Originally Posted by
IndyRC_Racer
My experience has been that when I spend more time making my car's setup better, my lap times improve more than when I worry about a better battery or motor.
While I like to challenge for the podium every time I race, over the years I've learned that I'm really racing against the clock and myself. Even if I'm running an "inferior" motor, "old" battery, or "obsolete" chassis, I can still try to get the most out of the equipment I've got. On those rare days that I do get everything right, it is one of the most rewarding feelings I can get racing.
This is very well said and I think describes the spirit of RC racing better than anything else. It's a thought angle that I often forget myself. It's easy to throw money at the latest and greatest (says the guy who runs a T4 2015 with top of the line electronics in a 25.5 VTA-ish class), but in the end you have to remember to have fun. It's not only about winning and many things go into making a good race day/night.