Guys,

Thanks so much for the excellent replies - this is all really good advice, and its given me loads to think about.
Very interesting about the motor sports association - that should help validate the "sport" argument.
...and great point about snooker - a 'sport' I am very into myself! :)

@SiCoe / Churk - you are probably correct, and its a valid point. I also want to make sure that the council dont go down the road of debating whether it's a sport or not. I want them to think its a good way of engaging with the community and providing something for kids/teens/adults to participate in and enjoy.

However, I dont care at present about the costs. Im happy to find these elsewhere (and feel confident that I probably could do so).
All Im looking for at this stage is permission to re-use an old track which is already there.

Here's hoping!
I'll keep you guys informed of how I get on in this process.

Thanks again.
Oople rocks :D

P.S. jsut thought I would mention to anyone else thinking of this - dont be discouraged that councils/government have less money.

That is true, but they HAVE to be seen to be supporting worthwhile initiatives.
As evidence of this, my own council have just granted permission to build a permanent moto-cross (& super-cross) track facility and donated £10K to do so!
Fair play to them for supporting one of the fastest growing sports in UK today, and here's hoping we can go some way towards that for the RC potential in my area.

Bottom line - prove its worthwhile and a benefit to your community.

My club (Bury Metro) have just a nice sparkling new track courtesy of Bury council so yes, its true they do have the money and can be willing to help. However, it was easier for us as we already had a track on council land (ie they just moved us) and could demonstrate healthy membership and attendance proving it is worthwhile providing the facilities.

That was my point really. A response like 'its not really a sport is it?' is designed to make you give up and stop trying. If they ask about numbers it means they they are open to persuading.

To be honest, going back with the info you now have is probably the best move. Councils typically rebuff first enquiries anyway, its sort of a way of weeding out those not committed ehough to actually see a project get off the ground. Proving you aren't easily put off stands well in your favour.

My advice would be to get in touch with the BRCA committee for the sections you are planning to run with, they will be able to advise you on how to get the support you need !

its amazing how the councils waste money on building skate parks for the chavs to just hang about drinking making them look like assholes they are!!!

No matter how you classify your club - be it a sport or leisure activity, you will need numbers on your side.

If you can go to a meeting with the council with a list of genuine names of potential racers with an address within the council boundaries then they would show more of an interest. Joking aside, if a lot of seperate letters were written asking for the same facility then even better - a few submitted by females, ethnic minorityies and disabled people would strengthen your case.

If you could demonstrate that the new club could become part of a bigger group like the BRCA and therefore qualify for their third party liability insurance you would be alleviating one of the council's biggest concerns - another point in your favour.

Also mention that a lot of maintanence would be carried out by volunteer club members - the camaraderie and team building aspect is another point in your favour.

Point out the positives for youth participation and education, getting them out in the fresh air, etc., etc., Try and go with a list of potential sponsors as well, they all pay council tax or rates - get some of them on side and take it to the council to show community support.

Best of luck - it's all uphill from here!

i agree, good luck :thumbsup:

new track update
 

Hi guys,

I promised an update, so here it is :)

Just back this morning from a meeting with my local council.

I think it went really well, as the guy was attentive (always a plus!) and seemed genuinely helpful.

Thanks in large part to all you guys on here with your advice, I was able to rebut his very first comment which was "because its not a sport there isnt much I can do"
I was able to assure him that not only was it a sport, but it had governing bodies which tied it into the FIA, and was not just a sport at club level, but also Regionals and National events.
The BRCA had also kindly got me the information regarding insurance, club constitutions, orgnisation and legal info, so I was able to bolster the proposal with that.

So... the council Sport sub-comittee meet this Friday and it will be yea/nay'd at that meeting. If its nay, then thats it, we dont go any further on council property, but if it's yea, then I will have to put together a formal proposal and all that that implies.

But Im happy to do that, so here's hoping.

Im getting a phone call on Friday evening to let me know.

Thanks again guys for all your support; here's hoping!

Andrew

hope it goes well for you mate.

i've just appliesd for a grant with my council to try and get some kind of transponder equipment for my club group.

lets pray it goes through, if it does i'll let you know.:thumbsup:

Alan

Surely even if they won't pass it as a sport, It is most definitely a leisure activity.

I think the main principle is very similar in most european countries.

As long as the local club is a member of the national association, and that national association is a member of the full scale motorsports association. Then there's no discussing whether it's a sport or not. It is.

Further EFRA and IFMAR membership is not that relevant when thinking about local community support.

And just bring a Ray Wood vid to show what it looks like, won't be a problem to see it's serious racing.

In my country the RC car clubs used to have their "own" national organization. We then got no economical support from the local community. But after we in stead joined one of two national full scale motorsport organizations in 2002, the clubs are now also automatically "members" of the national sporting federation. And is hence treated the same as for instance a soccer club. This is THE key!

So now we can apply for funds for facilites etc. And the best bonus is the economical contribution for all young club members. This is #1 focus for the community!

It may be clever to contact one of the biggest & most successful RC clubs/tracks, and kindly ask if you could have copies/templates of how they apply for stuff. How things work basically. And saves you a LOT of time!

In case you don't get goodwill. And you know you should be getting it... then there's always the media :D "Young kids have no place to race their RC racing cars..."

When/if you get a yes. Make sure you have long term (like 20 years+) rights to the ground where the track is! Otherwise you could loose the track again before you know it...

Best of luck! :thumbsup: