Originally Posted by ray_munday

I started racing at 14, have been racing for over 20 years, and now have an 8yo son racing.

This thread has made me quite despondent about the attitudes of people in rc. Its quite obvious that RC is a hobby of toys, for adults, kids need not apply.

Please name ANY other sport that does not have a junior category. Even chess, a sport that is 100% non-physical, has a junior league in Australia.

There is little encouragement for juniors (I couldnt tell you the last time I saw a trophy for top junior) so its no wonder kids and parents arent attracted to racing.

17.5 is NOT a junior class.
21.5 in Victoria is NOT a junior class.

Yes, RC is not exactly a physical sport. But kids are mentally not as developed as adults, and its hard to stay motivated when you are racing hard, and only making b or c finals. Adults dont like it either, which is why we have development classes. My son is 8 and gets quite intimidated racing adults, but loves racing his mates. I have seen young kids getting abused for marshalling, and I have seen prospective parents walk away. Yes, you can penalise the driver who abused the kid, but by then its too late.

Its correct that you need to market to adults who are parents. But by not having any form of junior participation, you are not making it attractive to parents compared to other forms of sport.

Its true that time is an issue at big events, but we seem to be able to find time for demo classes at big events...

I don't know that a junior class at big events is the only answer, but it would be great to see a better attitude towards juniors at club / state level.

Maybe the more realistic option is some junior focussed local events which would mean that they dont take up precious time from adults racing their multiple classes at big events. They would probably be a bit shorter as well, which would help attract parents. Have a look at how many hundreds of thousands of parents drive their kids around to play sport a few hours each weekend in Australia without actually participating... parents will do a lot for their kids if they think a sport is giving something back.

My son is 8 and he really enjoys his driving and hanging out with his mates, but after being told off a few times for not letting lapping drivers through he gets nervous on the stand. There are a few kids under 12 racing in Victoria, and they all have a great time with each other which is awesome to see. Currently they are battling in the lower half of the A / upper half of the B in 21.5. It would be awesome for them to have their own class, gaining confidence and not getting in the way of other racers, but that isnt going to happen any time soon. Now we have top 17,5 drivers entering 21.5, its only going to be more discouraging for them and their parents.

I know this post wont change anything, but I encourage you to remember that when we don't encourage juniors, its crazy to think we will attract many.

Its great to hear that some clubs are really pushing the junior classes at their club. Wait to see where those clubs are in a few years - I reckon they will be in a very strong position!

Ray