Is being a rent-a-track for events worth it?
I know in the past it crossed my mind to try and be a track-for-hire for local events, parties, etc. but I never got around to doing it as a side gig or anything. I never had a reliable track that was made for travel. But it does seem like something that could bring in a few extra bucks on a weekend...but is it worth it?
I'm sure some of you have dabbled in taking a track to local gatherings for fun or profit, and you must certainly have some tales to tell. Tales of wonder and tales of woe...either way we want to know!
Of course, every venture has its pros and cons, so as you share, please try to highlight what you felt was good & positive as well as words of wisdom.
Discussion
Boss, it appears that you would be offering a service with such a low barrier of entry that it would be replicated by those having any demand for less than what you could charge and still be profitable.
Also, where there is demand, what markets of appreciable size are not already serviced, be it at a brick & mortar hobby shop or an informal group of enthusiasts who meet regularly, say by renting a conference room at a community center? If you try to reach those not serviced, how large an area will you attempt to cover?
Hot Wheels are undeniably mainstream. Racing is a bit more niche even on YouTube. Offering a way to hold live racing could be even more niche than that.
Then I think about adjudicating events. Completely open, or weight classes? Will there be enough response to adequately fill out the classes of racing? How much lead time to you give before the event? That's a possible pain point even for organising a race here on this site.
I hardly mean to be dismissive, but the questions in my head came rapidly indeed
- I guess I was talking about birthdays, pubs, schools, or community gatheringstype stuff. No classes, minimal complexity, just bring track, pick car, race and give people some fun. There's certainly a market...I see them myself, just wondering what people's experience was in executing them. — redlinederby
this is the slot car track I helped set up the race program at
everyother friday night, and they are payin' the bills to keep the lights and AC on
My goal is to build a diecast racing venue out of my shop
private/public event placee
dr
www.facebook.com/events/1081442806954525
The closest I ever got was taking my orange to a team building event for my department at work. You can read all about it here but in short, it went incredibly well. Everyone enjoyed the events we put together and were very civil. But we're also talking about adults here so I didn't have to deal with anyone under the age of 21 possibly bringing uhhh...too much excitement to make things a challenge.
I'll also say that the track I brought wasn't much of a track. Just a lot of orange track dropped from a chair in a park shelter house. I was surprised it worked so well. Nonetheless, it was successful and a very light way to bring racing to non-diecast audience.