For more info on Keirin there and in NM, in particular, watch my video at
http://abqkeirin.com/
frogeye@porterscustom.com
Porter Customs 2909 Arno NE Albuquerque, NM USA 87107 505-352-1378 1954 BN2 1959 AN5 Porter Custom Bicycles
cars:
http://www.britishcarforum.com/
blog: http://porterbikes.com/
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Fred Rednor Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:44 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR] Help needed dating a Campy Record QR skewer
> Keirin as we understand it has their own set of rules and > standards so if the Keirin officials don't approve of > something because it doesn't meet their standard, > it's not allowed. > All the bikes have to be the same construction and use only > specific approved parts that meet the most rigid standards. > To keep the advantage and odds as even as possible because > of the gambling element, it maintains this consistency,
Exactly. Even in Japan, there's a big difference between what's legal for "UCI style" track racing and what's legal for the Keirin circuit. The NJS approval business only applies to the Keirin circuit, which requires a specific level of design consistency and reliability in order to ensure that the gambling odds/payouts are totally consistent. The continued existence of Keirin in Japan guarantees that a certain type of track racing equipment remains available from Japanese manufacturers.
But it doesn't represent the totality of Japanese track racing. In fact, it doesn't guarantee that Japanese track racers will be present on the international scene. Quite the opposite, in fact; i.e. since a successful racer can earn significant amounts of money on the Keirin circuit, it tends to keep those racers from participating in UCI track racing. Even the UCI version of Keirin is different than Japanese/Korean professional Keirin.
It's akin to NASCAR racing in North America. That is, a style of racing -
peculiar to a particular region - is sufficiently lucrative that successful
racers in that milieu will not feel compelled to participate on the
international scene.
Best regards,
Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)