Associated pulls out of IFMAR Worlds

[PeterV]

It's true--the winningest team in IFMAR history won't be in attendance at the 2001 IFMAR off-road world championships in South Africa this October. Here's the official press release from Associated's site (www.rc10.com)...what do you think?

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
In light of the recent tragic events here in the USA, and with the current instability and uncertainty as to future terrorist actions, we at Team Associated have notified IFMAR that we regretfully withdraw our drivers from the 2001 IFMAR Off Road World Championships.

We do not like to bend to the weight of terrorist actions, but we will not compromise the safety and well-being of our Team.

We sincerely hope that other manufacturers will follow our lead due to these safety concerns and out of respect for the many who have suffered in the tragedy of the past week.

[bluesy]

With that being done, I would think the next step would for RCCA to withdraw their coverage as well. We, in the RC community, love to see coverage of every race, especially one as important as the IFMAR worlds but to place anyone in the position to be isolated (even the remotest possilbility) from their country, families and friends would, simply, be wrong.

Well done, Associated, a courgeous move.

[Cosmo]

I would think that many of the other companies would follow Associated's lead. There are a lot of American-based companies that are in the same situation. And, if a big power like Losi went, in addition to the travel and safety problems, they'd have an asterisk next to any of their wins. Just like in the 80's when Russia boycotted the Olympics, every time someone talks about how many medals the Americans won, it is immediately followed by "but Russia was not there."

[DerekB]

My email to IFMAR

Dear Sirs:

I regret to inform you that due to the recent events and in anticipation of future military activity that Radio Control Car Action will not be attending this years Electric Off Road Worlds in South Africa.

I can only hope that like other major events that the race be put off until a later date where the status of military action is more clear. Anytime in the near future the United States will likely retaliate for the WTC attack. At that point one can only assume that it will not be safe for international travel, let alone a United States citizen. I am sure you are aware that both Losi and Associate have decided that it is in the best interest of their teams safety to pull all funding for their team members to attend. Even if the race was run as scheduled it will be seen as a hollow victory for whomever is the victor.

I urge to IFMAR that the race be postponed until a later date.

Derek Buono
Assistant Editor
RC Car Action

[ovalnator]

Wow, so Losi is joing Associated. Well done to both companies; whether they realize it or not, they will be gaining a lot of respect from their decision. My hat also goes off to you Derek and the RCCA staff for w/drawing also. I think it takes a lot of kahunas to tell Ifmar they should postpone the event (from a racers aspect).

[bluesy]

To echo my first post on this thread.... well done RCCA, a wise and courageous move!!!!!

[RC Freak]

well done rcca and losi and associated.

[Bishop]

*shrug*

I really don't see the point in canceling the event, I would seriously doupt there would be any security threat in anything to do with RC racing, it's just not that important in the grand scheme of things.

Life goes on...

[draggerman11]

Bishop, an American in a foreign country during war is defiently not the safest thing in the world. Since they are American, they are a target. They are not a target because of the fact they drive R/C, but the fact they are American. Not to mention the fact that if they are there when the war starts, they will be stuck there for a while.

[ChumsGum]

If and when we do go to war, trust me, South Africa is one of the last places you want to be. It isn't so much a target for terrorist, but it does have its history of racial unrest.

Hats off to Losi, Associated, and RCCA. I hope the rest of the industry will follow their lead and IFMAR postpones the Worlds or moves the location to some place safe, like nearby Saugus, California at Hot Rod Hobbies. If the Worlds does continue as scheduled then I wish Kyosho luck.

[draggerman11]

Thanks ChumGum, your post complemented mine :p What was the point of having them in Africa in the first place? Exposure to R/C? If it was, that idea wasn't a bad idea. But what about a place that is just a little safer for Americans :eek:

[jeepinator]

They really should just move the race to Afghanistan. It would be much safer there anyway.

[SwedishPhish]

Jeep do I detect a hint of sarcasm? Or while were at it, lets have a parking lot race behind Sadam's palace in Iraq. Im sure then every company would surely send there drivers. ;)

[ReMeDy]

Ok so next year if it is held in another country, will the same companies pull out again?

I'm pretty sure the rest of the racers in other countries would feel the same as Derek and the staff of rcca if the race was held in the U.S. too.

