Question of the Week:
How would you create interest for a future race track in your area?
For a non racer: I would set up a web site that had quick time movies that showed heated action in all types of racing (but i need to learn how to create a web page).
I'm also thinking about getting RCTV in my area.
1. Offer rented vehicles at $5.00 per charged pack. Have this offer either all the time track is open or on specific Family Nites.
2. After Xmas season, offer a discount on an RC10 kit for anyone who brings in their used, broken, cheap R/C toy car received over the season.
3. Put ads in the high school newspapers for your track using exciting race photos.
4. Gain the attention of the local Boy Scout-like groups. Give them discount nights at the track. Give them one kit at half price, have them build it, and give them a discount to practice it at the track. More kids may want to buy a kit then in order to compete.
5. Hold a race for charity; have the charity write it up beforehand so people will come and watch the race (and maybe get hooked).
All these ideas are to reach out to non-R/C'ers for a commercial track. Build on these ideas to generate more ideas. -- TA webmaster
I have a couple of ideas for this question. First you need to find a way to diminish the
intimidation factor. This hobby can be very intimidating when it is your first time at the
track and you see the fast guys just flying around the track, or if the people running it
don't seem friendly. You need to keep it a light environment.
Another idea is to have some kind of an entry level race. I have seen quite a few people
turned away from the hobby because they didn't realize that you can spend $500-$1000 just
getting the equipment you need to race.
You need to have a beginner's day.........this hobby is very intimidating when you're new! Too many future racers get scared off by us fast guys..........you need to cater to them in order for this industry to grow!!!!!!!!!!!!! dk racing : )
AMB lap counting, an onsite hobby shop, hard packed clay track, and covered pits.
Build an RC/Car track and also an RC\Airplane flightline and they will come
-A Wise Man Once Said
You could stress the fact that once you get to be a very good driver winnings can be enormous
I would make the track really good. Really well kept and I would always look after it, wetting it the day before a race.
I would create interest by coming here and asking if anyone in Midland, MI was interested in setting up a track with me this summer? Well, are ya?
Action and experience can draw people to a track. Show people how enjoyable R/C racing is to watch and people with money will be ready to invest and collect because of it. The trick is to get others involved.
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise... Then put all the cheap cars and radios you can find for novice as loaners at a affordable price. Teach the basics, proper procedures, about frequencies, marshalling, car repair and set up. Show an interest in the neighborhood. Get local kids and parents interested. Keep it family oriented, and in the price range to run of the locals. Most important...Make it fun for everybody involved!!!
I am interested in building a track in the area of the outside of Detroit. . . I will be out of school in one year, work in a hobby shop already and think I want to have a business of my own.
As far as generating interest goes, try this: advertise in the local community papers,
place ads in "Buy & Sell" papers, contact local cable companies to see if
they have a channel used for community announcements, put posters up in supermarkets,
community centers, you get the idea.
If I were a non-racer/enthusiast you would have to show me that it doesn't cost a small
fortune to get into it, and try and showcase the hobby in a venue where people are having
fun (ie not yelling at corner marshals, other drivers etc). It would also help if you
showed me that this hobby can be enjoyed by several family members as a family activity.
Location is the most important. For a successful race track you need alot of exposure to your target customers. A track built next to a junior high school, high school, or shopping mall would be ideal. An outdoor track easily visible would attract more customers simply because it grabs more attention then an indoor track's store front. As Fun as the modified and stock classes are, the reality is that they can be too expensive. When a potential customer (or their parents) wanders the pits and talks to some of the local racers, they can be turned away when they find out how much some people have spent on their equipment. A budget package deal with everything required to race and a cost controlled race program are very attractive to new customers. Mark Westerfield
The obvious answer here is a TV commercial. However, that may not be financially
possible
for most new track owners. The next best advertisement (other than word of mouth) would be
to post flyers in some local "hot spots". I'd put flyers in toy stores, bicycle
shops, motorcycle shops, auto parts stores, and even the local arcade. Also, make it fun
for people to come watch. Have a bleacher section and a refreshment stand (or just a coke
machine). These things can bring an entire communities interest into the r/c hobby.
TC
Advertise, host an event and if possible get some team drivers to come and putting on a driving clinic, give tips and sign autographs. If you have this kind of event, non racers will come and get hooked.
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