Get Ready
Step1
Join an R/C car racing club.
Step2
Attend a few of the club's racing events.
Step3
Meet and talk with the more experienced and successful racers.
Step4
Observe good drivers. Analyze their techniques.
Step5
Check out local hobby stores. Some may specialize in R/C car racing, with store personnel taking part themselves.
Step6
Choose the type of race car you want - gas (actually nitromethane) or electric (battery).
Step7
Choose the type of suspension you'll need. Many R/C racers who compete on indoor, carpeted tracks or on smooth, outdoor parking lots use relatively simple suspension systems.
Step8
Remember, most R/C race cars are rear-wheel drive, although front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars are available.
Step9
Learn to correctly set up your R/C race car. Weight distribution, suspension layout, and aerodynamic manipulation all come into play.
Step10
Build yourself a pit box with the proper tools and support equipment, such as a second (or third!) set of batteries, a quick charger, extra tires, and a spare body.
Go Racing
Step1
Practice, practice, practice - and then practice more. R/C car racing requires that the driver develop reactions and master techniques of manipulating the racer.
Step2
Learn your way around the tracks. Each R/C track will be different. Arrive early and practice, finding the "line" through the corners.
Step3
Watch your car. Recognize whether it's "loose" or has a "push."
Step4
Learn to adjust weight distribution and suspension to compensate.
Step5
Be prepared to interchange R/C car bodies. Aerodynamics will be different at each track. Compensate by changing car bodies or by adjusting the way the body sits on the frame.
Step6
Make test runs as you adjust your vehicle. Understand that smoothness comes before speed.
Step7
Avoid bad drivers on the track.
Step8
Remember, skill, patience and practice are the keys to winning races!
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Check your local hobby shops and stores for magazines like Radio Control Car Action and others. They usually have some good tips.