Hello
What can we do to get our Hobby to increase racer number's
Our track Bandit RC in Rochester is a good place to race. The Owner Lou is a great guy.
We have had low number's this winter in oval racing.
Any postive suggestions to help our hobby grow.
Last nigth we had a bunch of new people show up. So from out of town.
just putting this out there. really would like to race for a few more years.
Cheers Dan

I think for the hobby to grow we need a "cheap" class for new guys to get in. With that being said though, I am not a fan of classes that dont make it easy for someone to move up into a faster class.

Also standard rules from track to track. It is never good when someone comes in and says "I was just over at this track, and they said you have to run this or that".

Setting up a stand at the Sprint Cup race (if available). Show everyone just how realistic (sp?) our hobby is. You change a spring or wedge just like the "big boys".

I would like to see a "global" class with 17.5 motors, 4600's for batteries. That is your begginer class. This allows them to move up to 13.5 with only a motor change.

Brushless should be what saves this hobby, and brings new blood to the track. No longer does the new person need a lathe, dyno, brush cutter etc. You get 1 motor and you are done.

This may have gone off subject a bit, but I think it is all related. You wont get new people if it is to expensive, or to much work. We have a lot of smart people in this hobby, and some big companies. I understand that Trinity did some advertising on the radio during NJ Nets games. We need Associated, and Novak and others to do the same. More people means more money for companies, and more fun for us.

Ok I am sure I forgot something but there is it...

Joel White

If you want to keep costs down for the "global" class I would suggest the 21.5 motor and Lipo batteries, this would keep the battery cost way down as you could use one pack for the entire day and probably more than one season if you charge them properly and take care of them. IMO

True, but Lipo hasn't really taken off yet. My personal opinion is it really wont now that the batteries has some stability. JMHO.

But that is not a bad option either as long as it is accepeted in all areas.

make a break out class so anyone can compete with any car just to get them in the door. also dont just promote PAN CAR! the worst thing a track can do is cater to one type of rc car. allow legends, spec, truck, sk, and pan car.

at our local tracks here in maine we got a CoT spec class which has seemed very popular ... run any pan chassis mcallister CoT body with trinity 4 cell packs an spec motors an we have a Set pinion an spur we have to use .. so its all on driving skill

All the above are great suggestions. I started playing with RC cars last summer and did what everyone else did - start buying better motors (brushed) and better batteries (NiMH). If I had back all the money I spent to go buy LiPo's and brushless motors, I could have some great stuff with $$ left over.

As a teacher, I have been looking at ways that RC cars are used in schools. If anyone is a teacher, or active in PTA or school board, take a look at this site: www.fasttrackrc.com

Not too long ago, there was a blurb in one of the mags about a manufacturer who has a program for supplying free stuff if teachers will set out a plan for how to use it.

There is lots of knowledge and enthusiasm to spare at most tracks, and tons of kids who could get excited about math and physics if there was something interesting to do while they were learning.

I have tons more info about this if anyone is interested. PM me or add to this posting.

Personally I think that is one of the problems "local classes". I know as a race track owner you need to run whatever comes in the door so you can stay open. But how long do those people stay in? The problem with the local classes is they are the type of class that someone starts because they can win in the bigger class. Once they can't win in that class they create another one. Again I think we need to think like we did in the old days when racing was big. To many classes means fewer races and here is why. If you have 7 classes with 5 people in each class then you get 35 people in the door. Most tracks would love that on weekly basis. But if you have a slow week and say you have 25 people show up and a few from each class dont show up you may not be able to race at all. That means no entry fees. If you have 3 classes say 17.5, 13.5, and either 10.5, a lipo class and you get those 35 people great. If 10 dont show up you will probably still have enough in each class to race, so you would make money from the entries. We went through this a lot at Thunder Road in VA. Notice that track is no longer open (partially due to the building, but it wasn't making money either). I am not trying to say your ideas are not good or incorrect, but I think its what needs to be done. More to follow I am sure....:wave:

Joel White

I sometimes wonder if the decline in RC Racing has to do with the spread of the internet and all the "claims" of cheaters and "unavailable" batteries, motors, etc... ?

It really can't help. But more than likley the new people dont have a clue about this site, or retech.net. So while this may not help things, I don't think it is the reason we dont have new people.

