Originally Posted by
ajpastore
We found here in the NE that having the website really helps.
If you put yourself in the position of a being a potential racer, then try to figure out what is available, in most regions it's difficult to understand the basics of how to get involved.
When you don't know where the races are, what the different classes are, what you need to get going or who to contact, it's easy to get wrong information.
Bottom line is there are potential racers out there but they have too many things to choose from. Having a web presence with a schedule and contact information and the basics of what the class is, what the club is, and where and when you can actually see these things in action means you've potentially won over a racer just due to having this information available in one place.
Yes, it would be nice if the regions were able to do this on their websites but they have too many things to "sell"...such as volunteering, Rally Cross, Solo etc. So they are usually extremely confusing websites, that are often never updated, and never really promoting anything.
Also, often what happens is the potential racer assumes they have a an idea of what they want to race, Formula Vee is usually not on their list. But when they investigate further they understand the logistics of racing, towing, maintenance, storage etc. they end up looking more carefully at FV. This is where/when we need to be as visible and approachable as possible. The website helps with those cases as well.
It can be slow to get people into it but even one new racer a year is worth the effort.
I think we have also had some success with the Expos and Car shows. It's a lot of work but if you get everyone to pitch in, it can be easier. You may not hook a racer immediately but you can create a sort of "Halo" effect that imprints on their minds as something they should do. Yes, as Craig said, most of the time you sit around and talk to your racer buddies at these shows but that's an OK thing to do in the off season...I guess.
Most important, if you can get the potential racer to the track, to watch, help etc.. usually FV will sell itself. Get them off the internet, away from this site where the same 10 people bicker year in and year out, and help them understand that the world isn't ending and it's OK to go racing.
-AP