Calling all UK RACERS...

[Griffo2008]

Hi guys and girls,

I am thinking about starting work on a new project for those of you who belong to UK motorsport clubs. The idea is to create a social network, such as a very scaled down Facebook, solely for drivers to meet other racers, and stay in contact with those who they currently race with, and those that have raced with before.

The site will offer photo albums for each user, latest news from every UK track, championship updates, a shop where tickets for events such as BTCC events, British Superbike, etc and of course the events you compete in can be sold. Also this site will be for both racers of 2 wheels, and 4. A brief overview of the other features include a full racing calendar, message forum, competitions, private messaging, and much more.

I was wondering if you guys would be interested in using a service like this. Of course, this is just an idea in my head, so a lot will change. Let me know what you think, thank you for taking the time to read. Would to hear some suggestions too.

[drmotorsport]

Sounds good, but think this may have pretty much been done already at ten-tenths.com

[Griffo2008]

Thank you for the reply. I took a look at the 10 tenths ... Personally, I think it's a bit too "busy"; mine would be more of a network based site, rather than a forum (although one will be implemented), and also would be solely for UK motorsport. Has certainly given me something to think about. Any more responses would be muchly appreciated.

[scottf1]

Yeah good idea - but would require much research - maybe people would just create a group on fb?

[TorqueRacing]

scottf1 said:

Yeah good idea - but would require much research - maybe people would just create a group on fb?

Good idea,I tried to do something similar with some fellow races on my website but I found I was the only one putting photos, videos and results up. I think with all due respect you have missed the boat as people will stay in touch via facebook and some series including the one I race in has a group where drivers can post pics etc on there.

If its done right and you have lots of contacts throughout UK motorsport then it may work but you will need the support to move things forward. Best of luck and let me know when its online.

Paul

[norwichphoto]

Would you like to be a contributor on Racing Exposure? www.racingexposure.com/blog

[HiRich]

Griffo2008 said:

I am thinking about starting work on a new project for those of you who belong to UK motorsport clubs. The idea is to create a social network, such as a very scaled down Facebook, solely for drivers to meet other racers, and stay in contact with those who they currently race with, and those that have raced with before.

This first part is called a forum (like PH), and I think there is a lot of merit in that, albeit subtly different from your idea.

Racers & club members have very narrow interests - in most cases just the race/hill/sprint series they run in, They're not even interested in other races/classes at the same meeting. What they would use would be a custom-made forum area for their series - let's say 750MC Locost. It might be divided to suit their series:
- Rules & Regs
- Events
- Sale/Wanted/Technical Help
- General News (e.g. "Dave's had a baby")
and maybe one or two others, like research for historics.
There might also be a tier above this (e.g. 750MC) that users might keep an eye on.

Now that might be popular. The problems/concerns they would have would be in setting up, managing, moderating & controlling, and insurance. You could take on three of those in return for the buk of any advertising revenue. The series volunteer (probably only one needed, as traffic is likely to be low) moderates, and probably controls membership (certain areas may best be invisible to non-members, and membership/access controlled).

Patch that into the existing series website or sub site, and you might be onto something.

[Griffo2008]

Thank you all for your feedback, I appreciate it very much. I'm aware that research is going to take a HUGE amount of time, as well as planning what content is to be involved.

I shall go away and have a think, and of course will let you guys know if I decide to take this idea further.

Thanks again.