Yo I am a basher and want to race. Not an expert but I know how to build and tune rc cars. Driving could be better. But you definitely described the way I feel about races either feeling intimidated or not feeling wanted. Hopefully they can make racing more inviting and more accessible about the where and when about the races. Also have more amateur races and classes to learn how to race . Great video . THANKS MARK NEEDED A VIDEO LIKE THIS PUT OUT. THATS WHY SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR CHANNEL.
@Mark Santa Maria hey Mark I love your channel what kind of car can we use to start getting into racing she has a slash 2wd I put brushless in and I have a 4wd slash with brushless thank you for your time.
I was in your shoes 3 years ago. I wanted to race because it looked like fun but felt very intimidated and I have some social anxiety. It took me a bit to work up enough courage and just showed up one day. The person I was pitting next to realized I was a first timer and helped me immensely with info and found out real quick that everyone there is willing to help. Since then I have met so many great people and have so many friends in the racing community now. So glad I got over my anxiety and just went. Also in my area every race track has a Novice class that is a run what you brung as long as it runs on a 2S battery.
The greatest RC award I ever received was given to me by my local hobby store owner and race organizers for sportsman of the year. Basically it was because I was always willing to help the younger racers.
I used to fix other kids cars so they could run the next heat. How's that for sportsmanship? But some of the other racers complained my little boys yelled while playing on the sand pile. How's that for gratitude? And were they fixing other people's cars? Of course not. By the way I won a lot. They banned the Baja Beetle body in truck competition because of me, and 4WD is not needed to have hot competition. I think 2 WD buggies and trucks rule from a racing standpoint. 4 WD adds cost and requires less driving skill in my not so humble opinion.
In the immortal words of Rob, our local track announcer, "there are no groupies waiting in the parking lot, and we are racing for bowling trophies." Keep things in perspective. We race toy cars for fun, and for hanging out together at the track. Winning is great, but if I could win every week, I would probably get bored and find a new hobby.
good perspective on most of us that try to race RC, then its the small amount that got it as work or big sponsors that take it serious, but for most of us its just club racing for a cheap price that cost less then the entry fee and tyres used during a race day.
I think another aspect is the fear of making a mistake and upsetting another driver. Some racers take it so seriously that it’s a huge problem if someone makes a mistake and causes them to lose position or even a race. Love the video and channel! Definitely the right message!
Just the other day we had a new drivers post on our local page saying what can I practice I don't want to be in the way. People answered I stride first and foremost saying never feel like your in the way. Everyone starts somewhere and no one can shame you for that.
Following along that same concept of people taking it too seriously are the people who have no life other then RC racing, they focus on it 24/7/365 and so they will always beat everyone else because everyone else actually has lives.
Man! Great video Mark!!! I have been out of the hobby for the last 20 years and just recently purchased 2 used slash 4x4s and I’m so pumped to show my 5 year old son how awesome this hobby is and the joy it can bring us!
This video nailed my recent experiences to a T. Back in 1983 I built my first rc car a Tamiya grasshopper. Year later built a team associated rc 10. Took the rc 10 racing at my local track and had a blast. Everyone at that time was just having fun and not taking things serious. But for me it was short lived. Fast forward 40 years later and I came across yours & talbot's you tube channels. Y'all got me back into rc cars but I have been hesitant getting back into racing because I felt like alot of racers take things way to serious & personal. Honestly I have more enjoyment running my cars around my yard than at my local tracks. So much so this spring I'm gonna build my own off road track in my back field. Watching grown men fuss & argue over something that should be fun is a big turnoff for me. This was an awesome video Mark & I hope more rc racers come to realize that in the end its all about having fun, making new friends and creating memories.
The grasshopper was the first one that got me interested. I was pretty young and had an uncle a few years older then me who built one. It was so cool watching that thing rip around the driveway.
There's only one track near where I live and that's a 70 mile round trip. I'm a retired mechanic and used to drag race old Mopars. I had to retire much younger than I wanted to because of health reasons. I picked up this hobby in 2014 to partially fill the void. Most people have to work to support their hobby, so they can't spare the time to race. Our "local" tracks race schedule doesn't work for me. So I build and bash. In fact I'm working on 4x4 pulling truck as I'm watching.
I recently just moved to TN from IL. My entire family and friend group is in the Midwest and a minimum of a 7 hour drive away. When we got here we had to stay in a local park in our RV until our house was ready. In that park was the Bullet Town RC track and they ran two events while were were there. That hooked my son and I hard for not only feeding my completive race nature locally but ALSO the community around it. Now all of my friends in this are basically based around RC stuff lol. I love it. It's got the same vibe as Gridlife on a smaller scale with smaller cars. Super friendly and everyone is down to help anyone out any way they can. I totally agree with you Mark, THIS is what the community needs to show more of and I'm happy you do your best to show that off in your own way.
You have said in this video what I’ve been trying to get across to other RC enthusiast for the past 25 years. I hope those who have viewed this take it to heart and pass it onto others. So many racers come to the track at the beginning of the day,, happy and with hope,,, yet go home dejected, a disappointed, disillusioned and sometimes angry. The manufactures of the products did not have that in mind when they decided to produce their items. Rock On!
No one will remember next year! That's great advice. Have fun and don't take it too seriously. That advice flows right into my world of car building/ restoration. I remember in the 90s getting pissed when whatever I sent to the shows would get beat! I had good reason a couple times, might make a video about those, but the fact is it didn't matter one bit! It was supposed to be about a group of like minded people having a good time together. I'm 49 and still build real cars and RCs. Maybe I'll attempt a race build and try it. ✌️
Exactly why I race. I got my son into it and we go whenever we can and try and have fun. Sure it can be frustrating when there’s a jump you can’t handle or a turn you flip on, but I’m always having fun and it’s a bonus if I end up leaving without breaking anything..lol. Good stuff! ❤
When I went to Cleveland, I spent so much time geeking and fanboying and meeting all these guys I watched online and it was the best time I ever had. Did I win? Heck no...I finished last in my class...but did I make memories? You better believe it. I can't wait to go to another race and make even more memories and fanboy meeting even more drivers and announcers and race promoters
You hit it on the head . Bad racing good friends. Winning isn't everything. Fun, relationships, coming together & fun racing. For beginners, you will win the more you practice & the more you do, the more you will see yourself with a first place trophy
I'm a first year racer. SR10 and moved into a 13.5 sprint. Wife built a B6.3 for fun. I have had a lot of help from Kyle Layton. Love the video and totally spot on. 61 yrs old and enjoying everyday at the track.
New subscriber here, great video. I help run a track in South Carolina and I don’t even race on it that much at all. And I love literally 5 mins away. I will spend late hours prepping said track though, just so that everyone who shows up to the track is able to enjoy it. I walk around on race day and talk to people getting their opinion on what could be better. I just want everybody to have a good time enjoying the hobby. Thank you so much for this video. It Definetly explains to a variety of enthusiasts, how things are, and can be in our hobby… Overall, just have fun
Very well said, I started racing in 1985. I love hanging out, traveling etc with my rc friends and family. Bashing, racing, flying, boating, if its rc its good times
I started racing RC a few years ago, it wasn’t as much fun as I thought it would be. Extremely serious competition and not much laughter. Now I race Vintage and it’s so much more fun (and considerably cheaper) to do with a bunch of fellow RC nerds. We all have a great day and have a huge BBQ to finish the day off and talk a load of shit. Keep up the great Content Mark!!
I got into RC around 34 years ago, it's always been about the networking and the memories. My social media was at the track and RC Car Action magazine. Now with the UA-cam channel it has all the vibe, because hell I'm not an A Main player by any means.... being humble and staying humble goes a long way.
Hey Mark, I was great meeting you at the TNR race and you are so right the best thing about our hobby is the time hanging out with other people. I love to bash, but what makes bashing so much fun is when there are other people there to share the time with. What is really awesome is that both of my sons and my grandson are in the hobby with me. Thanks again for another great video!!
I couldn't agree more with this video. We literally just dropped a Wheel & Trigger podcast with a top 10 list and most of what you said was in this podcast and is exactly how we promote the hobby. Great work and thank you for doing what you do!
100% agree. I talked to many of the RC content creators here on YT a while back and really there's about a 100,000 ceiling of actual hobby grade RC enthusiasts. In the case of Talbot or Sparks, they cross over into the entertainment section of UA-cam and obviously gather many non-rc people watching. The real bummer about RC is that people that are into RC are getting older and not many kids are getting into it. I had, at one point over 100 RC's in my shop and over the course of 10 years on UA-cam, my kids wanted nothing to do with RC.
@@bigalinbc4075 cleet need to do more rc stuff and go to racetracks to show that racing rc or just bashing it around a track is just as cool as a 6 second on the dragstripp.
I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of dads get their kids to run after the car and flip it back over for them. Kids love that up to a certain age. Then they hate it and in turn they start hating on RC
This is a great video. I've been racing/bashing/playing with R/C for 37 years now. I've experienced each of these things: Camaraderie, time with my kids, putting my engineering/fabrication skills to work, helping others, learning to take constructive criticism from faster guys, being social and learning my only competition is me. One of my favorite memories is Dakotah Phend taking the time to help me with my brand new (at the time) 22SCT 3.0 setup. The guy was so real and genuinely interested in my setup and making my car a little faster. I really appreciate you putting this out there. I hope it encourages people to give racing a try and it encourages us veterans of racing to be welcoming and helpful to the new guys trying it out. You earned my subscription today, Sir!
