From experience the best way to promote the hobby growth is at grass roots club level... local advertising stating that clubs will run beginners/novice classes pulls the kids/parents in and if greeted with a friendly and helpful approach they will take the plunge and be back the week after with first cars.
We always try to get them on the track with one of the members mild SCT's to have a go.
This hobby can 'hook' beginners very quickly, particularly kids(and empty wallets!) but the interest can also drop quickly because of expense and the fact that it needs patience and practice to get good results rather than buying the fastest motor.
It is the younger generation that we need to bring in to guarantee future growth and success... parents would sooner kids were actively involved in a social hobby like this rather than siting in front ov a TV/console getting fat and not interacting with people face to face.
Running meetings at shows etc always brings crowds and interest but if they think it's going to cost £1k to set up and be competitive fom the start by looking at the top drivers kit then they will soon lose interest.
I still think the hobby magazines are the best interface for new blood... newbies can get lost or misguided too easily on the internet .
TV is obviously the ultimate but unless there are large viewing figures the shows wouldn't be viable.
I've often thought that getting the energy drink suppliers such as Red Bull involved in a large series would soon catapult the hobby into the limelight.
There is the problem with buggys not relating to real vehicles looks wise that makes it harder to market to a mass audience.
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