I race just about every weekend and get there a couple hours before the race to practice and check things out. A few times we did not have enough people to race so I just practice. When it cools off I am hoping to be at the track twice a week one for practice and experimenting with different set ups then the other day to race. My first buggy Hyper 8 will be here tomorrow but I have been messing with nitro RC for 6 years. Right now I am racing a Savage and HPI MT. I am sure any racer will tell you how important practice is.