Awesome video and you’re 110% correct!!! Too much negativity in our hobby. Always have to take into consideration that the younger RC’ers are who will continue this amazing hobby!!! Happy RC’ing Y’all!!!
I’m going to answer that question without watching all of the video yet. For me Mark it’s the amount of time it all takes. It’s basically a day and evening event. Now that’s a lot to commit to week in week out. With family and other commitments it makes it hard. It’s not the money that’s not the issue. That’s why I will continue to Blast my Arrma’s at the local park with my Sons 7 & 16. ❤
You, sir, are so right!!! I dig the social aspect of the rc community just as much as the cars themselves!! Meeting people like you, the Crowes, Stuart/Donnie and Zack.....and everyone else is so rewarding. The feeling of community, brother/sisterhood, is amazing! Along with the people, the verity of car/trucks and the different scenes are so fun. But with all that, I'd like to think we all have something in common: we all like being together, having fun, and playing with cars! 😁 Dude, I really want to thank you and everyone here! I love all of you, even the folks I haven't met yet. I love this amazing hobby, I'm so happy I am involved! Great video Mark!!!
Great message dude! Being competitive can be fun and obviously it’s easy to have fun when you’re winning but the best part of it all is the ability to come together and share something that makes us all smile.
I started as a basher, then went racing when I got a b4.2 and stopped after the b5m was sunset, mostly because replacing the front shock tower ever weekend started to get expensive (it was a skill issue that killed those parts btw). Now I crawl scx24s and bash a Traxxas Slash (which I used to not like at all, but I love it now) since I’m no longer close to Tacoma RC Raceway like I was when racing… luckily someone has a backyard track that’s kinda close, and I’m ready to get back at it
As for the greatest award I got, it was less of an award and more of the track owner clearing out old projects and he gave me first pick. I miss the TRCR crew
You are definitely right about the amount of bashers. I think a lot of bashers are missing out on a super fun experience. To me racing is like when we were kids and saw the cool RC car commercials like the Tyco rc commercials where they would have the cool landscape or perfect place to race around. Then you would buy it and get bored running it in your yard. Now with RC racing it like we take a top quality RC and get to run it on the fantasty landscape an RC track!
thats part of my childhood to see the cool rc cars on tv and get together with buddies to race down the street, then i found out about nitro engines and the hobby tok speed sort of that i went eaven deeper in to it and now its several decades later and im still enjoying going to the track to lay down laps eaven without transponder just for the fun time.
Honestly when I got going I ran a falcon in Tamiya class…it was the entry class and it was a blast. Nowadays there’s not much in the way of lower cost “somewhat novice”racing classes to get folks in the door. Too many tracks cater to the fast racers, and this leave behind the folks starting out. Without new blood; it doesn’t survive
Enjoying your videos. I have raced twice and really enjoy the group of people involved in rc racing. I joined a local track/club and am having a blast meeting people and making new friends.
As a former racer over a decade and a 5th and a 8th place in 1/10th 4wd el buggy Nationals in Sweden. The key to the joy for me is the combination of racing AND bashing, nowdays its only bashing and been so for the past 40 years. But i recomend every basher to atleast give it a try, the racing sceen are in a league of its own and it is amazing 🥰
I got into RC when a coworker brought his duratrax evader into work, Novak duster esc with a 12 turn speed gem brushed motor powered by a 1,500 nicd battery and that thing hauled the flipping mail!!! Next paycheck I was picking up a XTM Excellarator. A buddy found one at a garage sale not long ago and gave it to me .
Wow you were so right on about what RC people like. Most people probably start out bashing and just enjoying driving and working on cars. Racing just seems so out of reach for me at this time because I really don't have any cars setup for that and there really aren't any tracks near me. I do agree that racing would be lots of fun especially for all the people coming together to participate with and learn from. Watching races on UA-cam really isn't that exciting for someone starting out or even a non RC person. People want to see crashes and high speed. Destruction and jumps. Cars on fire and stuff like that. There is a real small cement track close to my house and there is a group that goes there and races 1/10 scale and smaller. I think that would be fun not for UA-cam videos but just to hang out learn about cars and have a challenge. Solo bashing is fun but we all need people to learn from and better ourselves.
Great video Mark. Videos like this are why I consider you the best RC UA-camr. Most of the other UA-camrs seem to be shills for manufactures that only make videos about products they have received for free and/or only focus on bashing. It's really nice and refreshing to see someone talk about and be involved with all aspects of the hobby, you're a great spokesperson for the hobby. I've raced and currently bash and have hopes of racing again, I miss the community, it's for the most part full of good people that are willing to help, but it's the ones who focus on winning club level races at all costs that make racing no fun. One thing that I think can help the hobby and racing a great deal is bashing spots in public parks and/or spaces. I think that more people would get into and stay in the hobby if they had a dedicated place they could run. I understand what's involved in making something like this happen and that it's an uphill battle, but if the air guys can figure out a way to carve out space for flying fields then us surface guys should be able to and should do the same. Personally I would be willing to pay a reasonable fee to play and if I had the means I would open an RC park with as many different tracks (1/8-10 on road, dirt oval, off road track, stunt track, etc...) as I could fit on the property. Why hasn't anyone attempted this?
Just like mountain biking racing progresses the sport but is just a small part of the big picture. RC to me is about having fun putting a smile on my face & getting away from the stress of the real world which is way too competitive. I was at Proline By The Fire & the feeling of being out with everyone was awesome because you al, have something in common. You are 100% right though. It’s about FUN!
Here in Barbados I had an experience that made me change my perspective of racers We have one community track for offroad outdoor racing and one for road use I recently went to the offroad track with my other basher friends who have 1/8th trucks (kratons & such I have a punisher) when we arrived to the track the nitro buggy guys were there and they said we werent allowed on the track because we will tear it up We said okay and walked away We all joined together and are building tracks in various parts of the island to welcome anyone into the rc community That experience left a bad taste in my mouth as someone who never raced an was interested in it (turns out I'm actually good at it ) but what I'm getting at you can't expect people to get into the hobby with negative energy like that But I came out of it with the will power to get as many people into racing as possible don't matter what you drive just come and we can accommodate you all !
I couldn't have had said it better myself. Sure I'm not a racer myself, but bashing, crawling, drifting, etc, is the other half of the rc hobby. To me, the hobby is about being creative and making your builds come to reality, and also to bond and make memories with your friends/family. If I were to be a racer myself, my motto would be "Don't race to win. Race to have a good time".
You are definitely right about building a rc I’ve gotten into rc almost three years now and I have a few rc’s that I built and never used yet and I still buy them to either use or build and I really enjoy working on them but I also noticed that a lot of people who are into rc’s they can’t work on them or too afraid to work on them i look at it like this if you can’t fix it and have it apart take it to your local hobby shop and let them fix it or look on UA-cam there’s tons of tutorials on how to work on rc’s
Thanks for sharing! I was down on myself for not getting the finishes I wanted and not running well, and putting the pressure on myself for no reason. Go out and have a fun time. Meeting knew people at the tracks are awesome and it is so rewarding and fun to have built a car yourself and working on it and getting it to run and run well!. Just getting to the track and getting things setup and planning your race day is fun for me.
As somebody who has very recently got into this it was just something for fun it has turned into a bonding experience, a lot of upgrade sessions and my first full build experience, I’ve been to the track once (hard on me cause I’m handicap ) the track was a blast though I had the 1/16 slash and my son had his Teton, yes he broke it lol we know it’s part of the hobby (we have a broken parts container because each busted part is a set of good memories) and it’s been great for both of us. my first RC (if we don’t include the Lego one I built last year) is the trx4m, one rtr and one full build that I just finished up this week 😁 both Bronco’s though lol
Great vid Mark, you're right, most ppl just join for fun, I never called it bashing when I started. I got people into it by letting them just smash the throttle and have fun! I don't want to clinch my cheeks because I'm in competition. This to me is all about family and friends having fun! Breaking them can also be fun getting to fix them, beside the cost, haha!
When I first got back into RC after 35 years...and, by "back into", I'm not referring to getting into RC helis, which I got into (for the first time) approx 12-13 years ago...I was getting back into it just as a basher, starting with a Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL. Within less than six months, I had three bashers...and, I had built my first race vehicle (1/10 2WD buggy). I won't go into what I have now (less just say a LOT of surface bashers, surface racers, crawlers (mostly comp, but a couple trail), boats (some for racing, some for fun), a helicopter, and some other stuff). I'm not trying to "show off" with all the vehicles & vessels I have, as the number of vehicles/vessels had nothing to do with my point. My point is this - In regards to racing, while I am competitive...and, at times, I can be VERY competitive...the truth is, I DON'T care if I win, or even come in last place (that's happening a lot in Mini-Z racing, which I just started getting into). My entire perspective in racing is "having fun"...and, for those interesting in getting into racing, you should, too. DON'T concern yourself with winning. And, at first, don't even concern yourself with 'improving'. Just learn to enjoy all that RC is. If you win a few races here & there is fantastic...but, DON'T let "winning" be the primary focus. Now, if/when you get good enough that you stay winning three majority of your races, that's when you start working on 'improving', moving up in classes, and focusing your attention on winning even more. However, even at that point, NEVER lose the ability to "just have fun", as THAT'S the true 'spirit' of RC.