[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: ReMeDy ]

[KissMyAssociated]

Personally....I think Associated....Losi....and RCCA are right in what they're doing. Way to go....to the three biggest names in RC!!! :cool:

[XXXER]

I totally respect those who have made their decisions in the way they did. It goes to show you, that not all companies are driven so much for a world title, that they would make their own team be in any sort of uncertainty in safety, and well being.

Whoever wins, will get a big shrug from me, and a "Nice job". (That is pretty much what I do to winners at just any old local race).

[Rick Hohwart]

"I'm pretty sure the rest of the racers in other countries would feel the same as Derek and the staff of rcca if the race was held in the U.S. too."

The problem is that if they felt that way it would not matter. If they race were scheduled in the U.S it would go on as planned regardless of the feelings of foreigners. I am confident of that. And that is the sad thing about this situation.

The simple fact is that these companies did to want to go to South Africa in the first place.

[TC3Racer]

What I always like to see in the IFMAR worlds is Losi and AE battling it out. Now that AE has withdrawn, Losi practically has a set win. I'm not even inerested anymore.

[ATeam]

I wouldn't go. I wouldn't go even if nothing happened. South Africa isn't the safest place in the world. Huge crime rates, tons of disease, and lots of racial unrest.

Its one of the last places I would schedule a race. I think the race should alternate between three countries; USA, Japan, and Great Britian. That is where the majority of the RC buying public is anyway. I mean where would a race reach more people, South Africa or L.A, Tokyo, & London.

ATeam

[ 09-20-2001: Message edited by: ATeam ]

[ReMeDy]

Hmmm...

[Interceptor]

I don't see what the big deal about postponing it would be. Just wait to see what happens, then decide if they still want to hold it or move it. I applaud all the companies who have withdrawn their drivers. Its not fear, its common sense.

These terrorists don't need to hijack a plane, they can simply shoot it down with a stinger. Its best to simply hold off for a while. besides, I would rather see some touring car stuff than off road ;-)

[Rick Hohwart]

The problem with postponing it is the fact that you have no idea when to re-schedule it. Nobody knows when things will calm down. Who know having it now could be the best time to have it.

I can't see moving it as an option either. If Americans are worried about traveling and becoming stranded the same feelings must be had by all travelers. Who would want to come to the U.S. after 4 planes were easily hijacked? Who would risk being stuck in a country AT war.

There is no solution other than holing up and waiting until terrorists are eradicated from the face of the earth. In other words, many people are going to spend the rest of their lives at home.

[ovalnator]

Heres an idea; just cancel the race. Whats it going to prove anyways?? Most of the time its all the same drivers you see in the Amain at the roar or norrca nats anyways. I like the idea of having world championships, but when they are dominated by american drivers, whats the point???

[atm92484_3]

Its probably the best all the big names are pulling out. I'm glad to see AE started and everyone else is following. After all if something did happen it would be a terrible blow to the RC world. Plus then the IFMAR would be held accountable if something did happen, for not canceling the event.

[Rick Hohwart]

Americans do not dominate the event. The current world champions are from Finland and Japan.

[SirSpeedy]

atm-

Just for the record, Pops Losi was the first to notify IFMAR that they would not be coming. Mike Reedy has acknoledged that on Tech Talk.

[atm92484_3]

Whatever. Its just good to see all the big companies and teams are using common sense and not going.

[DerekB]

I posted the Losi email in the other thread http://www.rccaraction.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004120

I would have posted it earlier but I didn't get the email until Richard posted it on TT. Who cares who pulled first the issue is that everybody should pull, if it's not safe in 6 months then it has to be put later.

[dromeracer]

It's with reasonable possibility that I now get flamed, but reading all of these views -some similar ones on other sites, make me wonder what people really are thinking about.

Let me first state that the terrorist actions on September 11th created a big shock, concern and grief to the world -including myself. It was a very very sad day, not only to the US but to everyone who believe in a democratic society.

What I see here when going through many of the posts is certainly ignorance from some people. Some are commenting on the worlds without even being realistic on some of the issues which were debated long before the tragic acts of September 11th.

Several US teams expressed that they would NOT attend the worlds in South Africa. A lot of critisism of IFMAR went on, some voices called it a degraded worlds, unsafe, racist country etc etc.

