Racing To The Public
This past weekend, two events took place which were of particular interest. One of these was in Milton Keynes, in the UK, whilst the other was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – I’m of course referring to the BRCA 1/12th Scale Nationals and the Motorama event. The thing that links these two events was the fact that they both took place directly in the public eye – in a shopping centre and at a major motorsport show.
Similarly, we’ve seen ETS and EOS races taking place at hobby shows in Germany and Poland, and the race at the Autosport show in the UK, again placing R/C racing right in front of the general public. I believe that events like these are vitally important for our hobby and the growth of our sport. Showing the public what we do is a great way to get more interested in RC racing, and holding a proper race event (rather than just a ‘demonstration track’) really shows the professionalism of our sport.
I know how much organisation goes into any ‘normal’ RC race meeting, and I’m well aware of the extra work and effort that is required to organise an event in a public arena, but I think we should be looking to do more of these type races. Yes, it often means that the pitting area isn’t as large or well-equipped as permanent venues or dedicated temporary tracks, and restrictions on size, time or resource can mean the track isn’t as good as others. The event opening times may restrict or alter the time table or race format from what the racers are used to, but none of that should matter if the end result is attracting more people into the hobby.
From what I’ve seen, all the teams involved in the organisation of the public-facing events have done a fantastic job, and I hope this inspires other event organisers to look for similar opportunities and use the momentum gained from these events to help our sport grow even further. I’d also like to see the manufacturers and distributors finding ways to get more involved in those events – wouldn’t it be fantastic if a spectator could watch one of these events, and then straight away buy a car from one of the stands next to the track? Those same manufacturers could also use their star drivers to help explain the racing – rather than sitting in the pits between races, actually getting out and talking to the spectators, showing them their cars and delivering their best sales pitch!
I know there are loads of hurdles to overcome with each race meeting, and often drivers are put off from attending because it isn’t a ‘normal’ race, but the potential longer-term gains I think far outweigh those and may be vital for the sustainability of our sport!
Have an opinion on the topics discussed? Leave them in the comments below.
Oli Meggitt is a race organiser, announcer, RC racer and has also been known to stand and talk in front of a camera. Now a columnist for Red RC you can read his thoughts, insights and ramblings fortnightly.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author.