I'm genuinely terrible and trying to get better. I don't get frustrated at losing, I only get there when I break something on race day, when I can have zero issues 10 practices between the races lol. Hate missing a heat. I just enjoy the comraderie at the track.
The majority of ground RC is crawling / trailing/ scaling these days. Don't need a track. You can follow the rig anywhere. You can build a scale version of a full size that it out of reach, or maybe what you already have. It has competitive niches. It has modeling enthusiasts. You can go out with the kids and friends. You can go nearly anywhere. Great vid bud! I enjoyed hearing the racing side of things. A lot in common with the crawling side of it.
I got into rc's from watching a random Kevin Talbot video about 2 years ago of dogs chasing an rc around. Had an rc as a kid (The LunchBox) and was blown away on how much they have changed for the better. Plus Kevins enthusiasm and not so perfect style of fixing stuff made it seem like an easy thing to get into and have fun. So I bought a Traxxas Maxx and had an absolute blast for months, then broke it and was trying to figure out on how to fix it on youtube, which lead me to your channel. And i've been watching your videos since then as well.
Mark: I am 78 and just ordered a Redcat gen 7 pro, mostly because of your video on the truck. Currently have a Everest 10, Big Foot and a Senton Arrma short track car. Really wanted to get into semi real look and go do a few trail drives. Appreciate the honesty of your reviews and over all fun of the videos.
I was given an rc10 buggy at 14 and loved it, I gave it back to the man that gave it to me as my interest in the hobby was ruined by the fact that I did not have the money to race or replace parts as I wrecked. Now I'm 42 and building a buggy to race (The brand happens to be one I couldn't afford then and couldn't let go of since). So now I'm in it again, learning about all the things I overlooked and the technologies that weren't around in 1994. This is my first 4wd and I chose a brand that went away for a while and has been back a few years now. So many new choices and options, I feel a bit overwhelmed but very excited.
Great perspective on ALL racing. I've done RC cars, 1/32 scale slot cars and 1/1 scale track events. This is true for all of those venues. Helping your buddies in the pits, watching that person you gave tips to go out and improve their lap times. Hanging out after the event and having a few beers or a nice meal. It's the same for all of those. Except I can't speak for drag-racing. I've only seen the "run till you break or lose and go home" crowd with that type of racing. But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. What Mark is saying is EXACTLY why 24hours of Lemons (Lemons not Lemans) is so popular. Great work Mark. You nailed it.
I'm into rc tanks, but I like watching rc cars and especially seeing them run ,I'm currently doing one amphibious btr and one 1/10 super scale old jeep, so wheels are also fun not only tracks, keep it up 👍
Started the hobby in 1997. Started racing 1/10 and 1/8 scale onroad in 1999. Fastforward to 2023 I'm still racing and never won anything or made it to P3. I'm having a blast!!!!
Your absolutely right. It's tuff to put the pressure we put on ourselves to the side when doing the race reports but we gotta do better if we want to grow this niche hobby.
Rc racing is a small part because there are not enough tracks. I used to have a good indoor track, small but nice, 45m from me. I couldn't go every weekend but I very much enjoyed it. I didn't understand the super competitive guys. I was happy to finish middle of the B mains...Basically dead set average. Racing does cost more than bashing...similar number of broken parts but you add track fees and generally more expensive models/race spec parts. The dream is to have a house with enough land to build a track of your own.
I totally agree. Started with rc racing back in 2008 here in germany. There are so many lovely people in this hobby. So that meeting friends is the main thing for me. At our local Track, the MC-Ettlingen Minidrom, we are hosting the "Euro Nitro Series". A Championship, held every year on multiple Tracks all over europe. Drivers from all over the world came to our track to have 4 days of fun and meeting friends, having some Bratwurst and Beer. Having a good time. Besides of the regular european and world championships, these private races are the best part of the hobby.
My advise is if you're thinking about getting into racing you have to have a decent rig and batteries electronics etc and mainly get in a lot of practice and learn throttle and braking control before entering your first race so you don't get blown away and get discouraged but even if you do loose bad that should make you want to practice even more. Love racing RC There's nothing else like it.
@@balben71 Your best bet is to talk to someone at whatever track you plan to go to as they'd know what will work well, and you might hear of a cheap entry class to try things out without going too deep. I'm still pretty new myself, but for an indoor carpet track (the only thing I've raced on so far), I've loved the TA SC 6.1, and there's a lot of 6.2s. I've been told the TLR Tuned Typhon is a good starter for outdoor dirt, but been warned it's not a "forever" car. I'll get to see in a couple of months when it warms back up.
I love rc , started out crawlin, started racing, loved it but it takes too much prep and it's a huge lifestyle change , if you race you are in it to win it or your not in it , while I totally agree that if I had more friends that race I'm sure I'd race more 😉, but my buddies hang at the creek so we mostly crawl and scale out , sometimes bash , Mark actually set my truck up and gave me lots of tips at indy rc world a couple yrs back ,, he is a fantastic guy , sometimes he even shows up on our Thursday night crawl at Duck Creek Thanks for all your time and effort 🙏it is very much appreciated
Great point’s about racing. I enjoy going during practice just to run the track. Racers are a little too serious for me. I like going out in the back yard with my boys and running cars and jumping them as high as possible 🚀
Great video !! The winning and stress of winning should be left to the pros their livelihoods depend on it. Enjoy Racing and the relationships you make. Every good opportunity I have had over the last 20 years has come from people I have met thru RC.
I raced 1/10 electric dirt oval back in the 80's through early 90s. We had a local track but the most fun was traveling to events at other tracks. It was you and your friends VS the locals, always a good time and lots of ribbing between races. I eventually ended up semi-pro with some great sponsors and ran up and down the east coast at the big events. I still never lost the good time part of it, winning was a big part when your sponsored but I made so many friends in different states, that was the best part of the experience when I look back. Maybe things have changed but back then we welcomed new racers and were there to help them out on their setups and driving.
I got out of racing because it was treated like bumper cars and the bill for broken parts just kept adding up. Breaking is part of racing but when you end up with two or three cars that need to be repaired every week, it takes most of that week just to get the parts, then you spend a late night on Friday trying to get cars together for Saturday, it gets to be way too much. If it takes me a month to fix a basher or a crawler it doesn't matter because I have three more on the shelf I can drive while the other one is getting fixed. Breaking is less stressful because I broke it. It wasn't because that guy kept hitting my car and pushing it into the wall. Or being knocked out of bounds on the track and not being able to finish the race. I used to be the guy that would stop while someone got their car back on the track but I just got tired of all of that.
Wel said. This is a good video. These things needed to be said. I like "under the good" videos. Can you show us yours and your sons race rigs sometinlme. I'd love to see the things you've done with your rides.
I grew up as a brasher. Once I got a real car I was able to drive myself to the track and try racing but the local drivers were less than receptive to a kid asking about set ups. I quickly tired of the whole thing and put it away for 20 years. Then on a wild hair I bought an RB6 and tried it again. I had no interest in winning, I wanted to build fundamentals but was told if I didn’t perform better I’d have to go to 2WD novice which is where they out the kids who couldn’t stay off the pipes. I gave up on it again. Now I bash and have fun with the hobby like I did as a kid.....bashing.
My older cousin was a serious racer for 15+ years, it was his life everyday. I use to spend my summers with him and we would be at the tracks every evening and weekend. I loved it because there is no tracks within 3 hours from where I live. About 2 years ago he completely gave up rc's all together and started fishing 🤣. I love my bashers and crawlers but would love to race on a track...
Not an RC racer and never will be, but your take on it sounds a lot like what I have done for enjoyment for many years. Breaking clay pigeons is FUN! It is also where I met most of my best friends over the last 55+ years. Yes, I used to be a lot younger. Help the newer competitors, tease the ones you have known practically forever and don't forget to enjoy yourself.
I just race against my brother and nephew using a Kraton 4s a Kyoto 4s and a couple of 1/16 brushless bashers at the same time and we always have a blast! We'll switch cars and do it again!
I used to race with my pop and my buddy in the late eighties/early nineties. We raced off road with RC 10's and oval with some reproduction sprint cars. What a blast! We won a few, but most the time, not. We didn't have the best of the best stuff, especially at the beginning, but it was okay. The real fun started when you got back to your own shop (garage) start taking things apart, rebuilding the rear diff, clean things up, and tweak the setup from the things you learned over the weekend. Sometimes maybe have an upgrade for the next time. For me personally, the tinkering, wrenching, and painting was as much fun or more fun than the racing. (Hobby) About five years ago I wanted to get back into it. Oh man lots to learn. So I bought a SC5M kit. I was totally excited and BS'ing with the guy at the hobby shop. He told me then that it's not the same, that people get pissy about a little rubbin is racing and take it too seriously. Basically the stuff your talking about in this video. I felt deflated immediately because that is not what it was before. Sure it's fun to get competitive, and of course there were the guys who took it to seriously, but it was not the norm, and there was no social media to be a little B on. Anyway, the kit was a blast to build, wow, what a difference in the new parts compared to the older parts. I painted the body( hecka fun), put the electronics in it, stopped by the track to get some tires, threw those on and, the truck hasn't ran once because it just didn't feel fun when I was at the track. Update though, I did just stop back bye the track, and took some time to introduce myself and bs with a few guys. I am hoping to find some time to go be a newbie, race and have fun! So, that's my story. Thanks for the great video, and the update on the rc racing climate. Have fun!
