Host Expectations / Obligations

1. Communication, either way. Usually on the race post is best, because it points to the specific race. "Hey, running a little behind on filming, blah blah blah ..." ...... that sort of thing. Let us know you're still there and not gone dark.

2. In general, I would say that after you have filmed everything, at least start by boxing up the entries and getting them ready to be shipped back.  No one is going to know the results until you've posted the videos, anyway, so you could run the entire series, pack up the cars, and send them back while you're still working on editing the videos. Waiting until the series is posted and over with is a little long to be hanging onto the cars, because things happen between the time you're done filming and the time you're finished posting.

3. Trophies are always fun, but not always necessary.  usually just having the bragging rights is enough, but a little thing like an actual trophy or plaque is nice, too.  Some hosts include an extra car in the package as a thank-you, too.

4. Yes. On the original post, having a list of drivers and "Received" lets us know the car at least got there, because people ARE going to be checking the thread for updates. Some of us (myself included) have seen races start without our cars arriving in time. (Mine personally was mailed two weeks before a race, and arrived a full week AFTER the race, when qualifying was already filmed and done.)

I've never hosted, but I can offer my input as a participant. These are only my opinions.

1. Any announcement about the event should be included in that event feed. But if you have a question for a certain builder about their car, a direct message would be best.

2. I think it's fine to start mailing cars back as they're eliminated. But I would wait until the race they were eliminated in aired first so they don't get their car before they even see it race. 

3. Some hosts send a prize pack (cars), some do a plaque or trophy. I think anything is appreciated. I think just winning a tournament is good enough for most builders, but it's also nice to get something back you weren't expecting.

4. Marking received on the entry list is fine. A direct message is also fine. Even replying to their comment when they originally signed up is also good. But I think it's a nice gesture to let people know you got their car. Sometimes you never hear from the host and then you're just hoping your car made it when the first video goes up...lol. 

When I communicate with racers there are two main ways depending on what I'm communicating. If it's something everyone needs to know, then I post it on the race event page - like a rule clarification or update. If it's specific to a certain racer then I message them on here. 

I don't return cars but if i'm sending prizes, then I always wait till the video has dropped so as not to ruin any surprises.

I generally make custom trophies for each event and they change depending on the event.

When I receive a car I will always mark next to the drivers name on the race event registration section that the car is received, and I will usually message the driver to say it's arrived and if there are any issues etc. I used to also make a video of the first three test runs of the cars that got shared to the driver only on FB messenger, so they can see the car running before the tournament and see how it might perform. I only use FB messenger because I can load a cellphone video direct to it, rather than on here where I have to upload to a site like YT then share the link which is even more work. Unfortunately I've gotten too busy to be able to do that on my last series as it does take a lot of extra time.