stickboy007 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 20, 2024 10:46 am
There is generally an inverse correlation between competitiveness and friendliness, for lack of a better term. Racing is intrinsically competitive. If you have a track geared toward beginners, you'll help people grow into better racers, but then eventually they outgrow your track and move elsewhere to seek out higher competition. That business model is only viable if you have a consistent influx of new racers and/or a loyal customer base who aren't trying to make it to IFMAR. If instead you gear the track for high competition, it is not always the most welcoming to new racers who will end up feeling like they're out of their element.
That is most likely a secondary point, though. The biggest one is the cost of real estate. Tracks are large and take up space. Interest rates are high now, which means both mortgages and rents are high. You either need to make enough money to compensate (bring in more racers, or charge more in registration, or sell Traxxas products like there's no tomorrow, to customers who don't have a clue) or own your own property, which is a tall ask.
Combine all of that with racer's fickle attitudes toward track conditions and you're basically asking a track owner to take on huge amounts of abuse so that other people can maybe have a good time (track owners themselves are usually too busy running the track to race....ironic, isn't it). The longest lasting track in my area is Barnstormers. It is literally a track on some farm land and has been around for over 30 years. I don't know all of the details, but likely privately owned. That's how I would do it if I had my own track. Buy my own property and do it my way so that nobody can push me around. If you want to race on it, great. If not, then I get the track to myself to play with. Would it be worth the investment? Depends on how rich I am.
I prompted Chat GTP to your thoughtful post. Stickyboy's post above highlights several challenges and trade-offs in creating a viable RC track. The answer is multifaceted (but so is the problem).
To address these concerns and make the track sustainable, here are some recommendations according to AI:
1. Create a Hybrid Track Model
Beginner-Friendly Days/Events: Dedicate specific days or events to beginner and casual racers. This creates a welcoming environment and encourages a steady influx of new participants. Provide coaching sessions, rental equipment, or even beginner-only races to reduce intimidation.
High-Competition Days: Host competitive events for seasoned racers on separate days. Offering prize pools, sponsorships, or IFMAR-qualifying opportunities can attract serious racers without alienating beginners.
Mixed Formats: Occasionally blend beginner and experienced racers in friendly exhibition races to foster community interaction.
(I think having hybrid "times" for practicing and racing within one day is more ideal)...
2. Diversify Revenue Streams
Retail Shop: Sell RC kits, replacement parts, and upgrades. Partner with brands like Traxxas for beginner-friendly products and higher-end brands for serious racers.
Repair and Maintenance Services: Offer repair workshops or maintenance services for RC cars, which can draw customers regularly.
Membership Programs: Create tiered memberships for racers, offering perks like discounts, practice hours, or reserved parking.
Event Hosting: Organize local tournaments, birthday parties, or corporate team-building events. These can introduce new people to the hobby and create a broader customer base.
Snack and Beverage Sales: A small café or vending machines on-site can add supplementary income.
(Yes, i agree. Moms and dads that bring their kids would benefit from a coffee shop/cafe on premise too)...
3. Reduce real Estate Costs
Rural Locations: Follow the Barnstormers model by situating the track in a rural area with lower property costs. Focus on creating a destination experience rather than relying solely on local foot traffic.
Multi-Use Facilities: Share the property with complementary businesses or activities, such as go-karting, drone racing, or paintball, to spread overhead costs.
Temporary Tracks: Use portable track designs for pop-up events at fairs, parks, or community centers, reducing long-term property commitments.
4. Foster Community Engagement
Build a Loyal Customer Base: Focus on creating a welcoming, fun community. Social media groups, forums, and in-person events can keep people engaged even when they’re not racing.
Volunteer Programs: Allow regular racers to volunteer for track maintenance or event organizing in exchange for free practice time or other benefits. This reduces the owner's burden and builds loyalty.
Local Sponsorships: Partner with local businesses to sponsor the track or events. This can provide funding and increase visibility in the community.
(This is a part-time job for sure)...
5. Address Track Conditions and Racer Attitudes
Continuous Feedback Loop: Regularly survey racers for feedback on track conditions and implement reasonable suggestions. Transparency about the challenges of maintaining the track can also build understanding.
Flexible Layouts: Design tracks with modular or changeable features so that conditions and challenges can evolve, keeping things fresh for all skill levels.
Community Work Days: Organize days where racers help with track upkeep, fostering ownership and camaraderie.
6. Leverage Technology
Virtual Racing Integration: Offer simulator setups that mimic RC racing, providing a low-cost entry point for newcomers and additional income during bad weather.
Online Presence: Maintain an active online community with live streams of races, tutorials, and regular updates to draw in remote interest and sponsorship opportunities.
(This is a freaking cool idea. The metaverse, and sticking camera's on RC cars might be another option for off-premise virtual racing. What if this happens in real time? Racing from home???)...one day!
7. Passion-Driven Ownership
As noted, privately owning the land and running the track for personal enjoyment while accepting it may not always be profitable could be the best route for those passionate about the hobby. However, ensuring the above strategies are in place can minimize losses and maximize enjoyment for both owners and racers.
Would this mix of approaches align with your vision, or are there specific constraints you're trying to overcome?
(It is a lot of work, as noted by the original post, but the solutions outlined by AI provide a guide)...
In reality, there aren't very many true RC car hobbyists. Catering to us is not a good business proposition. I just watched the video with Curtis from AE. Someone asked about bringing back such and such car and he replied that it costs $100k or 200k to bring a kit to market, and that it is hard to make that back. 
Hard for AE to cover $200k? This market must be tiny. 
) and I think I am part of a huge international movement. Then I realize it is the same 50 guys on every site and, in reality, I am in a cult that worships toy cars.