I am wondering what you guys do to try to get people to the track?And if you have had any success?

I have introduced this great hobby to a couple of my friends and my son(12) and nephew(13) really enjoy it but I would like to get more people involved.Other than the track there really is no place to run the car in a reasonably controlled atmosphere.Which makes it hard to get by the toy factor, there have been many times that I have taken my car to work and shown off the chassis/body but no one has taken interest.
Of course cost is always an issue but there are bargains to be had,I have helped at least 2 people get going for less than $500 with batteries and new foams, as I have much of the support equipment to help out.I do not charge to cut comms or true tires and many of the people at the track are every bit as helpful.

Has anybody ever considered a parade or maybe half time at the local oval track?I also considered high school athletics although many of these events are at the same time we race.I also carry the business cards for the track to hand out to people that might be interested.

Alex

couple of things that seemed to drum up interest I have seen.

our track had the local newspaper come out to the track for about 3 weeks. they took pics and wrote a nice article in a community supplement in the sunday paper.

Mike Rooney of Steel City Hobbies has done demonstrations at various events. At one they set up a makeshift track out of hay bails and had a Monster truck jump and an on road track. Setting up an oval would be even easier. Find a flat asphalt parking lot nearby the event. take a leaf blower and make sure the surface is clear of rocks and dust. take a piece of panelling and cut it for turns and tape it down with duct tape. Pour some soda pop down in the turns for added grip and run some pan cars with foams

It is our responsability as racers to promote our hobby isn't it?I am not affilliated with any track Other than I asked for business cards to give out which were happily given to me.
I am sure that some beleive it is the track owners job to promote that track but I don't believe it is enough.

Did the coke commercial raise any response?

It's in your face marketing that gets attention,and lots of it,the coke commercial did little to nothing for RC,the one thing that will possibly get some attention is dave despains interest on his show,I'm sure if someone could get ahold of the folks on that show and get them to show some other forms of RC other than offroad it might make a difference.

The Hobby Shop in Birmingham, AL did a special event at the World of Wheel every year this was in the late 90s. It was alot of fun and ppl crowded around the track to watch. Other than the Beer Girls the r/c event had the most ppl watching.....

Take anything with wheels and man will race it. Problem with R/C is usually sticker shock. Half the battle is letting people see what these "toys" can really do. Sometimes it is hard to get them to the track, so bring the track to them. Find events or places where people are already at and put on a demonstration. Do some summer parking lot racing at the local Wal-Mart if they will let you. Find a place where parents/kids are at and setup a temporary track there.

This hobby survives on word of mouth. It might take talking to 100 people to gain 1 new racer. Don't give up, keep it fun, and keep helping the new guys. Work out a loaner program at the local track so people can try before they buy. Even if they don't stick, they may tell a buddy they had fun.

Main thing is we don't have thousands of dollars to promote ourselves as racers. Try seeing if the local racers have any contacts that might help get the word out. Chances are someone you are already racing with might know someone who could help you out in some way. They might know a reporter, someone on the local town counsel, an influential business person, etc.

I hope this info helps.

I hate long post and seldom read all of them but please read this one. Then tell me I’m old and crazy and I will go away.

I am not going to win any friends here and excuse me for being cold and callus about these types of conversations because I know that they are started with the best of intentions. The sad fact is, however, it seems that all that ever comes out of it are people talking with no action being taken. Somehow we feel that if we put out an idea, that’s as far as we need to take it. We have done our part by pounding on a key board for a few seconds then this thread, like all those before it, will go away with everyone feeling better because they have done their part when in fact; no one has “done” anything but TALK!

The time for talking is OVER; it’s time to DO SOMETHING! I can’t tell a business man how to run his business no more than any of us can, except to say that the days of opening the doors two or three times a week and waiting for the racers to pour in are OVER.

Track owners run a BUSINESS and it is up to them to make their business grow and prosper. Absolutely, we can help by talking it up to our friends but it is not up to us no more than it is up to us to help our local barber shop expand their business. All we can do is support them in the best way we can by racing there and buying our parts there.

