I'm new to this game, and I'm finally going to race this weekend. Has anyone raced at Poway or Escondido? I have a choice of 2! I will be running a HPI sport 2 in stock class, presumably w/ a handout motor... I've been running a 15t w/ 3.11 ratio. Should I change this? What are the tracks like? How should I set up the car? etc, etc, etc!!! I've got a million q's but you get the idea... How should I prepare so I have fun and not frustration? I have no delusions of grandeur, I just want to have fun.

Things I would check and have at the track:
1. batteries are charged properly. Mark packs for qualifying and mains. Bring extra batteries for the tx also.
2. tires
3. extra sets of crystals
4. tools and extra screws/bolts/body pins
5. transponder? unless track provides
6. power or electrical cord

among others

Good luck and have fun

also get there EARLY to check out the track and talk to the people running it to get any details you might miss.
when you get there ask around, tell them its your first time out and are looking for some advice, whats a good range of gearing to run on this track, what turns should I look out for, should I soften up the suspension or make it hard, etc etc.

during the race, dont try to win, try to get your lap times consistent. try to figure out how hard to hit what turn and were the brakeing zones are, use this oportunity to learn the track.

dont expect to place good the first time out, just use this opportunity to learn what running on a course with traffic is like.

and most imortantly!!!!!! have fun.

Thanks guys, only things I haven't done is get a spare set of crystals and a transponder. Guess I should figure out how to mount one, huh? ...N