www.arcorraceway.org

We need your help. ARCOR has realized that the turn out has been very low and while some of this can be blamed on the economy, bad weather at some of the races, other races going on at the same time as ARCORs races we think part of the problem is the start time. Here is where we are stuck, we have to get the 8th scale races done before dark but we want to start as late as possible for the people who are working on Saturday and for the nasty heat that we have. Also starting later usually lets the wind die down some and makes it much more enjoyable out there.

What is your input on when we should start keep in mind it takes about an hour and a half to get through 1 round of heats, so with out a break 3 hours to get through heats, we usually try to have at least a 10 minute break between the heats and 15-30 between the mains. So 3 and a half hours to get up to the eighth scale mains. Then if we run 15 minute mains with a break inbetween that puts us at over 4 hours to get up to and run the 8th scales.

Do we stop running 2 eighth scale heats and just run one and run a longer main?
Do we run the eighth scales before the 10th scales. And risk not having any marshalls or pit people?
Do we just keep doing what we are doing and keep trying to start the races as late as possible depending on the turn out for a given night?

Post your suggestions remember that talking about a problem has never fixed one but talking about a solution always does. We want the races to be more enjoyable and with a bigger turn out and we feel like input from the racers is required.

gate opens 8:00 am
track prep and set up 8-9
sign ups 9-9:30
race starts 10:00

allows for other family activites on Saturdays and beats some of the heat and no night noise concerns..

+1.
I think the two main factors for poor turnout are

1. No set start time on the schedule. Who is in charge of setting that? I'm sure Al can change it in 2 seconds.
2. Family and other activities scheduled on Saturday are conflicting with our race dates.


Some other things we might consider. Scheduling what days we aregoing to run certain classes. For example, the less popular classes should be alternated. Like gas truck first race of the month and 4wd buggy the 2nd. The most popular classes could be ran every race day. Maybe bring back the monster truck classes for the people with bashers etc. This will allow people with multiple cars to run all of their cars and none of them will go to waste. This may shorten the overall race program by omitting the 2 car classes and by alternatmg them or scheduling certain classes for certain days we can ensure the most "bang for the buck".


Also we cam up with some good resolutions at our meeting. So far not many of them are being enacted.

I'd be in favor of earlier starts. It's cooler and the schedule won't feel so compressed for club races.
We don't have lights for the 1/8th scale class and short changing the 1/8th scale drivers for this and noise reasons hurts the class.

Whatever we do, we need it on the schedule and need to get it broadcast out to the masses.

An improvement in attitude about the classes, events, venue, etc., would be a huge benefit to the club. Most people want to have fun, without all of the restrictions and in-fighting related drama. You sponsored guys have a HUGE responsibility to represent the hobby, your factories and your home track.
Consistency in the program
Relieving some of the restrictions on classes (SC motors as an example for 2011 and "first couple of timers" in 2010)

I think you guys are doing a good job at running races. The one I made it to everyone got to race no matter what car they had and that is the important part. In my opinion nights are better then morning races they give everyone time to do what they need to before racing and allows enough time for your white rock guys to get there without getting up really early. I think the SC classes are what need to be focused on in getting people into racing. They are enexpisive and the ready to race trucks are just as competitive as race kits. You guys could set up a raffle for a ready to race kit or something in a public place just to get people to come and watch the SC classes run. I know the guys that came with me to the race that night got hooked on them and they both are getting one. I wish i could make it to every race, but i will be back on the Augast 14th race to run my slash. Anyway keep up the good work you guys at ARCOR are the best club in the state and probably one of the top in the nation and i look forward to racing with you guys as much as i can

+1

In my opinion there are many factors at work here which are having an impact on race turnout, or lack thereof. First, I acknowledge and can appreciate certain individuals concerns with the discrepancies pertaining to the ever-changing race schedule. Once again we need to collectively agree upon an all encompassing schedule that the mass is content with and stick to it. Sure, there will always be those anomalies that are never satisfied but we can’t continue to change schedules to accommodate the preferences of a select few. Second, it is blatantly obvious that there is little to nothing being done in the way of advertising or promotion in general here on a local level. It does not help matters when our club president is able to negotiate for and acquire large events to be held at our track, if here locally turnout/participation/membership is poor. It seems like a no brainer (common sense) that if we were to advertise at such places like Jiffy Lube, Autozone, PepBoys, and the like with some sort of generic flier this would draw some sort of audience which later translates to participation and concluding with membership. What would it take to ask our local hobby store (and others) if we can put up some kind of advertisement poster within thier place of business promoting our club and track? Again, this has the potential to be beneficial for both parties and I don’t foresee any logical resistance. We could even go as far as providing free race coupons for any and or all RC kits purchased at this place of business (the idea of a fellow club member). Furthermore, I like the proposal of bringing back the Monster Truck class. This is how I first started in the racing realm (T-maxx and Jato) and I am confident that those bashers, like me, who get their feet wet with such entry level classes, will expand to other classes down the line. Lastly, and certainly not any less important, is the need to improve the appearance of our facility making it more aesthetically pleasing. This again is simple in theory and should not be any different in practice. In combination with our much needed NPO status and the assistance provided to us within the local political sphere this should be feasible in the very near future. However, none of this is possible if the initiative is not taken. We need individuals who are motivated to make a difference and not those that are comfortable maintaining the status quo.
To answer the initial quandary posed by our race director…decide what is in the best interest of the majority, publicize it, and stick to it. From what I have gathered, it still seems easier for the majority of our club members to kick things off in the a.m. on Saturdays. How about having some more 8th scale night races with only the illumination of our vehicles headlights to guide us? Ya all know I spanked ya assess last time LOL. How about experimenting with some weekday night races (not kidding)?