I think there are many factors to the decline of the racing population.I really think the big factor is the one that started the R/C boom in the mid 90's. Ready To Run set-ups.It makes it easy to get into,BUT it also side steps alot of important skills needed to maintain an R/C vehicle.So you have a bunch of people buying RTR's and running them until they break, and then dont know what to do to fix them.So the r/c scene has gotten to be looked at as the same as cheapo r/c toys you get from radio shack or elsewhere.Before the RTR boom The people involved in r/c were a lot more dedicated. They had to build there kits, choose their radio gear,choose their electronics, and most importantly have the knowlege to make it all work. Now we have people that buya 250.00 RTR set up, and when they decide to go race it they see how much more they really need.Chargers, batteries, speed controls,motors, and support gear like tires shock oils etc. so basically all the gear that came in their good deal RTR set is use less and needs to be replaced just to go and race.Add it all up and thats a good chunk of change.So that is nothing but discouraging.RTR's have made it easy and cheap to get into r/c, but in reality they make the leap from bashing to racing more expensive for the beginner.

X man

You asked about Promoting our Hobby , and this is posted in a OVAL section, so I assume you are asking about promoting OVAL racing.

So I'll add some things, some of which may or may not have already been mentioned.

1) DON'T Focus on what's going on in the rest of the Country - work on your local area and the needs of racers in that area.

2) Build a track a ROOKIE can drive w/o destroying his car every time he puts it on the track. Keep the lanes wide, the walls as soft as possible and the atmosphere as friendly as possible.

3) Car and equipment availability. Don't try to get NEW guys started with the High End, expensive cars. Used cars, and/or the lower priced cars would be a great way to get guys started. (The car build by WINDTUNNEL I'd love to see become a popular starter car) Also, make sure parts are available for what ever the majority of the racers do run. Bodies, bumpers, tires, bearings, screws, body mounts...the stuff that gets torn up week to week.

4) Make sure the facility is 'user friendly' Clean bathrooms, snacks and drinks on hand...power, lighting (if needed)

5) Try to have your racing in a place where it can be seen by as many people (Walk by and/or drive by) To get NEW racers, it helps when NEW people can see you.

6) Take advantage of any 'FREE' media in your area. Newspapers, TV "Community Activities", Auto/Buyers ad magazines. (We have one that I use for local racing, the ad costs about $5.00, and I run it two weeks before race day.)

...keep the racing aimed at 'grass roots' type of racing. Some drivers will accel, and want to travel to big races, but if you stay focused on the grass roots level, and continue to look for NEW blood within YOUR market area...you can continue to find NEW racers. If more LOCAL tracks can build up thier LOCAL racers and their LOCAL programs...the BIG races will have MORE people to draw from.

Well said Swtour I think that is right on............:thumbsup:

+1 to swtour

Just my 2 cents.... (nobody wants to here this though...)

If ya wanna promote oval racing then the current "oval cars" are the beginning of the problem.... First pan car prices are way....WAY out of line... I mean C'mon $250 is the starting point for a "race" pancar kit??? It's flat out rediculious!! When you can buy a touring car, buggy, or truck that has more aluminum, carbon fibre, and higher end plastics, nuts and bolts, not to mention TONS more engineering and R&D invested for the same price??? AND DIRT OVAL IS EVEN MORE REDICULIOUS!!! $150-$250 for a conversion kit that contains a sheet of carbon fibre and 2 or 3 small aluminum blocks after you pay $200 for an off-road kit!!!! JESUS what are these guys thinking?!?!?!

I mean it's been 10 or so years since the last major advancement in oval chassis'!! You can say what you want, but it's true (the first chassis with a sliding battery tray came out over 10 years ago!!) and most of what has came afterwards has been "marketing gimmicks"

So to help RC OVAL grow what is needed?? IMHO

Carolina RC has a good start with their RTR pancar.... BUT It's still to expensive!!!

Somebody build a kit or RTR based around a simple fiberglass chassis using industry standard suspension and axles. PRICE it so you aren't triing to make all your profits on one kit! Set the class using inexpensive batteries and motors and limit the electronics to basic beginners stuff.... then when it does come time to advance make it simple....Make it so people can advance as their wallet and skill level allows step by step, but the only thing that needs upgraded with the chassis is the chassis plate...IT CAN BE DONE!!!!!

highspeeddirt,

if you take what YOU said, and read what I said...you will see there are ways to get NEWBIES in w/o buying NEW cars or the expensive cars.

