R/C Race Preparation, Winning Tips, R/C Car Weight Loss

RCCARTIPS.com Newsletter / Ezine
www.rccartips.com

Reading Time ~ 3 minutes

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Vol 1, Issue 53        Subscribers: 2,885        September 15, 2004
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CONTENTS

* R/C Race Preparation for 2004 Asia Cup
* Winning Tips of an International Racer
* R/C Car Weight Loss and Performance

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R/C RACE PREPARATION FOR 2004 ASIA CUP

Hi,

Recently got an email from a reader:

"I'm just a subscriber, but whens the next 1 comin out? i'm dyin
here man!"

This made me realize that I have not written an RCCarTips
newsletter for the past 3 weeks. Sorry about that, the reason is
that I have been very busy focusing on the 2004 Tamiya Asia
Cup. I'll be leaving for Hong Kong on the 23rd and have been
doing a lot of practicing and car setup. In any case, no matter
how well I finish, it does not matter as long as I have done all
I could in terms of preparation and practice.

Anyways hope you enjoy this newsletter.

Joel M.

P.S. In this and next week's newsletter I'll be sharing some r/c
speed tips. And once the 2004 Asia Cup is finished I'll share with
you all the secret tips used by the top drivers.

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WINNING TIPS OF AN INTERNATIONAL RACER

In preparation for the big race next week, I'm currently practicing
with whom I consider the best rc car driver in my country today.
He is also my teammate, and unfortunately we are competing in the
same category (Tamiya M-Chassis). He has been active in
international racing and has always qualified and ranked high in
the A-Main of world championships and regional competitions.
But for now, we are working together to improve our speed for
the big r/c event.

Here is what we have been doing.

1. We practiced for about 3 hours of actual track time during the
past week.
2. We practice the start of a race (someone does the toot sound
and then we start racing each other.)
3. For 3 laps I take the lead position while my friend tries to
overtake. Then we reverse positions, I try to overtake him.
4. We share information about r/c car setup, what springs, shock
oil, etc and the effect it has on the r/c car.

Results:

The track had a difficult layout. Initially we had a hard time, and
hit the barriers often.

But after 3 hours of track time, we now find the track relatively
easy to drive, and rarely hit the barriers.

Key Idea:

The best way to prepare for a race is to practice with someone
else. Practicing alone is good, but not good enough. Practicing
with another r/c car trying to overtake you will help you control
nervousness and improve your performance under pressure.

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R/C CAR WEIGHT LOSS AND PERFORMANCE

One key tip I want to share is weight and how important it is to
winning races.

For example, in the 2004 Tamiya Asia Cup, there is a 1200 gram
weight limit in the category I'll be racing. Currently my r/c car
weighs around 1310 grams. 

So if my competitors' rc cars are at 1200 grams and mine is at
1310 grams, what is a mere 110 grams? Will it make much of a
difference?

To put 110 grams in perspective, the equivalent of 110 grams is:

3 racing tires mounted on rims

or

1 fully painted lexan body

or

3 regular futaba 3003 servos

As you can imagine, my car currently has a big weight disadvantage.
It's as if I'll be racing with the extra weight of 3 racing tires with
wheels. That is a big disadvantage especially in "stock motor"
racing.

To remove 110 grams, here is what I can do:

1. Change the Futaba 3003 steering servo with a Futaba 9602
servo. Weight loss of around 7 grams.

2. Replace all stainless steel screws, nuts, hinge pins with lightweight
aluminum parts. Weight loss of around 10 to 20 grams.

3. Change to a smaller and lighter speed control. Weight loss of
around 15 grams.

I have yet to do these things since new lightweight servos and
speed controls cost money. Maybe once I get to Hong Kong I'll
buy these items since it is cheaper to buy r/c cars and parts in
HK hobby shops.

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25% DISCOUNT CLEARANCE SALE

Getting ready for new products for Christmas, online hobby
shop HobbyTron is giving up to25% discounts on certain items.

Take a look, you just might find a great deal:

http://www.rccartips.com/RC_Clearance_Sales.htm

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BUYING RC CARS ONLINE

Hope I was able to help you enjoy the rc hobby via the
RCCartips.com website. If you are looking to buy more rc cars
and trucks, may I suggest you visit the store listed in the page
below:

Recommended RC Hobby Shop

Disclosure: I do get a referral commission when you buy from
the recommended hobby shop, which helps me continue writing
newsletters and adding more tips to the website. Thanks.

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