But I can tell you this; until we get back to basics and stop concentrating on the next “big race” or the next new battery that is forced down our throats, we are going to be concerning ourselves with wondering why there is no place left to race.

Have you ever wondered why TC racing is so big when they are as expensive to race as oval cars? THEY DO IT WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE IT! Oh yes, the dreaded PARKING LOT. But I tell you what, we have a parking lot TC race in my area every other week and spectators are all over the place watching and asking questions. Most of them race nitro cars and when they fire them up it is like ringing church bells and the people flock to see what is going on.

Sure winter time is just around the corner and it will soon be too cold to go outside and race, way too late to organize anything like that. And yes, you don’t want to take your new carpet chassis outside and take a chance on scratching it. There is some work involved in setting up a track and scoring system a couple times a month too so you may have to wait until you can get more help. Let’s see, can I think of anymore excuses for sitting back and watching our hobby die? Yes I probably can but I think you get the point.

WE HIDE WHAT WE DO AND WONDER WHY PEOPLE DON’T COME! There’s a saying that says “If you want to catch fish, you go where the fish are” and until track owners start getting off their duff and start running a race track like a business and PROMOTE it, maybe fishing will be all we will be able to do in the future.

OK, I feel better now, I have done my “talking”................

The AREA AUTO RACING NEWS trade show will be in ATLANTIC CITY this January. That would be an excellent place to show off R/C products. Especially OVAL and DRAG rc since the show cover mostly those 2 areas fo the full size racing. TRINITY and possibly others interested could come together and put together a booth.

http://www.aarn.com/ms-about.html

Might make for a good mix indoor midgets and RC....

McLin: I couldn't have said it any better, you said it all (ooooooooh that hurt..LOL):wave:

Good point about the racers needing to do something. There is a local indoor off-road track near me that does little to promote itself or the hobby. It isn't a shock that their turn-outs have dropped.

Luckily I have a friend who is a manager at a Hobbytown. He does everything he can to promote the hobby and oval racing in general. He talks to customers and finds out where they are racing. He has found some guys who were doing some unorganized friendly racing. He went out of his way to go race with them. Not only did it help his business but brought a few racers out to the local track. There are a lot of backyard bashers out there that never race so don't forget about them. If we want new racers to come play at our track we may need to go race in their backyard.

We also need to realize that more new people racing is always better. Maybe they won't want to race what you are, so be sure to tell them about ALL the tracks in the area. Maybe they are a big drag racing fan. Let them know that drag r/c exists. If they buy that first car, chances are that they will buy a 2nd or 3rd.

JB, dang, I must have gotten it wrong then ;)

McLin:No, you got it right and you did save me MEGA typing!!!

One of the problems we see, is exposure. Take Coopers, GREAT TRACK, nothing wrong with the TRACK, fun to race on, but like so many tracks around the South they are in the middle of Po Dunk nowhere. When you go to some of these tracks, leave a trail of bread crumbs and hope like H--- the birds don't eat them!! No food close (maybe I don't want hot dogs for breakfast, dinner and lunch (BTW your sister did a great concession stand), maybe I don't want to drive 4-8 hrs home, but the motels are almost close to home so I drive home dead tired and ruined for the next day.

So, in this case like so many of the tracks how do they get exporsure?? For the most part the "local" population wouldn't suppprt a Church Carnival, let alone a R/C Car track. Then when you do go to these tracks, where are the signs directing your way? Nada. Where are the signs that say "Racing Tonight" Spectators FREE ("free" means a lot) NADA! BMS: good example. When Dale used to put out the signs "Racing Tonight" we had people lining the track to watch. They'd bring there lawn chairs, run down to Micky Dees, eat their dinner trackside and watch the races. Cheap night of entainment.

If you want to catch a fish, you have to put bait on the hook. So lets say your track does have signs (as above), when these "Specators come to watch the first thing they want to know is "how much"?? Well hit them with the $800-$1000 and they remain specators! I would be extremly interested to know how many tracks have even bothered to Stock one of the Revolution RTR cars. NO, maybe I wouldn't!!! Then say you do get spectators, for the most part they can't ask questions because everyone is in THEIR TRAILER with the doors closed!! Soon as their heats over they run to their trailer, when does the spectator have a chane to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger?? None!