The truth is that right after the worlds warm up race two drivers who were attending the Reedy race in California were held up by gunmen and robbed -this did not happen in SA but in the US, speaking of unsafe !

Every day several European countries are faced with the fear of terrorist attacks and bombings, the US is unfortunately not alone.

When I read that people in here call for the worlds to be held in the US it makes me think of ignorance and selfishness. Why should other people travel to the US and exposing themselves for threats ? Why is it safe for foreigners to travel to us in the US ? It's not, we're all held as hostages in this.

True that there's a concern when travelling abroad, but this is the same for everyone every day. When going through the various reasons that the teams have for not attending it crosses my mind that it's not only a matter of security, other interests might very well have come into play.

I fully understand the concerns of drivers and teams, and the above is not to neglect the fear and concern.

[HauntedMyst]

That's it, I am going! I want you guys to look out for this headline the cover of RCCA;

Local Putz Wins IFMAR Worlds!
The only racer to show up wins despite 3 A Main DNF's!!


I don't think the complaints about the race being in South Africa are unfounded or Americentric. Let's face it, We hear about Japan and Europe all the time in the R/C world, when was the last time you heard South Africa ever mentioned in relation to R/C. What's next, the IFMAR Worlds in Antarctica?

[ 09-20-2001: Message edited by: HauntedMyst ]

[Darkside]

dromeracer: I would certainly hope that your not subject to flaming because of those comments. There was nothing there that deservse flaming.

I think for the most part that people here in the US should be concerned about international travel because of possible military action by our country. Thats understandable. But to be afraid because of terrorism is just silly. Many of the people who express complete surprise at what happened in NY and DC, were not up on current events. I cant believe that you can follow currrent world events and be "totally" surprised by what happened. Many, many, many countries are victims of terrorism everyday, now we have joined the rest of the world. But, let it scare you to the point of giving up everything you enjoy is silly.

Just to clear a popular rumor. Remember this. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOTALLY SAFE! Anyone who tells you there is, is trying to sell you something.

So I say it is silly to ask people to bring the races to us, so we don't have to travel anywhere else. Thats selfish and unrealistic. Whenever the dust settles from all of this, I hope that we can rejoin the rest of the world with a better grasp on reality. The reality is that there are alot of bad people in the world. And living in this country can't protect us from what these insane people can do. I would say postpone the worlds, but not to move them to this country just so we can fell safer. If theres anything that these events should have taught us, its that simple hiding here inside our borders, does not mean complete safety.

[Darkside]

HauntedMyst: Thats funny! You would finish at least one of the A-main races wouldn't you?

I agree that IFMAR wasn't quite thinking straight when they chose South Africa. How do you pick a country where slavory still exist. I'm not a big believer in political correctnes, but damn SOUTH AFRICA. Whats next Cuba! Or like you said the south pole.

Oh, wait theres always inside an active volcano!

There are plenty of location to race at that don't bring with it unneeded drama and political problems, not to mention the cost of the trip there. Which played more than a small part in the teams decision not to go, I'm sure!

[raffaelli]

som nobody goes, race is cancelled, terrorism wins?

[nfrc1234]

First off why would terorists attack the IMFR worlds. I don't think an r/c car race is a targer for terrorists. And I strongly doubt that there war will "break out" like viet nom or the world wars. If almost every country is allied to stop terrorists then why would they fight each other. There will be attacks aginst terrorists but they will probably be with cruise misills and high altitude bombings. And any way south africa would be a relitively safe place to be since there are not any terrorists based out of there and they would not want to attack south africa. I think associated should go.

[chizzler]

Local Putz Wins IFMAR Worlds!
The only racer to show up wins despite 3 A Main DNF's!!



that would be great!! :D

[DerekB]

nrfc, and all it is NOT a question of fear of terrorism, it is the fear that an out break of war would render us stranded in a foreign land, where in a war of terrorism would make us a good target. Of course terrorist wouldn't attack a race, that's not the question. The fact is a grave terrorist act occurred. Yes they happen everywhere, but when was the last time you heard of over 5,000 people killed in one act.

Bottom line it is a dangerous time especially because the US has not retalliated which WILL cause further terrorist acts. The time frame is too close.

Race cancelled=smart organization. The Ryder Cup was put off 1 FULL year.

