89 replies to this topic

[gatormark]

A man at Fast Trax last night mentioned he didn't even know we had a track in Avon Park and was surprised how a small town has such a huge track. What the shocker is in a state with 22 million people there are only three tracks open to the public. That is a staggering number and a reflection on where this hobby is headed.

[Racer36]

Instead of the doom and gloom prognostications why don’t you help advertise the existing tracks and work towards getting a group together to add another track or two to the state. Seems like a better use of your time than complaining about the state of the hobby don’t you think?

[CoastalAngler1]

Fast Eddie's, P-1 Raceway, The Race Place, The Raceway.biz - I count four.  

[Matt Sheldon]

That is a stellar number considering that commercial tracks within the US is hovering right around 65 at the moment.

[Samiam]

One way to let people know slot car racing still exists is to wear your slot car swag wherever you go. It would also help if event shirts had the words "Slot Car" on them. Go look  Not one of my event shirts have the word slot anywhere on them. If you raced in the '80s and not since and saw a shirt that said "RetroPalooza" on it, would you instantly know what it was? Not likely.
 
The owner of Slots-A-Lot gave me certificates for free rental time to hand out. I give them to my customers who are interested.

[Danny Zona]

Fast Eddie's, P-1 Raceway, The Race Place, The Raceway.biz - I count four.  

 

The Race Place has been around 27 years.

I've been blessed by the slot-gods on having a track around me so long.

[Grant G.]

Instead of the doom and gloom prognostications why don’t you help advertise the existing tracks and work towards getting a group together to add another track or two to the state. Seems like a better use of your time than complaining about the state of the hobby don’t you think?

 

A good message for everyone to follow. 

 

 

[Dennis David]

I wouldn't be too harsh. But the T-shirt idea is a good one. Wearing one today.

[Eddie Fleming]

We need more tracks anywhere and everywhere.

[Dennis David]

In lieu of clubs that's up to potential raceway owners having a realistic business plan and not a wing and a prayer.

[PCH Parts Express]

One way to let people know slot car racing still exists is to wear your slot car swag wherever you go. It would also help if event shirts had the words "Slot Car" on them. Go look  Not one of my event shirts have the word slot anywhere on them. If you raced in the 80s and not since and saw a shirt that said "Retro Palooza" on it, would you instantly know what it was? Not likely.
 
The owner of Slots-A-Lot gave me certificates for free rental time to hand out. I give them to my customers who are interested.

 
How did you know I was sporting my 1998 R-Geo Nats T-shirt today?

[PCH Parts Express]

Had a guy buy a T-shirt yesterday that said slot cars on it. I then realized we only had one style that said slot cars. Trinity and Koford shirts don't have the words slot car on them.

[PCH Parts Express]

In some cities handing out flyers/promo material in Spanish might get a good response. Maybe also advertise in a Spanish language publication. English language oldies radio has done well for some in the past.

[Wizard Of Iz]

A man at Fastrax last night mentioned he didn't even know we had a track in Avon Park and was surprised how a small town has such a huge track. What the shocker is in a state with 22 MILLION people there are only 3 tracks open to the public. That is a staggering number and a reflection on where this hobby is headed.

 

I've always thought that it might actually be easier to have a track in a small town since the rent is typically cheaper. After all... you don't need 1,000 guys to come race slot cars... just the right 20-30.

[gatormark]

Funny, but after posting this the owner of Fast Trax told me he is closing down. Going to see if we can purchase track and go to the club format, maybe do some GRRR races, etc. It has huge potential for the right group. 200 ft Kingleman and is a blast to run on.

[gatormark]

Fast Eddie's, P-1 Raceway, The Race Place, The Raceway.biz - I count four.

The Holly Hill track and Marcos' track are not open six days a week to the public. I was referring to a public track.

[CoastalAngler1]

Mark, none of these tracks are open six days a week.

 

Sorry your local track closed.

[gatormark]

Correction, Fast Trax will remain open on Wed and Sat only. That's a good thing.

[Samiam]

One way to let people know slot car racing still exists is to wear your slot car swag wherever you go. It would also help if event shirts had the words "Slot Car" on them. Go look  Not one of my event shirts have the word slot anywhere on them. If you raced in the 80s and not since and saw a shirt that said "Retro Palooza" on it, would you instantly know what it was? Not likely.

 
Saw these 2017 Nats shirts on eBay. They have the words "Slot Car" on them. Twice!

[gatormark]

Wearing a shirt won't change the fact that the hobby is fading. Room for tracks cost waaaaaay to much in rent as some here have found out and it's only going toget higher.

Another demographic, the fact that single parent homes are becoming the norm, i.e. Dad ain't what dad used to be; it's shocking. And dad is the one who takes kids fishing, hunting, to slot car tracks, or ball games, etc. Today's family is one where dad gets the kids every other weekend and that's supposed to take the place of a dad being there every day and night.

[Tex]

You've built quite the case for why new commercial slot car tracks aren't viable.

 

Soooooo, why this thread topic in the first place?

[DOCinCanton]

gatormark: I'd like to inform you that the slot car hobby has been fading since the mid-'70s (or even earlier).

[MSwiss]

In my area, single parent homes are not the norm.

Regardless, I've had plenty of single dad customers, and their kids, as customers.

And I deleted your last passage.

It was a clear violation of the TOU.

[Samiam]

Wearing a slot car shirt in public, not at the track, can only help get the word out that this hobby still exists. How many raceways have promo items like bumper stickers, license plate frames, hats, etc.? There are so many people who dropped out and never got back in for any number of reasons. Sometimes all it takes is a small spark to get a few back.
 
At Slots-A-Lot I saw plenty of Moms bring their children in to race. On Kid's Race Night it was mostly moms.
 
I posted an article from a Slot Mag. that predicted the imminent  demise of our hobby. Dated '68 or '69. So if it takes another 47 years to completely fade out, I'm good with that. I don't think I'll be doing much racing at age 105.

[gatormark]

Mostly moms... thanks for proving my point.