Then, most of the tracks don't have a "hobby shop" for these spectators to see a car. Oh they have parts, for the now racers, but how does the new person get started?? Oh, and least we not forget, should the spectator buy a car, the directions on assembly, sure leave a lot to be desired. Nothing about how to set up the car, nothing to get the newcomer in the ball park. Yeah, there's racers there, but they are to busy running to their trailers to help the newcomer, so he quits!

And, the new comer does get a car, but he has to pit out in the South 40 with his EZ-UP, becasue the trailers, that the racers are closed up in, are lining the track!!! They can't even see the track because all the trailer doors are closed.

All of this has been discussed over and over, it's time to face the fact..WE ARE PREACHING TO AN EMPTY CHURCH!!

Maybe it's just our area but we tried running a parking lot series at festivals and the County Fair. It started before I owned the track and equipment and for the racers themselves it was fun. A LOT of work on setup and teardown and when we decided to quit it was mainly because turnouts had dropped and it wasn't really bringing in any new racers. In the 4-5 years before and after I bought the track items I bet we had a total of 2-3 people come and then go from the racing. Do you have a big crowd of spectators? Normally yes. Do they ask a lot of questions? Normally yes. Do they pick up information on kit pricing and where your shop is located? Normally yes. Do you ever see any of them again? 1 in 200 maybe. Maybe I'm just pessimistic, or am I a realist? Been there, done that, have the aggrivation of it and no new racers to boot. :)

Ovalman: I know of what you speak, but then I will ask, did you have a car like the RTR Revolution to offer at less than $400 for a COMPLETE CAR (Fully assembled, electronics, body, tires, motor, batteries and a simple charger)to get started!!???? Unless it was after July of this year, I doubt it. You were hitting up any potential racers with $800+ to even get started. Nuff said.

I hate long post and seldom read all of them but please read this one. Then tell me I’m old and crazy and I will go away.
You could very well be old (but I doubt you are crazy) and I for one won't tell you to go away. You said it perfectly! I especially want to repeat the point about buying ALL your parts from your local track/hobby shop.


The Hobby Shop in Birmingham, AL did a special event at the World of Wheel every year this was in the late 90s. It was alot of fun and ppl crowded around the track to watch. Other than the Beer Girls the r/c event had the most ppl watching.....
This is exactly how I was exposed to R/C racing except it was at the World of Wheels in Indianapolis, IN. It was an annual event in the late 80's and was the biggest race of the year next to the 2 Velodrome events. I had heard they stopped holding the race because the CarQuest/WoW people felt it was drawing too much attention away from the big car show? Do you know why they stopped doing it in your area?


We also need to realize that more new people racing is always better.
That's the sad part, I can't remember the last time I saw a decent novice oval race. :(

chad :cool:

A great example of RC racing is Marshalls' Hilltop hobbies. Bill and Dot have outlasted a bunch of 'em in the game and still going strong. If you ever get to northern part of PA I suggest you stop in a see why most other track have failed and they haven't. He will suggest to the ne person interested to start out with a stock stadium truck or spec car. Not the high end stuff like a lot of us run, which is starting to get tiring looking at SK personally now, and that has kept the interest and business going. Amazing support from the owners and is returned by the local customer as well as the crew of us that support him from up to 2 hrs. away.

McLin , no you didn't get it wrong in your post I was suggesting the possibility of the industry actually getting together on the east cost like out on west coast to show off there products. There are plenty of trade shows and fan appreciation shows,such as the AARN show, that could be utilized for promoting this hobby. But I also understand the cost to these companies for a booth and motel rooms for a 3-4 day trade show, used to do 3-4 trade shows a year myself.