[Grudly]

Here's an idea... just relocate the race up here to Canada! We're not gonna take ya hostage, or shoot down yer planes! :D

[HowieStern]

that's it.... let the terroist win..... they want our lives to be completely altered... and us being "afraid" to leave our country is just one more victory for them...

it's an expensive race to attend for the teams no doubt... it's amazing that they EVER set it up to have the world's in south africa to start with... so it is relatively easy for the big teams to simply not go... (it saves them a TON of money)...

but i myself, am not about to let those who caused all this terror to reduce one bit of my freedom.... i am not about to let them have the pleasure of knowing i am "scared" to get on a plane, or to leave my country...

i am not scared... i have more faith in safe travel now than i did a month ago... i trust our new travel procedures...

what good is freedom is you don't use it???

[DerekB]

I have just received news that Schumacher has also decided to withdrawl it's drivers from the list. That makes AE, Losi, Trinity, Schumacher, and I believe I heard Kyosho the list of manufacturers that have decided that it is unsafe to send drivers.

Whether they want to attend the event before this is not an issue. They were still going. I myself was looking forward to going.

I have not received any news from IFMAR on this subject. I will post the reply to my email when I get one.

[imbroncov]

Oh, sure! Bow to the sick minded terrorist cowards!! Your withdrawl has just scored a point for the them. :mad:

[outsider]

After Pearl Harbor the japanese claimed a victory. Look how THAT turned out. We will have justice even if the terrorist have won the first battle. The war hasn't even started.[/LIST]

[jbonnet]

I'm french driver, and i'm supposed to go to the worlds in Pretoria. But European RC block (EFRA) asked yesterday to each team (country) what we would like to do :
- Run in anycase the race (so without american drivers, AE, Losi, ...)
- Find another date later for the race.

Personnaly and Team France have choosed to choose another date for the race...

Regards
Jerome.

[RC10GTMark]

Yea 1 point for the terrorist!! Moron. I think they can give 2 ***** about RC races for 1, and 2 why dont u go over there and get stuck for 3 damn years.

[RC10GTMark]

Im sure IFMAR, if they were smart would put off the race for a while, I mean if not this years race will just suck, I dont think anyone will be there. If IFMAR wants to maintain what it really is, they should wait and have everyone race.

[Rick Hohwart]

If the race is not going to be run it should be cancelled, not postponed. In 6 months or one year's time things will not change enough to satisfy the participants. And it is not fair to the South Africans to have to plan the race again and have it postponed again.

Like I said before, nobody wanted to go to this race in the first place. So it will take much more than things returing to normal (will they ever?) to make travel there an option for many.

[Serius Black]

To Rick Howart -

Man, do you EVER have anything positive to say? Do you ever agree with the masses? Do you ever trust the opinion of a VAST majority? Every car manufacturer, who are the primary sponsors of all the drivers, have opted out, how much longer are you going to go against the grain.
It's been made clear to the American public that these terrorists have been told to kill ANY American they encounter, military or civilian, and do it at any and all cost. The fact that these animals are spread throughout more than 60 countries tends to make people think twice before travelling.
Then, take in to consideration the possibility of another terrorist attack within our borders. It may only take a signifigant verbal threat to shut down all the airlines again, and who knows for how long. If we begin our military actions, international travel may grind to a halt. Who knows?! South Africa is one of the last places I'd want to be stranded.
It's too bad that you aren't showing support for the majority of the companies that are responsible for keeping businesses such as yours lucrative. I can't believe that you would imply that they're using this tragedy as an excuse to save a few bucks.

Personally, I feel that the US teams are justified in thier actions, even if their only explanation was that it had been done out of repect for the 6,333 people still missing in the rubble at the WTC. They chose to bail out because they were concerned about the safety of thier teams. Those horrible corporate freaks!!!
Seven women from the corporate office of my wife's company were on Flight 11, the first jet to slam in to the WTC towers. Even though it's no fault of the manager that sent those women on that trip, can you imagine how they feel right now? Imagine how the owners of Losi, Associated, Schumacher, or Kyosho would feel if something happened to anyone on the team if they decided to go ahead with the trip when everyone knows that some huge threats exist.
They made the right decision, and I support them 100%.

