Economics 101

[QSMS_Larry]

So you think you want to build a RC Race Track?
You might want to read this first!

As explained by Larry Cross owner of The RC Tracks at Milestone MX Park

As you know there have been many RC tracks come and go. The main reason is economics, too big of an initial investment and not enough income to cover expenses once the track is open.

Let’s take Milestone as an example. The following is just the basic costs.

Cost to build included heavy equipment such as earthmover, grader, roller and bobcat. Several ton of sifted soil/clay brought in. Many gallons of water, sound walls light poles and lighting all done by the owner of the park.

30,000 square feet of asphalt $42,000, pit lanes $4,000, drivers stand $4500, fencing, tables and the list goes on. Money provided by investors who some day would like to get some return on their investment.

Track preparation. You may not realize the amount of work that goes into prepping and maintaining the tracks during an event. For a race on the asphalt the day before the track is completely washed down (water provided by park owner). Trash is picked up around the perimeter and necessary repairs to the retaining walls are made. Then the track is laid out depending on if it is an oval or road course event utilizing various styles of barriers. During the event maintenance is done with the use two large vacuums and a really effective “Little Wonder 5HP blower”.

The Off Road track prep depends on the scale of cars run the last event but as an example when the 1/5 scale cars/trucks run the track basically has to be rebuilt due the severe holes and ruts that develop. On Thursday the Bobcat (not a cheap piece of equipment) is brought in to do the heavy work after which the dirt is heavily watered (water provided by park owner). On Friday the “drag” (relative cheap of equipment but does need to be maintained) is brought in for numerous laps around the track. Combined with lots of water. Final finish work is done by hand shovels and rakes. Fire hoses filled with water to insure solid lane dividers. More water. Every two or three events bring in more sifted soil/clay to improve racing surface. During the event one or two employees to insure track stays moist (lot more water) and surface raceable.

Now we go to running the races. My experience has shown that a successful event cannot be run with volunteers. Many will talk about it but very few actually ending up helping out. That is why I hire individuals to do the various jobs necessary to make things run smoothly. In addition to track personnel race scorers and announcers are needed.

I believe based on the above all racers will reconsider the issue that entry fees will have to increase if RC TRACKS (not just Milestone) will stay in business.

Compared to the cost of a daytrip to Disneyland this information should help all to realize that the $10 Milestone charges to use their facility and the $5.00 to $25.00 (depending on whether it is practice or a race and the scale being raced) the track owner charges is a very nominal cost to “play” with your “big boy toys”.

[cbmracing]

Excellent job of pointing out the costs involved, and I am sure there are many more as well. When you see how much it costs to construct a topnotch facility, the price of admission seems unbelievably low considering what you get for your money. I don't know of anything other than rc tracks where you pay only 5-25$ for a day of clean family fun at a very costly time consuming facility. Many thanks to all those who keep tracks open for us all to enjoy. Don't suppose I could talk you into building one in my neck of the wisconsin northwoods? I seriously looked into having a nice but small onroad track built on my property, then the reality of the 10's of thousands of dollars kinda shattered that plan.To all those tracks still open and struggling, keep up the good work, and do what ya gotta do to stay open, including raising prices. If people want to race at great tracks, then paying a fare price isn't asking to much in my opinion. Thanks again to all who offer the chance to race on real track.