204 replies to this topic

[NDW]

Hey JP,

I have not said anything bad about your F1 plans, why should I?

But I think you're comparing the cost price of such a car with the price of a full RTR car that myself and others offer. That's like trying to compare apples with peres.

Rulechange: This is taken from your rules page right now:
Handout rear wheels (25.5 x 16 mm on Canam G7 cars, 25.5 x 13 mm on non-G7 cars) with black sponge tyres must be mounted on 3 mm axles.
Now does that state 25,5mm x 16mm or doesn't it? The 25,5 x 16 are on the cars that I've prepared. Also your rules didn't state which rimsize, as there are several rimsizes within both the 13 and 16mm widths.

Whatever projects you may have on the side and in your personal life doesn't excuse you for making a mess at an event that (in the past many) people attend. 'Yeah well I had a book to write' doesn't strike me as very professional.

I am also not intervening in anything, I'm only giving factual points based on my experiences at your races. And I think I'd be entitled to do this since you're printing my name in bold faced lettering in pretty much every posting you make on your blog.

Again, commerce does not count in my OEPS. Currently it's lead by a team using a standard Carrera body and #2 use a mass produced Metris chassis. This shows that OEPS is all about skill, driving and building, rather then money.

Enjoy Barcelona

Nick

[NJ Racer]

All very interesting thoughts about organizing the Retro "Worlds" with the initial primary focus and concern being a facility of Olympic proportions that will be host to perhaps 75 attendees from the USA and perhaps 10 from outside the USA. Frankly, help me understand what would make such an event parallel the likes of the more inviting and appealing an ever popular SANO and R4, the T Shirt? The migration to the the ultimate championship race is the SANO, R4,Checkpoint Cup and Retro Palooza at best as a start, as they are each bonafide qualifying events. Obviously and logically only the "A" Main racers from each event are qualified to participate in a championship race program, whatever the name of the event is called. Any premier raceway could host this very manageable event. Some may think just the top 3 "A" main podium placers would qualify, however there are obvious redundancies with this thought.

The "Retro Worlds" should not be just another gathering of local racers and those that have the means to find there way to participate from a distant 500-1000 miles.

[MSwiss]

Fun or funny. What's the difference, Mike? Myknowledge English is not deep enough to understand the difference.

"Fun" would be if the cars are handling great and the racing is close and competitive.

"Funny" would be, if while practicing, Howie would be telling stories of beating adults
at the upstairs track at Polk's Hobbies, when he was 13 or 14, and all the other drivers were laughing hysterically.

It's not important.

Thanks for recognizing the good things the IRRA is doing.
We work at it very hard to try to keep the ship sailing in the right direction.

[Howie Ursaner]

We can work on gathering a few vintage Can-Am cars...

LM

Scott Bader has Can Am Cars. And an FI car
Oscar Koveleski has Can Am cars.
There are also a few Mclarens sitting around by PDL in Graham's shop where he has his car worked on.

[Larry Mattingly]

All very interesting thoughts about organizing the Retro "Worlds" with the initial primary focus and concern being a facility of Olympic proportions that will be host to perhaps 75 attendees from the USA and perhaps 10 from outside the USA. Frankly, help me understand what would make such an event parallel the likes of the more inviting and appealing an ever popular SANO and R4, the T Shirt? The migration to the the ultimate championship race is the SANO, R4,Checkpoint Cup and Retro Palooza at best as a start, as they are each bonafide qualifying events. Obviously and logically only the "A" Main racers from each event are qualified to participate in a championship race program, whatever the name of the event is called. Any premier raceway could host this very manageable event. Some may think just the top 3 "A" main podium placers would qualify, however there are obvious redundancies with this thought.

The "Retro Worlds" should not be just another gathering of local racers and those that have the means to find there way to participate from a distant 500-1000 miles.

Ray

The Retro Worlds should prove to be much 'more' than a local race. Keep in mind the event will be open to EVERYONE, not just A-main racers.

Preliminary projections indicate twice as many participants than the largest Retro race held thus far.

Additionaly, there are several other things are in the talking stages that should make this event truly 'special'...

LM

[Steve Deiters]

Sitting way up here in the last row of the bleachers it is very interesting watching this discussion unfold and continue to do so. Who knows if it will come to fruition or not or in what form it may materialize. A lot more miles need to be covered and details worked out not to mention people thinking on the same wavelength to make it happen. This has the potential to be the biggeest thing to happen to this niche of the slot racing hobby since the concept of "retro"racing presented itself and literally move it to the next level.

The neat and important thing that I see evolving here is that a niche of slot racing (retro racing) that was just a concept for a several of pockets of baby boomer racers across the country has evolved in just a couple of years to something is now being discussed with a competition on a global level. Two lessons learned from this process. Number one is keep it simple and they will come. That is what retro is all about-simplicity. The second thing for the slot racing hobby in general is that it has to keep reinventing yourself. Retro racing is an example of that as well as other niches and they have worked. I guess the question is what will the next "retro" be?

Good luck to all the planners. This is going to be very interesting.

[Rick]

Very well stated Steve and an astute observation.

