Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Connecticut, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-112).

Literatūros apžvalga parodė, kad Lietuvoje atliktų tyrimų, analizuojančių mažųjų dviračių kroso (BMX) sportininkų rengimą beveik nėra. Todėl tampa aktualu ištirti BMX dviratininkų parengtumo charakteristikas, kurios būtų nukreiptos į specifinių fizinių ir funkcinių galių išugdymą.Tyrimo objektas – mažųjų dviračių kroso (BMX) sportininkų fizinis parengtumas. / Relevance of the research. The review of literature shows that there are almost no research works carried out in Lithuania on physical fitness of bicycle motocross (BMX) racers. Therefore, it is relevant to investigate characteristics of bicycle motocross (BMX) racers’ physical fitness in order to direct them towards development of specific physical and functional powers.

This study aimed to investigate the effects that a specifically tailored goal-setting program would have on two motocross racers in terms of their self-efficacy and motivation, as well as the process of designing this intervention. This case-study approach involved a mixed methods approach, consisting of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, interviews, and performance profiles. The tools used include Vealey’s (1986) Competitive Orientation Inventory (COI), Gill and Deeter’s (1988) Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), performance profiles, and semi-structured interviews. The goal-setting intervention lasted a total of five weeks. The results from the preintervention and post-intervention assessments were compared to determine whether any changes in motivation or self-efficacy occurred during the intervention. For the first participant, significant changes in both motivation and self-efficacy were present in addition to significant changes in competitive orientation. For the second participant, there were no significant changes in either motivation or self-efficacy. However, for the second participant there was also no change in competitive orientation. Findings suggest that the focus and competitive orientation of an athlete have a significant influence on the types of goals set, and consequently on positive changes in motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy. The influence of the competitive orientation in athletes also highlighted the importance of attaining a balance between performance and outcome goal-related activities. It was also discovered through qualitative assessment that this program is suitable for particular groups of athletes such as those who are injured, display an external locus of causality or are otherwise not performing at their prime.

Motorsport fields autocross, rallycross and motocross no more have the status they had in recent history. They have to share their popularity with a growing offer of other attractive leisure activities. At the same time automobile clubs (keepers of motorsport stadiums, where various motorsport venues are held) have to deal with a decrease in financial and material support. Sponsors now decide more carefully about the sports to which they will link their brands. To reach an overall prosperity it is essential to focus marketing strategy on both channels -- B2B as well as B2C. Theoretical part of the thesis deals with a strategic marketing in sport industry with a focus on marketing mix. On the other hand practical part uses empirical and theoretical methods to analyze marketing mix of autocross, rallycross and motocross stadiums in the Czech Republic. Conclusion of the practical part summarizes the aim of the diploma thesis. Firstly, there is an analysis of Sedlčany Motorsport Stadium's marketing mix. The results are then used for creation of a new marketing strategy of this sport facility.