you Bob? Which thread is that?
You labelled me a troublemaker!

**Stephen Green** · 29 Jul 2003, 10:09 (Ref:674079)

Guys, the problem with all written formats including forums, is that the text can often be taken to have different meanings, mainly because in this form you are unable to accentuate things as you would in verbal form.

Bob, I think you would agree that in the other thread you refer to the misunderstanding has been sorted out. I'm sure we can do the same here?

JR Ewing · 29 Jul 2003, 10:13 (Ref:674084)

I've no problem with Bob P, Stephen.

JR Ewing · 29 Jul 2003, 10:20 (Ref:674088)

Found that thread now and at least it wasn't anonymous.

darcym · 29 Jul 2003, 10:20 (Ref:674089)

no4 - from our last conversation I stated that I thought the ZIP formula had been presented quite badly at combe, and made to look poor. Having said that I watched the races on the TV as you suggested and found the racing to be for the most quite close. The initiative on Ebay has been tried a few times by zip so far, a couple of 1 off drives and a full championship season I think was auctioned off.

Baring in mind the interesting debate and points that followed the last thread, has

a.) The points about how badly zip was presented been taken on board ? has it made a difference at other tracks ?
b.) How many drivers in racing on a regular basis is it still 13 or has the number gone up
c.) has there been an increase in 1 off appreances eg: auction winners
d.) Do you think the auction technique is working ? (baring in mind this thread and the last debate - two very strong views, 1.) it looks a great initiative/brings publicity 2.) Makes zip look desperate

The TV coverage of ship appears to have trailed off, is it still being run at a regular spot ?

**Stephen Green** · 29 Jul 2003, 10:20 (Ref:674090)

Cool, we all love each other...perfect

darcym · 29 Jul 2003, 10:21 (Ref:674092)

damn typing auto correct turned zip to ship

Bob Pearson · 29 Jul 2003, 10:22 (Ref:674096)

I'm sure if we were all stood round debating these issues in the paddock with me calling JR a troublemaker when he can see the smile that goes with it none of these problems would occur. It's difficult to avoid days like today happening occassionally.

**Stephen Green** · 29 Jul 2003, 10:23 (Ref:674099)

hahaha, another who gets bitten by the autocorrect thingy!

JR Ewing · 29 Jul 2003, 10:24 (Ref:674100)

3 conversations at once then.

No 4 · 29 Jul 2003, 10:24 (Ref:674101)

I really don't see what the problem is. Yes comments on forums like this are open to misinterpretation, that's always a potential danger. However, with a little bit of common sense and also respect for people's right to express a personal opinion, surely it doesn't need to lead to arguments?

**Stephen Green** · 29 Jul 2003, 10:27 (Ref:674106)

True...Now, back to the topic...I think Darcym makes some good points and it would be interesting to know the answers to his questions

darcym · 29 Jul 2003, 13:16 (Ref:674293)

I would be espcially interested in No4's views on what has/has not changed, as well as outsiders views too.

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