View Full Version : Getting started in racing...
filipinoguy
07-12-2003, 02:50 AM
Soon I'm gonna start racing at my LHS and wondered if you guys could give me advice, anything at all. I'm gonna be racing my Sprint (yeah I said Sprint) in the stock class. I'm gonna get a stock motor, probly a P2k, along with some tires and wheels. The problem is I don't have any good batteries, just 3 pos 1500's. What batteries should I get? I have a Piranha peak charger so I think I'll have to stay with Nicd's. Unless I could use my 1500's.:rolleyes: But I don't want to get embarrased when I get killed out on the track. (at least I'm trying to try right.:p ) lol I'm kinda scared:eek: :( I'm gonna watch the ppl race there this tuesday so I get I feel for what I'm in for.:eek: Ok so i'll get:
wheels and tires
stock motor
2400 (2)
Do you think I'll survive out there? :rolleyes: I'm a fairly good driver so I think I'll do OK, but what scares me is they're average speed's are like 30+ MPH.:eek:
Yeah so anything I should know.:confused:
Blacken
07-12-2003, 03:10 AM
don't try to be some one your not. if your not comfortable with your set up maby ask for some help. don't be embarassed. just go out and have a good time. if some one is trying to push your buttons because of your stuff, just ignore it. most of have fun, cause thats what it is all about:D
30+ mph average speed? stock?, What are you racing?, Pan Oval?
Don't worry; just go to the track and get killed. Almost EVERYBODY goes through that. Should you be concerned at all?, How many times/years you think those fast guys have been racing? It makes perfect sense to get killed. I wouldn't be embarassed at all! Go and have fun.. and see what its like...
highroller
07-12-2003, 03:56 AM
First race is always a learning process, go with the intent of improving your personal skills not trying to match others who may have been driving longer. Start with what you have, make it better by improving driving, setting up vehicle(knowing what change to make so car drives better). Once you see improvements then you can go for more speed and better equipment (radio, ESC, batteries, chargers etc). The added expense would be unjustified if your interests in racing declined.
Most guys are more than helpful in giving you good tips, remember you'll get good and bad information as well. Ask the guys where you intend to race what they use and if it would help improve your results.
Your first race will be like any others, you'll feel inadaquate with your equipment, atonished at the stuff guys have, how competitive they are while others are taking the time to help and even lend equipment to others. Think of it as your first day at school, winning your first race will be graduation day.
filipinoguy
07-12-2003, 04:01 AM
Yeah dude, stock TC; ppl's best lap average speeds are anywhere from 22 to 40 MPH. OK,:rolleyes: I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready...:D . BTW which one is more for n00bies, sportsman or novice? And does anyone have advice on what stuff to get. I've decided on motor, tires and wheels, but not batteries. Also, anything I should do to my Sprint before the race?
ORIGINALLY POSTED BY HIGHROLLER
Think of it as your first day at school, winning your first race will be graduation day.
Those are really comforting words there lol, at my LHS track just the practice races are intense lol. Sometimes when i meet someone at the track ill ask them if they want to race 1 on 1, those are really fun. most people run P2K2s or Monter motors for stock class and they have really good gearing lol. Right now i have stock gearing in my Sprint and its kinda slow on top speed, but im looking for a 48 pitch 29 tooth pinion, that should really boost my top speed without sacrificing acc. , since my sprint has a 48 pitch 28 tooth stock.
rocknbil
07-12-2003, 05:37 AM
OMG I can't believe this . . a guy has to "work up his nerve" to go to the track these days . . . . spending more time worrying about his equipment and how it measures up, whether or not you're going to win . . . and "am i going to survive . . "
I've been doing this on the track and off for about ten years and if anyone's serious about it it's me . . . so hopefully you all will take this in the right context . . .
filipinoguy when all is said and done, no matter what anyone says they are still toys. Expensive, finely tuned, technologically developed, and awesome TOYS. And you're supposed to play with toys, Ski-doo's, ATV's, motorcycles, nitro or electric RC's, you have to remember it is still a TOY in every sense of the word and the reason we play with TOYS is to stay young and HAVE FUN.
