Hi, I wanted to write an article regarding the formation and operation of RC racing clubs. We started THRC off road down here in Houston in the Spring of 2001. At that time we could not even get 6 people to show up and race. We started brainstorming on ideas to increase the interest and get more people involved and eventually racing.
We recently started our mini scale racing program called (HMSR) Houston Mini Scale Racing. We started this program on the same premis as the off road club THRC.
The first thing to do is identify the existing racers and car owners. Get their names and email addresses and start some sort of communication process. Even using message boards such as the mini-z racer forum will work. The key is having a place where the racers in your area will have clear access to your intentions and schedule on a local level.
Next (assuming you have a track and location to race at) make sure that when you have events that you shake everyones hand that is there racing as well as every spectator in attendance. The key is making it friendly and fun. The kids really magnet to these cars. Expose them to it and their fathers or mothers will be right behind. Show everyone that the event is in place for fun competitiveness, and create a racing social atmosphere that those that were there will talk about.
Its all about generating interest in any way possible. Make up a simple flyer with your groups race schedule and location. If you can do color that is even better. Post a copy of this flyer in every hobby shop within driving distance from where you race. Most shops will welcome the flyer as long as your organization is for racers and not for any specific shop. Place the flyer where the mini Z cars are displayed. Make sure there is an email address or even a phone number for contact. Don't forget about the X-Mod... Place flyers in Radio Shacks. There are tons of X-Mods sold daily and most new owners just cruise them around their homes and have no idea that we race these cars.
Expenses:
Its obvious that you will need a place to race. Indoor with AC is the best bet. If you can find a hobby shop with enough room or a back room that you can hold your races in would be the best fit.
Other ideas would be church gyms, or local civic centers. Last resort would be hotel ball rooms. Some of these you can get for a bargain. If you are entirely lucky you can find a place for free!
Track:
Track is always a factor. The modular tracks such as the RCP track is nice because it can be easily moved if needed. Don't let a fancy track keep you from racing though. Ive raced on something as simple as a floor with masking tape identifying the lanes.
To me, the optimal track is one that is modular and can be moved. Especially if your setting up in a temporary area. The track can be taken down and stored until next race.
Counting System:
In order to hold a true race, you will need to count the cars somehow. There are some counting systems out there like the KO ARC system, AnB has a nice system. Both of these systems are expensive and probably the biggest part of your budget. We use the KO system because it does not incurr any additional expense to the racers since you need no transponder to count your car. Keep in mind, with a copy of Autoscore you can hand count the cars. We did that for a while... It works, but takes some practice for accuracy.
I am hearing of new systems that are hitting the market which may be more affordable.
Trophies and Prizes:
Racers always like to see rewards for a good performance. Get some inexpensive trophies for 1st and 2nd in each class. Offer the racers to trade the trophy in for a free race fee at the next event.
Get with your local hobby shops. They can often get small prizes from their distributors. Even local fast food places will sometimes give out free meal coupons. All of these things can be used as prizes and the racers appreciate them.
Who pays for this stuff:
This is the kicker... Who can afford all of this stuff. Our first avenue was that I and another racer were able to split the cost on 4 of the Large L RCP tracks.
Me and the same person split the cost on the KO 12 car counting system with a small amount of help from a local hobby shop.
Both cases require someone willing to put the cash out for a slow return. In the end, we will make the expenses back up in race fees. You will be suprized, if you can get your races up around 20 cars how fast your return will come.
There are other ways to get funding for tracks, counting systems and other needs for your league. Try corporate sponsorships, ask hobby shops for help. Keep building the interest in your program. There is always someone, or many who will participate financially in order to see it succeed.
Race Fees:
We also have to keep this type of racing affordable to the racer. They are the ones that will ultimately finance your organization. Keeping it affordable will keep them coming back, which will eventually keep your club afloat.
We charge $10 for the 1st entry class. We charge $5 for additional classes with a maximum racer output of $20. This means you can race 2 cars for $15 or 6 cars for no more than $20.
We run 5 classes:
Stock Sedan (novice)
Super Stock Sedan (expert)
Open Sedan
Open F1
Mini Monster
It can happen in a big way... As I stated above, in 2001 we could not get 6 people to come race. Now in 2004 off road we have over 400 members and most of our races (every two weeks) show about 75 entries per race. With our big races bringing over 200 entries.
For mini scale, we just started this program up two months ago seriously, and we are seeing races with 18 - 20 cars and the interest is picking up. Our goals are to be holding races by Christmas of over 35 cars per event. We race every two weeks as well.
We continually like to give back to the racers while still keeping enough money to pay back our investments. We take a small amount out of each race and provide free refreshments at our races to the racers. Its all about keeping it fun, and in a familiy and friendly environment. The rest takes care of itself.
Our site address is www.teamhoustonrc.com