Carolina R/C has a car, but where can a LOCAL racer find it? They can't... it's not in hobby shops ANYWHERE that I know of. Murdock/Windtunnel has one too...but find one of those in a hobby shop too...

There are a TON of quality USED Cars, Radios, Motors, Batteries available...I personally know of several racers who find new people...and loan them one of their older cars and radios...sometimes they even sell them to them once they get them HOOKED.

Grassroots racers are great for working together and networking on stuff...there just needs to be more of it.

How about this?
http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=212717&highlight=adopt+racer

I know that I started out racing paved oval about a year ago, and have enjoyed it immensely. I have always had not just one, but several racers help me and still do. I get help with my setup, and not just setting the car up for me, but explaining to me how and why a given change in the setup applies to the handling of the car. Last year a racer did take the car and set it up, and it helped alot. Of course he's a great wheel man and I had to make some changes to make up for my lack of driving talent.

In fact, if you don't offer help to newbies, you could lose them. Just point them in the right direction, be more than willing to answer any questions they may have, and when you're on the track with them give them plenty of room. Show patience when they're cutting their teeth driving.

In my opinion oval racing is in a transition. Brushless looks to be the new path. That being said, it's human nature for us to fight change so we now have nine or so classes to fill. I like freshening up brushed motors myself, but I like racing better. So whichever way the majority goes, I'll go with them. I'm sure if a prospective racer does some research on oval racing now before "buying into it" they may have some reservations. After all who wants to buy a lathe, esc, motors, and batteries only to have the class die off in a few months? Things seem to be up in the air right now.

Oh yeah, save your old stuff, and bring a friend to race with you. I know it won't be your best stuff, but how good does it have to be for a green driver?
Show them what a good time they can have at the track!:thumbsup:

Just my 2 cents.... (nobody wants to here this though...)

If ya wanna promote oval racing then the current "oval cars" are the beginning of the problem.... First pan car prices are way....WAY out of line... I mean C'mon $250 is the starting point for a "race" pancar kit??? It's flat out rediculious!! When you can buy a touring car, buggy, or truck that has more aluminum, carbon fibre, and higher end plastics, nuts and bolts, not to mention TONS more engineering and R&D invested for the same price??? AND DIRT OVAL IS EVEN MORE REDICULIOUS!!! $150-$250 for a conversion kit that contains a sheet of carbon fibre and 2 or 3 small aluminum blocks after you pay $200 for an off-road kit!!!! JESUS what are these guys thinking?!?!?!

I mean it's been 10 or so years since the last major advancement in oval chassis'!! You can say what you want, but it's true (the first chassis with a sliding battery tray came out over 10 years ago!!) and most of what has came afterwards has been "marketing gimmicks"

So to help RC OVAL grow what is needed?? IMHO

Carolina RC has a good start with their RTR pancar.... BUT It's still to expensive!!!

Somebody build a kit or RTR based around a simple fiberglass chassis using industry standard suspension and axles. PRICE it so you aren't triing to make all your profits on one kit! Set the class using inexpensive batteries and motors and limit the electronics to basic beginners stuff.... then when it does come time to advance make it simple....Make it so people can advance as their wallet and skill level allows step by step, but the only thing that needs upgraded with the chassis is the chassis plate...IT CAN BE DONE!!!!!

Their is no way you can even try to put pan cars in the same class as nitro when it comes to price,I run both,My L4 245.00 my X-Ray 495.00,My novak 13.5 245.00, my Nova. 353 499.00, Tires bsr's 35.00 and three weeks and counting,Just for the speedline race this weekend nitro turing tires 80.00 for one weekend.And my pan car that I run really is a Custom Works and it was 365.00 and it is still cheaper by far,The L4 I let my brother-in-law drive it.I do believe that the beginner classes like legends and truck can do wonders for our sport,also let people know about buying use cars online,their are tons of them out their for good prices.Try saling your old stuff at the track,dont hold on to it if you dont need it,and let it go cheap,because you are not going to get anywhere near your money back so why not us it to make the racing better for you and your fellow drivers by bring new people out.Last week we had a new guy watching and he left with a almost new C.W. Aggressior w/ servo for 150.00 and he is ready to race already,he will be running this week.JMTC>>>

[SIZE="4"]Hey guys


Thanks for the input. Get some old chassis with just t-plates and center shock, tweek screws. There are tons of those cars out there cheap. just run a spec motor or brushless 17.5. Brushless is a great way to start. Keep the ideas coming.

