28th-Jan-21, 07:51 PM
Just a few rambling thoughts...
Although proxy races don't appeal to a lot of club racers, I think the idea is getting more attractive. And then there's all the home tracks around the country that are - as you say - screaming out to be used.
My only pre-Covid proxy racing was HO drag racing in the States - with an established group of respected hobbyists. Then Covid arrived and it seemed a good opportunity to do something around WHO to keep some racing going. What's interesting about our proxy events is the huge enthusiasm from those who get involved - but they are a small minority at the club. A few more enthusiastically follow the action. The events have been successful because other racers from around the country have got involved - most of them not involved in club racing. Most of the 'outsiders' already had some links - either personally with me or via WHO.
The basis of a proxy is sending cars to a venue to have them raced. There is some trust involved - especially if there's an entry fee as well as postage costs and the value of the car. The cheapest way is if the cars go to race at one venue or a few venues that are close by (and on the route of essential travel under lockdown). To safely post or courier a large number of cars between venues makes me nervous - and would also add to the expense.
The cost of the HO drag racing events had been buying some cheap medals (£1 each!) for the race winners - and that has kindly been shared out by some of the other racers. Otherwise, competitors pay postage to and from the venue. Small prizes and goodies have been donated by racers or supporters. We have built a nice little community.
I like my slot racing to replicate real motorsport - so proxy racing sits fine with me as drag racing, rally stages and club sprints. Of course the element of driver skill is removed, but everything else is still there. And I've always loved the coverage - whether it was the Nitro Slots HO drag racing, the 1/43 Monte Carlo, the 2020 Wye Valley proxies etc. There's a good opportunity to take photos, a little bit of video and some storytelling. The host has to try and entertain those following the event. I am sure there's plenty more creativity to explore.
There's some truth in 'Build it and they will come', but capturing people's imagination and offering something 'professional' - as Leo said - does always help. It's worth borrowing ideas that work, but also stamping your identity on it and trying new things.
It could be a long while before 'things get back to normal' - and we might discover ways of doing things that we want to carry on doing. We certainly want to carry on with regular HO proxy drag racing and are seriously considering making the Winter Rally-Sprint a regular event.
Although proxy races don't appeal to a lot of club racers, I think the idea is getting more attractive. And then there's all the home tracks around the country that are - as you say - screaming out to be used.
My only pre-Covid proxy racing was HO drag racing in the States - with an established group of respected hobbyists. Then Covid arrived and it seemed a good opportunity to do something around WHO to keep some racing going. What's interesting about our proxy events is the huge enthusiasm from those who get involved - but they are a small minority at the club. A few more enthusiastically follow the action. The events have been successful because other racers from around the country have got involved - most of them not involved in club racing. Most of the 'outsiders' already had some links - either personally with me or via WHO.
The basis of a proxy is sending cars to a venue to have them raced. There is some trust involved - especially if there's an entry fee as well as postage costs and the value of the car. The cheapest way is if the cars go to race at one venue or a few venues that are close by (and on the route of essential travel under lockdown). To safely post or courier a large number of cars between venues makes me nervous - and would also add to the expense.
The cost of the HO drag racing events had been buying some cheap medals (£1 each!) for the race winners - and that has kindly been shared out by some of the other racers. Otherwise, competitors pay postage to and from the venue. Small prizes and goodies have been donated by racers or supporters. We have built a nice little community.
I like my slot racing to replicate real motorsport - so proxy racing sits fine with me as drag racing, rally stages and club sprints. Of course the element of driver skill is removed, but everything else is still there. And I've always loved the coverage - whether it was the Nitro Slots HO drag racing, the 1/43 Monte Carlo, the 2020 Wye Valley proxies etc. There's a good opportunity to take photos, a little bit of video and some storytelling. The host has to try and entertain those following the event. I am sure there's plenty more creativity to explore.
There's some truth in 'Build it and they will come', but capturing people's imagination and offering something 'professional' - as Leo said - does always help. It's worth borrowing ideas that work, but also stamping your identity on it and trying new things.
It could be a long while before 'things get back to normal' - and we might discover ways of doing things that we want to carry on doing. We certainly want to carry on with regular HO proxy drag racing and are seriously considering making the Winter Rally-Sprint a regular event.
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