[Rick Hohwart]

When you are "inside" the industry and know understand why people make the decisions they do, you are more free to comment on the situation.

The car manufacturers are NOT the primary sponsors of many of the drivers.

Facts:

1.The "war" will be a long war. It could last forever. You can't possibly believe terrorism will be eradicated? It could be controlled, but it will occur.
2.It can happen anywhere. Even in our own country. And it appears we are more vulnerable in our own country.
3.Military operations will be covert. Terrorists could retaliate against acts the public knows nothing about.

So tell me when does this end? In a year? I don't think so. Any of these threats could exist for years. And there will likely never be a declaration of victory. So when do you go back to normal. Or do you stay in the U.S for the rest of your life.

"I can't believe that you would imply that they're using this tragedy as an excuse to save a few bucks" I am not syaing they are doing to save money. This will cost all manufacturers alot of money. But some are using it as excuse to not go to a place they did not already want to go to for whatever reason.

I will never agree with their decision.

[Serius Black]

I just don't think the risk is worth it at the moment. Flying hundreds of people to an area of the world that is unsafe in the first place to race a bunch of toy cars... all while we're still digging thousands of our dead out of the debris at home.
I'm all for showing solidarity and strength, but I think we'd be tempting fate by resuming life as we knew it. Things ARE going to be different.
I'm sure you're "In the know" being an "insider" in the industry, I don't doubt that. But being somewhat of a spokesman for Orion and Peak, I'd think you would want to show a more supportive face when a vast majority of your peers have decided on the side of safety.

[jeepinator]

Seious Black !
Hehehe, you may be even more opinionated than ME :eek: :p

Well, I have no comment on the content of Mr. Hohwart's posts, but I do like the fact that he is not afraid to post them. I like the fact that even a spokesman can say what he believes. That is cool, especially in today's ultra PC environment.

I am all for saying how you feel, regardless of the popularity of your message, and regardless of what may be "expected" of you.

I believe, ultimately, that the decision should be on each person. If a team manager pulls the plug, no problem. If the team manger makes it optional, no problem. It is all about the individual and his/her right to make the decision.

[bigedog]

how bout we just wait till we blow the **** out of the towelheads and then have the race somewhere else.It is a darn good idea to have the race in only the US,Japan,and GB.I'm glad our racers arent goin over there.

[T3_Racer]

I'd just like to point out that before the 1800's or so (being generous) there was no such thing as terrorisim so to speak. People didn't go around killing each other then. :rolleyes:

[Oyster]

After reading this thread thus far, I'm sure glad that many of you have no power what so ever. We have a lot of school kids that care more about the PS2 than the state of the union telling us how the world works.

I don't have an opinion on what the companies have decided. It's not my business to comment. I was, however, looking forward to live coverage from the race. That will just have to wait.

The way I see it, this will not and does not hurt the hobby in any way shape or form. However, if the leading people in this hobby never returned to the US, that WOULD hurt the hobby.

..and that's all I have to say about that.

- jon

[mavrick0611]

WE SHOULD DO WHAT BUSH SAID:

Get back to your normal lives. Dont be sacred and let the terrorist win again.


ANY ONE ELSE AGREE?

[RC10GTMark]

I agree but I also agree in taking precautions. The air traffic very well could stop, and it isn't worth the risk of being stuck in south africa. I would much rather stay here, even tho im at a greater risk, then in a hotel, with limited money and friends and all that.

Let the terrorist think they won, who cares. That isn't gonna change the way they think. I never see american flags outside until a tradgety happens, that show the terrorist they didn't win. Companies are donating millions, that shows the terrorist didn't win. People are slowly moving on, that shows the terrorist didn't win.

We already showed them that we lost some and they won some, but we dont wanna show them we are stupid. They would prolly say, "dumb americans with their pride, they are gonna goto s. africa and get stuck there".