Question # 2
how to keep racing in summer to help hobby shop keep track open for winter.
Summer series tropy race?
Cheers Dan

X man

You asked about Promoting our Hobby , and this is posted in a OVAL section, so I assume you are asking about promoting OVAL racing.

So I'll add some things, some of which may or may not have already been mentioned.

1) DON'T Focus on what's going on in the rest of the Country - work on your local area and the needs of racers in that area.

2) Build a track a ROOKIE can drive w/o destroying his car every time he puts it on the track. Keep the lanes wide, the walls as soft as possible and the atmosphere as friendly as possible.

3) Car and equipment availability. Don't try to get NEW guys started with the High End, expensive cars. Used cars, and/or the lower priced cars would be a great way to get guys started. (The car build by WINDTUNNEL I'd love to see become a popular starter car) Also, make sure parts are available for what ever the majority of the racers do run. Bodies, bumpers, tires, bearings, screws, body mounts...the stuff that gets torn up week to week.

4) Make sure the facility is 'user friendly' Clean bathrooms, snacks and drinks on hand...power, lighting (if needed)

5) Try to have your racing in a place where it can be seen by as many people (Walk by and/or drive by) To get NEW racers, it helps when NEW people can see you.

6) Take advantage of any 'FREE' media in your area. Newspapers, TV "Community Activities", Auto/Buyers ad magazines. (We have one that I use for local racing, the ad costs about $5.00, and I run it two weeks before race day.)

...keep the racing aimed at 'grass roots' type of racing. Some drivers will accel, and want to travel to big races, but if you stay focused on the grass roots level, and continue to look for NEW blood within YOUR market area...you can continue to find NEW racers. If more LOCAL tracks can build up thier LOCAL racers and their LOCAL programs...the BIG races will have MORE people to draw from.

Finally... Someone who gets it!!
It doesn't matter what kind of racing we are talking about, I agree with virtually everything you said. Excellent points

Many believe "if you build it they will come..." I see it with tracks and Hobby shops. But in Reality the phrase should be "how will they come in if they don't know about it."
Too Many hobby shops and tracks are just there with very little exposure or advertising in their communities. MOST people don't even know the hobby exists.
I am one of the lucky ones... RC Racing in my area is booming. The track I run averaged over 150 entries per race this winter, with a high of 185. And it because I work hard to do MOST of what is mentioned in swtours post and more.
Many in my area work to promote the hobby. One local club is active in community events like small town parades for the holidays and street fairs they have.
I build tracks for different events. I recently built a track at Michigan International Speedway for the boy scouts. We had a great event and ran over 600 trucks during the course of the two days we ran.
I have built a track and rented our trucks at community fair for just $5 a race. In about 15 hrs over three evenings we rented 400 trucks and people left the fairgrounds and went directly to the local hobby shop to by packages and they are still racing with us today.

I also agree with SW about the track design. I run an Off Road track. I build a track that is challenging for low B main and high C main drivers with the attitude that the A Main guys can fight it out with their driving skills. MOST come off the drivers stand smiling. Having fun is what we are SUPPOSED to be doing.
I recently visited a track in Tucson, AZ Brian Kinwald's home track. It was a shame that 7 or 8 out of 10 people walked off the drivers stand with broken vehicles. It seemed like the track was built to be challenging to Kinwald... Us regular guys didn't stand a chance to have a lot of fun... we were too busy fighting the track

I focus on a family enviorment, a fun track and customer service. It works.
I keep rental trucks at my tracks. Just a few of them so people can try the hobby without investing in a whole package to start to see if they would like it before buying.

Exposing the hobby. People need to see the cars and try them when we can let them. Answer questions, take your cars to work and show them off.
I have even had my cars at full size car shows with batteries and radios on hand for any one who wants to try.

Just a few things I have experienced.
Dan

I havent seen them run yet but our local track has started a Losi Sliders (sprint car) class.
For about $170 the kit comes ready to run with a dsm radio.
Battery is limited to 1400mah and no mods or aftermarket parts are allowed. You have to run the rubber tires as well. I hear the class is growing really well.