I got into mini z racing a couple years ago, so I might as well give my two cents. I feel like the main barrier stopping people from racing is the cost. Kyosho Mini Z's are probably the cheapest route into racing. I spent around 300 dollars getting a car, wheels, tools, batteries, a charger, etc. And then an extra 40 bucks a season for consumables and spares. Note that this is also the box stock class. I completely agree with you that the community is what we're all actually here for. I'm significantly younger and less experienced than almost everyone else at the races, but they didn't hesitate to help me figure stuff with my car out. Z's are popular in Europe and the States too, so if you're looking for an entry into racing then that's where I would start. There's lots of beginners and the people are very friendly and eager to help, and we don't get all that upset when someone taps our cars on track. That's just racing. We all know how much concentration it takes, and we all make human mistakes at some point. I just wish there's more content on Mini Z's out there so more people know about them. Fun little things.
Once you get past the initial investment, RC cars, even racing, are pretty cheap entertainment. My track charges 20 dollars to race, and this is like 4-8 hours at the track doing what I love. My shooting range charges 20/hr....I only go to keep my close quarter skills up, it's far too expensive to go just for the enjoyment of it. I have friends that drop 100-200 bucks at bars every week drinking and playing pool....Fun? YES! Expensive? F YEAH!
Mark!! I’m getting back in after a 20+ year hiatus. This video should be mandatory to all racers! Love the message and keep making the great content and hope to meet you at Indy soon!
Hit the nail on the head about being intimidated. But it takes a lot of courage and great track staff (SDRC Raceway) to bridge the gap. First day at the track, I made the biggest newbie mistake. Turned on the car before the transmitter, causing the car to careen out of control across the track into the pit area. Secondly, Omaha Hobbytown Plex has a great program for family and friends on Friday nights to include live UA-cam feeds of the race.
This is good, yes! What you say. I started in the late 80s and went to the early 2000s. This was so much fun!! then it was not? Now I want to go back and race again helping new guys that is important! and make the sport BIG again? Well us 80s and 90s guys need to back out there!! I miss it I know you guys and girls miss it too!!!
Started racing and of course I wanted to win. Kinda found my niche and won a bunch. Now I enjoy racing and helping you people get better. Encouraging them and giving advice is rewarding .
that's true Mark , I. Germany the same I decently love the completion and racing but the great thing is go to the race with my family and meet my RC racing buddy s there ! grill and chill
I had been a fan of watching all forms of racing on TV since I was young. I got a cheap production Lobo r/c from Sears when I was about 8 in the early 80s (still have it), then got my first pro r/c, a Tamiya Super Saber in the late 80s. Built it and kept bringing into the hobby shop to ask how they thought my build was going. Started racing shortly after. My dad took me to races, even ones that were a short distance outside of my Canadian city, including some in the US. My Super Saber cost about $650 just for the car, and I was racing against $1200-1500 Kyosho and Yokomo cars that were more advanced and faster. But it was just having the opportunity to race and have fun while doing it. I practiced regularly, charging a bunch of batteries and putting everything in a backpack and biking to the track when I had the chance. My goal was to be a precise driver with minimal mistakes, while the faster cars would spin out or over-shoot corners. I made a newspaper press plate dirt modified body and raced with it - the drivers and crowd loved watching it and hearing the rattle. And the Super Saber overcame broken parts (broke the screw.mounts for the steering upright in a crash and finished the qualifier in 3WD. Some elastics and copper wire, driving in 2WD, and I came in 3rd out of the 6 cars in the final. I attempted my hand at flat oval racing with a used Bolink NASCAR. Bought that in a large box with some Tamiya monster trucks and a gas powered hydro boat. Then got into truck racing with a Traxxas Hawk. Probably enjoyed that most, racing in the hobby shop owner's small wood shed in the winters. Also bought my cousin's Kyosho Optima that had a damaged rear diff, and made it a FWD r/c car. But R/C racing kind of disappeared from almost everywhere. Tracks and hobby shops were closing left a and right, and traveling hours and miles to just race while working full time wasn't affordable or convenient. But a about 8 years ago, a track made with gas trucks in mind was built locally, and so my girlfriend got me a truck to play with, but the truck was built by novices, and I destroyed my rear shock tower and haven't looked at any of my R/C vehicles since. The track eventually got abandoned and leveled, as it seemed like there wasn't a lot of racers showing up. Instead I turned to sim racing with a triple screen setup, wheel, pedals, shifter and handbrake. I miss gathering with the fellow racers and the hijinks that would occur (be it drivers getting together to help another driver out, or the hot headed arguments from contact). I am.not sure how it is in the US, but the R/C vehicle community in Canada is scarce, and brick and mortar hobby shops that carry R/C is even more scarce. Hell, I can't even remember the last time I seen a Radio Controller Car Action magazine on a store magazine rack!
My opinion, most people don't race because they don't have the time or the money to truly get into it the wear and tear on the type of tires wear and tear on the vehicle the traveling to try to do it consistently the inconsistency sometimes with your actual local track, having races for the average person, it's simply not worth itT
That's why you're a good dad & hopefully husband, her opinion stays secret. lol. You just spoke to all of us like you were our Dad that cares & I'm 51...damn son, student being the teacher. God Bless!
You said it right about almost all hobbies. We own a Model train store online and guys call all the time and say , I do not have the money , space ,Time and or Abillity that you do . I always answer to them , Do you have fun? THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT !!!
I’m the opposite. I like my cars done. Then I can drive them and learn their unique styles. I love to drift and hit corners just a little smoother. A little faster. Sometimes I’m on dirt, other times blacktop. I vary my RC I drive, I vary my locations, and I minimize my shop time. I love driving, and tolerate the maintence and working on them. It’s just part of the hobby. Either way. It’s fun and a healthy way to spend your time. Thanks for sharing your video man. 💪🤜🏻🤛🏻
I was a basher at first and had my first race in 2020 and I have been racing since… I learned so much.. it’s so much more than rewarding than bashing.. finally got some wins under my belt FINALLY.. I was intimidated to go to the track because how serious the guys took it.. but it’s awesome and glad I did.. made a lot of new friends.. learned so much about the cars, had alot of fun working hard and then finally winning some events.. the wins for sure help it make it a little more fun. Only won 3 main events so far after 3 years of racing haha. another big race this weekend at hot rod hobbies. 3 classes. Let’s go!
RC Racing/Sales would rise if big stores like Traxxas ,Amain, Horizon would open up more retail stores with tracks. We have no tracks in Maryland. Having a big RC Retail stores brings more racers and plenty of money. 😂😂 So if any retailers see this we need some tracks in Maryland 👍👍
I tried to get into racing at an indoor track near me but the people were so mean and rude that I never raced. It was the most unwelcomed place I had ever been until you had to spend money at the track owners shop. I support local hobby shops but I am glad that shop and track shut down.
I'm a basher that's interested in racing. I could care less if other people want me there or not. I have a national track about 30 min from my house and its crazy fun but I've been trying to find what classes race and I can't find the info. I want a buggy but I also don't want to spend $2k minimum on a car. I know they race SCT which are more affordable but I need rule books and that stuff is hard to find if you aren't deep in the community.
Yo I am a basher and want to race. Not an expert but I know how to build and tune rc cars. Driving could be better. But you definitely described the way I feel about races either feeling intimidated or not feeling wanted. Hopefully they can make racing more inviting and more accessible about the where and when about the races. Also have more amateur races and classes to learn how to race . Great video . THANKS MARK NEEDED A VIDEO LIKE THIS PUT OUT. THATS WHY SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR CHANNEL.
Thanks for the kind words!
@Mark Santa Maria hey Mark I love your channel what kind of car can we use to start getting into racing she has a slash 2wd I put brushless in and I have a 4wd slash with brushless thank you for your time.
Just show up and don't worry about having 1k top end race prep cars. I'm getting out with my slash and kicking ass
@@balben71 look into Spec Slash Racing. MSM had a series last year I think in the DFW area.
I was in your shoes 3 years ago. I wanted to race because it looked like fun but felt very intimidated and I have some social anxiety. It took me a bit to work up enough courage and just showed up one day. The person I was pitting next to realized I was a first timer and helped me immensely with info and found out real quick that everyone there is willing to help. Since then I have met so many great people and have so many friends in the racing community now. So glad I got over my anxiety and just went. Also in my area every race track has a Novice class that is a run what you brung as long as it runs on a 2S battery.
The greatest RC award I ever received was given to me by my local hobby store owner and race organizers for sportsman of the year. Basically it was because I was always willing to help the younger racers.
Participation ribbon
Was that when you were 10?
I used to fix other kids cars so they could run the next heat. How's that for sportsmanship? But some of the other racers complained my little boys yelled while playing on the sand pile. How's that for gratitude? And were they fixing other people's cars? Of course not. By the way I won a lot. They banned the Baja Beetle body in truck competition because of me, and 4WD is not needed to have hot competition. I think 2 WD buggies and trucks rule from a racing standpoint. 4 WD adds cost and requires less driving skill in my not so humble opinion.
