Has this been done?

[Crysco]

I may be in over my head here.

I am wandering if anyone has seen or done something like what I am about to present below, whether in this industry or another. If you could provide some links that would be great.

The goal of what I am trying to accomplish is to build a new motorsports park in my local community. This location will be used not only for racing, practice, and testing, but also for crash prevention, young driver development, and much more.

I am planning to start off this spring/summer by promoting some driving events held in parking lots. The first couple of events will be crash prevention, and as things start moving I plan to host some grass roots drifting events, potentially some autocross events (maybe sponsor some through other organizations). I will keep incorporating new events as things become natural, there is something for everyone.

The part where I am at a loss is when it comes to the internet. I am trying to cut down the cost to the driver for participating. I have some interested sponsors, but if these don't work out I would like to use a website as a marketing tool.

Working on a shoe-string budget I have come up with creative ways to host events, however I do not have the capital to start a web development project of this size.

I have received estimates to build this site for between $10,000- $20,000 USD, I could have a working prototype for about $2,500 USD. I have been actively seeking a partner to take on this part of the business. I would like to get some figures on what a web site like this could return with what I am proposing. I understand there is going to be cost associated with this, and I am offering partnership for the life of the business.

What I am looking to do on the web is: [Has this been done?]

A.) Incorporate the business information (Who we are, and what we are doing)

B.) Allow users to register on the site and possibly create a profile. Important that users can register and pay for the events we are hosting on the site. However, I have options around this for now.

C.) Develop a search directory (using sponsors who donate any amount of money to help reduce driver participation costs, every $25 helps). If they are willing to help, I would gladly provide ad space. The real idea behind this is actually where I think the internet is headed (pm me for more details).

D.) Build a forum for automotive enthusiasts to connect. Start locally expand from there.

E.) Create a section for selling useful books written by a contact of mine. The information is stuff you will only learn at a racing school which will cost you an easy $1,500+ USD to attend. Our idea is to provide the information at a ridiculously low cost and provide a safe environment for the budgeted driver to get started.

The closest site I have seen to this is carcrazycentral.com and it really doesn't come close.

I am starting locally, as things get moving I would like to keep a steady pace. There is need for this type of development throughout the country, I wouldn't mind filling the need.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Feel free to pm me anytime.

I look forward to seeing your responses.

Chris C.

[Crysco]

~Bump~

Has this been done before? I've been looking for sites to compare some of my ideas to.

[mthomas]

I'm not sure if this has been done before, but based on what you want to do, I'm pretty sure you can get this site put together for less than 10-20k.

Do you have any designing background? Can you design the look of the site yourself? If not, this is where you should probably enlist a professional web designer.

In regards to the search directories, allowing users to register, etc...there might be some PHP templates out there, making creating this easier, but you could probably hire a freelancer on elance for a fraction of the cost who would be able to do all of the SQL and PHP programming required for this sort of thing.

[Crysco]

Thank you for your ideas. If I cant find someone who will do it all, I will look into using a freelancer to compliment their attributes. I hadn't really thought of breaking the jobs up if I dont find someone with all of the experience.

Unfortunately my designing experience is in drafting. I can come up with the way I want it to look, I just dont have a clue when it comes to programming and making it happen on the web. I came up with a design that implements the dash from a vehicle and making the links be apart of the gauges.

I have some modules from one of the developers who gave an estimate, it lays out how it will flow.

Has anyone seen a site like the one described above? What do you think the potential of earnings from a site like this?

I have an idea of what it could be returning, I would like to get some more input from an outsiders point of view.

[chrispalko]

If you use my idea and your business becomes successful, you must let me into your park and events for free, forever! Seriously...

Let's begin:

Consider Joomla: Joomla!

A.) Incorporate the business information (Who we are, and what we are doing)

Using Joomla, create your pages...simple, simple, simple.

B.) Allow users to register on the site and possibly create a profile. Important that users can register and pay for the events we are hosting on the site. However, I have options around this for now.

Thought you could get me on this one? Nope. Joomunity (kind of like Facebook): Joomunity for Joomla - Joomla! Extensions Directory

C.) Develop a search directory (using sponsors who donate any amount of money to help reduce driver participation costs, every $25 helps). If they are willing to help, I would gladly provide ad space. The real idea behind this is actually where I think the internet is headed (pm me for more details).

Don't really understand? But, I'm sure I can give you a free way of doing it!

D.) Build a forum for automotive enthusiasts to connect. Start locally expand from there.

Hmm...just kidding, Joomla again, I don't even have a specific one I would recommend there are so many: Forum - Joomla! Extensions Directory

E.) Create a section for selling useful books written by a contact of mine. The information is stuff you will only learn at a racing school which will cost you an easy $1,500+ USD to attend. Our idea is to provide the information at a ridiculously low cost and provide a safe environment for the budgeted driver to get started.

E-commerce? Joomla FTW. VirtueMart: VirtueMart - Joomla! Extensions Directory


Alright, so how much is the site costing so far? $0.00

Ok, now we need it to look good, right? Answer: Joomla template (for now at least, use the revenues later to get a custom one made). Google "free joomla templates". Find one you like, modify the header with your logo, some cars drifiting, an engine bay, you get the point. Cost of a free template: $0.00

Here's where the costs really start adding up (just kidding, it's only hosting). You need a domain name and web hosting right? Domain name: $10-$15/year. Hosting: $7-$15/month

Sooooo, we have a fully functional site with a domain name and hosting for a grand total of $30 (max...hosting is monthly, though).

Allow me to modify my previous terms: If you go with my idea, you have to let me in the park and into events for free, forever, AND you have to use my hosting company for your domain and hosting (RedStormHosting.com) . Wait, I forgot to tell you. Joomla is installed very, very easily through the Fantastico system my company offers.

Man, I'm good.

Good luck with your venture!

EDIT: Sorry, I guess I didn't answer your event registration question. Well, if you haven't noticed, Joomla, again, is the way to go. Search their extensions for what you need. Simple. OR you could add it to your VirtueMart store during the period you will be offering registration for that event.