Charge up your batts, run what ya brung, get out there and just run with the pack man, just have fun, anyone who gets on your case about screwing up their TQ or dogs your equipment has forgotten everything that's important about RC.
highroller
07-12-2003, 06:39 AM
Bought my first car in 1979 attended my first race in 1981 went with a spare set of tires and 2 battery packs didn't do good but I had fun and it was a learning experience. Yes some were willing to help or lend me the items while others didn't seem to have the time (know what I mean). So over the years I have an idea or know what spare items or what equipment to buy which has increased a great deal: chargers, radios, esc, batteries 1200 -3300, cars, tires & motor lathes, dynos, battery zappers and so on. Yes I get very competitive when it calls for it, and even angry at times (I'm Human), and don't mind helping or lending a battery, motor to someone or even a set of tires or given a set of brushes to someone free why because I like the competition - winning at will is nice but without good competition it doesn't push your limits or skills - helping someone else improve theirs forces you to up your skills as competition gets more even. The racer you think may not be a threat is usually the one that is come race day.
I've seen guys run just as good with stick packs, as others with matched high dollar packs. Driving and tuning skills were the biggest fact, along with some luck.
ahh nvm, sorry had to remove what i originally said. lol was off-topic, thought this was a different topic
highroller
07-12-2003, 09:23 AM
Sorry about the constant post but what alot of guys don't understand is that your first race may not yield you best results. Don't drive like you are the only one on the track, learn to ease off throttle move out of the racing line (not in corners though) and just let the faster person by, talk with each other on the stand. Try using wide vision not on where your car is but look ahead and behind where you are on the track, this will help avoid collisions (in some cases) or prepare you to change your line for the guy coming up on you. First time mistakes will happen (part of racing) but they should be overlooked, especially when some guy runs over you and blames you - point out to him that he ran into you or you couldn't move or where committed to your line - leave it at that. Heck if my car it a bit off, I move out of the way for the faster person; no sense in tearing up equipment but once I have committed to drive into the turn and say to the guy take the inside coming off (I'll ease out of the throttle, drift wide and let him by) once he is by then I'll resume my driving line or watch for someone else who may try to sneak though. Watch how different guys drive in practice, it will give you a good idea and prepare you on how to race against them or what to expect during a race.
1nsane
07-12-2003, 05:42 PM
Do not expect good results for a few races . Just try to finish races . Let faster drivers to pass you . Spend your bucks for tires , shock oils/springs and spend your time for practicing and setup changes . Practice will make you a perfect driver .
Be a social racer . Talk to other racers for their experiences and tips . They will give you lots of unvaluable tips and tricks .
I spent two years in racing . Last year I did not win any race . Only I did mistakes . I have made lots of practice and changed some equipment . Now in 2003 I won 3 of 5 races in my city .
mugenseike
07-12-2003, 07:37 PM
all I can say is let other's pass you, and like in real life- go with the flow of the traffic, it's like a real race because they all are lined up, also be attentive on what the other racer's are going to do before they do it, and don't pass anyone unless you need to or have a good chance of doing it succesfully, also one other note-check to see that you don't have the same frequency as another, your car and his/her's will possibly and will most likely go haywire.:D this for general racing, doesn't just apply for electric, but nitro also.
filipinoguy
07-14-2003, 05:36 AM
Umm, what do they mean by ''did not finish.'' Does that mean you got stuck in a wall or something?:confused: Also whats the difference between''novice'' and ''sportsman.'' and what are ''heats'' and ''A mains and B mains.'':confused:
NVR2FAST
07-15-2003, 12:01 AM
I think you need new batteries that's all i have to say. I mean I've heard a lot of good things from people who bought better batteries, and they say that they have a noticable speed difference. If you ask me i think you should get a pair of 3300 batteries,and a piranha digital charger(if you dont have a charger that can charge up to 3300).
filipinoguy
07-15-2003, 12:33 AM
What's up Adam.:cool: :D
I'm above your average racer; and I can bet my life on it that avg speed of a stock TC on a road course is NOT 30+mph... Go read the data on the computer timing system!
A "heat" refers to each individual run or round. Ie, heat 1, first 7 guys races, heat 2, the next 7 guys races, etc, etc.. Usually 5-10 guys, depending on the place and turn out.
After running X number of heats of qualifiers(qualifying rounds; used to determine which main you are in and what position). Some places run 5 or 6 or 7 or however many they want in a main. The fastest group of guys goes in the A main, next group of guys are in the B, then C, D, and so on...
Did not finish(DNF) means you started but didn't finish a race; ie something broke, the car doesn't run and make the X number of mins the race lasts for. That happened to me 3 times out of several years of racing. Did not start(DNS).. I think you can guess what that means.
