I think that the post that mentioned people who just like to turn up and have it all laid on had a point! I, for the first time in years, have been going to regionals as well as running our local club. I have also been attending the local RX club on a weekday evening. It is like a breath of fresh air to turn up and just race.
However....
I still enjoy club racing at my own club more! The key problems we face as a club are...
1. People are very busy working long hours, it seems to me. They can't always attend. This means you need about 2 times the number of club 'members' as you you need 'racers' to make a good meeting. Also it means that few parents seem able to bring their children regularly.
2. 'Critical Mass' = the number of racers needed to have a good meeting, with enough drivers at differing levels for a good competition and to fulfill marshalling duties. If you fall below 'critical mass' then the club is in real trouble. Even if you persuade newbies to come and have a look the club looks poor!
3. The 'usual suspects' - even at club level most racers seem to want it all laid on for them! A small bunch of folk do all the work - and eventually burn themselves out, leave the committee (and often the sport altogether) and the club looses momentum!
Having said all this - our club still runs, with the 'usual suspects' doing all the work!
So what can be done? I suggest everyone who attends a local club approaches the committee and asks what they can do to help. Anything would be appreciated - especially in terms of publicity! If 20 people (such as a Jarrow - incidentally I used to race Mardave's at the other club at Oxclose!!) all did some publicity work then it has to have some effect!
Also i think that each club needs a dedicated PRO who co-ordinates (NOTE: this does not mean does all the work!!) all the publicity for the club and is not responsible for any other duties! Perhaps they don't even marshall so they can talk to the onlookers/newbies!
Anyway - I'll keep racing at FMR
Website - click here!