Page 1 of 1

How to attract more people to Philo

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:17 pm
by Rabbit Farmer
This is a disucssion on how to increase the number of entries at the Philo hillclimb.... some background information to help you dig into the topic.

With the New England Hillclimb Association (NEHA... pronounced Knee-Yaw or if you're going really fast it is Neeeee-Yaaawww) there are hillclimbs hosted by the three clubs: SCCV, SCCNH, and KSCC.

Events by club:

SCCNH
Ascutney 1
Ascutney 2

KSCC
Okemo 1
Okemo 2
Burke 1
Burke 2 (potentially)

SCCV
Philo... and it is the last event of the year.

NEHA rules and regulations are posted here: http://www.hillclimb.org/rulesregs.html

The "Regulations" state:
If there are 5–6 events, then the worst event for each driver will be dropped.
If there are 7 or more events, then the worst two events for each driver will be dropped

With Burke 2 there are 7 events, with just one Burke there are 6 events. It makes a difference.

So, what is the ISSUE?

Attendance at Philo is low, especially in the last few years. Yes, the last few years has seen a decline at all the hills, perhaps due to the economy, gas prices, etc.

What can we do to get the numbers up at Philo?

Some ideas that were presented at the last few meetings (brain storming):
  • Paid run in extra FAM (practice run) by spectators (this is actually an idea to raise money, but we have concerns about the insurance implications)
  • The official number of runs for the results at a hillclimb is multiplied by the person's normal points for the event... this means a hill (like Philo) that has more runs has the potential to count for more points
  • Ability to enter for just Sat or Sun (idea is to bring people to the event that just want to drive one day)
  • Discount for 1st timers
  • Discount for 1st timers plus free SCCV membership
  • Better promotion of the event
  • Philo counts for double points
  • Philo is counted as two events (one on Sat and one on Sun... able to enter just one day)
  • Must drive at least one event from each of the three clubs to qualify for the series points
It is time to discuss this as some of the ideas would have to be presented at the annual NEHA banquet/rules meeting to be voted into the NEHA rules for 2014.

Post up your ideas... often times the simplest solution is the best!

Steve

Re: How to attrach more people to Philo

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 11:31 pm
by hammer
Most of these approaches involve enticing people to come for the points, either by weighting points based on runs or requiring to attend an event by each club to qualify for points, etc. While I like these ideas, I think the question is whether or not enough people care about season points for them to attend Philo just to get more points/qualify for points. If it is the case that enough people want the points, I'd lean towards having the points weighted based on runs. It's the most fair to the other clubs/hills because all of the events would receive the same treatment. And you aren't requiring them to go to Philo to qualify, just giving added incentive. Whether or not it's enough incentive remains to be seen...

Re: How to attract more people to Philo

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:11 am
by Rabbit Farmer
That is one of the points that came up in our discussion.... is the points series enough to entice people. The thought that it isn't.

We can't lower the entry fee as we are already taking a loss.... our rate matches the other clubs. We could raise it so the smaller number of drivers are footing the bill, but we could lose people because of the cost.

Keep those ideas coming!

Re: How to attract more people to Philo

Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 1:00 pm
by NHRCAR
Being a new member, there are a few limitations that I have found to make hill climbs an easy decision:
- Awareness about SCCV is low. Many of the people I speak with about autocross are unaware of the club
- I have found it difficult to understand that what requirements are for hill climbs: I believe the helmet requirements are different from autocross, and I am not sure if roll bars are required. A simple overview of what is required could help people like me more easily make the decision to participate.
- There are a lot of other questions/concerns/fears that a new driver has. A mentor program, matching up a novice with a seasoned veteran, could help more take the leap to a hill climb (or any SVVC event).

While the cost is a consideration to participate, it doesn't seem unreasonable.

Brent

Re: How to attract more people to Philo

Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2013 7:55 am
by Rabbit Farmer
Keep the ideas coming in...

Doing a better job at the SCCV make people aware and get involved.

For rules... they are all over at hillclimb.org.

Three clubs come up with the rules each year (SCCV.org, KSCC.org, SCCNH.org) and they are posted at hillclimb.org.

Lots of discussion at hillclimb.org and opportunity to ask questions regarding the events.

Thanks!
Steve