Ernest Provetti Open letter to RC Industry
03-24-2010, 09:29 AM
#331
Tech Adept
iTrader: (1)
Maybe arguing is too much fun
Okay okay---stop arguing and go out racing!!!
It WILL HELP racing to continue developing "SPEC" class's--and creating limits to technology to allow for very equal racing especially among the new and hobby racers. There will always be "open" class's for the all out hotshot racers--but there is ALWAYS a need for budget racing entry level class's and keeping OUT the proffessional sponsored racers from those class's.
Let's race and enjoy all levels---you'll find more participants will lead to better and more affordable products to race with.
T
It WILL HELP racing to continue developing "SPEC" class's--and creating limits to technology to allow for very equal racing especially among the new and hobby racers. There will always be "open" class's for the all out hotshot racers--but there is ALWAYS a need for budget racing entry level class's and keeping OUT the proffessional sponsored racers from those class's.
Let's race and enjoy all levels---you'll find more participants will lead to better and more affordable products to race with.
T
I'm in the marketing biz and lemme tell you, every hobby/activity/sport is going through the same angst. The ones who think it through inevitably arrive at the same place -- you have to keep new people coming in, because older people will be going out.
When there are a million different ways to spend disposable income, activities succeed when desire meets opportunity. You have likely seen the "Go RVing" and "Take me fishing" campaigns. Those industries have pooled their resources to get people interested. A big part of those campaigns is a retail program that lowers the barriers to entry, whether they are cost or knowledge barriers. There isn't a big and well-funded RC association, so the responsibility falls to manufacturers, retailers, tracks and racers. Given the situation, RC hasn't done too poorly. The Slash class, VTA and other spec classes were started with the same idea in mind -- make it easy for newcomers to become active long-term participants.
Because spec classes should have appeal to the masses, they are by nature, trendy. VTA might not have worked 10 years ago. Slash might have been a flop if it waited until 2012. There might be a new spec class opportunity around the corner. One or more of the current spec classes might have a very long life span. As Yogi said, "Predictions are hard to make, especially about the future."
It's kind of pointless to argue about the suitability of one spec class over another -- the ones that work will be successful and the ones that don't will go away. The real issue is that there has to be SOME easy entry point that is relatively stable. A midseason newcomer should feel confident that he won't have to buy new gear for the next season.
In my limited experience, I've noted that most manufacturers, retailers, track owners and racers are eager and willing to help new people get into the hobby. It would be a shame if that positive buzz was killed by bickering over small stuff.
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