I think all of the comments are spot on and it’s great to talk about it. I’m not going to add my experiences to the mix because they are similar to everybody’s, good and bad. What I do suggest is a complete overhaul of the organization to guarantee a lasting future. We should look at the auto racing organizations of the world and how the governing bodies regulate in order to maintain interest over the years. Let’s face it, what makes competitions appealing is the legitimacy of the organization.
Marketing – Marketing needs to be the main priority of the organization. Event coverage is paramount. All outlets of the media need to report coverage to the general public, the magazines, and web outlets. All major racing groups push advertising to maintain and attract audience members.
Competition – In the last 20 years, all major racing organizations have added more “spec” requirements to keep racing close and cost down. A phrase that goes around is “this is a driver’s sport”, meaning the machines are closer to equal therefore only the best drivers will win not the best machine. This is a highly debatably topic but you cannot simply ignore the results that racing has improved and attendance is still up. (I know NASCAR attendance has decreased over the last few years but it is still very high and profitable) With that being said the following class suggests are being made to increase competition and fan base.
1.9 Class – Either keep it or lose it. Nobody seems to care about the class. I think the cars are too small for people to enjoy them anyway.
Super Class – Either keep it or lose it. Courses are almost impossible to find consistently across the country. This would be more of a novelty class.
2.2 Pro – Rename it 2.2 Unlimited. Keep all the same rules. Market this as the premier class for RC Rock Crawling.
2.2 Shaft – Rename it 2.2 Spec. Rules: Straight lower links (Maybe metal only or no delrin), no torsion chassis, battery limit of either nimh only or 7.4 volt limit, bodiless is acceptable but with slightly bigger minimal dimensions (Gmade R1 has to be legal too), two-channel max, and no BTA steering (old school with the tie rod in the front). Now, I didn’t say anything about a motor limit because I have no idea how a MOA would perform under this conditions. They could perform too well and then we should limit the motor count then. The goal is to reduce cost, limited performance, and market it as a feeder series for 2.2 Unlimited.
Trail Class – This is a good idea for welcoming new people to the group. I think careful evaluation of this class over time would be beneficial to the sport.
G6 & Ultra 4 Racing – I think it is important to try to make concessions to regulate them under one body and bring them over since there vehicles are still based on the same parts.
Course design – When I first started going to comps the guy putting the show together always design the course so that 80-90% should be able to finish. Everybody had “Seat Time” and the difference between winning and losing was always two or three decisions to be made. If you disagree then, you should still make a doable course but have a couple of bonus lines if you feel the need. Course completion is paramount to the experience of competing. The racing side allows almost 100% to complete the course, why can’t we get closer. Plus the thrill of somebody choosing a bonus line draws the interest up.
Judges – This is the hardest part about a comp. When I did Solo2 (SCCA Autocross) every competitor had to work. It is important to make the competitors work the comp. I think the test is the best thing ever and a great logical next step would be certification.
Hopefully you value my input considering how little I post on here. I don’t care if you have positive or negative comments. Comments and actions will help the sport.
Thank you for reading.
Billy
Marketing – Marketing needs to be the main priority of the organization. Event coverage is paramount. All outlets of the media need to report coverage to the general public, the magazines, and web outlets. All major racing groups push advertising to maintain and attract audience members.
Competition – In the last 20 years, all major racing organizations have added more “spec” requirements to keep racing close and cost down. A phrase that goes around is “this is a driver’s sport”, meaning the machines are closer to equal therefore only the best drivers will win not the best machine. This is a highly debatably topic but you cannot simply ignore the results that racing has improved and attendance is still up. (I know NASCAR attendance has decreased over the last few years but it is still very high and profitable) With that being said the following class suggests are being made to increase competition and fan base.
1.9 Class – Either keep it or lose it. Nobody seems to care about the class. I think the cars are too small for people to enjoy them anyway.
Super Class – Either keep it or lose it. Courses are almost impossible to find consistently across the country. This would be more of a novelty class.
2.2 Pro – Rename it 2.2 Unlimited. Keep all the same rules. Market this as the premier class for RC Rock Crawling.
2.2 Shaft – Rename it 2.2 Spec. Rules: Straight lower links (Maybe metal only or no delrin), no torsion chassis, battery limit of either nimh only or 7.4 volt limit, bodiless is acceptable but with slightly bigger minimal dimensions (Gmade R1 has to be legal too), two-channel max, and no BTA steering (old school with the tie rod in the front). Now, I didn’t say anything about a motor limit because I have no idea how a MOA would perform under this conditions. They could perform too well and then we should limit the motor count then. The goal is to reduce cost, limited performance, and market it as a feeder series for 2.2 Unlimited.
Trail Class – This is a good idea for welcoming new people to the group. I think careful evaluation of this class over time would be beneficial to the sport.
G6 & Ultra 4 Racing – I think it is important to try to make concessions to regulate them under one body and bring them over since there vehicles are still based on the same parts.
Course design – When I first started going to comps the guy putting the show together always design the course so that 80-90% should be able to finish. Everybody had “Seat Time” and the difference between winning and losing was always two or three decisions to be made. If you disagree then, you should still make a doable course but have a couple of bonus lines if you feel the need. Course completion is paramount to the experience of competing. The racing side allows almost 100% to complete the course, why can’t we get closer. Plus the thrill of somebody choosing a bonus line draws the interest up.
Judges – This is the hardest part about a comp. When I did Solo2 (SCCA Autocross) every competitor had to work. It is important to make the competitors work the comp. I think the test is the best thing ever and a great logical next step would be certification.
Hopefully you value my input considering how little I post on here. I don’t care if you have positive or negative comments. Comments and actions will help the sport.
Thank you for reading.
Billy