The RTR car who is it available through again? and contact information? Appreciate it.

http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?p=1612163#post1612163

Just an idea,how many tracks have put up signs "Want to get started,Here's how" and have a packet with copies of Lins getting started in oval series placed below the sign,it would be a great way for people that are shy to get information about our hobby.just place this in an area where the spectators will see them.It can have track specific information about the classes and information about the RTR car,along with contact information.You could include a discount coupon from the hobbyshop and maybe even some free practice passes from the track.I know it would probably work at our track we generally have a pretty big crowd of spectators.

My question is why don't the manufactures market things? How cool would it be to see a Trinity or Losi commercial during a Nextel Cup race, or on ESPN. I know I have seen maybe a local commercial, but they are generally poor at best due to the limited budget. We don't need to just market locally, we need national marketing as well. It would not only benefit racing, but the hobby in general. Just a thought.

Thanks
Joel

Can I get a link to this getting started info?
I am sure the national marketing would help but the cost is probably prohibitive.It sure would be nice though.I don't think its a problem in my area yet but I don't want it to be either.
Thanks
Alex

[QUOTE=bent7117]Can I get a link to this getting started info?

http://www.rc-oval.com/

Click on "Archives" for a list of articles.

Ovalman: I know of what you speak, but then I will ask, did you have a car like the RTR Revolution to offer at less than $400 for a COMPLETE CAR (Fully assembled, electronics, body, tires, motor, batteries and a simple charger)to get started!!???? Unless it was after July of this year, I doubt it. You were hitting up any potential racers with $800+ to even get started. Nuff said.

As a matter of fact we didn't but of course there was no interest in running pancars in the series either (we ran gearbox trucks, buggies, and TCs). It was also before the big boom of RTR everything except for maybe Traxxas so there was nothing really "turnkey" at the time. I still can't see the "Revolution" making a big difference in how we were running things overall.

Ovalman,

The Revolution may not be the complete anwser but it's definetely a step in the right direction.

Pepe is right, there is no ONE answer that will cure the situation. But this is one case that, in my opinion, the chicken has to come before the egg. We can't get new racers without having a place or class for them to get started ...... cheap.

Most all hobby shops have a few used items to sell but in volume, the Revolution is the best bet. Unlike a Legends, it is something that the racer can take form Z main to A main without a lot to add. Plus it is something that a SIMPLE set of rules can be put in place and standardized all over the country. Four words can be all the rules you need. No "except for's" or "with the exception of's" simply........."YOU CAN'T CHANGE IT".

The hot shoes can take care of themselves and we have plenty of high tech chassis and "stuff" for them. The Hobby Connection has stepped up with what we all "talked" about for years. RTR at an exceptable price.

I am wondering what you guys do to try to get people to the track?And if you have had any success?

I have introduced this great hobby to a couple of my friends and my son(12) and nephew(13) really enjoy it but I would like to get more people involved.Other than the track there really is no place to run the car in a reasonably controlled atmosphere.Which makes it hard to get by the toy factor, there have been many times that I have taken my car to work and shown off the chassis/body but no one has taken interest.
Of course cost is always an issue but there are bargains to be had,I have helped at least 2 people get going for less than $500 with batteries and new foams, as I have much of the support equipment to help out.I do not charge to cut comms or true tires and many of the people at the track are every bit as helpful.

Has anybody ever considered a parade or maybe half time at the local oval track?I also considered high school athletics although many of these events are at the same time we race.I also carry the business cards for the track to hand out to people that might be interested.

Alex


Alex as a track Owner I would like to say...you are the new generation of Racers...what you are doing is exactly worth it's weight in gold to a track owner and I would like to commend you on it... I don't agree with everything that has been said on this thread but there is hope out there for sure..When a guy stands up like yourself and wants to further the hobby IT"S A TRACK OWNER AND RACE DIRECTOR's job to utilize the abilities that you just spoke of..I consider myself very lucky I have a great group of guyz that do just what you described at our track they promote and I promote and I try to work hand in hand with tracks in our area. Without guyz like you and my fellow racers at our track it wouldn't even begin to work...Keep the mind set you have and if the track owner doesn't utilize it then he's insuring the demise of his future as a track owner...

I'm going to paste a link to this in my thread this is good stuff!!!

About a year ago, our local HobbyShop started racing Road Course in a local High School parking lot.