New activities to draw a crowd:
What about seeking out new events such as tug-o-war or tractor pulling? What about the possibility of having an obstacle course strictly for monster truck madness (I know we all have some extra/old bodies lying around that we could crush). Everyone and their mother has a T-maxx, E-maxx, Savage or MGT. I’ll dust off my Clodbuster for the occasion. Let’s put something together and draw them out to our club/facility. If you build it they will come!!! Lastly, I think we should follow our neighboring tracks practice and hold public expositions (expo).

Whatever is decided I’m game and I’ll “BASH” around with you all!

Scott/Rich:
I am here if my assistance is needed, and I have no problem making some more calls or hitting the streets for the sake of our shared interest and sport. Hit me up!!!

10:00 am - 12:00 am start time kinda sux... I know it gets hot in New Mexico, i used to live there! Maybe combine some less popular classes. We went to a minimum 4 car class rule. If 2 wheelers shows up, 1 stadium truck shows up, and 1 2wd buggy shows up... they all go into the Heinz 57 class for the night. electric with electric and nitro with nitro of course, but everybody gets to race and it's supposed to be about fun isn't it. I know on our computer I setup the Heinz 57 class and it gets used over half the time... it works and nobody goes home without racing and we don't waist time running two cars in a class. I would also consider the weeknight idea. If you race Wednesday night then your weekend is wide open for the kids, wife, work, honey doos, etc. Just one guys opinion.

DJ

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Yea, but running the 1/8 scale mains under "head lights" was stupid and a waste of time and money. The 1/8 scale track doesn't have lights.
I'd rather be hot and have a higher attendance of racers than 5 degrees cooler weather.

The 4+ in class rule is a good one. Last race day we had 2 buggies racing and seemed pointless. This goes back to my suggestion of making a schedule on when the not so popular class could get together and ensure a decent turnout and a higher chance of getting to race.

I usually stay quiet but this past weekend I was out. Yes it was hot, bearable but hot. I rather start in the a.m. personally. If its 10 a.m. or 7 pm its hot. On Saturday I had a temp reading of 90 at my house around 10 pm. Untill we can get lights on the 8th am may be better. Also as for the 8th has a raised pit lane ever been planned or talked about. If we can get a defenite materials list with a price I would be more than glad to donate money and time. I may even be able to get material for free from my dads work.With my work schedule in the summer months my weeknights are usually me going home then going to bed. I would of like to gone to the meeting. It was posted that "minutes" would be posted up after and i have not seen them yet. I will help as much as i can in doing my part. For the best of the club and fellow racers.

It would be awesome to do an elevated pit lane at the 8th scale track. That and lights would be a nice finishing touch.

1. Open gates at 8, signups...start at 10...I grew up racing in Tampa...hot there too, but the late night stuff will NOT bring in new racers...Moms and Dads arent comming out there and staying till midnight...period. Start early and home by dinner is a much better sell.
2. Post rules and dates at the beginning of the season and stay with them.
3. Post fliers at Bobby's and on RCTECH/think we have a thread there/more visibility than ours for "out of towners".
4. 4 makes a class...Novice runs regardless

*first race is free??

Wow I agreed with Asa!

Yes, first race is free.

Antonio go back like 1-2 years on the threads and get up to date. Lol.
We even had people offer to donate sprinklers for then1/8 track.

You guys are getting outta line. There's good comraderie here and that shouldn't go to waste. Everyone needs to have + input and do what's best for the club.

One of the challenges to the sprinklers is a lack of volume of water to run them. Hopefully some clay will help with staying a little wetter a little longer.

As for the being outta line, I'm not too worried about it. LOL

Wow I finally got home from work and had time to check the postings and did not expect to read what has been posted. It is evident that there are many underlying issues with the club its officers and its members. I understand that there are no clubs that have perfect harmony but I also understand that this sort of hostility rips clubs apart. I made an inquiry on start time to resolve the first and easiest attendance issue.

I am glad that people have presented more problems WITH possible solutions. I will listen to problems if someone also has a possible solution but will NOT listen to a problem with out a solution as that is just a rant. So I do appreciate that however let's try and fix one thing at a time. We are all very busy people and can't fix everything at once.

To the start times I did not realize that the heat was such an issue and honestly I don't think that it is an issue for the majority they may not like it but heat isn't going to keep them home scheduling conflicts will rather that is family or work or whatever. Arcor has been very succesful for years racing saturday nights. But its always been much later.