If you are not building up the hobby, then it is dying. Good for you.
@@jasonwaltrowski2315@user-bu3mf3ig3n Good job guarding that gate, guys, great work.
In the immortal words of Rob, our local track announcer, "there are no groupies waiting in the parking lot, and we are racing for bowling trophies." Keep things in perspective. We race toy cars for fun, and for hanging out together at the track. Winning is great, but if I could win every week, I would probably get bored and find a new hobby.
good perspective on most of us that try to race RC, then its the small amount that got it as work or big sponsors that take it serious, but for most of us its just club racing for a cheap price that cost less then the entry fee and tyres used during a race day.
That is absolute gold.... do you mind if I steal it to be printed on my next pit board?!? 😂😂😂
@@rockyota785 I'm sure Rob would be proud to know that his words of wisdom are being spread around.
Except bowling you get paid! And it cost less in equipment
If your not in it to win dont race
I think another aspect is the fear of making a mistake and upsetting another driver. Some racers take it so seriously that it’s a huge problem if someone makes a mistake and causes them to lose position or even a race. Love the video and channel! Definitely the right message!
Just the other day we had a new drivers post on our local page saying what can I practice I don't want to be in the way. People answered I stride first and foremost saying never feel like your in the way. Everyone starts somewhere and no one can shame you for that.
Following along that same concept of people taking it too seriously are the people who have no life other then RC racing, they focus on it 24/7/365 and so they will always beat everyone else because everyone else actually has lives.
seen some that will go full ape mode if another makes a mistake that interfers with them.
@@marcuslinton310 that is what Jay is talking about.
That is why they need to have a no rule beginner class. Wrung what you brung.
Man! Great video Mark!!!
I have been out of the hobby for the last 20 years and just recently purchased 2 used slash 4x4s and I’m so pumped to show my 5 year old son how awesome this hobby is and the joy it can bring us!
This video nailed my recent experiences to a T. Back in 1983 I built my first rc car a Tamiya grasshopper. Year later built a team associated rc 10. Took the rc 10 racing at my local track and had a blast. Everyone at that time was just having fun and not taking things serious. But for me it was short lived. Fast forward 40 years later and I came across yours & talbot's you tube channels. Y'all got me back into rc cars but I have been hesitant getting back into racing because I felt like alot of racers take things way to serious & personal. Honestly I have more enjoyment running my cars around my yard than at my local tracks. So much so this spring I'm gonna build my own off road track in my back field. Watching grown men fuss & argue over something that should be fun is a big turnoff for me. This was an awesome video Mark & I hope more rc racers come to realize that in the end its all about having fun, making new friends and creating memories.
The grasshopper was the first one that got me interested. I was pretty young and had an uncle a few years older then me who built one. It was so cool watching that thing rip around the driveway.
That was the 80s man, that was a decade of fun.
80s and 90s was an awesome time to race and it has changed so much .. in my case I race but if I am not having fun it’s time to pack up and go home
There's only one track near where I live and that's a 70 mile round trip. I'm a retired mechanic and used to drag race old Mopars. I had to retire much younger than I wanted to because of health reasons. I picked up this hobby in 2014 to partially fill the void. Most people have to work to support their hobby, so they can't spare the time to race. Our "local" tracks race schedule doesn't work for me. So I build and bash. In fact I'm working on 4x4 pulling truck as I'm watching.
I recently just moved to TN from IL. My entire family and friend group is in the Midwest and a minimum of a 7 hour drive away. When we got here we had to stay in a local park in our RV until our house was ready. In that park was the Bullet Town RC track and they ran two events while were were there. That hooked my son and I hard for not only feeding my completive race nature locally but ALSO the community around it. Now all of my friends in this are basically based around RC stuff lol. I love it. It's got the same vibe as Gridlife on a smaller scale with smaller cars. Super friendly and everyone is down to help anyone out any way they can. I totally agree with you Mark, THIS is what the community needs to show more of and I'm happy you do your best to show that off in your own way.
You have said in this video what I’ve been trying to get across to other RC enthusiast for the past 25 years. I hope those who have viewed this take it to heart and pass it onto others. So many racers come to the track at the beginning of the day,, happy and with hope,,, yet go home dejected, a disappointed, disillusioned and sometimes angry. The manufactures of the products did not have that in mind when they decided to produce their items. Rock On!
No one will remember next year! That's great advice. Have fun and don't take it too seriously. That advice flows right into my world of car building/ restoration. I remember in the 90s getting pissed when whatever I sent to the shows would get beat! I had good reason a couple times, might make a video about those, but the fact is it didn't matter one bit! It was supposed to be about a group of like minded people having a good time together. I'm 49 and still build real cars and RCs. Maybe I'll attempt a race build and try it. ✌️
Exactly why I race. I got my son into it and we go whenever we can and try and have fun. Sure it can be frustrating when there’s a jump you can’t handle or a turn you flip on, but I’m always having fun and it’s a bonus if I end up leaving without breaking anything..lol. Good stuff! ❤
When I went to Cleveland, I spent so much time geeking and fanboying and meeting all these guys I watched online and it was the best time I ever had. Did I win? Heck no...I finished last in my class...but did I make memories? You better believe it. I can't wait to go to another race and make even more memories and fanboy meeting even more drivers and announcers and race promoters
That's what it's all about 👍👍
You hit it on the head . Bad racing good friends. Winning isn't everything. Fun, relationships, coming together & fun racing. For beginners, you will win the more you practice & the more you do, the more you will see yourself with a first place trophy
UK rc racing scene is very welcoming.......we are there for laughs. The vintage class is huge
I'm a first year racer. SR10 and moved into a 13.5 sprint. Wife built a B6.3 for fun. I have had a lot of help from Kyle Layton. Love the video and totally spot on. 61 yrs old and enjoying everyday at the track.
New subscriber here, great video. I help run a track in South Carolina and I don’t even race on it that much at all. And I love literally 5 mins away. I will spend late hours prepping said track though, just so that everyone who shows up to the track is able to enjoy it. I walk around on race day and talk to people getting their opinion on what could be better. I just want everybody to have a good time enjoying the hobby. Thank you so much for this video. It Definetly explains to a variety of enthusiasts, how things are, and can be in our hobby… Overall, just have fun
Very well said, I started racing in 1985. I love hanging out, traveling etc with my rc friends and family. Bashing, racing, flying, boating, if its rc its good times
I started racing RC a few years ago, it wasn’t as much fun as I thought it would be. Extremely serious competition and not much laughter. Now I race Vintage and it’s so much more fun (and considerably cheaper) to do with a bunch of fellow RC nerds. We all have a great day and have a huge BBQ to finish the day off and talk a load of shit.
Keep up the great Content Mark!!
Heck yeah! I love me some rc cookouts!
I got into RC around 34 years ago, it's always been about the networking and the memories. My social media was at the track and RC Car Action magazine. Now with the UA-cam channel it has all the vibe, because hell I'm not an A Main player by any means.... being humble and staying humble goes a long way.
Hey Mark,
I was great meeting you at the TNR race and you are so right the best thing about our hobby is the time hanging out with other people. I love to bash, but what makes bashing so much fun is when there are other people there to share the time with. What is really awesome is that both of my sons and my grandson are in the hobby with me.
Thanks again for another great video!!
I couldn't agree more with this video. We literally just dropped a Wheel & Trigger podcast with a top 10 list and most of what you said was in this podcast and is exactly how we promote the hobby. Great work and thank you for doing what you do!
Yes, you are correct! Many years ago I tried competitive racing. Stock novice class was anything but. No local tracks now. Would like to try again.
100% agree. I talked to many of the RC content creators here on YT a while back and really there's about a 100,000 ceiling of actual hobby grade RC enthusiasts. In the case of Talbot or Sparks, they cross over into the entertainment section of UA-cam and obviously gather many non-rc people watching. The real bummer about RC is that people that are into RC are getting older and not many kids are getting into it. I had, at one point over 100 RC's in my shop and over the course of 10 years on UA-cam, my kids wanted nothing to do with RC.
my kids only like to race... they dont care about bashers or crawlers at all... hahaha
Ol' Cleetus McFarland with 3 Milly subs just started doing RC content when he bought all his crew Sledges. Recently some super dope RC plane action.
@@bigalinbc4075 cleet need to do more rc stuff and go to racetracks to show that racing rc or just bashing it around a track is just as cool as a 6 second on the dragstripp.
I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of dads get their kids to run after the car and flip it back over for them. Kids love that up to a certain age. Then they hate it and in turn they start hating on RC
@@extec101 it's not just as cool tho. It's just the cheaper option.
This is a great video. I've been racing/bashing/playing with R/C for 37 years now. I've experienced each of these things: Camaraderie, time with my kids, putting my engineering/fabrication skills to work, helping others, learning to take constructive criticism from faster guys, being social and learning my only competition is me. One of my favorite memories is Dakotah Phend taking the time to help me with my brand new (at the time) 22SCT 3.0 setup. The guy was so real and genuinely interested in my setup and making my car a little faster.
I really appreciate you putting this out there. I hope it encourages people to give racing a try and it encourages us veterans of racing to be welcoming and helpful to the new guys trying it out. You earned my subscription today, Sir!
