Every hobby begins with the basics—you develop a passion for it, and as you grow more skilled, you start searching for new challenges. You look for something fresh within that hobby to keep your interest alive.
RC cars are no exception. When you’re a kid just starting out, a $30 RC car from your local store feels like the ultimate thrill. But as you grow older, you begin upgrading to higher-quality models or even building your own from scratch or customizing kits.
Still, that’s not where the journey ends. Even after investing in top-tier cars, there’s another level to explore: competitive racing.
Here’s what you need to know.
How Do You Get Started in Competitive RC Racing?
Taking your RC car hobby to a competitive level requires some effort. The competitive scene is vast, but it’s not as simple as signing up for a local soccer league.
IFMAR (International Federation of Model Auto Racing) represents the pinnacle of RC car competitions. It’s an international event with cash prizes and the most intense level of competition. However, jumping straight to IFMAR isn’t recommended for beginners.
Instead, it’s a good idea to start small and ease into the competitive world. Many local RC shops host events, and if they don’t, they can often point you toward nearby competitions. Take the leap and give it a try!
Your chance to win starts now!
Buy your ticket now and be one step closer to winning a Traxxas X-Maxx car before the draw on [December 29, 2024, at 10:32 PM].
Read Also : The ultimate guide on how to clean an RC car? 8 easy steps for you!
What Types of Races Are There?
Competitive RC racing spans a wide range of categories. From off-road to on-road circuits, you’ll find options for nearly every style of racing. There are also different tiers for various types of RC cars, including high-performance Nitro leagues.
Unless you own a diverse collection of competition-ready cars, you’ll likely need to focus on races that suit the capabilities of your best vehicle.
What Do You Need to Race Competitively?
The first and most important thing is a high-quality RC car. A Traxxas is a great choice—many of their models are both high-performing and reasonably priced, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced racers.
However, entering a competition with a stock car, even a high-end one, usually isn’t enough. To stay competitive, you’ll need to invest in performance upgrades that can give your car an edge on the track.
Durability is also key. Competitive racing puts far more strain on an RC car than casual street driving, so you’ll need to know your car inside and out. This includes having the tools to maintain and repair it before and after races.
The car’s body is often the first part to take damage, especially in aggressive races or off-road competitions. Keeping a body repair kit handy can save you from frequently replacing the entire shell after every collision or crash.
Beyond that, you just need to cover any entry fees and prepare to drive your car with both speed and precision. It may take a few races to get the hang of navigating a track, protecting your car, and mastering control, but with practice, you’ll improve quickly—and maybe even take home some prizes.
At this stage, you’ll discover an entirely new dimension of RC car collecting. Competitive racing adds excitement, challenge, and a healthy dose of adrenaline to your favorite hobby.
Read Also : Top10 things I wish I knew before buying Next Traxxas RC Car
