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I just recently spoke with the folks at Osterero in Italy, and they are working with another Italian company to produce decals to make cars from the second tier F1 teams- Force India, Caterham, Marussia, Sauber, and Williams. My only concern is whether there will be enough room inside to place Slot-it Oxigen chips. I guess I’ll find out soon enough. If any of you have one of these already, I would love to see it. Please contact me at your convenience.
That is the real question. Does the King’s Hobby Shop track count as a commercial raceway? I believe the answer is yes, as there is a fee to play on it for non-members of the ASCC. My trailers have been operating around Austin for 2 years now, and the Races2U Brick and Mortar store has been open since May, with our Grand Opening June 1st. So far, it is supporting itself, but not making the owner (me) any money. BTW, my rent is very low, and I am augmenting my income with soda machines, pinball, video games, and a skill crane on top of the car, track, and internet sales. I would love to see more people get involved in the hobby, and would welcome growth and competition. However, I can say that even with tens of thousands of dollars dumped into marketing, the results have been less than overwhelming. And that’s even with a ton of publicity, including being on the local news several times. It’s not true that if you build it, they will come. They have to know about it first. If you are not readily visible, how will they find you? If you do want to build a commercial raceway, be aware that the rent is only a small portion of your expense. Utilities are not cheap, and employees can get really expensive. Also, there is never ending maintenance and replacement of cars and controllers. Don’t forget that you probably want to make some money, too. As with the ASCC, you are welcome to drop by my store any time, and I am happy to share my experience with you as well. So- can Austin support a (or more than one) commercial raceway? I sure hope so!
Things are coming along nicely at the Races2U retail location. Here is a pic of our Circuit of the Americas track in Scalex 1:32 digital, under construction.
Our Daytona Tri-Oval built with Carrera Digital 1:32 banked curves is already up and running, and has a few scenery items on it. Still needs some detail work, but not much.
I will need some “beta testers” over the next couple of weeks, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello, and take one of our cars for a couple laps. Hope to see ya’ll out there soon.
That track would have been 2 feet too long for me in any case. My space for it is only 15′ wide, and there would need to be at least a foot, preferably a foot on each side, to get arouund it. I suppose it’s for the best. Come on out and check out my space when you get the chance, as I would still like to build a routed track, but not for the 1:24 cars, just 1:32. Sorry ya’ll, but it’s a space and expense thing.
Hi Marty-
I’m curious what are the dimensions of your track. I may very well be able to accomodate it and the club, while still having plenty of room for my other 2 tracks. I would certainly be interested in seeing it if it is still available.
Thanks!
Warren
How would the track be in a commercial setting? Can the track and/or timer be expanded to more lanes?
Thanks!
Warren
I may be a neophyte to the serious world of competitive slot racing, but I don’t understand why you limit the F1 slot cars to Scalextric only. I also am not 100% in accordance with the “no magnets” rule for F1 either, as the real F1 cars are designed to give the maximum amount of downforce possible. In fact, a real F1 car generates so much down force that in theory it could drive upside down on a ceiling at 120 MPH. That is why real F1 cars don’t “drift” and how they hug the tight turns so well. In fact, the drivers are subjected to over 4G’s in some turns. I would gladly participate in an F1 race where any and all magnets were allowed as long as they did not interfere with the look or integrity of the stock chassis, and I would really like to see how the various types stand up against each other, being that some brands have turning front wheels while others don’t. I need to keep abreast of what is going on with you all as I would really like to participate in the next F1 race, mags or no mags, scaley or otherwise.