Most of their customer base were interested in running Touring Cars on the On-Road track.

I talked to them several times about also doing oval. Problem was there was really nobody racing oval cars in this area except my son and I.

I was able to talk the track crew into setting up their onroad track with an oval around the outside, I put together 5 cars (Including mine and my sons) and the other three I loaned out to some of the road racers. I set all 5 cars up with 19t ZERO degree Arcor style motors, and basically the same gear ratios.

All 5 cars ran virtually the same lap times, and the guys running them took no time getting a feel for oval racing.

I did this routine 1/2 dozen times over the next couple months, now we have between 15-20 oval racers. Enough to put on a good show in combination w/ our road racing.

Honestly I haven't done anything yet except identify that I and the majority of racers want to have alot of people to race against.There are some other threads running right now that talk about uniform rules and the like but, if we want more competition to race with/against it has to be new people.Lets think about it this way.John Doe races at his home track with whatever rules and Joe Doe races at another track with different rules each support his home circuit and if one or the other goes to the other track that support follows him.So common rules would be nice but are not THE answer to low turn-outs.How many racers can or will go to more than one track a week? Don't get me wrong I would love to but its not realistic.So that being said I would like to help my local track/tracks to prosper so I will always have a place to race.

Take this summer as an example.I raced maybe three weeks and then its been one thing after another since June.Man I am itching to get to the track!!!!But even when I cannot go I still try to promote this hobby to other people.I have not done anything miraculous or special, the few guys that did get some equipment bought used and we put a few pieces and parts on and went racing.Only one person is still interested and he has not been to the track since I have been.Thats why I started this thread to try and get some positive/success stories,what works/what doesn't.I don't expect miracles just want to help get people interested.

Has anyone ever marketed this hobby to NASCAR?Imagine how many people that are interested in racing would be reached by marketing during the very thing we mimic!Surely this is not a new idea but NASCAR itself has not been the driving force behind said marketing.Somewhat like there weekly racing series.Remember the "We're on our way" commercials.Imagine this:
"If you can't get enough Nascar visit Nascar.com to find an official R/C track near you."

With a clean slate costs could be controlled and there could be new people at our local tracks.


Alex

Oval racing was dead in AZ. There were 4 operating race facilities that were lucky to get 3 entry's on a Saturday in the oval pancar class. The few guys that I was racing with and I talked and talked about how to get some interest up. We decided that if we tried to get all the 3 or 4 entries per track to visit each track TOGETHER, the turn-outs would grow and interest would be generated. How?

I drafted up a website using my internet providers FREE web space and Microsoft word and made a bunch of flyers. The few of us then went to each track TOGETHER and passed them out. We latched onto a couple of forums and promoted there as well. We created a schedule so that all tracks would have races different weeks and everyone would be guaranteed a "Home" race every month or so to decrease the need for traveling all the time.

I send out a weekly club e-mail to all members with local racing news, scheduling updates, rule changes ect..

It is working. In 8 months we have 36 members, not all racing every weekend, but we have increased turn-out. The days of running two cars and a "ghost car" to make a field, is rare. Now for us not to have A&B mains in 19T and at least 4-6 cars in stock is very uncommon. We have hosted a 50+ car event this summer and the Southwest Tour is coming for a visit in Sept.

Give it a try - it just takes time and talk. People like to know what is going on and who is going where. It is nice to know that 10-20 other drivers are planning to be at the track you plan to drive two hour to.

Check out our site to see what we did - heck copy it for that matter - the more the merrier!
Az Pancar Club (http://www.azpancar.com)

My son and I stoped at Fox Mountain Speedway less that a year ago to see what was going on. Everyone was real helpfull in explaining what was involved and someone let my son take a couple of laps. I got him a car and gear and halfway through the kit the group gave us first aid to help us finish it. I had to get a car for myself and the racing has been great and there is always help keeping the cars adjusted and on track.

I submitted an article with pictures to the local paper on a state race that was coming up. The paper came out and did an interview with the track owner and printed a great story. Quite a number of people have come out to see the racing and said they saw the article. One young lad has bought a used car and others show interest. The paper was also interested that the races bring people from other areas to our community and support local businesses. All in all it is a good story and has been a lot of fun.

