Guys,

My folks got me and my sister both piece of junk toy RC's for christmas. We messed around with them, etc. and it reminded me how fun RC cars are! I started doing a bit of searching online, and I think I want to purchase a hobby grade RC. I do have a bunch of questions though;

1) I think I'd like to get into racing eventually. There is a RC track near where I live, and I think I'd like to race in the 1/10 2wd buggy class. I'm a little intimated as a beginner, so I'm not sure if I want to race right off, or just bash around learning the car, which leads me to my next question

2) What kind of buggy should I get? I like realistic old school looking ones, and am hoping to both race AND bash. I'd like to spend between $100 - $200. I don't need to get the fastest, or best, but would like something that is upgradable down the road. I'd prefer that it is RTR out of the box. Since it's my first car, I want to jump right into driving, and not get into the gnitty gritty build.

3) For those racers out there: How do classes work? Don't the experienced racers (with expensive rigs) smoke the beginners? Are there any 1 design type race classes?

4) Last but not least: Does anyone build home race courses so they don't have to go to the track all the time? Is it easy to put together a simple course at home?

All thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

- Chris

go to the track and talk to the guys and see what they run. best recipe for success as a noob is to copy what works.. dont reinvent the wheel.

Most tracks now race 1/10 short course trucks or Sct u might wanna look into those like the traxxas slash or losi sct ..if u want to stay with the buggy design team associated have 10th scale buggy ...i know theres alot of good brands out there now! Ive been out of the game for awhile my info is limited hehehe

Your budget is not realistic to get into racing... perhaps if your club offers a "Spec Slash" class (our club does) and this is great to get folks into racing for $200, but there are tons of hidden expenses that will creep up on you... upgraded servo ($50) , LiPo battery ($50), Fast Charger ($50) , Quality radio ($100-$300)... see where I'm going?

See what classes they offer... also talk to the locals and see if anyone is selling their old rig... it will save you a fortune and already have a car that's tuned for your club.

Tires can get expensive... some clubs can wear through a set of tires in 1 race days, others might go 6+ race days before a set of tires need to be replaced.. be sure to factor these costs into your budget.

Best of luck!

The lure to get into racing is great. Who doesn't want to rip and tear around a track with bumps and jumps?

Thanks to bill delong for putting things into perspective.

I always hated telling curious onlookers what it takes to get started. +1 for heading on down to track to talk to owner/operator of facility. They want newcomers just as bad as you want to test your skills on the track. Maybe they have a "run what you brung" class for people just starting out.

People don't always win because of their wallet size. Moderately priced gear, the right tires, and practice, practice, practice. That will go a long way to moving up in the ranks.