FE racing growth… Sound off

[LuckyDuc]

I’m curious to see how clubs are doing, what classes are popular in your area, tactics that have helped increase numbers, etc. What lessons and wisdom can you share from the last few years?

Here in D-4 we have been successful at growing FE classes, but it has been a slow process.

[Doby]

It's slow and sometimes painful. There are the usual folks that come out but trying to get newbies involed is the challange.

The P-spec classes are always the most popular.

Not sure if people are just more interested in bashing with their friends, or they don't think they can compete with the "pros"

Its a struggle, but we keep at it as best we can.

[carlcisneros]

Dist 12 IMPBA we run combined classes of the following:
(B= 21 Nitro motors)
B/P-mono
B/P-Limited Hydro (FE hydros use ONLY the UL-1 esc and motors)
B/P-limited OB tunnel (FE tunnels use the UL-1 esc and motors only)
open Nitro/FE hydro (up to 10s2p power)
open Nitro/FE Mono (up to 10s2p power)
Nitro/FE Sport 40 (6s2p power)
Nitro/FE 1/8 scale
the FE boats are growing pretty quickly here in the district.

[Chilli]

Nitro numbers are down so the FE/Nitro combined classes in D12 has been symbiotic. Makes for full heats. The nitro racers have been very receptive even though the FE's have advantages. One thing that's nice about our district is that getting more people involved in racing, helping each other and comradery take precedence over winning at all cost. We have a group of mature racers that include hall of famer's, multiple record holders and Internats champions. They have nothing to prove and are great mentors to the new guys that come in.

Getting the FE guys to travel outside thier home club has been a challenge. It's tough with the crappy economy.

[LuckyDuc]

Traveling to other club races is a problem. We have had good luck getting participation for away races by car pooling and splitting gas and hotel rooms between 4 people. It really helps to keep cost down.

We have been running 3 FE classes in D-4. P-Ltd Sport Hydro, P-Ltd Tunnel, and P-Ltd Hydro (rigger). The sport hydro and tunnel classes have grown. Rigger has not. We are discussing dropping the rigger class and replacing it with a P-Ltd Mono class for next year. 3 FE classes are about all that our district can accommodate at this time considering the number of gas and nitro classes.

Some of us have discussed building a few ready to race boats over the winter to sell locally to the nitro guys who have expressed an interest in FE. Some of them seem hesitant to jump in and build their own FE boats because of lack of knowledge. We’re hoping that a turnkey race boat may help nudge them.

[ggeiselman]

I will have a P-Ltd Sport Hydro, P-Ltd Tunnel, and P-Ltd Mono to run next year in D4. Going to have a trailer full of boats.

[T.S.Davis]

Sean, I think you should try magic. That could work.

It's the people too. It's not just the classes. I think the formula needs to fluctuate a bit depending on where your at and who you might be able to get to play with you. Are you attracting "racers" or "hobbyist" that are just starting out? Newer guys don't need super high zoot nonsense (no offense) and veteran guys will eventually lose interest in all spec all the time. If you want or have both you need a mix. Both is the best case scenario I think. Those veteran racer guys have to be willing to support those beginner classes. The new guys want to race the vets too. He wants to be able to say......hey, I beat the national champion in that one heat that one time. He's going back to the bench to figure out how to do it again. It helps if those veterans help the new guys get faster too. Teach them to race deck to deck with you. Getting stomped by the expereienced guy over and over with no hope of catching him will wear ta down. Got a secret to speed? Teach the rest of the gang and then everyone is really racing.

For us, the spec classes get people out to the pond. We make sure we have lots of those. Sport, Offshore, and mono for us. Riggers are too sensetive to set up for most beginners. Tunnels never really caught on here. That may be my fault though. Never liked them.

We also threw in a bone stock SV27r class. That's been cool and really has taken some beginners and made them racers. Some veterans ran the class to make sure the class was a success but the intent from the beginning was to use the SV class as a learning tool for newer racers. The intimidation factor is lower because we're all running the same gear right down to the prop. You don't have to have mad building skills or sacrifice a chicken to compete. Plus, as I mentioned, the new guys get to race against and right along side some accomplished racers. It's really a great starting point. I know for my son it's turned him from kid playing boats to an actual racer. Quite a transformation really. Last week he asked if he could run my Q sport and just last night he wanted to run my Q mono. Little turd.

Then for those that have been running a while and start to have a feel for how everything works and how things don't we run Q sport. Q Sport is stupid fast and provides enough cutting edge to keep the veterans interested. You can build one of Mikes ML kits, a Blazer, an AC, Aeromarine, or find some plans. Even invent your own. Lots of options and the freedom to just go crazy building something reeeeeediculous.

[LuckyDuc]

Awesome! I guess I'm going to have to find a new pitman for sport hydro now

[LuckyDuc]

Sean, I think you should try magic. That could work.

