Classic slots v NASCAR

[Da Vols]

Re: To many varied liveries to cover for maker!

Perhaps Mobil 1 with their traveling hospitality tent that includes a nice oval slot car track will bring more NASCAR fans seeking this hobby???

In any event, for slotters who need a NASCAR fix...there are several resourceful decal makers out there and a New Englander that makes clear body NASCAR's of all makes/models that are just BOSS.

[Fun Stuff Only]

Why Not Promote Slots on Home Shopping Channels?

I have been reading posts over the past few months on the state of the hobby and how to grow it. But I have not seen any mention about promoting the hobby on the home shopping networks.

I think the special NASCAR theme shows that air on these networks would be great place to expose people to this hobby. The host and guest drivers spend lots of time sitting there and talking about static diecast cars. Wouldn't it be great to demonstrate the fun and action of slot car racing. I think it would catch a lot of peoples attention and generate a lot of interest.

[Da Vols]

Re: Why Not Promote Slots on Home Shopping Channels?

I just looked at QVC UK and "searched" Scalextric...no item found. So I guess if Scalextric isn't on a "home shopping channel" in it's own land, it's highly doubtful that we'll see it here.

That being said, you're absolutely right that it would be a perfect venue to introduce the new Scalextric NASCAR's on "For Race Fans Only" on QVC!!!

[Griggs USA442]

Re: Why Not Promote Slots on Home Shopping Channels?

That would be great! Have the DEI guys, Micheal Waltrip and Dale Jr. on the show. Have a small track set up so they can run some laps. I think it would be pretty entertaining.

Griggs

[Da Vols]

Re: Why Not Promote Slots on Home Shopping Channels?

Yes, that would be great...however, like every other business, EBAY has also taken a chunk of the audience away from those TV shopping channels too!!!

[Robert Livingston]

Beating the dead horse

We keep rediscovering the wheel on this forum, and the wheel is called "what Scalextric should do, to grow the hobby in the USA". We have been over and over this ground.

Is there a way to approach the marketting chief or the CEO of Scalex USA with these ideas?

[PeteN95]

Re: Simple explanation....

Just because there are old NASCARS going for over $100 doesn't mean they're mainstream. I mean people collect the oddest stuff. NASCAR just falls into the same category as that.

First, they are not old, they are the last series of production NASCARs, 2003? And it's not just one or two, vitually any NASCAR sidewinder gets big money. I don't think these are collectors, I think these are racers that like racing the cars from the most popular series in the US.

And that's second, NASCAR is not "oddball", it's the second most popular spectator sport in America, more popular than Baseball (not too surprising to me :rolleyes ). You may be right that only a small percentage of NASCAR fans know about or have slots, but I'll bet the percentage of other race series fans (Indy, ALMS, etc.) that are into slots is about the same. If so, that means there is a much larger market for NASCARs because they draw about as many fans as all of the other series put together. I'm not a big fan either, but its reality.

[dreinecke]

They have missed the boat when it comes to marketing. It will require them to show up at an event with at track and inventory to sell. They also need to get this into more publications or stores. I realize they can't sell at $45 at TRU to compete with the Lifelike HO stuff. BUT, in answer to your question on HO, there is a TON of it out there and you can purchase them anywhere in any store.

[William G]

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>They have missed the boat when it comes to marketing. It will require them to show up at an event with at track and inventory to sell. They also need to get this into more publications or stores. I realize they can't sell at $45 at TRU to compete with the Lifelike HO stuff. BUT, in answer to your question on HO, there is a TON of it out there and you can purchase them anywhere in any store. <hr></blockquote>

Ditto
They, or any manufacturer need to market it, esp at an event or on speedchannel

[Da Vols]

Hey guys...give it time! Just go back say 5 or so years (before Fly) and we're looking at blacked-out window NASCAR's and what is referred to as "tupperware" bodied slot cars.

Yes, the lack of advertising and so few hobby shops with slot car items makes "growing" the hobby a more difficult task, but do notice how slot cars are becoming more frequently used in commercials...from selling insurance, oil, Buicks, and mailing services. Mobil 1 Has a traveling oval track that seems to gather crowds.

Now that the cars have become "diecast" in looks, it will grow the hobby slowly, but surely...thanks mostly in part because of the internet and people like Alan that host sites like this.

As to getting NASCAR fans into slots...I think the biggest obstacle is that we keep on hearing/reading how all the "Young Guns" all use video games for racing fun. Somebody has got to send Dale Jr and/or Carl a slot car set