Newbie Questions?

OK - I am sorry in advance for asking questions which are likely trivial to most of you, But I must.

The last time I raced was 15 or more years ago, when monster trucks were monsters and I don't think raced.

I recently decided to rejoin the R/C world and started researching for something to buy. Like it or not I decided on and bought a Revo. Now, I have a bone stock, poorly tuned Revo and am looking to run at the track. Remember I said run not win - for now! Now for the questions: Will my Stock radio work at the track? Transponder - what is it? How does it mount? Do I buy one? Are the races timed, laps or just run to your out of fuel? I am a beginner - do I race with pros or others at my skill level? Race day prep - what to bring or not bring? Is the track open for practice? How much does it cost to race? Do I have to join a club?

Well I will stop there for now. Although I will probably have more newbie questions in the future - please bare with me.

One more question - what happened to building your R/C's - RTR how am I supposed to get my hands dirty.

Thanks for any answers.

RMKinWI

Hey no problem....don't feel silly asking questions....it's better to ask them and get answers than not ask and just guess.


I'll attempt to throw some answers out for you..........

Will my Stock radio work at the track? Possibly. It all depends on if someone else has the same frequency as you. If you are going to run a stock radio, the best bet is to buy a couple different sets of cristals just in case someone has the same as you.


Transponder - what is it? How does it mount? Do I buy one? A transponder is basically a device that goes onto your truck, that gives your truck it's own "ID". It has a serial number on it, and that number is then designated to your truck. basically it makes life easier on yourself and on the people running the race, so you don't have to stick a big number on the body of your car and get hand scored. Most vehicles these days have an area designated for mounting a transponder, but if not, it can basically be placed anywhere safe near the reciever, as it plugs into the reciever itself. And yes, you can buy a transponder at most any hobbyshop.


Are the races timed, laps or just run to your out of fuel? The races are timed, and scored by how many laps you made in that time, along with the total time. Qualifying is usually 5 minutes in length...and the order is determined by how many laps you made....and for example....if two people had 19 laps....then the total time comes in....because when the 5 minutes is up...you complete the last lap you are on...so you are actually over 5 minutes. Main races are usually 15 minutes in length, so you will have pit stops to make during the race. Basically through it all...you hope NOT to run out of fuel


I am a beginner - do I race with pros or others at my skill level? Everyone races in the determined class of vehicles. You having a monster truck...you will race in the monster truck class. No worries at all though....it's all about having a great time running the trucks....slower racers along with fast ones.....it's just like nascar....the faster ones just pass the slower ones....but it's all about having a great time...there aren't any "super serious" angry types.


Race day prep - what to bring or not bring? Bring your vehicle it's always good to bring some shade of some sort if possible, as being outside all day can make the skin a bit red. But there are plenty of people that have pop=ups in which you can grab shade. And basically ya just bring whatever you would need to run your vehicle....glow plugs...parts...gas....radio... And there is a hobby shop within 5 minutes of the track if you forget, or break anything (which I've done many times). And what NOT to bring.....fear.....it's all about having a great time...nobody is trying to impress anyone, and there are no ego's...we all just race and laugh it up.



Is the track open for practice? You can practice on the mornings of race day....or practice anytime you want if you buy a membership to the club.



How much does it cost to race? Do I have to join a club? Last year it cost 15 dollars to race each week, or 10 dollars if you were a member. Membership is optional...and last year it cost 50 dollars for a full year. Along with the membership comes a discount at the hobby shop, and of course cheaper weekly racing, along with practicing anytime you wish.


what happened to building your R/C's - RTR how am I supposed to get my hands dirty. Well there are two options. Either A: you buy a RTR vehicle and tear it down yourself to check everything over and re-build it.......or B: There are many "kits" out there that you can buy and you build the vehicle yourself. There really aren't any Monster trucks that come in a kit version....most are Buggies and Truggies. And no worries....being out racing you will get your hands quite dirty.....