| Okay, so you want to race remote controlled | | | | initially, as well as more money on the fuel |
| cars? Cool! Welcome to the world of RC | | | | itself over time every time you race. Next, |
| racing, good to have you aboard! You'll find | | | | keep in mind that there are ready-made RC |
| that this hobby can offer almost all the rush | | | | kits out there, and do-it-yourself kits you |
| of racing professionally in real cars, | | | | can put together yourself. Unless you're |
| without the risk of major bodily | | | | really good with your hands, getting a |
| dismemberment if you splash on the track. | | | | pre-made kit to start with is a safer bet. |
| Plus, it also gives you a chance to twirl | | | | Over time though, you'll be better off with a |
| your hobbyist tools around if you're into | | | | car that you assemble yourself, since you can |
| making models, since you can build your own | | | | tweak it to your specs. If you want something |
| RCs from scratch (later, when you get more | | | | done right... Also decide what type of remote |
| experience, at least!) and customize your | | | | control unit you'll be most comfortable with. |
| devilish little engines of speed with a many | | | | The two most common types of RC controls are |
| accessories as you can safely tack on without | | | | old-fashioned twin-joystick type ones, one |
| compromising performance. Or even | | | | stick used to control acceleration and |
| compromising it just a weeee bit, if it'll | | | | braking, the other for steering. The other |
| make your baby look loads better than | | | | type of remote control is a pistol-grip type, |
| everyone else's RCs... Okay, gushing moment | | | | with a "trigger" for adjusting speed and |
| over, let's get into the gritty details of | | | | braking, and a wheel set on top of the |
| what you need to know to pick out a winner | | | | pistol-grip for steering. Choose something |
| from the shops. The stuff I'll be | | | | your hands will be comfortable with. Also |
| recommending here will be for newbies to the | | | | make sure that the frequency of the antenna |
| sport, so you can relax and not worry about | | | | on your RC isn't in the same range as radio |
| info overload. Fist off, you have to know the | | | | stations in your neighborhood, as these can |
| specs of the RC you're buying. Ask the shop | | | | sometimes interfere with your control's |
| owner if it's made as a kid's toy (avoid | | | | signals. Lastly, do your research before |
| those!), for casual racing, or for pro | | | | making your purchase. Read racing magazines, |
| racing. I recommend getting a casual-racing | | | | and surf the internet and check out RC racer |
| spec RC first, but make sure that the model | | | | forums for veteran racer's opinions on what |
| you buy has support parts and options from | | | | are good purchases for beginners, and ask for |
| it's manufacturer that will allow you to mod | | | | their advice. Once you set your eye on a |
| up later. Next, choose the engine (uhm, I | | | | prospective model to buy, don't pick it up |
| mean motor!) type. RCs run either with | | | | yet. Check out the manufacturer's website and |
| electric motors powered by a rechargeable | | | | make sure that you get something from a |
| battery or on mini-engines fueled by a milder | | | | reputable dealer, preferably one that |
| form of gasoline, referred to as nitro racing | | | | specializes in post-purchase customer support |
| cars. Both see active use in the tournament | | | | and offers racing upgrades to the model of RC |
| circuits, though nitro RCs have an edge over | | | | you're eyeing. |
| battery-operated ones in terms of power | | | | |
| unless the battery-op has enough mods on it. | | | | Jack Vallieres is the professional freelance |
| If getting a battery operated RC, be prepared | | | | writer. He's also the webmaster of |
| to spend more on mods later. If buying a | | | | Talkofthecar. |
| nitro RC, be prepared to spend more on the RC | | | | |