ReRe longevity

[Brendan2904]

First thing. I love the fact that all of these companies are Re releasing some really awesome classic stuff from our childhood. I also realize that nostalgia isn’t the only reason,$$$$ is the other. This brings me to my question.

Are there going to be more classic events throughout the hobby that will capitalize on these Re Releases or are we just building part time shelf queens ?

[Halgar]

Isn't it more on the users to create the events, or at least show the companies and suppliers who would sponsor these things that there's enough interest in vintage racing to make such events happen?

[Brendan2904]

Isn't it more on the users to create the events, or at least show the companies and suppliers who would sponsor these things that there's enough interest in vintage racing to make such events happen?

I will argue that the user is buying the Re Releases and already showing that but there are only a few events that are “Iconic” friendly in the world. Tracks are very particular with what events they run.

[Halgar]

Just because you buy something doesn't mean you want any more from the manufacturer. Some guys buy these things as a toy, to be played with, they have no interest in racing or any other kind of event surrounding them. Same goes for those who build shelf queens or just enjoy the build and never run them.

In my case, I used to run Clodbusters. It was a fun toy that got well used. I was only looking for others to run with. The closest I found was a track about an hour away that had a Clod class. These guys were buggy and MT racers and a few of them had Clods they also wanted to run on the track, so they created a class. I'm not a racer, and frankly don't care for the average racer's attitude or mindset, so it wasn't a place I frequented. It also didn't help that nobody wanted to run their Clods outside of the track.

So, when I say it's kind of up to the user to show their love and desire for events, this is what I mean. If you want vintage class racing, then you've got to get your like minded buddies together and petition the track to open a class just for you. If there's enough interest the track is going to do it. But unless a group comes together, the track isn't likely going to know or care.

[JosephS]

Isn't it more on the users to create the events, or at least show the companies and suppliers who would sponsor these things that there's enough interest in vintage racing to make such events happen?

It's a completely different level of ask to have someone take the time to meet people, advertise, find a track and organize a racing event vs just having to show up.

It's much easier for AE to sponsor some events then it would be for just about anyone else. AE knows where they shipped these kits and can make some targeted efforts to set up events in places where they know people have these kits. The invite list could be the customer database. They could sponsor team drivers to headline the events.

[Halgar]

Isn't it more on the users to create the events, or at least show the companies and suppliers who would sponsor these things that there's enough interest in vintage racing to make such events happen?

It's a completely different level of ask to have someone take the time to meet people, advertise, find a track and organize a racing event vs just having to show up.

It's much easier for AE to sponsor some events then it would be for just about anyone else. AE knows where they shipped these kits and can make some targeted efforts to set up events in places where they know people have these kits. The invite list could be the customer database. They could sponsor team drivers to headline the events.

Maybe so, but just because AE is producing a vintage repop doesn't mean that there's enough draw for them to sponsor vintage events, it only means that there's enough interest in the vintage stuff to continue production to some extent. I'm quite certain that they're already spending significant dollars on sponsorships, both personal and event based, but as I mentioned before, unless there is a public outcry for specific events, vintage or otherwise, why would they divert their monies to an unknown audience? it will be up to the users to voice their want and need for these venues. With enough voices calling for them, the manufacturers and tracks will recognize the need and fulfill it. That's simply how business works, you spend money to make money, but you spend that money where it makes the most sense. Frankly, vintage is a fraction of where they make their money.

[RogueIV]

I have a hard enough time getting enough people to run a class at normal track days.

[Dangeruss]

So, when I say it's kind of up to the user to show their love and desire for events, this is what I mean. If you want vintage class racing, then you've got to get your like minded buddies together and petition the track to open a class just for you. If there's enough interest the track is going to do it. But unless a group comes together, the track isn't likely going to know or care.

This is how classes emerge

I have a hard enough time getting enough people to run a class at normal track days.

This is the problem most tracks face

Asking a track owner to start a new class isn't a big deal. All of 'em I've talked to have been pretty matter-of-fact, "If you've got at least *X* people I'll start a class". A petition form at the track, or simply asking everyone prior to that night's race gets the job done pretty quick. And if enough people are interested, bingo, you've got your class.

An event is a totally different thing that takes organizing, advertising, etc. You don't ask for an event, you either promote it, or attend it.

Either way, RC racing is a demand side economy, which is why buggies led to stadium trucks which led to short course trucks, etc, etc. Supply side economies in the RC industry only get you spec racing classes.

To want a class that doesn't exist without ever doing anything to help create it is like wanting to win the lottery without ever buying a ticket.