Trackside Tuesday: R2HQ Raceway
At ARRC Live we recognize that the community and stories we share are the Heartbeat of this Industry. We’re not only talking about the stories we share on this platform but the stories we share among each other. With all that being said, we’re bringing you a new Trackside Tuesday! The goal of this series is to not only promote all the tracks that enable us to create these memories and do what we love, but also to share the stories behind our tracks and the track owner life! This week we caught up with Garland Smith from R2HQ in Shippensburg, PA. This facility is family run and all about spreading positivity and growing the sport!
What made you decide to open up your own Track? Share some history:
RC is in our blood. G built his first track when he was 8 years old. As many do in the hobby, G was full send with rc, then took a hiatus, then came back full tilt. We opened an indoor and outdoor on-road track in Hagerstown, MD. This served well for a few years then tapered off as there were too few racers to warrant continuation for the many onroad tracks. We re-evaluated our business and realize the majority of our customers were from PA and we sold more Offroad items than OnRoad. We sold the building in MD and found a location with the intent to build a 19,000 square foot facility to accommodate year round racing for the Offroad crowd. After acquiring the property, we faced many obstacles with the local regulatory commissions and long story short, we decided to abandon construction plans after losing a considerable amount of funds. We constantly attempt to accommodate the ever changing rc community, and attempt to provide the best experience within our means.
Tell us about your facility and what it features?
Our outdoor facility has a clay based surface approximately 89’x193’. We have indoor pitting to accommodate up to 35 people.
What is your favorite thing about owning a Track? Least favorite thing?
RC vehicles are a great hobby. They are fun to watch, operate and maintain. The build of the Offroad track is my favorite part of owning a track. I have the opportunity to create something that may bring joy to many. It is kind of like an evolving project where you can test and try many different features. It reminds me of the human experience. The least favorite part of having a track is the negativity and discontent within the community. People should be grateful that anyone owning a track would put their time and money out for what should be a great experience... appreciate your local tracks.
What’s one thing you’re looking to add or a project you want to tackle at your facility (if any)?
Eventually we plan to relocate and operate an immense indoor and outdoor facility to accommodate many forms of rc. At the current location we simply want to accumulate a core group of fun loving racers that can enjoy a fair race day, and feel good when they leave the track. If you are not having fun racing rc, find something else to do with your time. Don’t ruin it for someone else. Less than 5% of the population operate hobby grade rc. We need growth and positivity.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business?
Government red-tape, competitive pricing, and promotion is always an issue as society is ever evolving.
What has been the most rewarding part of the track owner life?
Watching people enjoy your creation is very satisfying. Being track owners will never make us rich. If it were about the money this undertaking would have ended many years ago.
Tell us about your favorite memory that took place at your facility?
We are a family based business and working alongside my family and friends to create the best environment we can, will forever stay in my mind.
What would you tell others who are interested in opening their own track?
Really evaluate why? What are your goals? Who are you trying to reach? Does the area you plan to open a track support you? Can you compete? Do a ton of research. Once again if you are doing this to become wealthy, you better have an abundance of it to start with to make it a success. (If you plan to have a legitimate business, and not just a backyard track flying under the radar of the government).
What’s your favorite: Off Road, On Road, Oval, Monster Trucks or Rock Crawling?
Through a maintenance standpoint onroad, and rock crawling are the easiest to maintain. I enjoy Offroad because of the excitement as the track changes. All have the merits. As an announcer oval is the easiest as the races are shorter, the track is usually smaller, less marshals required and it is pretty consistent. All of these choices are like having many children and picking a favorite. Each has its own positive qualities and your really can’t chose one over another, because you love them all.
What’s the best way to get involved with your track and keep up with you?
Facebook is the best outlet for reaching racers in the rc community. Years ago it was Trinity Tech Talk, then RCTech and Facebook now. Whenever I talk Cory from Live RC I always look forward to seeing a social media integration into the software and page. Also Hannah is a great asset to the rc community. Your smile and consideration is always appreciated.
Anything else you’d like to share or promote?
Mainly positivity. Wherever you race, whenever you race, just be happy that you have that opportunity. If there is something you don’t like about a place, don’t spread negativity. Maybe offer advice, lend a hand, get involved. Our community is too small to be plagued with negativity. If you can’t do this then please find something else to do with your time. RC Life ...Good People Wanted the rest need not apply. Thank you and stay safe.