It's the people too. It's not just the classes. I think the formula needs to fluctuate a bit depending on where your at and who you might be able to get to play with you. Are you attracting "racers" or "hobbyist" that are just starting out? Newer guys don't need super high zoot nonsense (no offense) and veteran guys will eventually lose interest in all spec all the time. If you want or have both you need a mix. Both is the best case scenario I think. Those veteran racer guys have to be willing to support those beginner classes. The new guys want to race the vets too. He wants to be able to say......hey, I beat the national champion in that one heat that one time. He's going back to the bench to figure out how to do it again. It helps if those veterans help the new guys get faster too. Teach them to race deck to deck with you. Getting stomped by the expereienced guy over and over with no hope of catching him will wear ta down. Got a secret to speed? Teach the rest of the gang and then everyone is really racing.

For us, the spec classes get people out to the pond. We make sure we have lots of those. Sport, Offshore, and mono for us. Riggers are too sensetive to set up for most beginners. Tunnels never really caught on here. That may be my fault though. Never liked them.

We also threw in a bone stock SV27r class. That's been cool and really has taken some beginners and made them racers. Some veterans ran the class to make sure the class was a success but the intent from the beginning was to use the SV class as a learning tool for newer racers. The intimidation factor is lower because we're all running the same gear right down to the prop. You don't have to have mad building skills or sacrifice a chicken to compete. Plus, as I mentioned, the new guys get to race against and right along side some accomplished racers. It's really a great starting point. I know for my son it's turned him from kid playing boats to an actual racer. Quite a transformation really. Last week he asked if he could run my Q sport and just last night he wanted to run my Q mono. Little turd.

Then for those that have been running a while and start to have a feel for how everything works and how things don't we run Q sport. Q Sport is stupid fast and provides enough cutting edge to keep the veterans interested. You can build one of Mikes ML kits, a Blazer, an AC, Aeromarine, or find some plans. Even invent your own. Lots of options and the freedom to just go crazy building something reeeeeediculous.

LOL!

I haven’t tried magic yet, but at the D-4 Championship race I sprinkled a little titty glitter I found in Peterson’s mustache left over from the previous night’s activity. Does that count?

All of the new additions in our FE classes have come from previous racers (nitro/gas). We tried getting some of the sport runners to show up, but they just don’t seem interested. Are you guys getting true newcomers (hobbyist/sport runners) to show up at your races? How many noobs have you picked up over the last few years?

Regarding speed secrets… You know us cheese heads. We have no secrets when it comes to setup and equipment. We share everything with whoever will listen.

Glad to hear that the SV27r class was a success. It is hard to believe that tunnels have not taken off in your area. It’s a very popular class in our neck of the woods. BTW, I have a nitro Whiplash sport 40 that I plan to give a FE facelift to this winter for a Q sport entry. Gonna drag it along to your races next season… That is if we can coordinate race dates better with you guys for next year. We couldn’t make any of your races this year because of conflicting D4 race dates. OR did you guys plan it that way on purpose?

[Chilli]

I agree with Terry about getting tired of the Limited classes after a few years. We started out with P-Lim Hydro, P-Lim Tunnel and P-Mono. My P-Mono is my favorite FE right now. You've got to have at least one class where the FE's show their muscle. It may help get some of the nitro guys on board. The one thing that I find surprising is the the nitro crossover's have been more apt to try the non limited classes and jump into bigger boats. I also agree there is no one formula that works across the board. The combined classes we run in D12 are the exception rather than the rule, but it works for us.

[properchopper]

Good topic-I have much to say but I'll try to keep it short. The encouraging rise of FE racing opportunities in D19 has in large part been due to the acceptance and inclusion of FE classes at the gas/nitro events. In 2012 there was/is 9 sprint races, 3 2-laps, 2 straightlines, and 3 Scale races all of which allowed FE to participate. Last year we tried P-Sport Hydro but found that running in gasserwater after three rounds of gas Thunderboat and residual rescue boat rollers was too hairy, so the consensus was that two classes : P-Ltd Sport Hydro and P-Mono would be open for inclusion. Only once was the 5 boat class minimum not made this year (only 4 P-Monos one race). Demographically, the IC crossover ranks were responsible for filling these classes in overwhelming proportion.

How did this happen ? First off, I've been schlepping my fleet to the lake for years and playing amidst the IC guys and establishing friendships/relationships. Started bringing more FE buddies to the place. I think the IC guys realized that we ain't going away. Then, last December Dave Newland and me hoofed it to the D19 Banquet/Meeting at Laughlin JUST TO SHOW OUR FACES - the Banquet is, besides a proposition-voting meeting, where the district awards are given out and FE wasn't in the running for anything. My take is that our being there showed thet FE is very much a "part of" and the trip worked (besides my being served a piece of prime rib the size of a Volkswagon). Bingo- two FE classes on the 2012 roster and then the IC guys started rigging electric boats. I'd be bereft in my duties not to acknowledge the major support of Jeff Michaud and Insane Boats, who sponsored me & Mark F with hulls in addition to encouraging some of the Insane Mob to build/race FE. As a result of all this, more and more crossover is occuring (my business is booming). FE, which started initially as comic relief durring gasser events has now been getting more and more enthusiasm from the IC stalwarts - we're now geting cheered on instead of being giggled at.