Finally... Someone who gets it!!
It doesn't matter what kind of racing we are talking about, I agree with virtually everything you said. Excellent points

Many believe "if you build it they will come..." I see it with tracks and Hobby shops. But in Reality the phrase should be "how will they come in if they don't know about it."
Too Many hobby shops and tracks are just there with very little exposure or advertising in their communities. MOST people don't even know the hobby exists.
I am one of the lucky ones... RC Racing in my area is booming. The track I run averaged over 150 entries per race this winter, with a high of 185. And it because I work hard to do MOST of what is mentioned in swtours post and more.
Many in my area work to promote the hobby. One local club is active in community events like small town parades for the holidays and street fairs they have.
I build tracks for different events. I recently built a track at Michigan International Speedway for the boy scouts. We had a great event and ran over 600 trucks during the course of the two days we ran.
I have built a track and rented our trucks at community fair for just $5 a race. In about 15 hrs over three evenings we rented 400 trucks and people left the fairgrounds and went directly to the local hobby shop to by packages and they are still racing with us today.

I also agree with SW about the track design. I run an Off Road track. I build a track that is challenging for low B main and high C main drivers with the attitude that the A Main guys can fight it out with their driving skills. MOST come off the drivers stand smiling. Having fun is what we are SUPPOSED to be doing.
I recently visited a track in Tucson, AZ Brian Kinwald's home track. It was a shame that 7 or 8 out of 10 people walked off the drivers stand with broken vehicles. It seemed like the track was built to be challenging to Kinwald... Us regular guys didn't stand a chance to have a lot of fun... we were too busy fighting the track

I focus on a family enviorment, a fun track and customer service. It works.
I keep rental trucks at my tracks. Just a few of them so people can try the hobby without investing in a whole package to start to see if they would like it before buying.

Exposing the hobby. People need to see the cars and try them when we can let them. Answer questions, take your cars to work and show them off.
I have even had my cars at full size car shows with batteries and radios on hand for any one who wants to try.

Just a few things I have experienced.
Dan

Having raced at dans track, he knows what he's saying. He also offers a novice class so inexperienced drivers dont have the intimidation factor of racing with guys who have been doing it for a while.The track is always great, and most of the guys that go there are there to have fun.PLUS dan has been one of the pioneers in the 1/8 electric buggy feild, He does more to grow this hobby than most of us could wish to do in a lifetime.

Their is no way you can even try to put pan cars in the same class as nitro when it comes to price,I run both,My L4 245.00 my X-Ray 495.00,My novak 13.5 245.00, my Nova. 353 499.00, Tires bsr's 35.00 and three weeks and counting,Just for the speedline race this weekend nitro turing tires 80.00 for one weekend.And my pan car that I run really is a Custom Works and it was 365.00 and it is still cheaper by far,The L4 I let my brother-in-law drive it.I do believe that the beginner classes like legends and truck can do wonders for our sport,also let people know about buying use cars online,their are tons of them out their for good prices.Try saling your old stuff at the track,dont hold on to it if you dont need it,and let it go cheap,because you are not going to get anywhere near your money back so why not us it to make the racing better for you and your fellow drivers by bring new people out.Last week we had a new guy watching and he left with a almost new C.W. Aggressior w/ servo for 150.00 and he is ready to race already,he will be running this week.JMTC>>>

At what point did I even mention Nitro??? I was strictly talking electric...

L4 oval $239
FT T4- $229
FT B4- $229
RTR TC4- $234 (replace the electronics and you've got a race ready car)
Cyclone TC- $149


NOW the Losi slider there is a good beginers oval package....

This is the best thread on Hobby talk!! We have seen the brush/brushless wars, the battery of the week wars, the radio/servo/esc wars! The answer to promoting this hobby has arrived! It is the slider!!
Now before I go off the deep end here, We must realize the combo of the bushless/lipo/ slider classes that are sure to come!!
If we raced with rubber bands-someone would want to tie a knot it it!!!
I have personally ran a 1/28th scale electric track ( Yes x-mods, Kyosho's and I Weaver's) for 4 years, while attending car show's and events-birthday parties with an RCP track and AMB timing on an ATV trailer, to get the sport out in front of the people.
I have competed the the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvainna, and New York in 1/10 oval. My L4 refurbished by Ulbrik.
I truly believe that at the cost of $180.00 you have an RTR, Specktrun radio-batteries included, Outlaw Sprint car- battery included w/charger, that will run in dirt or carpet. IS THE WAY TO FOR THE BEGINNER TO BEGIN!
We all know the cost of maintaining the larger scale classes (Electric and Nitro) And the Breeze and other "pan" cars kits can not compete with the Slider price. A plus is the wide availability of parts and accessories. I hope every track owner will take a series look at this class.
Kid

Sliders were great on dirt, but for some reason haven't been a hit on carpet. (at least at the tracks I've been to). The Sliders are too easy to break, the brushes hang constantly, and the shocks can't hold any oil. Hopefully Losi's mini late model is a better answer. Full fendered racing should let the car hold together a bit better. But then again it still has the same shock and motor as the Slider. But we'll see.