[ATeam]

I farted :eek:

[mavrick0611]

hee hee you farted

[mark73]

First, they never should have planned a race in South Africa. That's a given. And I agree that there is no such thing as "safety." Don't kid yourselves; there never has been. Terrible things happen every day all over the world, and they always will. The world is no less "safe" a place now than it was on Sep. 10th, but now our eyes have been opened. That said, I think it is more than fair that the Worlds be postponed or moved. Of course the terrorists don't care about RC cars. But they didn't care about anything those people on those airplanes were planning to do, either. It sounds like many companies weren't too thrilled about the idea of S. Africa to begin with. If they don't feel right about it, they shouldn't go.
Those of us at home, however, have a responsibility, too. We need to show the world that we are still America, we are still okay, and we will keep doing what we do. What better expression is there of the "pursuit of happiness" than a noisy, fast little toy car? Get out there and have fun. We'll have another crack at a WC race in 2003, after things have calmed down a bit. In the meantime, go buy a new body (preferably a Camaro or something), break out the red, white, and blue paint, and go appreciate the fact that you live in a society in which you can do what you want. And give some money to the Red Cross, because it's the right thing to do.
Thanks for reading.

[jbonnet]

Yesterday i had some news about european federation (EFRA). It seems they are thinking about organizing On Road and Off Road worlds in South Africa in 2002 in the same time !.... i think it's strange, but possible see that Pretoria is a Show ground so they can build two tracks : one for Onroad and the actual one for OffRoad...

[Rick Hohwart]

That is the plan. The 2002 on-road Worlds are planned for South Africa. So they can run the races back-to-back while everyone is already there.

But the big question is: Will everyone be willing to go to South Africa in 12 months?

[ProjectTwin]

I've read the majority of this thread, and here's the what I have to say... :eek:

1. Kudos to Losi, AE, Schumacher, and RCCA. It is, after all, a hobby. (although it's a business for them)

2. The main concern and talk is about The Racers. Maybe, just maybe, IFMAR chose a different part of the world to promote the hobby. (Industry for much of the companies involved, but hey.) I can't say it enough, many of us got into R/C for the fun and hobby aspect. Seems too many people gotten lost in the racing portion to even think about having fun.

Step back, relax, and have fun guys. This war that everyone speaks of will more than likely be ugly. Not like Saudi, but worse. Look at the tactics used already. Killing civilians. These people didn't target our military as most people in war do, but they attacked our civilians.

Bottom line is they want Americans dead. They'll stop at nothing to make it happen.

Jason

[ 09-24-2001: Message edited by: ProjectTwin ]

[Mark73]

Gloomy outlook, Twin, but nonetheless true...

They're really talking about holding on and off road Worlds at the same time? That would be so cool! Now, if they'd just add a Wild Willy class, I'd be really thrilled...

[ProjectTwin]

No gloom, just reality.

Either way, we should be having fun.. :)

Jason

[Calabash50]

I agree on the pull out as well. As to the arguing going on....My professor wrote a book the seems appropriate here..."Don't wrestle with midgets".
http://www.clikshow.com/rc/garages/13-Calabash50/fmstuck.gif

[ 09-24-2001: Message edited by: Calabash50 ]

[Rick Hohwart]

The Worlds have been postponed. It will now fall between March 2002 and August 2002. So will go? And who would go during that time if they could?

[Heftybone]

I'm kinda tired of hearing some of you posters whine about the race being in South Africa in the first place. Koodos to the organizers for thinking "outside-the-box" and taking a risk to hold the event at such a location. I'm sure most of the whiners here have their U.S. passports in order and have travelled extensively outside of the U.S. :p And, I have YET to see an official release from the U.S. State Department warning against travel to South Africa.

As for the cancellation of Associated being at the race, I feel its justified from a business standpoint and feel they are doing it for the right reasons, not just because they don't want to show up at a race in South Africa.

[borgador]

:mad: I think the major teams are over reacting just a little bit here. Doesn't Pres. Bush keep saying we should get back to life as normal?

[Bandit]

:mad: What are you guys thinking of? How on earth can you not attend a World Championships in South Africa because of the actions of the 11th September! How are you going to benefit the ones who have suffered by staying home? Compromise the safety and well being in of your team? How so? Do you think any organization gives two hoots about an r/c race meeting, and will target it? Are you now saying that you as Americans will no longer travel abroad and take part in world racing events because of what happened? What a load of rubbish! So now you all stick your heads in the sand, and say “Someone MAY do us harm in South Africa, so we will all stick together and stay home!” Way to go, why don’t you just stay indoors in case a car hits you! Don’t drive as you MAY have an accident!.......