It's all about the smiles. I'm glad you're promoting that idea!
Awesome video and you’re 110% correct!!! Too much negativity in our hobby. Always have to take into consideration that the younger RC’ers are who will continue this amazing hobby!!! Happy RC’ing Y’all!!!
I’m going to answer that question without watching all of the video yet. For me Mark it’s the amount of time it all takes. It’s basically a day and evening event. Now that’s a lot to commit to week in week out. With family and other commitments it makes it hard. It’s not the money that’s not the issue. That’s why I will continue to Blast my Arrma’s at the local park with my Sons 7 & 16. ❤
You, sir, are so right!!! I dig the social aspect of the rc community just as much as the cars themselves!! Meeting people like you, the Crowes, Stuart/Donnie and Zack.....and everyone else is so rewarding. The feeling of community, brother/sisterhood, is amazing! Along with the people, the verity of car/trucks and the different scenes are so fun. But with all that, I'd like to think we all have something in common: we all like being together, having fun, and playing with cars! 😁 Dude, I really want to thank you and everyone here! I love all of you, even the folks I haven't met yet. I love this amazing hobby, I'm so happy I am involved! Great video Mark!!!
Great message dude! Being competitive can be fun and obviously it’s easy to have fun when you’re winning but the best part of it all is the ability to come together and share something that makes us all smile.
I started as a basher, then went racing when I got a b4.2 and stopped after the b5m was sunset, mostly because replacing the front shock tower ever weekend started to get expensive (it was a skill issue that killed those parts btw). Now I crawl scx24s and bash a Traxxas Slash (which I used to not like at all, but I love it now) since I’m no longer close to Tacoma RC Raceway like I was when racing… luckily someone has a backyard track that’s kinda close, and I’m ready to get back at it
As for the greatest award I got, it was less of an award and more of the track owner clearing out old projects and he gave me first pick. I miss the TRCR crew
You are definitely right about the amount of bashers. I think a lot of bashers are missing out on a super fun experience. To me racing is like when we were kids and saw the cool RC car commercials like the Tyco rc commercials where they would have the cool landscape or perfect place to race around. Then you would buy it and get bored running it in your yard. Now with RC racing it like we take a top quality RC and get to run it on the fantasty landscape an RC track!
thats part of my childhood to see the cool rc cars on tv and get together with buddies to race down the street, then i found out about nitro engines and the hobby tok speed sort of that i went eaven deeper in to it and now its several decades later and im still enjoying going to the track to lay down laps eaven without transponder just for the fun time.
Alot of the basher community just aren't competitive. They prefer something more casual.
Honestly when I got going I ran a falcon in Tamiya class…it was the entry class and it was a blast.
Nowadays there’s not much in the way of lower cost “somewhat novice”racing classes to get folks in the door.
Too many tracks cater to the fast racers, and this leave behind the folks starting out.
Without new blood; it doesn’t survive
Enjoying your videos. I have raced twice and really enjoy the group of people involved in rc racing. I joined a local track/club and am having a blast meeting people and making new friends.
As a former racer over a decade and a 5th and a 8th place in 1/10th 4wd el buggy Nationals in Sweden. The key to the joy for me is the combination of racing AND bashing, nowdays its only bashing and been so for the past 40 years. But i recomend every basher to atleast give it a try, the racing sceen are in a league of its own and it is amazing 🥰
I got into RC when a coworker brought his duratrax evader into work, Novak duster esc with a 12 turn speed gem brushed motor powered by a 1,500 nicd battery and that thing hauled the flipping mail!!! Next paycheck I was picking up a XTM Excellarator. A buddy found one at a garage sale not long ago and gave it to me .
I'm a racer and that is solid advice! I will try this technique when I post about race weekends! great video!!
Wow you were so right on about what RC people like. Most people probably start out bashing and just enjoying driving and working on cars. Racing just seems so out of reach for me at this time because I really don't have any cars setup for that and there really aren't any tracks near me. I do agree that racing would be lots of fun especially for all the people coming together to participate with and learn from. Watching races on UA-cam really isn't that exciting for someone starting out or even a non RC person. People want to see crashes and high speed. Destruction and jumps. Cars on fire and stuff like that. There is a real small cement track close to my house and there is a group that goes there and races 1/10 scale and smaller. I think that would be fun not for UA-cam videos but just to hang out learn about cars and have a challenge. Solo bashing is fun but we all need people to learn from and better ourselves.
Great video Mark. Videos like this are why I consider you the best RC UA-camr. Most of the other UA-camrs seem to be shills for manufactures that only make videos about products they have received for free and/or only focus on bashing. It's really nice and refreshing to see someone talk about and be involved with all aspects of the hobby, you're a great spokesperson for the hobby. I've raced and currently bash and have hopes of racing again, I miss the community, it's for the most part full of good people that are willing to help, but it's the ones who focus on winning club level races at all costs that make racing no fun.
One thing that I think can help the hobby and racing a great deal is bashing spots in public parks and/or spaces. I think that more people would get into and stay in the hobby if they had a dedicated place they could run. I understand what's involved in making something like this happen and that it's an uphill battle, but if the air guys can figure out a way to carve out space for flying fields then us surface guys should be able to and should do the same. Personally I would be willing to pay a reasonable fee to play and if I had the means I would open an RC park with as many different tracks (1/8-10 on road, dirt oval, off road track, stunt track, etc...) as I could fit on the property. Why hasn't anyone attempted this?
Just like mountain biking racing progresses the sport but is just a small part of the big picture. RC to me is about having fun putting a smile on my face & getting away from the stress of the real world which is way too competitive. I was at Proline By The Fire & the feeling of being out with everyone was awesome because you al, have something in common. You are 100% right though. It’s about FUN!
Here in Barbados I had an experience that made me change my perspective of racers
We have one community track for offroad outdoor racing and one for road use
I recently went to the offroad track with my other basher friends who have 1/8th trucks (kratons & such I have a punisher) when we arrived to the track the nitro buggy guys were there and they said we werent allowed on the track because we will tear it up
We said okay and walked away
We all joined together and are building tracks in various parts of the island to welcome anyone into the rc community
That experience left a bad taste in my mouth as someone who never raced an was interested in it (turns out I'm actually good at it ) but what I'm getting at you can't expect people to get into the hobby with negative energy like that
But I came out of it with the will power to get as many people into racing as possible don't matter what you drive just come and we can accommodate you all !
I couldn't have had said it better myself. Sure I'm not a racer myself, but bashing, crawling, drifting, etc, is the other half of the rc hobby. To me, the hobby is about being creative and making your builds come to reality, and also to bond and make memories with your friends/family. If I were to be a racer myself, my motto would be "Don't race to win. Race to have a good time".
You are definitely right about building a rc I’ve gotten into rc almost three years now and I have a few rc’s that I built and never used yet and I still buy them to either use or build and I really enjoy working on them but I also noticed that a lot of people who are into rc’s they can’t work on them or too afraid to work on them i look at it like this if you can’t fix it and have it apart take it to your local hobby shop and let them fix it or look on UA-cam there’s tons of tutorials on how to work on rc’s
Thanks for sharing! I was down on myself for not getting the finishes I wanted and not running well, and putting the pressure on myself for no reason. Go out and have a fun time. Meeting knew people at the tracks are awesome and it is so rewarding and fun to have built a car yourself and working on it and getting it to run and run well!. Just getting to the track and getting things setup and planning your race day is fun for me.
Just summed up the last 30 years of my life in 8 mins great description of how our beloved sport/hobby is for most people
As somebody who has very recently got into this it was just something for fun it has turned into a bonding experience, a lot of upgrade sessions and my first full build experience, I’ve been to the track once (hard on me cause I’m handicap ) the track was a blast though I had the 1/16 slash and my son had his Teton, yes he broke it lol we know it’s part of the hobby (we have a broken parts container because each busted part is a set of good memories) and it’s been great for both of us. my first RC (if we don’t include the Lego one I built last year) is the trx4m, one rtr and one full build that I just finished up this week 😁 both Bronco’s though lol
Great video!!! All your points on dead on. It's all about the fun and hanging with the crew.
Great vid Mark, you're right, most ppl just join for fun, I never called it bashing when I started. I got people into it by letting them just smash the throttle and have fun! I don't want to clinch my cheeks because I'm in competition. This to me is all about family and friends having fun! Breaking them can also be fun getting to fix them, beside the cost, haha!
When I first got back into RC after 35 years...and, by "back into", I'm not referring to getting into RC helis, which I got into (for the first time) approx 12-13 years ago...I was getting back into it just as a basher, starting with a Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL. Within less than six months, I had three bashers...and, I had built my first race vehicle (1/10 2WD buggy). I won't go into what I have now (less just say a LOT of surface bashers, surface racers, crawlers (mostly comp, but a couple trail), boats (some for racing, some for fun), a helicopter, and some other stuff).