The race is or should be an event not just a race. My understanding, thus far, is that it is an open race to any and all and then the chaff is thrown out and only the very finest wheat kernals will be left for the Chamionship Event. So, it's really two races.

This is great!

I am with you, good luck to the organizers and I hope you can pull it all off. It appears there is a lot of interest from a couple of people to host the event. I think that will be the first step in the process is to finalize who, what and where?

[CruzinBob]

I have talked about putting a big event together for the 2012 San Diego County Fair which runs 22 days from mid June through the 4th of July. I suppose it would not be entirely favorable due to it's West Coast location. Do look for something next year tho.

I am also working on putting together a track in a Casino in Vegas. This would, IMO be the most ideal location for all concerned.

Another thought to attract some media is to make it a week long event and add in some Kids races. Perhaps tieing in seminars and how to's as lead in's as they do in trade shows.

There is a way to get media involved. Huge amounts of footwork and contacts are needed.

I'm up for helping in any way I can

[John Miller]

In my opinion, you need to go with expertise and a casino location may be the most viable.

Baby boomers race retro slot cars and boomers are the demographic for casino operations.

I am sure it would be fairly easy to convince the VP of marketing that a slot car race at a casino is feasible. Gaming facilities desire TV exposure that targets their demographic. They may even assist with funding or even offer the venue at a greatly reduced rate depending on the media coverage. The marketing departments in casino operations are extremely familiar with large media (TV) and marketing buys. So, you have built in expertise and can use them to make it happen.

Casinos have lobby's where the 1/1 cars can be displayed.

Casinos have hotel facilities and event centers that could easily manage a spectated slot car race.

1-hour away from down town Chicago there is a land based facility located in the southwest corner of Michigan that receives 10,000 visitors per day.

They are just building a new 1,600 seat multi-use event center and adding another 250 hotel rooms. The new addition will be open next summer.

Four Winds Casino

New addition

[Ron Hershman]

All very interesting thoughts about organizing the Retro "Worlds" with the initial primary focus and concern being a facility of Olympic proportions that will be host to perhaps 75 attendees from the USA and perhaps 10 from outside the USA. Frankly, help me understand what would make such an event parallel the likes of the more inviting and appealing an ever popular SANO and R4, the T Shirt? The migration to the the ultimate championship race is the SANO, R4,Checkpoint Cup and Retro Palooza at best as a start, as they are each bonafide qualifying events. Obviously and logically only the "A" Main racers from each event are qualified to participate in a championship race program, whatever the name of the event is called. Any premier raceway could host this very manageable event. Some may think just the top 3 "A" main podium placers would qualify, however there are obvious redundancies with this thought.

The "Retro Worlds" should not be just another gathering of local racers and those that have the means to find there way to participate from a distant 500-1000 miles.

Ray........

This race is not about being bigger or better than the Sano, R4, Checkpoint Cup in general thought. All of those races are great races and well attended and are special races and all are open to anyone who wishes to go and participate. But can you name any race where all the Top Retro racers along with all retro racers in one place at one time?

This could be that race for that to happen. If you look at the "invited" list of drivers, these invited drivers are the ones who consistently finished at the top of all the races they attended. The driver "rankings" also prove that not all racers show up for all the races.

This race will be another gathering of local racers as well as the majority of the top races from other areas and other parts of the world in one place at one time for a special race.

The event will be open to any and all ( local and far away ) that wish to attend.....same as it is for Sano, R4, etc races.

[Ramcatlarry]

There are plenty of Can/Am era cars within fifty miles of Lake Barrington as well as the USRRC era as well. Augie Pabst is about forty miles north with the Meister Brauser Scarabs, McKee Engineering always corralls a fleet for the Road America Historics each year (google the entry list this past weekend), and the Nickey Chevrolet racecars are less than ten miles away. Another local attraction is the VOLO Auto Museum with its extensive collection.

The Great Lakes Slot Car Club also has home/club 4-lane tracks within a few miles for some 1/32 racing.

[Uke]

Any update???

[Larry Mattingly]

Ryan

It appears that this particular event will be delayed until 2013, in order to get a European Retro race organized to create world wide interest in the class. Race is still targeted for the Chicago area....

Who knows what may pop-up between now and then...

Keep watching...

LM

[MG Brown]

In my opinion, you need to go with expertise and a casino location may be the most viable.

I don't want to seem like I am throwing cold water on the idea, but SCX/Technitoys hosted the SCX National Championships in the NASCAR Cafe at what was then the Sahara Hotel Casino in Las Vegas during NASCAR Champions week 2009. There was also a satellite demonstration area set up by SCX in the FAO Schwartz store in the Shops at Ceasars Palace.

The event in my opinion was not a success (the demonstration at FAO Schwartz seeming to draw the most interest), and was not repeated by SCX/Technitoys in 2010.

I felt that SCX/Technitoys did most of the preparation and presentation correctly - but for whatever reason there was a lack of interest and participation.



Certainly there are lessons to be learned and also applied to a future event, but being an official and invited guest to this event I feel strongly that the Casino location is probably not the best idea for a retro worlds slot car event.