Another positive sign is allowing the P-Ltd Cat class to run at the SCSTA events. Happened once so far and pure fun. A really neat class and good entry-level opportunity for new guys with the viable rtr's in that category.

SoCal FE is slowly transitioning from a loose group of fun-runners to an actual raceboat club which was my original intent - 'tho it's happened more slowly than I originally predicted (but I'll take it).

One day (year) there'll be FE-only events here but it'll take time. In the meantime, we're gratefull for the progress that's going on.

[T.S.Davis]

Chilli, I have always been against combined classes. It's hard to get apples to apples but if it's what works so be it. If the numbers come up at some point then you can split them up at that time. Repeated exposure of the nitrolls to FE and who knows.............maybe they'll get tired of retrieving theirs.

Sean, I just looked back through my list. I don't think it's fair to count Ty as a newbie although he has come a long way this year. It's the first year I've been hands off with him driving on his own. Tom raced before but hadn't in many moons. He seems to get better every lap. Not counting them, it looks like we've had 7 guys start racing that were sporties or absolute beginners. 2 of those have stopped showing up to race. Not sure what the deal is there. We had 3 guys purchase their very first boats to come run SV class with us. No boat racing experience at all. And they're learning. That is just awesome IMO. One of those brand new guys bought himself a Stealth for next season so I guess he's caught the bug.

I've also received plenty of inquiries about running with us next season. I hope some of those pan out. It may sound cliche but you have to not get TOO too focused on the "win at all costs" approach to racing. I lost sight of that for a while. Wining is great but it ain't everything. This is a hobby guys do to have fun and check out of their daily grind for a bit. Nobody is going to get a multimillion dollar sponsorship like some NASCAR driver. Lives don't hinge on my placement in LSO. You have to keep it light and fun or guys will be turned off quick.

It does nothing to expand our club membership but I want to see a great big fat smelly obnoxious Michigan Cup. Those races are all about the fun. Sure, we get serious competitors but anyone caught not having fun will be drawn and quartered. Probably right on the drivers stand.

......glitter. bahahaha Doug! Behave yourself! Sean, I think if you get the glitter source to the pond you'll see a spike in participation.

[LuckyDuc]

I think that a Michigan Cup race would attract a lot of racers who can't make the trip to CA for next year's FE Nats. I know that our gang will be there... as long as it doesn't fall on a Badger or Mendota race date. I'll PM you our 2013 dates now to help avoid conflicts.

[HTVboats]

I have only raced FE boats for a couple seasons but have had the oporrtunity to attend quite a few races. This because the outboard community in the southeast is active and D13 has a series combining nitro,gas and FE classes. Here in D-3 it is a full range of FE classes on the east coast, but limited events. The west coast and Tampa area are mainly outboard but some clubs are trying other classes if there is interest.
I see a couple different approaches to FE racing. Some wanting to build standoff events and others looking to blend in with established nitro or gas events. Being a convert and not giving up my nitro and gas I see blending as better but have attended FE only races. I have even built a P-mono to have another boat to run besides my tunnels. As was stated earlier converts are not going to be happy with spec racing long. I have two spec tunnels and several P & Q tunnels that may only get to race 2-3 times a year.
My opinion of spec classes is they are a double edged sword. Great way to get into FE racing but equal equipment may not really be what works best. From my gas experience where boats are sometimes plug and play and speeds more equal in many cases than nitro you get boats bunched up and more carnage with some less experienced operators. It is only going to be a matter of time for everyone to figure out lane one at the start is an advantage. With the instant acceleration of an FE even hitting the line on a perfect outside fly won't get you command of turn one. Like a lot of gas races have become a game of leapfrog and who can force their way into the lane you though you had and may even get a warning to go along with their 400 points. So before you make all of FE racing spec classes they may not be what everyone really wants. Leave some room for moving up which everyone seems to like. How many times on this forum have you seen someone with a 4S RTR ask about or just put 6S power to it.
For those who would like to see a few FE classes added to nitro gas events it is probably all you need to do is ask the host club in advance, and then rally guys to show up. In some areas races aren't filled out and clubs are looking to grow. For those who like mixed competition look for races that offer "open" classes. If clubs offered open mono,hydro and or tunnel you could be competative with a "Q" boat. You will scare away potential builders with large S-T rigs and their expensive hardware. Even if it does 90mph it is not practical.
Converts may not be what die hard long time FE's want to see in growth. Focusing on RTR fun runners you will get more numbers at first but loose many to attrition. Theres room for all and even combined classes. It may take compromises to speed up the process. A few bumps and different opinions but you will move forward.
JMO-Mic

[longballlumber]

II'll PM you our 2013 dates now to help avoid conflicts.

Hey Sean,

If you have those dates already PM me too....

Later,
Ball