blacky wrote:I'd rather do better venues less often than lots of cheapy cone spec ones, but I think you need a balance to get newcomers to have a go!
As Cadwell and Brands are indimidating tracks if your new to teh sport, whereas an airfiled event is less daunting and allows you to learn the car easier without major fear of barriers etc.
I think 'virgin to sprinting' and 'newcomer' are in danger of being blurred into 'virgin newcomer.' Just because someone hasn't actually participated in a sprint doesn't mean they can't drive their car in a fast, yet safe and controlled manner. Everyone on here, is here because they want to participate in some form of off road driving and with the vast majority, having been on track already. All the tracks are daunting, in their own way, even North Weald for the first event. For a newcomer to any timed event, the adrenelin rush at the start line is intoxicating.
Therefore it's only a question of overcoming the 'cold feet' syndrome and actually entering the first event that's a consideration. As Stu discovered yesterday, by going round and chatting to various people at North Weald, many were on their first and second event and enjoying it. The big obstacle is the initial paperwork which may appear a little daunting to some. Although we may think it quite straightforward, for someone who doesn't know, it can appear something of a maze. I don't really know how we can do more to ease their minds and give them the little push to convince them it's easy.
When I did my first one, about three of years ago, I didn't know anyone there but surprisingly folk are very friendly and happy to chat. Now, with quite a large BP presence, life's even easier for the first timer.
