Yes you have to have insurance, Roar or other, probably the million dollar liability that a buisness is required to have, you need a driver stand, pit lane bench to start cars on, and a score booth so the printer and lap top dont suck all the dirt up. Water, lots and lots of water to control dust, that is the biggest problem we have in Topeka. AMBrc timing system with or with out track transponders. If without, personals will be required to race, or take the option of hand counting, which experience saids I suck at that personally. Orange cones for corner marshal locations. Outhouse to go bathroom, yes females do race and come out, no truck door leaks. Trash control of some sort. Then know county or city laws about selling stuff at the location. Concessions and parts are a BIG plus for the racers and income for the track. Topeka is hotter than hell in the summer, and night racing is extremely cool, which requires lights, Topeka doesnt have lights and is not a must by no means. One more thing, NOISE, make sure no one is going to complain about the noise, T-Line got shafted last year by a neighbor complaining about the noise and lights at night. Dave has a hell of an awesome track and a neighbor 4000ft from him through the trees got the county involed and put the hammer on him.
Ok now that I have scared the technicalities out of you, a skid steer and plate compactor is about all you need for moving dirt and packing it, and that black drainage pipe for boundries. Thats the easy stuff.
As far as getting this done, I have always suggested billboard signs for business sponsors like at baseball fields and Heartland park. Ad like the phone, so much $ or material for size of sign. Insurance and AMBrc is always the hardest, the rest will fall into place.
[quote=JPMSRacing;4256625] AMBrc timing system with or with out track transponders. If without, personals will be required to race, or take the option of hand counting, which experience said sucks.
Pretty accuarate post Mr Joe. There is definately much more to consider than just people showing up & having a place to race. But those are definately 2 of the most important contributing factors.
As far as hand counting, I remember the days of that task.
Sounds good as long as I don't have to work the concession stand.
Did I scare you, its better to know up front than learn as you go. If you can get all those ducks in a row, drivers will show and you will have a sucessful race track.
A little more elaborate than I was originally thinking, but I suppose you're right. If you're going to build a track at all, it should be done right. I will certainly need lots of help. I still think it can be done. Getting a good location will solve alot of the problems; easy access to bathrooms, water, electricity. Maybe the city or county will help out with a good location. They built a skate park here in Manhattan for the skateboarders and bicyclers. I see they put up some new tennis courts in Wamego. You never know! Sounds like I need to talk to Dr Claussen, see how interested he is once he knows what all it entails. Then try to recruit as many others as we can who want to help out.
I am glad you can see that, anyone can build a track, but it takes alittle bit more to build a successful track that will be there for years to come. Call me sometime and we can hook up.
Do you have any free time this weekend? I have band practice Saturday afternoon, other than that I am available anytime. Either that or evenings during the week. What did you have in mind, or where did you want to meet? I would like to ask you questions and discuss problems and solutions to getting a track going. I made a rough outline of track needs and expenses, etc., so now I'm organized and ready to get the ball rolling and see if we can make anything happen. Spring will be here quick! I'm still looking forward to free parking lot racing on Sundays at Hastings, everyone is invited! Anyone in the Manhattan area, please drop a line on here too!!!
Everything is always an option when it comes to getting a new track going. It doesn't have to be a "all at once or nothing" thing. Most important thing is to not lose hope, continue to be creative & motivated, never let others comments hinder your motivation, & realize that positive enthusiasm is what this sport thrives on, & you sir, seem to have plenty of that. Thanks to You! & good luck.
Ok now that I have figured out who you are, (band thing), , there is not many Manhattan guys on here. Mostly racers on the forum and not bashers, since no track, no racers, but we can change that. Quinton is the only one I ever see on here. My buddies here in Wamego, just call me and it seems I am the pivot of information. I will try and get them to get on here. You see if you can get some Manhattan people on here. I dont know what to do to get people together, I dont know if JC will let someone put a flyer in the store for a club, since there club has no members. I might go out on a limb and try something. Will let you know.
I've already mentioned to Robin at the hobby store about a flier or business cards, surely they would let us. That would be the best place to advertise by far. Though I'm not sure what's in it for her, Robin is always eager to help. They got a group together last summer and went and did work on the Milford track, and she organized all that. I had a show and missed it, but she knows plenty of people. The only people I know are the few who show up at Hastings on Sundays, including Quinton, but they all have off-road R/C's too and seem interested in racing, not sure about helping. Thanks for the encouraging post rcfisher! Sounds like we'll be needing plenty of luck! I agree it doesn't have to be all or nothing. All we can do is our best. Joe, I figured you knew who I was this whole time or I would have said something. I'm still planning to make it to that open house in Topeka April 12 and then some races!
What's up guys!
This weather has me itching as well! I'm not sure who you are butter?
Anyway, I use to really want to get a track up and running too, but after Joe and I made a track in Wamego and saw how much time and work it takes to keep it in shape - No thank you. That and family time, house chores, etc keeps me busy. Burnin' nitro is just my little escape from the real world. I use to run them every dang day, now I just try and find time to run them every couple weeks.
I like running at the Hastings parking lot because it's so easy to show up, run for awhile, and leave whenever. Street racing is convenient because there is very little maintenance. Organized racing is too organized for me. Everything else in life runs on a schedule and is somewhat organized. When I'm burnin nitro I don't want organization! I want loud, nasty power!! Rip sh!t up and go! LOL
I was just thinking about the St Patricks Day parade.
Next year I want to get a group of us together, a truck and trailer. Run all our R/C's in the parade and put up a sign on the truck just to get more of us together. All for some Free Fun!
I know there are ALOT of us R/C guys around here, we just need a way for more of us to get together and have fun.
, there is not many Manhattan guys on here. Mostly racers on the forum and not bashers, since no track, no racers, but we can change that. Quinton is the only one I ever see on here. My buddies here in Wamego, just call me and it seems I am the pivot of information. I will try and get them to get on here. You see if you can get some Manhattan people on here. I dont know what to do to get people together, I dont know if JC will let someone put a flyer in the store for a club, since there club has no members. I might go out on a limb and try something. Will let you know.
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