Originally Posted by
TwoTone
The problem is getting new people in and outsiders perceptions. I think that having a cost controlled class would go a long way to alleviate this problem.
From what I've seen, part of the problem is that there really aren't any RTRs that fit the existing class structure. The HPI Flux is close, but the motor isn't VTA legal.
That was the beauty of the Slash. Cheap, hardy, quick enough, bashable, and a runaway success, and the barrier to entry was pretty low. Just add a battery and charger and you're good to go. A class sprang up to accommodate it, and people had a blast banging them around.
Now that The Gate has a prime, visible location, we get a decent amount of foot traffic. When passers-by wander in to watch an on-road race, show some interest, and then find out that most racers are running vehicles that cost well over $1000, they go back to Forza 3 on XBOX. Never mind that just being able to finish a 5 or 6 minute heat requires more skill than most newbies have. Even a Mini Cooper class isn't cheap if you're just starting out.
We have a Mini-Cooper that people can try out for free, but we've yet to see anyone that's tried it come back.
Back to beating the dead horse.