Filling In The Time - Maybe More
Afternoon All (well it's afternoon here in the U.K.),
Interesting forum discussions today. Anyhow, I digress.
For those I've interacted with on here since joining a short while ago, you are aware the plan is to get the track sorted for The Gauntlet Series here in the U.K., but with work/life/finances (always ha ha), it will be slightly longer than planned, but importantly still going ahead in The Race Cabin.
In the meantime, I was mulling a little idea/propostion around in my mind wondering if there were any past skills I could use to fill in the time to help, assist or promote.
Many moons ago (well 1988-2015) I was a press officer in motor racing (mainly F1, IndyCar, GT and Endurance racing, Rallycross) for many teams, partners, sites and channels.
Being new to the die-cast racing scene I was wondering about the appetite, need or even if it would be popular to have a Die-Cast Racing News Network (either written articles which was my area of expertise or some video content) where like real life motor racing races are reported, news is reviewed, interviews are conducted or feature articles are written (think Sky Sports or ESPN etc.)
This site is fantastic with lots of news, reviews, tips and hints etc, and to be honest a great place but I was thinking more of like a blog on substack or a You Tube Channel. In some cases if race organisers permitted use (similar to when I worked in GT racing), the race report contains small snippets of their own races from their channels with interviews etc (and all credited).
It can also be used to promote sites like this or races, indivduals, teams etc, etc.
I think of this idea with no monetary value attached, purely the fact I love motorsport, I love writing and creating content and I am now fully embedded into the die-cast racing world.
I can't wait to have my track (Pebble Beach Circuit) up and running, but it's just going to take a little time so my garage of 36 cars are just being admired at this time. I was hoping to fill the time in, using a past experience to help others and maybe it would be fun.
Happy to hear thoughts etc, but please take this from the offer of assistance it is meant, not for any promotional or monetary attachment.
Look forward to chatting and again thank you all for the very warm welcome.
Simmo (Gauntlet Series)
Discussion
Just to add I am aware of the thread a few years back from Chaos Canyon, I've looked back and it was fantastic stuff. Just trying to keep myself busy and hopefully get to chat to quite a few of you in this way until I start racing on the track.
Hello Gauntlet,
I for one think this is a great idea!
- Hi Sunshine, appreciate the reply and I've decided to bite the bullet and set up a channel. — DiecastRacingNews
it could be useful and interesting to see some sort of a summary of what's going on across various areas of diecast racing, and perhaps a little on diecast customizing. I would definitely be in the camp of less is better than a whole bunch of fluff for fluffs sake.
- 100% Abby, my idea is to focus on the main events of leagues/tournaments that particular week (still putting together the format) but I also want to do some audio interviews (not everybody is comfortable on video) and get an insight into the characters in this fun, crazy world. — DiecastRacingNews
It was Thom's news shows series that got me to delve deeply and greedily into the racing scene in my early days, being exposed like this to those smaller venues the algorithm itself would not have done so.
I know Rick's Diecast Racing attempted to do something similar for a few episodes, it really ate into the time needed for his main show. XR Diecast Racing League went a little further, venturing into actual interviews with hosts across the spectrum of platform presence
Personally I say go for it -- get direct permission from hosts of course before including their footage in the programme, and also understand what a sub-niche you're going for here. From toys --> Diecast --> Hot Wheels --> Adult Diecast Racing --> Commentary about racing You'll be ploughing a field with a limited baked-in audience cap, something even a basic peghunting show can struggle against in a platform algo that does not see dollar signs right away for "our thing."
- Hi Chris, yes the new form I have set up when covering leagues etc, does have the question of can I use snippets for the reporting and where I don't have the track at the moment it gives me time to dive into this more. — DiecastRacingNews
I think its a great idea if you are willing. I've had those same thoughts myself, but as a new racer (about a year now) and an even newer host, my available time is full with builds, videos and editing.
But I would be willing to provide you some assistance, and I certainly think most race hosts would be happy to help showcase their events. Hit me up in messages if you think you are going to move forward with this.
Chris (Zamak Speed Shop)
- Hi Chris, that is a really kind offer and I will most definitely take you up on that, like when ESPN or Sky Sport quickly switch to their "person on the ground" etc. Appreciate the offer, I really do. — DiecastRacingNews
- Definitely moving forward, You Tube channel and blog set up. — DiecastRacingNews
I reached out to every channel and got their permission before I ever used any of their video, but I know others didn't because technically it should fall under fair use if it's a short clip and you are adding to it, with commentary etc.
the hard thing was the time involved, downloading everything, scrolling through or watching to find the right clips then all the editing and commentary. It would typically take approx 12hrs for each episode, when a race vid would only take 3-4.
- Yeah, when I was doing motorsport reporting exactly the same thing. I would have say a 4 hour endurance race (sometimes longer) and I would have to watch the whole race, plus quali etc, but I suppose not having my own track at the moment gives me a little more time than others. — DiecastRacingNews
I reached out to every channel and got their permission before I ever used any of their video, but I know others didn't because technically it should fall under fair use if it's a short clip and you are adding to it, with commentary etc.
the hard thing was the time involved, downloading everything, scrolling through or watching to find the right clips then all the editing and commentary. It would typically take approx 12hrs for each episode, when a race vid would only take 3-4.
I say go for it! If you will enjoy it and not hurt anyone then do it. I would watch and I am sure many others would too. I would take the advice of those before me and run with it!
- Thanks Lone Wolf, I was chatting earlier to Dr Dodge and Chaos and a new thread has gone up with some info. Appreciate the kind words. — DiecastRacingNews
All the notifications came through at the same time, I hope I got back to everyone who commented, if not I'll scroll through and get those done. I was just working on the You Tube promo and setting up the blog and directory form.
Really appreciate the replies.
Simmo
This is a neat idea! Anything that can add to the hobby is not a bad thing.
- we would all benefit from a promotional platform — dr_dodge
- Thanks Stray, been working tonight on setting up the platforms (tonight anyway here in the U.K.) I'm quite excited yet nervous about it, but going to have some fun. — DiecastRacingNews
neat idea
dr