TomM just curious, what kind of car did you and your son start with? Pan car? Gear box?

A track near me gained several racers after the local paper ran an article about the track also. I think they have gained most from word of mouth though.

We got two Hyperdrive Pro 3"s

Sorry to be so late in making this comment about what J.B. had said on a previous post but this week has sort of been a bear at work and I have not had a lot of time to do much of anything,

Concerning the Pit Trailers; I understand exactly what she was saying about the racers being behind closed doors and not able to answer questions and so forth but the fact of the matter is, it is not of their doing. Including Coopers, I have only seen ONE other race track (the Grove) where the owner has thought to provided anything for the racer that “didn’t” have a trailer. No tables, no covered area, no “nothing” but a pole with an electrical outlet. This has made it almost a necessity to have a trailer.

I have never had one and use an E-Z Up and to be honest I have never had a great desire to have one because I like to be out with the racers but that has nothing to do with the fact that if nothing is provided, nothing will be used.

Just one other comment about the trailer deal: Right now, the gas prices are dropping and will probably continue to do so for most of this year. But, don’t hold your breath, they will go back up and this should be a major concern to track owners. The further racers have to drive to get to your track the more of a major factor that becomes. And, if he has to haul a trailer, the more he has to think of how much that is going to affect his gas mileage. This, in turn, leads to the overall cost of the trip and when we are talking about $3.00 per gallon, it is no small concern.

The more a track owner can provide for his racers that have to drive to get to his track the more racers he will bring in. In today’s era, that is the bottom line.

ok.. My 2 cents... 15 years ago my dad took me to Walts Hobby in Syracuse NY. We left there with a RC10 gold chassis bushings, resistor speedo. Two weeks later we were racing and finishing up front. Then followed all the goodies we all know and love to go faster. Back then I could walk into the store and buy ANYTHING I needed to get me car up and running again or improve it. I got my license and well cars and girls came first. I just went back up there to get both my nephew and myself back into some exciting RC racing. My how times have changed I am forced to order many parts or go elsewere to find them just to keep my GT and his T4 running. I asked myself what happened, then I looked around. Instead of the 40+ racers that I remember on a Saturday morning there was 10. No wonder they now stock piles of airplanes, RTR gas this and RTR gas that. Two other tracks opened up since I was 14 and many of the racers are there. I stoped in to check them out and I was apalled by how I was treated because I raced at Walts. This other outfit Redneck RC claims they sell everything at Tower Hobbies prices. How ? No kidding they are cheaper DUHH Walts is weathering a storm, they will stick around because of their business model, my opinion is Redneck will get tired of making little money when their racers dip down (as they all do) and will close the doors because the volume of Tower is a ton more than redneck.. Open shut case.. spec classes are the only way to fly and get new racers $400 + just to run is way out of line... $175 Evader RTR is the best kit truck I have ever seen and played with. Push newbies in that direction. Maybe not totally on topic but pretty close.. Its all about the newbies

The trick is convincing new racers that they belong in an entry level class without offending them.

The trick is convincing new racers that they belong in an entry level class without offending them.

That is true, and that's the track owners responsibility,don't let a newbie come to the track and sign up for 19T or any advanced class, he will quickly get discouraged and quit, meanwhile everybody else has to put up with a newbie all over the track and can't race,it's a lose lose situation.

Alex where do you race?

