irockflipflops

iTrader: (33)

Hi all,

After a lengthy hiatus from racing due to life happening, I am getting my gear together to hit the track again. I live in Maryland and there are three tracks within about an hours drive from me, which isn't always convenient. So, I try to run my cars on parking lots and tennis courts nearby as much as I can.

Are there any training techniques that you guys and gals use when you are away from the track and the fellow competitors? I have some stackable pylons that I use to try and recreate tracks that I have been to, but how do you practice?

Thanks in advance!

vw addict

iTrader: (38)

Well on a completely different surface than you race I assume there is no point working on setup. But continued driving will at least keep you sharp, and continually varying the layout will help you as well.

SlideMasteR

VRC Pro !! you get hours and hours of track time with out leaving your house

http://www.vrcworld.com

cyclonetog

Best thing is make the effort and travel to the tracks, that's what we do, there's no substitute for it.

After that, VRC. Really don't see any point putting wear and tear on the car on a different surface than what you'll race on, VRC will be just as relevant.

irockflipflops

iTrader: (33)

have any of you guys used VRC?

and I figured most folks would urge me to make the trips. I would more often, but the wife and I just had a baby soooo...lol

rangerjkb

iTrader: (45)

+1 on VRC Pro and can use your own controller with USB campatability.

cyclonetog

Yeah I use VRC, it's really good for getting more used to holding the transmitter, especially if you can't get to your club for a couple of weeks.

Also, as it calls out every lap time, you can try different styles to see what works best for you.

xristoz

I'm going to agree with cyclonetog, nothing can quite substitute practicing a the race track. Maybe you can find someone else from your area and make the drive to the track together.

howardcano

iTrader: (37)

If you have room at your place, and a little extra cash, set up a little track for Mini Z or other micro cars. They are very quick and agile. After practicing with one of these on a track with 18" wide lanes, you'll have reflexes like a cat, and a 1/8 onroad nitro car will feel slow.

Racing with four other guys in my basement using old Tamiya Tamtech 1/24 scale cars was the most fun I've ever had in RC.

irockflipflops

iTrader: (33)

Now this is the kind of answer I was looking for!

I should have re worded my question a bit, but I was wondering what the good drivers do besides spend countless hours at the track. I just don't have the time, at the moment, to spend away from home yet. And I have seen micro cars run before - slot cars without a track

Its either that, or try to get as many local guys together as I can to start a side club...hmmm

howardcano

iTrader: (37)

Maybe your new club should be for little cars!

Here's what a friend is using for his Mini Z track:

http://www.wesellmats.com/foam-floor-mats.html/

The traction is much better than carpet!

outlandr91

I've thought about getting VRC but wondered if it would help at all. It seems like a video game. One plus would be you can use your own radio.

cyclonetog

It's much more than a game. You can "feel" the car, and setup changes you make to it.

The USB adapter is only €10 (I think) and if you want to just try it out you can use a joystick. Download is free so nothing to lose.

Fast Little Car

+1! Mini-Z has turned out some talented drivers on our local scene. Youtube "PNWC 2012" to see some of the best Mini-Z'ers out there exhibit the craft

irockflipflops

iTrader: (33)

It sounds like a plan, but I would have to track down some used micro set ups...Most of these lil buggers cost as much as 1/10th scale!