Anyone have a guess at numbers, roughly how many potential customers divided between all the demo cars?
There did appear to be a good number of genuine people there. For the manufacturers, they can put "money where their mouth is". It would be a definite decision maker for some. Others, it could put off. All cars handle on the road given speed limits and environments. This event sorts them out. Most of the cars were not road cars, but track prepped race cars. Respect to the few road legal cars, they actively held them off for laps at a time.
I personally looked at a new kitcar. A Sabre. And, as nice as the thing looks, and its engineering, I wouldn't buy one now. The impracticality of owning such a creature, and watching middle aged blokes struggle to get it/out, put me right off.
The other funny factor, was the fact Paul (RTR) held the car off for 2.5 laps driving my rocket on Blyton. The Sabre didn't have the legs to do anything on the straight, or bend exits. During this time, the Sabre has a potential customer in the passenger seat.. Doh!
There was also, a number of persons just taking advantage of the rides. And who wouldn't. I found them very polite, and did as asked within the confines of the vehicle regards to safety. Who knows.. given a few years, after the seed has been planted, they would go and buy one.
Again, could be a great marketing tool. And the decision maker for most.
Id term it, an interactive car show. Yes, your GBS looks sweet, and shiny, how does it go through the "ump"?
There were also cars there, that were not kit cars. Id also say 90% were also not road registered, and 80% were bike engine vehicles. Respect to RTR for having a stand made up of all but 1 road registered vehicle.
Didn't appear to be. However, the event did not seem to be well advertised. It would be nice if it had a larger crowd.
Yes, charging for laps would be ok, and that was at the manufacturers discretion. It would be nice to put this to a good cause though. For the likes of myself who took 2 potentials out, and not affiliated with RTR, my charge would of gone to charity, as im also enjoying the experience.
For the manufacturer, maybe put towards covering the expenses of the event ( if required)
Yes, an agreed fee would be nice. However, you can see how say the GT170 wouldn't want just anyone having a free time, they would need to eliminate time wasters by a high charge. If your buying a 40k kit car, then £20 is nothing
It was a good day, and Id consider having a stand there for my gearbox ecu release next year. I just hope its better organised and advertised. The venue was very good, and it could do with better spectator viewing area. That is its limitation IMHO.
Very nice track, and even better if you get corners wrong. Lots off run off areas. Marshalling was good, and seemed fair. Basic trackday rules.
Cheers
Steve.