[John Miller]

You are missing the point. We are looking for a venue that has the wherewithal to assist with the arrangements and that has the capacity to manage a Retro Worlds. TV coverage will bring in sponsorship money and those funds can be used to fly in the top/selected racers.

The Retro Worlds already has willing participants and there isn't a slot car manufacturer trying to sell products to the mass public. I am not certain how big the following is for a national championship SCX race. From a quick search on the web the few National Championship SCX races that I found appeared not to be well attended at any location. More than likely SCX was trying to promote and sell its products and from that standpoint it appears that their efforts didn’t produce the desired result.

Other than having people in grandstands for a camera shot, I don’t believe there is any interest in spectators attending the Retro Worlds. If you want to expose people to slot cars, walk in spectators should not be the focus as much as a proper venue for TV coverage.

Maybe if SCX took that approach they could have had better results. It appears that they had a great sponsor, just poor execution of its use.

[Uke]

Ryan

It appears that this particular event will be delayed until 2013, in order to get a European Retro race organized to create world wide interest in the class. Race is still targeted for the Chicago area....

Who knows what may pop-up between now and then...

Keep watching...

LM

Thanks for the update Larry. Will continue to look for updates.

Ryan

[Steve Deiters]

Just tossing this out for conversation. What is or should be done to get domestic and international manufacturers of retro racing equipment on board for support, sponsorship, input, ideas, etc.?

[Ron Hershman]

If you go to JP's site..... a week ago there was discussion of having a " Retro Euro Nats" on the King track in Bruhl Germany May of 2012.

Now today there is talk of JP having a new King track built and placed in Barcelona for the Model Car worlds ( on the MTT ) and the 2012 Retro Worlds on the new King track the same weekend.

[vfr750]

I wonder if I can suggest that Jen & I have a holiday your side of the pond in 2013?

I probably wouldn't be too competitive but it would be great to meet everyone.

Cheers

John

[Steve Deiters]

Just tossing this out for conversation. What is or should be done to get domestic and international manufacturers of retro racing equipment on board for support, sponsorship, input, ideas, etc.?

I should have been clearer. I meant for the race that is being discussed for North America.

[Rick Davis]

I should have been clearer. I meant for the race that is being discussed for North America.

Afraid the problem might be that due to the scratchbuilt nature of our retro cars not enough money goes to any one source in an identifyable manner for anyone to step up , I think our motors are used for other classes so Pro slot has no idea what kind of $$ retro brings in , the same I'm guessing would be true for tires , guides braids etc. the only product that in my mind is retro specific would be bodies and I don't forsee there being such a huge profit that Ron Hershman , Mike McDowell , Electric Dreams et al are going to battle over the right to sponsor the race.

[Brian]

I sure would like to see the Worlds here as I suppose everyone in the USA would too.

Time is running down to put this event together. Has there been a committee selected or somebody willing to put this together?

I do like John Miller's idea of holding the event at the Four Seasons Casino, centerly located for the states, possible good deals on rooms, places to eat & plenty of room for track setup & pitting. To me, that would make a great spot.

With a venue like the above, I believe the sponsorship/tv coverage of the event would fall into place. The biggest problem I see is the cost of & getting the volunteers to move a track to, from, & return.


This project will take some of the best orginization there is to offer.

Just some thoughts,

[Ron Hershman]

The earliest the Retro Worlds put on by JP in the U.S. will be 2013...NOT 2012!!!

[Brian]

The earliest the Retro Worlds put on by JP in the U.S. will be 2013...NOT 2012!!!

Thought it was "Just Talk"?

Maybe its time to change the thread title then?

[Steve Deiters]

Afraid the problem might be that due to the scratchbuilt nature of our retro cars not enough money goes to any one source in an identifyable manner for anyone to step up , I think our motors are used for other classes so Pro slot has no idea what kind of $$ retro brings in , the same I'm guessing would be true for tires , guides braids etc. the only product that in my mind is retro specific would be bodies and I don't forsee there being such a huge profit that Ron Hershman , Mike McDowell , Electric Dreams et al are going to battle over the right to sponsor the race.

Good points Rick. What I was thinking of was a consortium of manufacturers stepping up to particpate for the purpose of moving the "retro" niche forward not just one or two manufacturers in particular. The market is so small what is good for one should be good for the other. Maybe this niche just isn't big enough to support a concept like this, but then again maybe it needs a push to take it to the next level. Unfortunately the track record of getting people to work together as a group in slot racing is not exactly stellar or consistent.

As far as where to have it I'm reminded of a coversation I had with Ron Herschman last year who referenced a slot car race they had in a hotel ball room (in the '90's?/in Cleveland?) with a track that was assembled there and it drew a big crowd of what I would call "non-traditional" fans. Maybe he can expand on how it worked and how it didn't. Also Mike McMaster's has referenced many times the "Parma Challenge Cup" Series and how successful it was. Maybe some people can expand on those on how they worked and how they didn't work. I think a successful format has to be latched onto and then some out of the box thinking added to it to maximize it.

The concept of this race I think this is a great idea, but it is a very, very long shot.