Readers write

Radio Control Car Action, Sep 2000

Too much Tech too Fast?

About two years ago, I was really into racing off-road electric trucks. Then I got out of the hobby, but I recently got back into it. Thinking I would need to buy a new truck and radio system, I started reading RC CarAction again; what I saw scared me. There's an RC3000 cell out already; that seems pretty quick. Also, new advanced technology seems to come out every day. Is RC car racing destined to go the way of the computer market? You buy a $100 battery, use it for a season, then next season, a new one comes out, and you really can't be competitive unless you buy it. I admit that new and better technology makes us faster, and that's great, but it seems to come too fast. I think the average racers from the local clubs often get caught up in the "I have to get the newest thing" mindset. just some food for thought. Great mag; whenever I get a copy, I read it until it falls apart. [email]

SCOTT ZINGER

Scott, there's nothing you can do t( stop manufacturers from coming out with hotter, faster, tricker stuff. But I have to tell you, it has been a long time since I've seen a gottahave-it-or-you-can't-compete prod uct. The truth is, no one wants to blame himself for a poor finish; it's easier to blame the tires, the engine, the steering servo, or any other piece of equipment. If people want to chase the best stuff to make the most of whatever skills they have, that's cool. But please, readers, don't believe that you sim ply cannot win, or do well, or perform your best without a full complement of blue screws or the latest motor. The best performancefor-the-dollar purchase is still track time. Practice!

-Pete

Spec Tire Response

I want to reply to the spec tire idea proposed for the next Winterchamps (in the July issue's race coverage). I think it might backfire. Even if you give everybody the same tires, the factory guys will have an advantage because, as Gil Losi Sr. said, "They can get a hold of stuff not yet available to the average guy." And Losi drivers might have an advantage over everybody because they would be able to get more "tire" time on the spec tires at their private track because you know any company tries to get an edge (even if only a minute one). I'm only 15, and I'm on a budget, so I'm glad Losi is trying to do something to keep the cost of competing down, but I think it might not work. [email]

MRRCRACER

When it comes to factory driver versus factory driver competition, I think you are correct in believing that the factory teams will do whatever they can to gain an edge. But I can tell you from experience that Team Losi genuinely cares about keeping things fair for the average racer. For example, the Team Los! Triple-XT could have debuted earlier than at the Winterchamps race, but the team decided not to compete with the truck until it was available to all racers; they didn't want anyone to feel they had lost a race to a factory driver simply because he had a truck that they couldn't buy. I don't think the team drivers should have to wait; getting the hot stuff first is a factory perk, in my book. But Los! feels differently, and I think that says a lot about the team's commitment to racing on all levels.

The spec-tire topic is another issue. Gil only laid out the basic premise of his plans in the comments I printed in the Winterchamps coverage, so there's plenty of room for interpretation. I don't think a new, spec-specific tread pattern is the idea he had in mind. I think the concept is to pick an existing tread that works well on the track (let's say, Losi's taper pin in pink compound), and let everyone know in advance that that tire will be the spec tire. Now the racers-factory, co-sponsored, amateur, whatever-can all practice and prepare for the race with pink taper pins. But, come race day, the racers are given a limited number of "Winterchamps"-branded pink taper-pin tires, and that's all they can run for qualifying and the Mains. If you come off the finish line and your tires don't say "Winterchamps," you're in trouble. With this system, there's no advantage to trying all sorts of different tires (everyone must run the same tread), and there's no advantage to installing new tires for every run (everyone has the same number of tires for the weekend). Get it?

-Pete

Championing the Bala

Champ

Hey guys, I think your mag is really cool. Three of my friends and I are thinking of getting into the hobby. We are only around 14 years old and don't have bottomless bank accounts. We're thinking about getting Tamiya Baja Champs. We looked at Futaba radios and liked them, too. We want to have some fun and make some sweet jumps on a purely fun track. Can you tell me if this car suits our needs and maybe give me a little review, since I missed that issue? [email]

YOUR LOYAL READER

I think you guys will have a blast with Baja Champs. They'll go over just about anything thanks to 4WD, and the enclosed shaft-- drive system is basically maintenance free. The Champ is also easy to build and very tough-- ideal for first-time builders like you. Since you want to buy three cars, three radios, three batteries, etc., you should definitely try to work out a package deal with the local hobby shop. You could get a discount or maybe some free stuff thrown into the mix. As for your lack of a "bottomless bank account," all I can say is this: don't underestimate the earning potential of three guys on a mission! Let the neighborhood know you're looking for odd jobs that pay a few bucks, and the greenbacks will soon follow.