As far as inconsistent start times we said at the start of the year that we were going to start no earlier than four but possibly later gates open at three. We have only shifted it back so people wouldn't and won't get caught out showing up what they thought was on time but was actually late.

So I don't know maybe I am wrong maybe it isn't start time maybe you are all right or maybe its the economy or maybe people need an incentive to race. Maybe they don't like the officers I really don't know. But I do know I have only heard the very loud voice of a few and I know that the voice of a few is usually not the voice of the majority.

See what you've done Sean! Now you've done it! Look what you've gone and done now you little jerk! Ha Ha Take a poll and I suppose majority rules. I'm curious to observe the results. I vote for 8th scale night races with nothing more than the luminosity of our moon to shed light on our track. Come to think of it I believe I still have some white LED's that I can power via a 9v and mount in my s**t for headlights. Oh yeahhhh.

OK I am posting this one again...I think its was lost in the personal side battles.

1. Time is CLEARLY an issue...if you want to grow the track running at night is NOT the answer! It is hot, but its also hot at 4-10PM...the early show + early start + early finish has a better opportunity to bring new folks than the alternative. Running into the late hours is going to drive folks away...or prevent them from ever trying it.

2. Better advertising...RCTECH among others is a great place to keep a friendly, informative thread going along with the site here. The Tumble weed, and race schedule should be posted there and updated well ahead of time (especially if we are to draw in out of town racers).

3. 4 cars make a heat...if 2 trucks and 2 buggies show, combine them...the novice class should always run their class since they are the future of the track.

4. Post rules, classes and dates, and then adhere to them for the season...

5. Personal wars on this board are childish and make the track look "bush league"...its gonna kill the track/relax and back on point...how can we grow the track? Those were my ideas/shared by others.

Paul

(be back this weekend)

So far the ideas I really like are:
1. alternating weekends for smaller classes ie. gas truck and 4wd.
2. I also agree that 4 cars make a class even if its 4 different cars, and we have done a lot of that.
3. I will attempt to creat a poll with three start time options.
4. I agree that advertising will help and its a good idea but we have lost a lot of racers that know good and well about ARCOR I want to know why we lost THEM.
5. I really agree that the rants kill the validity of this forum, and thus make topics like this useless as most stray away from the forum and thus dont post there feelings.

And no one replied to the monster truck class but that was never removed by ARCOR it died, it died because people didnt race it and the people who really wanted to race bought other cars and moved on with life.

I'll get another revo with an .18TM, so long as I can pit RIGHT next to Bobby and Scott AND test to see that second gear engages during warm up.

Well said, Paul aka Muddfoot..

Well said...

+100.

AL I wanna see a mullet on you when you drive. And if you do get a monster truck, Daniel will be your new best friend. Red neck tractor pulls and car crushing? Your crazy lad! I wanna see it though, I'll bring the kyosho usa-1 out in full force!

But we need a clear schedule rules etc.. And adhere to them, and if we need to we can make minor changes and amendments throughout the season.

Look at what we have here,,

Scott=25 years of racing knowledge and connections, and personally ensures racing doesn't die in Albuquerque.
Rich=good food and that's it JK CHEF!
Sean=pro racer in real race cars, definitely use some 1:1 experience and convert it to racing 1:10 and 1:8 scale cars.
John=hell of a good announcer and gets things done in a + way.
Al=trouble, and tons of experience regarding websites promoting online via google and everything technical.
Allen=Takes care of alot behind the scenes and is never insulting or negative that I can see.
Daniel=dictionary full of words we don't know, but can get things done on a gov't level and willingness to promote track on a local level.
David R, myself, Jose and others like this are always willing to help out regarding track rebuilds or whatever.
I am willing to help with ANYTHING with regards to the track.
The Romero's, Vigil's and Maesta's were always major contributors as well and have done tons for the track.
The kid's Jacob and Ayrton seem gung ho to promote the track. I've met a couple kids that have rc cars and they already know Jac and Ayrton.
Paul will be back and always has an unbiased fair opinion,
Laura and John are always willing to help anyway they can.
And to be honest almost everyone I encountered at ARCOR has been great and I'm sure be willing to help out.
It would be a shame to lose anyone involved here.

Our major problem is communication, no one is "dropping the ball" to be malicious. Just out of miscommunication or busy schedule's. Let's get organized.

I prefer night racing, but I think our morning racing has the biggest attendance. I will be there regardless of start time and family functions. I personally would rather race than attend a weddding or b day party.

me=trouble? I would expect at the very least a capital, "T".

It would be nice to stick with what we know. Night racing on Saturday is no different from last year, or the year before. It was still hot in July during any previous year. I personally cannot make the morning races because I almost always have to work. I certanly don't want my money going to waste on cars I cannot drive.

Maybe night racing will not attract new racers, but morning racing will definitely lose racers.

Last year the morning attendance was low as well, read past posts about turnout if anybody cares to.