I'm not trying to "show off" with all the vehicles & vessels I have, as the number of vehicles/vessels had nothing to do with my point. My point is this - In regards to racing, while I am competitive...and, at times, I can be VERY competitive...the truth is, I DON'T care if I win, or even come in last place (that's happening a lot in Mini-Z racing, which I just started getting into). My entire perspective in racing is "having fun"...and, for those interesting in getting into racing, you should, too. DON'T concern yourself with winning. And, at first, don't even concern yourself with 'improving'. Just learn to enjoy all that RC is. If you win a few races here & there is fantastic...but, DON'T let "winning" be the primary focus. Now, if/when you get good enough that you stay winning three majority of your races, that's when you start working on 'improving', moving up in classes, and focusing your attention on winning even more. However, even at that point, NEVER lose the ability to "just have fun", as THAT'S the true 'spirit' of RC.
I'm genuinely terrible and trying to get better. I don't get frustrated at losing, I only get there when I break something on race day, when I can have zero issues 10 practices between the races lol. Hate missing a heat. I just enjoy the comraderie at the track.
The majority of ground RC is crawling / trailing/ scaling these days. Don't need a track. You can follow the rig anywhere. You can build a scale version of a full size that it out of reach, or maybe what you already have.
It has competitive niches. It has modeling enthusiasts. You can go out with the kids and friends. You can go nearly anywhere.
Great vid bud! I enjoyed hearing the racing side of things. A lot in common with the crawling side of it.
I got into rc's from watching a random Kevin Talbot video about 2 years ago of dogs chasing an rc around. Had an rc as a kid (The LunchBox) and was blown away on how much they have changed for the better. Plus Kevins enthusiasm and not so perfect style of fixing stuff made it seem like an easy thing to get into and have fun. So I bought a Traxxas Maxx and had an absolute blast for months, then broke it and was trying to figure out on how to fix it on youtube, which lead me to your channel. And i've been watching your videos since then as well.
Mark: I am 78 and just ordered a Redcat gen 7 pro, mostly because of your video on the truck. Currently have a Everest 10, Big Foot and a Senton Arrma short track car. Really wanted to get into semi real look and go do a few trail drives. Appreciate the honesty of your reviews and over all fun of the videos.
Awesome man! You and Ryan Harris got me into RC racing from bashing Teaxxas trucks! I still love bashing but racing is another thrill! Thanks Mark!
I was given an rc10 buggy at 14 and loved it, I gave it back to the man that gave it to me as my interest in the hobby was ruined by the fact that I did not have the money to race or replace parts as I wrecked. Now I'm 42 and building a buggy to race (The brand happens to be one I couldn't afford then and couldn't let go of since). So now I'm in it again, learning about all the things I overlooked and the technologies that weren't around in 1994. This is my first 4wd and I chose a brand that went away for a while and has been back a few years now. So many new choices and options, I feel a bit overwhelmed but very excited.
Great perspective on ALL racing. I've done RC cars, 1/32 scale slot cars and 1/1 scale track events. This is true for all of those venues. Helping your buddies in the pits, watching that person you gave tips to go out and improve their lap times. Hanging out after the event and having a few beers or a nice meal. It's the same for all of those. Except I can't speak for drag-racing. I've only seen the "run till you break or lose and go home" crowd with that type of racing. But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. What Mark is saying is EXACTLY why 24hours of Lemons (Lemons not Lemans) is so popular. Great work Mark. You nailed it.
Mark you inspired me to build my own carpet track and post videos for mini racing. I appreciate you brotha 🙏.
I'm into rc tanks, but I like watching rc cars and especially seeing them run ,I'm currently doing one amphibious btr and one 1/10 super scale old jeep, so wheels are also fun not only tracks, keep it up 👍
I remember those days of rc racing.The fast guys were snobs.I was mid level racer.sportsman and raced clean.I don’t miss the frustration it can cause.
Started the hobby in 1997. Started racing 1/10 and 1/8 scale onroad in 1999. Fastforward to 2023 I'm still racing and never won anything or made it to P3. I'm having a blast!!!!
Your absolutely right. It's tuff to put the pressure we put on ourselves to the side when doing the race reports but we gotta do better if we want to grow this niche hobby.
Rc racing is a small part because there are not enough tracks. I used to have a good indoor track, small but nice, 45m from me. I couldn't go every weekend but I very much enjoyed it. I didn't understand the super competitive guys. I was happy to finish middle of the B mains...Basically dead set average. Racing does cost more than bashing...similar number of broken parts but you add track fees and generally more expensive models/race spec parts. The dream is to have a house with enough land to build a track of your own.
I totally agree. Started with rc racing back in 2008 here in germany. There are so many lovely people in this hobby. So that meeting friends is the main thing for me.
At our local Track, the MC-Ettlingen Minidrom, we are hosting the "Euro Nitro Series". A Championship, held every year on multiple Tracks all over europe. Drivers from all over the world came to our track to have 4 days of fun and meeting friends, having some Bratwurst and Beer. Having a good time. Besides of the regular european and world championships, these private races are the best part of the hobby.
My advise is if you're thinking about getting into racing you have to have a decent rig and batteries electronics etc and mainly get in a lot of practice and learn throttle and braking control before entering your first race so you don't get blown away and get discouraged but even if you do loose bad that should make you want to practice even more. Love racing RC There's nothing else like it.
What is considered a decent rig for racing
@@balben71 Your best bet is to talk to someone at whatever track you plan to go to as they'd know what will work well, and you might hear of a cheap entry class to try things out without going too deep.
I'm still pretty new myself, but for an indoor carpet track (the only thing I've raced on so far), I've loved the TA SC 6.1, and there's a lot of 6.2s. I've been told the TLR Tuned Typhon is a good starter for outdoor dirt, but been warned it's not a "forever" car. I'll get to see in a couple of months when it warms back up.
I love rc , started out crawlin, started racing, loved it but it takes too much prep and it's a huge lifestyle change , if you race you are in it to win it or your not in it , while I totally agree that if I had more friends that race I'm sure I'd race more 😉, but my buddies hang at the creek so we mostly crawl and scale out , sometimes bash , Mark actually set my truck up and gave me lots of tips at indy rc world a couple yrs back ,, he is a fantastic guy , sometimes he even shows up on our Thursday night crawl at Duck Creek
Thanks for all your time and effort 🙏it is very much appreciated
Great point’s about racing. I enjoy going during practice just to run the track. Racers are a little too serious for me. I like going out in the back yard with my boys and running cars and jumping them as high as possible 🚀
Great video !! The winning and stress of winning should be left to the pros their livelihoods depend on it. Enjoy Racing and the relationships you make. Every good opportunity I have had over the last 20 years has come from people I have met thru RC.
Absolutely ....Well Said MSM . Thank you for all you do for the Channel...
I raced 1/10 electric dirt oval back in the 80's through early 90s. We had a local track but the most fun was traveling to events at other tracks. It was you and your friends VS the locals, always a good time and lots of ribbing between races. I eventually ended up semi-pro with some great sponsors and ran up and down the east coast at the big events. I still never lost the good time part of it, winning was a big part when your sponsored but I made so many friends in different states, that was the best part of the experience when I look back. Maybe things have changed but back then we welcomed new racers and were there to help them out on their setups and driving.
I got out of racing because it was treated like bumper cars and the bill for broken parts just kept adding up. Breaking is part of racing but when you end up with two or three cars that need to be repaired every week, it takes most of that week just to get the parts, then you spend a late night on Friday trying to get cars together for Saturday, it gets to be way too much.
If it takes me a month to fix a basher or a crawler it doesn't matter because I have three more on the shelf I can drive while the other one is getting fixed. Breaking is less stressful because I broke it. It wasn't because that guy kept hitting my car and pushing it into the wall. Or being knocked out of bounds on the track and not being able to finish the race. I used to be the guy that would stop while someone got their car back on the track but I just got tired of all of that.
Great video! Have fun with the friends, be proud through good as well as bad and enjoy the process. 🙌
That's why I mostly am racing my own times as long as I am improving I am enjoying it and the good times I have with other racers
Wel said. This is a good video. These things needed to be said. I like "under the good" videos. Can you show us yours and your sons race rigs sometinlme. I'd love to see the things you've done with your rides.
I grew up as a brasher. Once I got a real car I was able to drive myself to the track and try racing but the local drivers were less than receptive to a kid asking about set ups. I quickly tired of the whole thing and put it away for 20 years. Then on a wild hair I bought an RB6 and tried it again. I had no interest in winning, I wanted to build fundamentals but was told if I didn’t perform better I’d have to go to 2WD novice which is where they out the kids who couldn’t stay off the pipes. I gave up on it again. Now I bash and have fun with the hobby like I did as a kid.....bashing.
My older cousin was a serious racer for 15+ years, it was his life everyday. I use to spend my summers with him and we would be at the tracks every evening and weekend. I loved it because there is no tracks within 3 hours from where I live. About 2 years ago he completely gave up rc's all together and started fishing 🤣. I love my bashers and crawlers but would love to race on a track...
Not an RC racer and never will be, but your take on it sounds a lot like what I have done for enjoyment for many years. Breaking clay pigeons is FUN! It is also where I met most of my best friends over the last 55+ years. Yes, I used to be a lot younger.
Help the newer competitors, tease the ones you have known practically forever and don't forget to enjoy yourself.
I just race against my brother and nephew using a Kraton 4s a Kyoto 4s and a couple of 1/16 brushless bashers at the same time and we always have a blast! We'll switch cars and do it again!