Matt

I'll have to agree with Matt, We thought the 1/18th scale RTR kits would be the way to go for the beginner, BUT it didnt work at our track in CT. We're not giving up thow. We are trying everything we can afford to try to get new blood in the hobby.

I think a lot of people feel that they can promote the hobby by offering entry level classes, rental programs, and/or setting up rules to help newbies. Although this may help a new racer that already knows about the track, it doesn't bring in new racers. I think the single most important thing is getting fresh meat in the doors. Quite frankly, RC racing is a great hobby that the average public does not know exists. Similar to running a successful business you need:

1. Bring in new potential racers.
We've got to get new racers in the door to see the hobby and watch the racing. Local news channels, newspapers, advertising, exhibition booths/racing, partnering with hobby shops, etc. This is the "hook".

2. Provide a great racing environment.
A well run facility, room for pitting, room for bystanders, and classes to cater to new racers is helpful. When a new racers sees all of the fun going on, he/she envisions himself participating in this great hobby. This is the "sale".

3. Support new racers and ensure good sportsmanship.
Helping new racers getting better each week will keep them coming back. Fair rules for everyone (regardless of who you are), encouraging good sportsmanship, and lending a helping hand will be key to a good time.
This is the "support".

If you only do #2 and #3, you will only shuffle around the current group of racers, and growth will only come from word of mouth. I'm not convinced that word of mouth alone can bring in more than is lost (racer moving away, quiting the hobby for any given reason, getting upset at other racers, finances, etc).

At Bandit RC Race Park, in Rochester NY, we have a major disadvantage with zero visibility. We are tucked in the the back of a building, in an industrial complex, off of an access road, not visible from the main road, and no car or pedestrian thru-traffic whatsoever. Nobody sees us. Even if they want to come see the track, the place is hard to find. But, at least, the lower pricing allows us to have the track.

I've only been with the Rochester race club for a few years, but long time members tell me that when we raced in the mall, we had the most growth ever. It doesn't take much imagination to see why... people could see the racing going on, and got hooked!

I personally have little experience with local advertising, so I'll be honest....I'm not very helpful with ideas on how to advertise and gain visibility. I've only thought of a couple ideas:


On really bad weather days, call in to the local news channel to mention that "Bandit Radio Control car racing: cancelled". (Rochester has a dedicated news channel that shows cancellations all day long).
Donate RC magazines (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showpost.php?p=1987023&postcount=18) to local dentist office, doctor offices, auto repair shops, etc..
Buy a low cost rolling chassis on Hobbytalk, fix them up, add a brushless 17.5 motor and Novak $99 refurb GTB, tune it for your track, mount a clear body on it, and sell it (at cost or slightly below) to new racers. (This technique has been very successful so far)

Post some details on how can we get on the news or newspaper for free?
Where can we advertise for low cost?
How can we be more visible?
What can our track offer hobby shops in exchange for referrals?

give everyone a raise of about 11.00 an hour to combat 4.00 a gallon milk and gas!

Kats being positive as usual.

What about getting some of the racers to put together some cars from the old stock and having the track/club getting together with local groups, i.e. Boy/Girls scouts and have an event to involve and support them, might be able to get some good media coverage. Could do the same thing with the boys/girls clubs. Or an event with the red cross, some media outlets are willing to give some of those feel goods stories some good airtime.

I've seen some tracks and clubs throw together events at car shows and malls to make people more aware. I remember going to a race at a car show in Scarborough, Ontario years ago. I won the first heat and had many people unfamiliar with RC asking questions. Those types of events are a lot of fun and it helps raise awareness of the hobby. Something else to look into... Local festivals. Fairport (NY) has "Canal Days" every year that generates a ton of traffic. That would be an ideal situation to set up a temporary track and have at it.