It would be nice to have new batteries, but you don't NEED them YET. Set your car up, and drive it, practice, practice, practice. THEN let one of the fast guys at the track drive your car. And you will be surprised how much faster he drives with it! It's like this; can you handle what you have now?, if not, you probably dont need to move up yet...
filipinoguy
07-15-2003, 01:47 AM
TEM, look here (http://www.rctechonline.com/) . Click ''tuesday night racing'' then go to''full race results.'' It'll say ppl are getting 20 to 40 MPH average speeds. I don't know If its accurate though, but I too am amazed by this.:eek: Well I'll just have to go and see for myself tommoro.:rolleyes:
OK thanks, so they use heats to determine what main you're gonna be in. Therefore, you'll be more evenly matched in a main than in a heat right. I think I get it, thanks for clearing that up.:)
filipinoguy
07-15-2003, 06:33 AM
So I'll only need 2 batteriesfor racing right? 1 for the heat and 1 for the main?:confused:
gohim
07-15-2003, 05:26 PM
How many batteries you will need depends on the program run by people putting on the race.
When you go to race, you will participate in Heat Races (1-3 races used to determine who will race with who in the Mains).
With a 2PK2 motor, and competitive gearing, you will need good quality 1700s (in good condition) to finish a race. I tried stuffing new 1500s in my kid's cars last year, and the batteries were dumping before the end of the races. At the end of the season last year, I bought some 1700 "sport" grade packs built with no-name cells, but they also do not appear to be able to finish a 4 minute stock motor race.
I purchased a bunch of used race grade 2000 and 1700 packs (built with Sanyo cells), which I am running with a 2PK2 in stock motor classes. There is plenty of juice to finish, and they appear to have much more punch then the 1700 (used Sanyo cells) packs that my kids and I are running in some of the "Heat" races.
So what I would recommend is looking for some good used 2000 race packs built from Sanyo cells. You can find them on eBay for as low as $8-$10 a pack (when purchased in a lot).
Consider buyings a name brand, fast steering servo, and later, an FM radio. Airtronics has a fantastic value in the MX3 (about $110 with receiver and servos, brand new, or less on eBay). The 102 servos that come with the radio will work fine as a steering servo (if converted to ball bearing for $6), but a little slow.
Running on a track is not like running on the street, so don;t expect to get in there and start winning immediately against racers who have been racing for years.
The guys with the most expensive equipment do not always win. It's the guys that drive the cleanest line, that prep their equipment throughly, and finish the race that win consistantly.
True, but the guys with most equipment fall into two categories: rich, or dedicated.
The dedicated guys are almsot like a click and just rac their buddies. It's always a surprise when someone new sneaks in there.
But, having a good 2400 pack + a peak charger, 2PK2 or Core, in the stock class guarantees good results if you can drive.
Like the other guys said, practice and play with the big boys.
-Xray
StalkerStang
07-15-2003, 10:54 PM
Go race and have fun!
I started racing about a year ago with a RTR Tamiya TL-01 Mustang Cobra, it had the can motor (OMG that was slow), a mechanical speed control, tires w/o inserts, and I ran on one 1500 Pirhana battery. The only thing that I had on my car was ball bearings. Now I have the same car, and more hop-ups, and I'm one of the most competative racers in my class.
I have a suggestion though, if you like the way your body looks, buy a cheap one you won't care about, because if your a first time racer, your guerenteed to flip or crash, or both a few times.
highroller
07-16-2003, 02:08 AM
Take enough packs for each heat, and main that tracks runs. Some run 3 qualifing heats, and main (4packs) plus one or two extra. You could use the same ones to practice with (one time), discharge, cool then charge for each race heat. If one pack wasn't cooled properly the extra or standby could be used. Don't always have to be the best or high dollars pack either, but you may want to have the best pack/motor to use for the main.
Go to the track and practice. Some open their tracks for practice, some charge others don't this is your best time to go and improve when you can take your time, make changes try different things and get a feel of the track and car without rushing. You don't need good stuff to practice. Take a notebook to write down the changes you tried, what worked, what didn't have someone time you to see if you lap times are getting lower. When you get consistant in driving then start adding speed.
Spec TL-01 racing is loads of fun! But you need TIGHT rules to keep it fun. Actually even in stock racing; you can occasionally see some pretty fast TL-01's. Mind you that guy behind the wheel(or stick in some cases) are most likely better drivers than the guys next to him. But then again; I've also seen a TL-01 with a carbon fiber double decker chassis!...
Yeah, that body thing; I'm glad someone mentioned it! Bodies are consumables! Even if you don't want to go and buy a body for bashing up at the track; there are for sure people there willing to give you a used body to beat around... ask...