I used to race with my pop and my buddy in the late eighties/early nineties. We raced off road with RC 10's and oval with some reproduction sprint cars. What a blast! We won a few, but most the time, not. We didn't have the best of the best stuff, especially at the beginning, but it was okay. The real fun started when you got back to your own shop (garage) start taking things apart, rebuilding the rear diff, clean things up, and tweak the setup from the things you learned over the weekend. Sometimes maybe have an upgrade for the next time. For me personally, the tinkering, wrenching, and painting was as much fun or more fun than the racing. (Hobby) About five years ago I wanted to get back into it. Oh man lots to learn. So I bought a SC5M kit. I was totally excited and BS'ing with the guy at the hobby shop. He told me then that it's not the same, that people get pissy about a little rubbin is racing and take it too seriously. Basically the stuff your talking about in this video. I felt deflated immediately because that is not what it was before. Sure it's fun to get competitive, and of course there were the guys who took it to seriously, but it was not the norm, and there was no social media to be a little B on. Anyway, the kit was a blast to build, wow, what a difference in the new parts compared to the older parts. I painted the body( hecka fun), put the electronics in it, stopped by the track to get some tires, threw those on and, the truck hasn't ran once because it just didn't feel fun when I was at the track. Update though, I did just stop back bye the track, and took some time to introduce myself and bs with a few guys. I am hoping to find some time to go be a newbie, race and have fun! So, that's my story. Thanks for the great video, and the update on the rc racing climate. Have fun!
I got into mini z racing a couple years ago, so I might as well give my two cents. I feel like the main barrier stopping people from racing is the cost.
Kyosho Mini Z's are probably the cheapest route into racing. I spent around 300 dollars getting a car, wheels, tools, batteries, a charger, etc. And then an extra 40 bucks a season for consumables and spares. Note that this is also the box stock class. I completely agree with you that the community is what we're all actually here for. I'm significantly younger and less experienced than almost everyone else at the races, but they didn't hesitate to help me figure stuff with my car out.
Z's are popular in Europe and the States too, so if you're looking for an entry into racing then that's where I would start. There's lots of beginners and the people are very friendly and eager to help, and we don't get all that upset when someone taps our cars on track. That's just racing. We all know how much concentration it takes, and we all make human mistakes at some point. I just wish there's more content on Mini Z's out there so more people know about them. Fun little things.
Once you get past the initial investment, RC cars, even racing, are pretty cheap entertainment. My track charges 20 dollars to race, and this is like 4-8 hours at the track doing what I love.
My shooting range charges 20/hr....I only go to keep my close quarter skills up, it's far too expensive to go just for the enjoyment of it.
I have friends that drop 100-200 bucks at bars every week drinking and playing pool....Fun? YES! Expensive? F YEAH!
I’d love to race. But my job schedule doesn’t allow as well as availability of tracks doesn’t make it very convenient
Yes this is so true the chase is the most fun for me and the Camaraderie from your peers at the Track. It’s just a whole lot of fun.
Mark!! I’m getting back in after a 20+ year hiatus. This video should be mandatory to all racers! Love the message and keep making the great content and hope to meet you at Indy soon!
Hit the nail on the head about being intimidated. But it takes a lot of courage and great track staff (SDRC Raceway) to bridge the gap. First day at the track, I made the biggest newbie mistake. Turned on the car before the transmitter, causing the car to careen out of control across the track into the pit area. Secondly, Omaha Hobbytown Plex has a great program for family and friends on Friday nights to include live UA-cam feeds of the race.
This is good, yes! What you say. I started in the late 80s and went to the early 2000s. This was so much fun!! then it was not? Now I want to go back and race again helping new guys that is important! and make the sport BIG again? Well us 80s and 90s guys need to back out there!! I miss it I know you guys and girls miss it too!!!
It’s been a long time since I watched and it just got even greater
Started racing and of course I wanted to win. Kinda found my niche and won a bunch. Now I enjoy racing and helping you people get better. Encouraging them and giving advice is rewarding .
I just finished my first race car build, b6.4, hitting the track this week! excited for this
that's true Mark , I. Germany the same I decently love the completion and racing but the great thing is go to the race with my family and meet my RC racing buddy s there ! grill and chill
I had been a fan of watching all forms of racing on TV since I was young. I got a cheap production Lobo r/c from Sears when I was about 8 in the early 80s (still have it), then got my first pro r/c, a Tamiya Super Saber in the late 80s. Built it and kept bringing into the hobby shop to ask how they thought my build was going. Started racing shortly after. My dad took me to races, even ones that were a short distance outside of my Canadian city, including some in the US. My Super Saber cost about $650 just for the car, and I was racing against $1200-1500 Kyosho and Yokomo cars that were more advanced and faster. But it was just having the opportunity to race and have fun while doing it. I practiced regularly, charging a bunch of batteries and putting everything in a backpack and biking to the track when I had the chance. My goal was to be a precise driver with minimal mistakes, while the faster cars would spin out or over-shoot corners. I made a newspaper press plate dirt modified body and raced with it - the drivers and crowd loved watching it and hearing the rattle. And the Super Saber overcame broken parts (broke the screw.mounts for the steering upright in a crash and finished the qualifier in 3WD. Some elastics and copper wire, driving in 2WD, and I came in 3rd out of the 6 cars in the final. I attempted my hand at flat oval racing with a used Bolink NASCAR. Bought that in a large box with some Tamiya monster trucks and a gas powered hydro boat. Then got into truck racing with a Traxxas Hawk. Probably enjoyed that most, racing in the hobby shop owner's small wood shed in the winters. Also bought my cousin's Kyosho Optima that had a damaged rear diff, and made it a FWD r/c car. But R/C racing kind of disappeared from almost everywhere. Tracks and hobby shops were closing left a and right, and traveling hours and miles to just race while working full time wasn't affordable or convenient. But a about 8 years ago, a track made with gas trucks in mind was built locally, and so my girlfriend got me a truck to play with, but the truck was built by novices, and I destroyed my rear shock tower and haven't looked at any of my R/C vehicles since. The track eventually got abandoned and leveled, as it seemed like there wasn't a lot of racers showing up.
Instead I turned to sim racing with a triple screen setup, wheel, pedals, shifter and handbrake. I miss gathering with the fellow racers and the hijinks that would occur (be it drivers getting together to help another driver out, or the hot headed arguments from contact). I am.not sure how it is in the US, but the R/C vehicle community in Canada is scarce, and brick and mortar hobby shops that carry R/C is even more scarce. Hell, I can't even remember the last time I seen a Radio Controller Car Action magazine on a store magazine rack!
Good video 👍🏻 thank you for everything you do for the hobby and sharing information you’ve helped me a lot
My opinion, most people don't race because they don't have the time or the money to truly get into it the wear and tear on the type of tires wear and tear on the vehicle the traveling to try to do it consistently the inconsistency sometimes with your actual local track, having races for the average person, it's simply not worth itT
That's why you're a good dad & hopefully husband, her opinion stays secret. lol. You just spoke to all of us like you were our Dad that cares & I'm 51...damn son, student being the teacher. God Bless!
You said it right about almost all hobbies. We own a Model train store online and guys call all the time and say , I do not have the money , space ,Time and or Abillity that you do . I always answer to them , Do you have fun? THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT !!!
Like RC Guy Garage says, “It’s all about smiles per mile.”
I’m the opposite. I like my cars done. Then I can drive them and learn their unique styles. I love to drift and hit corners just a little smoother. A little faster. Sometimes I’m on dirt, other times blacktop. I vary my RC I drive, I vary my locations, and I minimize my shop time. I love driving, and tolerate the maintence and working on them. It’s just part of the hobby. Either way. It’s fun and a healthy way to spend your time. Thanks for sharing your video man. 💪🤜🏻🤛🏻
It's all about the comradery!! The travel together to races, the hanging in the pits, the camping out, the meals had together....
Well said mark! Thanks for sharing and its a great reminder for all of us to go and have fun! 🎉
I was a basher at first and had my first race in 2020 and I have been racing since… I learned so much.. it’s so much more than rewarding than bashing.. finally got some wins under my belt FINALLY.. I was intimidated to go to the track because how serious the guys took it.. but it’s awesome and glad I did.. made a lot of new friends.. learned so much about the cars, had alot of fun working hard and then finally winning some events.. the wins for sure help it make it a little more fun. Only won 3 main events so far after 3 years of racing haha. another big race this weekend at hot rod hobbies. 3 classes. Let’s go!
RC Racing/Sales would rise if big stores like Traxxas ,Amain, Horizon would open up more retail stores with tracks. We have no tracks in Maryland. Having a big RC Retail stores brings more racers and plenty of money. 😂😂 So if any retailers see this we need some tracks in Maryland 👍👍
I tried to get into racing at an indoor track near me but the people were so mean and rude that I never raced. It was the most unwelcomed place I had ever been until you had to spend money at the track owners shop. I support local hobby shops but I am glad that shop and track shut down.
Uhg…. This bothers me! Thats the whole purpose of the msm team. Be welcoming to the new people at the track!
I'm a basher that's interested in racing. I could care less if other people want me there or not. I have a national track about 30 min from my house and its crazy fun but I've been trying to find what classes race and I can't find the info. I want a buggy but I also don't want to spend $2k minimum on a car. I know they race SCT which are more affordable but I need rule books and that stuff is hard to find if you aren't deep in the community.