Pete's mostly but I have been to stateline,plymouth, and hobby-sports.I used to Race more at hobby-sports when it was clay offroad.

ok.. My 2 cents... 15 years ago my dad took me to Walts Hobby in Syracuse NY. We left there with a RC10 gold chassis bushings, resistor speedo. Two weeks later we were racing and finishing up front. Then followed all the goodies we all know and love to go faster. Back then I could walk into the store and buy ANYTHING I needed to get me car up and running again or improve it. I got my license and well cars and girls came first. I just went back up there to get both my nephew and myself back into some exciting RC racing. My how times have changed I am forced to order many parts or go elsewere to find them just to keep my GT and his T4 running. I asked myself what happened, then I looked around. Instead of the 40+ racers that I remember on a Saturday morning there was 10. No wonder they now stock piles of airplanes, RTR gas this and RTR gas that. Two other tracks opened up since I was 14 and many of the racers are there. I stoped in to check them out and I was apalled by how I was treated because I raced at Walts. This other outfit Redneck RC claims they sell everything at Tower Hobbies prices. How ? No kidding they are cheaper DUHH Walts is weathering a storm, they will stick around because of their business model, my opinion is Redneck will get tired of making little money when their racers dip down (as they all do) and will close the doors because the volume of Tower is a ton more than redneck.. Open shut case.. spec classes are the only way to fly and get new racers $400 + just to run is way out of line... $175 Evader RTR is the best kit truck I have ever seen and played with. Push newbies in that direction. Maybe not totally on topic but pretty close.. Its all about the newbies

So here is my 2 cents.... one... every driver that races here has raced at other places including Walts and we have never treated any one of them any different.. two... we do sell everything at Tower Hobbies prices and we are doing just fine. We will be open for a very long time and will be doing a major expansion next summer.. O.. and BTW we sell the Evader RTR for $159.99 and go out of our way to encourage new racers and bend over backwards to help
them out.... but on a good note... thanks for the PR!

If you have any issues that you would like to talk about please feel free to stop and let me know. Hope to see you at the track.

Art
Redneck RC

So here is my 2 cents.... one... every driver that races here has raced at other places including Walts and we have never treated any one of them any different.. two... we do sell everything at Tower Hobbies prices and we are doing just fine. We will be open for a very long time and will be doing a major expansion next summer.. O.. and BTW we sell the Evader RTR for $159.99 and go out of our way to encourage new racers and bend over backwards to help
them out.... but on a good note... thanks for the PR!

If you have any issues that you would like to talk about please feel free to stop and let me know. Hope to see you at the track.

Art
Redneck RC


Maybe we should start a "My 2 cents" thread.

I am not sure what any of that had to do with attracting people to our hobby but thanks anyway.

Alex

Manily i think Times have changed, I got into this when i was young and got hooked for the last 12-13 years, But i look back Kids 12-17 now or around there are doing diffrent things, From what i see with younger brothers and stuff is there are just alot other things they seem to due, and the economy dosn't help (thanks all bush voters)


just my .02 cents

But almost everone here has all made Killer points, but in the long run, It looks like we are a dieing crowd......

Sorry Alex... but ybrsigns comments on us of which he knows absolutely nothing about is part of the problem.

It seems when Hobby Shop/Track owners start to make a difference and focus on creating a great racing atmosphere that WILL bring in new racers... some people find it necessary to slam you.

I think there are a lot of good questions and suggestions on this thread. I have seen this discussion many many times in the past and not much gets done. I personally think it will take the efforts of both racers and track owners to help the sport (yes.. I call it a sport). The track owners need to supply a quality facility that offers many forms of racing as well as marketing and promotion. The racers need to go out of there way to make new comers feel welcome and offer any help they can. I know we have a bunch of racers that I can lean on to do just that. When we have a new racer I will point them out to the veterans and they will introduce themselves and offer any help. This makes the new racer feel welcome and a little more comfortable racing.

Also I feel very strongly about trying to keep our prices down so we don't have sticker shock when new people are interested. Well all know how expensive this can get. We are also designing our own Dirt Oval EDM RTR that we will market and sell complete for under $300. I think 75% of the battle is price.

I am all for Special Promotional races at places such as Wal-Mart but it seems when we put in a huge effort to pull one off the racers don't show up or turn outs are very very poor. It takes all the effort from everyone to show what a great sport this can be.

The Hobby Shop/Track Owners and Racers need to partner up on this issue and move forward. Plan things together and make them happen. Racers, all your suggestions are welcome (at least with me anyways lol).... don't feel like you can't make suggestions and offer ideas. Hobby Shop/Track owners don't be affraid to listen.... you may not agree with everyones ideas but if you get enough suggestions you may find that a lot of pieces come together to make this sport better.

Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Special Events, National Advertising and others avenues are all great ideas but take a lot of money to pull off..... maybe it is time we try to consolidate all our resources (owners and racers a like) and come up with a national campaign to promote the sport ourselves. I for one have some large corporate contacts that we could start with that may fund some of the money needed....

Well just some thoughts.... I do agree that we certainly need to grow the sport. I for one see a bright future at least in our area of the country....

Art
Redneck R/C

Man There Are So Many Track Out There That --are Unknown
There Are About 5 Near Me & More Poping Up-or In The Works
None On Hobbytalk
Pensacola,fl. Has A Rumor Of 3 New Tracks At Model Park Are Proposed To The County,there Are Allready A Few In This Area,
Hobbycentral Pensacola,fl.--b& T Rc Central Ft Walton Beach
Mobile Offroad Rc Mobile Al,mihabi Panamacity,fl & So On.......
They Are There ---just Gotto Get The Owners To Get More Involved !!!!

amazing how many trackowners there are that don't want to get involved!!!!!!

McLin... You've definitely got it right. WhenI started racing, I was 11- dad got me involved with it as a "bonding thing", and it worked. 20 years later, my nine-year-old has begun racing carpet oval. After my son won his first A-Feature, I had to go out to the parking lot- I cried like a schoolgirl! (Sorry Alex, wasn't your race! it was last year...)
Point is, my view on racing has changed tremendously since I've been racing with my son, and it's not just that his car gets all the attention, or his car gets the good stuff. When I started racing, I was the "wild child". Problem is, I was one of the ONLY children among men. If I may add to your "problems" with racing, here's one I've come across... there's almost no place for a kid at a racetrack. We have a track in our area that have some odd rules (like a 3300 battery max) I'll take him there to race every Saturday night if he wants to go. There's other kids there, not a lot of F-Bombs in the pits, promotions for grades for the kids.... The track isn't for me, but it's great for him! Unfortunately, there's not a lot of place to take him like that. God forbid his mom goes to some of the tracks we've gone to- we'll give her headphones...

McLin's right, boys and girls. I've watched racing deteriorate over 20 years. It's a shame, as it's such a damn fun hobby. But, from the manufacturers to the organizations to us racers, we're not doing much to change it. I could go on forever... But, I hope that everyone gets a chance to read this thread.
Nice work, Alex!

Todd you hit on some very good points. Me I love racing with my 11yr old son. Sure he has taken me out a few times by accident, but that is part of learning.

Jerry B.
Team OHP
Rc4less
Performance R/C

Back in the mid 80's you had basically 3 kinds of cars 1/12 electric pan,1/10 electric off road and 1/8 nitro. Today you have too much diversity. too many different cars. Now the hot thing now is rock crawling, at least that is what the mags are pushing. The mags hardly do anything on oval racing which is strange considering the popularity of NASCAR. Looking at Hobby Talk the Oval Racing section is by far the busiest and the largest section. They say support your local hobby shop but go there for oval cars and parts and "taint" got none. Most of the local shops are only carry what they sell most of, the cars for "Bashing". Alot of "Bashers" take there "Mega power RTR " capable of 65mph out of the box, drive it down the street, hit something, annialating the front end, get PO'd 'cause it cost 50 bucks to buy the parts to repair the damage. Stick it on the shelf and quit and say the hobby sucks.
The racer seems to be into the hobby for the long haul. I think the key is to turn "Bashers" into Racers. I think a big turn off for new racers in oval racing is that the pan car that most of race is not a forgiving car, Its not a car you can take to the street in front of your house and run without hurting something on the car. Touring cars are OK but the AWD makes them some what complicated and unrealistic for oval.
I believe something in between is needed. Also I think some more coverage by the mags on oval is needed, at least 1 article a month even if it was only a page or 2.

Actually the problem with getting new oval racers is the huge learning curve involved,not many people are patient enough to get through the learning period that takes years not weeks,also like real oval cars these cars are very complicated and hard to understand.It's not for the timid person.