[Bandit]

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Bandit]

:mad: You guys are making yourselves into a laughing stock! And in reference to the racial tension issue some half-baked macadamia nut “Ateam” raised, and I quote: “I wouldn't go. I wouldn't go even if nothing happened. South Africa isn't the safest place in the world. Huge crime rates, tons of disease, and lots of racial unrest.” You don’t know jack about this country so why not come and visit it before you going shouting your mouth off? You obviously think that the States is the bee all and end all of the entire world! Sorry sunshine, but you have missed the boat! South Africa is as safe as anywhere else! Some areas you can go into, others you can’t! And just quickly ATeam, what are these diseases you are referring to? Aren’t they the same ones you find in the USA? Sorry for asking but I was just curious! And who is the moron who mentioned slavery? Hahaha! Have you seen what still happens down South in your own back yard? But nope we don’t have slavery, just like you folks don’t! But hey guys, hang in there! You are missing out on a trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world! And we as South Africans will be all the poorer for not having the opportunity to meet you guys! And what is wrong with holding the Worlds in South Africa anyway? Sure we don’t have many people racing in the top echelons of the sport, but we have people who spend thousands racing and using products like Losi, Associated, and Trinity etc, who have travelled to World Champs in other countries, like we do in all of the R/C Car formats! But what the hell, we are this tiny r/c community who is as passionate about the sport as you are, but lets not let them have the opportunity to see how the best in the World can drive this little cars!! But what the heck, who cares! Right?

[Bandit]

:cool: Sorry for getting a bit ticked off, but there is such a huge misconception about South Africa out there, and what people see on CNN and other such programmes is not what this country is about. I race gas on road cars, and anything else with wheels, and I know the amount of money time and effort, which has been put into these world championships. And the reason why you may ask! Well due to the misconception, which has been created, with regards to both our country and our R/C community, everything is being done to show you guys how we as a small R/C community in comparison to you guys in the States and the rest of the world, can host a worlds, and host it successfully. Why? So that people give other smaller federations a chance to host a world championship, ad in doing so spread the knowledge and enjoyment of R/C car racing in every format! And what really gets me wound up is when people talk such utter nonsense about something they know absolutely nothing about! In this I am referring to certain comments made about South Africa. Guys unless you have proof, or have witnessed something first hand, don’t shout your mouth off about something you clearly have no idea about!

[atariT3]

If I were going to another country right now I would be a little worried since the WTC incident is really recent. I love racing, some things are more important than racing sometimes. I wonder what the converation would be like when they check your luggage and say "No really, why are you going to South Africa?":) not making fun of Africa, just that I don't think many airport security guards usually hear people flying to other countries to race R/C cars.

[atariT3]

IFMAR could change the date, maybe set it back a little. Maybe they could try to do something really patriotic like how NASCAR after they postponed thier race for a week then came back and everyone had an american flag on thier car. Not everyone who races in IFMAR is American of course, but maybe do something that everyone can do to show thier support. Have all the cars with a special paint job or donate money to the red cross or something, there's all kinds of things we could do.

[Usagi]

The issue if the terrorist won or lost is not a issue here. There too many other types out there that might cause problem on the same line. People are people and they don`t care who is in their path.

[DerekB]

Bandit,

Last time I heard South Africa had the highest rape, murder and assault rates in the world. Beside that, it's not a safe time for travel for Americans anywhere. The race will be held but have some respect for the families of the 6,000+ people that still haven't been found.

[baileym]

Could someone please list for me all the times that Americans outside the U.S. were stranded when America went to war? Let's see, the Germans, Italians, and Japanese sent all the Americans home. No one even noticed the Korean War outside of Korea. Vietnam??? Nope! Gulf War? Nope! You are arguing a point that is completely unbased on any facts what so ever.

As for the guy who mentioned slavery, go to LA or Seattle or New York and find yourself a sweatshop, and then we can boycott the worlds being in the U.S.

[baileym]

DerekB,

You are right, because SA is one of the few countries that doesn't hide their crime rates from the outside world. Plus, almost all the crime is comitted by South Africans against other South Africans.

[HauntedMyst]

Originally posted by baileym
DerekB,

You are right, because SA is one of the few countries that doesn't hide their crime rates from the outside world. Plus, almost all the crime is comitted by South Africans against other South Africans.


