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Post by seriespromoter on Apr 22, 2013 11:02:21 GMT -5
I started this thread to get ideas on how to grow the sport. We constantly see numbers in the Jr classes fallening. So I put it out for people to opening discuss:
1. Why do you feel new parents aren't getting into karting
2. What do you think is the single most costly thing in karting
3. If you could change one thing about karting, what would it be
Thanks in advance for your opinions, this is just an open discussion and let your feeling out.
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Post by tyler64 on Apr 29, 2013 17:58:57 GMT -5
1) Its not publisized enough. Most people never heard of such a sport. I know when I tell someone what I do, they imagine fun karts at the local rec center. Then when you descride/show what you do to them, they are usually facinated.
2) I don't think theres one single expensive cost that outweighs the others. Start-up itself it alot. Week to week may not be that bad, but when people see the start-up cost they get turned away.
As far a weekly expensise, tires may or may not be that bad for jrs,
engine rebiulds, maintmence, etc are not real high, but all of them plus entry fees, and food/ travel, etc add up to be alot in the end.
3) Long days.... Days are to long at the track, theres to many classes, and to much downtime.
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Post by ford2831 on Apr 30, 2013 10:30:30 GMT -5
I am one of the parents of a jr. karter. We started two years ago. Until then I never knew karting existed. so from my experience just knowing about the sport is the first thing. after that is was the start up expense. I was looking for a way for my son to try it out to see if he would like it and stick with it long enough for the investment, but I couldn't find anything so I had to take the chance and purchase everything. luckily my son loves it. In over two years we haven't missed a weekend of racing. I think it would help if there was a way for kids to try it out or even a kart racing school for the first timers at the local tracks. Advertizing at local "fun kart" places may be a way for people find out about the sport.
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Post by seriespromoter on May 1, 2013 6:18:22 GMT -5
Both replies are very good!!!
The first suggestion on publication, i couldn't agree more. We at the Elite Series are trying to work on that. Companies like T4 films and Joe-karter are trying to get the word out to people through video and results to make the sport look larger than jusst fun karts in the backyard.
A perfect example of the misconception to what we do and love is us going to Susky for our first race. Many fans of the normal big cars from Susky called and wondered what kind of kart show was this? They wanted to come and watch. Though i think many disagree with karting running on big tracks, we think it will eventually help the spectator side because of the expsoure to the big car fan base.
Track owners are realizing how much they have an oppurtunity to profit from karters on the pit side of things, but always worry about lost revenue from the grandstand side of things. Bottom line is there have been races that the karters on the bigtrack actually brought in more money for the track owner than what the big cars did, but you couldn't tell that from the grandstands.
In regards to the number of classes, that has been a highly discussed topic by many propmoters from all over the country. The key factor that someone has to do is lead the charge to make a change. Every promoter is also in the business to survive and keep his or her doors open. So they offer as many classes as they can to bring in that revenue.
We couldn't agree more in regards to the new karters and giving them a chance to run. Some local track and series have gone as far as to offer free registration, free tires, free karts rides etc. to help this cause. The Elite Series is giving away a free Jr Sportsman champ kart to any child 12 and under on Saturday thanks to Bob Mattera, just in the hopes we can get someone new into the sport.
Great conversation and please kepp them coming.
Thanks!
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Post by tyler64 on May 1, 2013 22:27:04 GMT -5
I'd love to see the stands filled at kart events. That would not only mean more money to the track and promoters, but more back to the racers. But we gotta give spectators a reason to come. I personally don't want to pay to come watch 25 different classes when only 5 may get a decent field and put on a good race.
Another thing to draw in more spectators and make for some better racing would be to stop the "follow the leader" style of racing. I have no idea how to do this but if we could get a "high line" that would hook up and work like the big cars can that would make for some awesome racing. Seems like anymore the bottom is wear you MUST run to be fast and you follow till the guy in front of you makes a mistake or you push them out of the way.
I also have access to extra karts, tires, motors, parts etc. if anyone knows of someone looking to 'try before you buy' I'd gladly lend out. Also a very good customer of mine does the same thing as well at his local Saturday night track. Either of us woul be willing to help out. Not just kids either, if an adult shows true interest we can make arrangements as well.
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Post by dirtracer26 on May 5, 2013 23:48:32 GMT -5
My son and I spent the entire day Saturday helping a friend with his kart and watching some incredible racing. We were sure to pick up his ticket for the Champ kart giveaway, with the hope that we could be a part of the action the next time around. At the end of the night, we left, never having heard a number drawn for a winner. Unfortunately, due to family commitments, we were not able to return on Sunday. I am just wondering if a winner was ever drawn for the Champ kart giveaway, and if the prize was awarded?
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Post by outlaw92j on May 6, 2013 12:32:53 GMT -5
The winning number was called Sunday. Someone claimed it, I saw two smiling kids carrying it away. We were 2 tickets off of winning it ourselves!
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