Seeing similar things here too. Usgt bodies and the motor change (too late to the game I think on that one) pretty much killed usgt.

Core problem is the class got away from the original intent of fun scale racing where you could use to that old car off the shelf as a second class. Now usgt is the latest and greatest equipment just to keep up. Costs spiraled out of control to eek out every bit of speed. Nevermind the polarizing body list (pros an cons there), inconsistent tires, expensive motors of the week, batteries of the week, etc. The spec motor should have been done from the get go but who knew right?

Too bad really. Fundamentally a great class but it just kind of went off the rails a bit.

I think there are macro things to take into account.
1. Turn out - it’s not what it used to be thanks to pandemic and lock down measures, a lot of people are still staying away.
2. GT12 is growing.. seems a lot of USGT guys are turning to GT12.. bodies are fairly similar, Montech has USGT and GT12 Porsche type body. At our club a lot of drivers are going into this class

We have a groups of guys wanting to run Mod at our club. So they have put shelved their Gt cars for the moment.

Raman, all good points.

I think the cost vs performance is what has led the the decline at our club as I eluded to in my previous post.

Once the spec motor came in and everyone was going to need to invest again, quite a few analyzed their situation. Many chose to go to Can-am style class and combined all the TC classes into that. So now all the TC guys run that single class, leaving USGT to a few stragglers.

When numbers were low we had Can-am (13.5 handouts at a fixed FDR) run with USGT. Cars were similar paced but the TC guys run better tires, motors don't get hot, no body wars. That's what kind of killed USGT at our club. I'm sure every place is different, just my experience.

On a side note we now have a spec TT car class with very little mods (almost box stock) and it is the tightest racing and one of the biggest classes on race night. The TT kits are the same price as one decent USGT battery or motor. Cheap fun, good for beginners and pros alike. Cheers.

Is Can-Am still a thing? Last post on their Facebook was in January...

USGT turn out at Cal Raceway should be big tomorrow for their Toys 4 Tots race.
Next week at RCRSD, I expect 25% of drivers will race USGT in San Diego. It seems steady over here.

Usgt is motiv motor only now, no can am...

TT Spec class is always a fun one to watch at TCS. I would be up for it, if one got started at our club.

For now it’s GT12 that’s drawing attraction.. ... I’m holding my ground, I don’t like pan cars, I definitely don’t like foams.

I will continue to take my USGT car to track in hopes of getting a race going.

Sponsored racers racing in USGT, 12 or what ever lower entry level class will always be the reason it doesn't survive. People say money ( Though they buy $500 chassis and top of the line everything for classes ) or tires ( But will spend the money on them anyway ).

It just takes away from the fun. That is what we all got into for in the first place. If you come to the track with the sole purpose to whip the floor with the competition, I just don't see the point. Also stating that, racing with fast guys makes you a better driver. Sure, that is a true to a certain extent, but no one is getting better, being whipped be the same guys every week.

Where do you guys think the hobby will be in 20 yrs? Or even 10? Look around and ask why it is you think we don't have fresh blood in a sport that is this much fun.

It’s hard to say. I’m sure there will be areas that racing will remain steady. Since I started on clay back in June, I’ve heard from a number of the other drivers that have been racing since the 80s. And few from the 70’s. 10 years ago they’d get 100-150 every Saturday at a previous off road track. I believe 67 is the highest I’ve seen so far.
What I don’t see is enuff younger drivers to keep things going.

Our clay track is considering trying a Sunday series during winter. There’s enuff that work Saturdays and can’t make the regular races. But do go almost every Sunday to practice. I’m hoping the follow through on this. But haven’t heard anything since the idea was proposed back in early November.

Rc racers are as fickle as old ladies, maybe more. If you look hard enough you will find imperfections on a rain drop. Less typing and complaining and more racing and everything will be fine. Remember when we are all in grade school pushing marbles around the playground. Just go back to that state of mind and get out to race and everything will be fine. Life is short fellas.

here is a good summary.

since when have those 2 classes been designated entry level?

read the first page of this thread.

quote it for me im too lazy

Don't know that they have. But yeah, no entry class, people just starting are not wanting to get into it. Race what you want, obviously it is working what ever we are doing. *sarcasm*

New guy: How much does these cost
Vet: Anywhere between $500 and $1,000
New guy: If I get one of the $500 will it be any good?
Vet: most likely not because that guy sponsored by Reedy, RC kicks blah blah blah has about $2000 in his, plus brand new motors etc and kicks everyone's ass.
New Guy: Later amigo

Fair is perception in RC. Most sponsored guys race all the classes anyway. Just let the ones like myself that enjoy racing, and are middle of the road racers, enjoy a class I don't have to worry about that. 13.5, 17.5, 12th scale, are already there and established. You want to work on your skill to get up to those classes, but if you break their sprits before they get there, you are hurting the nature of the sport. This is suppose to be fun, and exciting. Not, I have no chance to finish in the top 3, week after week.

I guess you could lock down something like Tamiya Trucks to the new guys, but what is the fun in that. Just my opinion. Just don't cry when the sport doesn't grow.