Are you aware of some "conspiracy" by some countries to hide their crime rates?

[DerekB]

I'm pretty sure we don't hide our crime rates. The info I list was fact, you can't hide from that.

The wars you mentioned may not have American's stranded anywhere, but those were conventional wars. There are actual rules that most of the world abides by. Terrorism, on the other hand, does not follow those rules and targets civilians.

Anybody who suggest things otherwise I cannot understand. Of course South African commit crimes against other South Africans. Most of the crimes in the US are on other citizens.

You guys that have no fear don't know what it is like to be hated by most of the world. Most other countries have hatred for the US. For whatever reason, jealosy, religious, stupidity. We are not the most well like people. Yet we are usually the ones bailing the world out of financial ruin.

I will go to SA when the time is right, for ME. If you feel you are safe to travel, go ahead, I won't critize you for it and I expect the same courtesy about our decision.

[Coconut]

Hey;if they don't feel that its safe to go;that's their racers decision and I respect that. To tell you the truth:i personally don't feel that I want to travel outside the US right now;unless I have to. What does "hide crime statistics have to do with it". I sure it has to do with their families feels during this time also;I know mine would feel better if if I were at home. It isn't our decision its theirs and I'm going to butt-out. I almost feel like answering the guy from Germany about everyone being sent home,but I won't go there. he just needs to read more history about WWII.

[GTX]

OK, what would happen if there was an attack? We would lose all of most of those companies, drivers, and editors of RCCA. We don't want that to happen. God Bless America

[TRXLOSIGUI]

Why not relocate to Canada? They wont touch Canada.:confused:

[TRXLOSIGUI]

Why not relocate to Canada? The wont touch Canada. Then LosiLosi and associated would be safe along with RCCA.;)

[JerryL]

You know what, if this BB was posted from a country other than a "Free" society you wouldn't be allowed to voice these opinions. And why do we call it a Free Society anyway? The price of this four-letter word, FREE that is also in the word Freedom has come at a GREAT price. The price of maintaining the Freedoms we enjoy today has increased like few have ever imagined. Yet, right now, somewhere in the world someone has just paid the price for his or her freedom. And somehow the most important thing some of us can argue about is if IFMAR should be delayed or canceled?
Last thought,
People of a Free Nation have the "Right" to make choices on their own. These choices should be free from pressure of their peers, government, and others as long as their choices do not interfere with the rights of others. When an individual invokes their rights they alone take responsibility for "their" choices.

We all have to do what makes our lives work for us,
Jerry

[FISCHE_1824]

O.K. I can't take it anymore. I have an Idea, How about nobody go to any Races anywhere in the U.S.that's where the attacks happened. After that lets all Stop our mail from coming it's dangerous. Yes, South Africa may be dangerous but lets see, where are the races held in the U.S. HUH... Big Cities, Suburbs Where the crime rates are higher. You don't see big races in MAINE do you? I haven't ever seen or desired to go to a huge race anyway. I have more fun racing friends anyways. Don't get me wrong I would go if it were held close. Connecticut isn't too far but I've been working a lot and I don't get too much time away from work these days. I think it's great to hold the races in places where the sponsored drivers get a vacation to nice places. But really, This is a worldwide war. South Africa is probably on our side. There isn't much to terrorize over an ocean anyways. And about the disease. I haven't heard of too many cases of anthrax recently in SA. Sorry, But I think it's time to live the lives of AMERICANS and stand together with the rest of the world and keep functions like this one going. Why don't the companies make it optional to their drivers. And if they don't want to go, I NEED A SPONSORSHIP!!!!!! I'll let them fly me down to race. Do we as an RC COMMUNITY forget that when a race arises, either at world event or the guy next door in the back yard, we should be thankful that we can and take advantage of it. My opinion LET'S RACE !!!!!

[Interceptor]

There have been several terrorist attacks in other countries already, you just don't hear about it so much. And South Africa never has been a really friendly place for anyone. I'll never figure out why they wanted to hold it there. The choice has been made, so quit whinning about it. better to err on the side of caution than to lose one person all for a stupid toy car race.

[truck_guy26]

Dude, you may say that terrorosts get "points" evey time we hold back from doing something, but those points won't mean jack when bin laden has a bullet in his head. That day will come soon!