Trackside Tuesday: SS Hobbies & 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 had the pleasure of catching up with Ronnie Setser to learn more about his track and what it’s like to run a facility as awesome as his! SS Hobbies and Raceway is located in Tampa, FL and home to many events such as the Super Cup Series. It’s clear how much Ronnie & Kim have enjoyed pouring into their sons’ (Lee & Kenny) race programs. There is no doubt that family run tracks like this have an incredible vibe and community. SS Hobbies & Raceway has an on road and covered off road track along with a stocked hobby store! Ronnie also runs his paint and body shop out of the same facility (Ronnie Setser’s Customs).
What made you decide to open up your own Track? Share some history!
Growing up as a little boy I was always in love with toy models, planes and rockets. Then I was introduced to radio control and I had a passion for it. When I got older and became financially able, It started off as something simple/small and then boom, a race track was added to the equation and I never looked back.
Tell us about your facility and what it features?
Our facility is very unique, it is about 2 acres of covered building. Both of our tracks are covered. We also have a unique display of classic cars, hot rods and automobiles.
What is your favorite thing about owning a Track? Least favorite thing?
My Favorite thing about owning a racetrack is that you get to test and tune anytime you want. My least favorite thing is the 24/7 upkeep.
What’s one thing you’re looking to add or a project you want to tackle at your facility (if any)?
Sooner or later I will put in a huge misting system
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business?
The biggest challenge is always separating the business from the Hobby itself. Sometimes you get caught up in the hobby but you have to pay attention to what pays for the hobby shop/track, that’s the business.
What has been the most rewarding part of the track owner life?
Sitting back and watching my two young boys become champions at what they do is a proud moment, but also watching the other parents with their children and keeping their kids involved in the hobby is definitely rewarding.
Kenny Setser (on the left) and Lee Setser (In the middle)
Tell us about your favorite memory that took place at your facility?
Moments that have been rewarding.. obviously a lot of them include my boys when they are in a good battle and race with some stiff competition, but one time in particular we had a local news station do a live article on us. Shortly after my wife had a ruptured brain aneurysm, they interviewed a five year old boy that had just started RC racing and that was the coolest thing. Watching that little boy get on there and talk about RC racing with the support of his father was such a cool moment.
What would you tell others who are interested in opening their own track?
Do your research. Understand it's an undertaking, it's a big job that requires passion, dedication and finances, so you should have some backup money coming in from another source.
What’s your favorite: Off Road, On Road, Oval, Monster Trucks or Rock Crawling?
We like it all, no doubt about it, but our biggest Revenue comes from our off road track.
What’s the best way to get involved with your track and keep up with you?
Social media, obviously Facebook. We post each and every program that we have, turn out, and pictures. Questions and Answers can all be found on Facebook and YouTube.
Anything else you’d like to share or promote?
Give a child a hobby like this and you won't have to worry about anything else. Remember SS Hobbies and Raceway in Tampa Florida always has you covered!
