Monster Truck Madness – Advice on your first r/c monster truck race
Hey everybody, blissful Thursday!
The image above is a bunch shot from the kick-off occasion of the 2024 Trigger King R/C Monster Truck Racing Series that was held final weekend in Waterloo, IL- we had a blast!
It was nice seeing a bunch of outdated palms and newbies alike. Seeing a recent crop of monster truck racing noobs together with the forthcoming e-mail obtained me wanting to jot down a primary recommendation information for the potential strong axle racer-
Hey Doug,
I learn most your entire articles on Big Squid RC! I stay in Missouri, and my retirement pastime is one from my youth; RC monster vehicles. I’m very a lot desirous about working my newest creation on the Team Bigfoot Open House, on June fifteenth, in Pacific Missouri. My household and I usually come to the occasion anyway, so why not? My truck could be within the Pro Mod class, and that’s okay, as a result of my truck and I… we’re prepared
Any info or recommendation you’ll be prepared to share could be tremendously appreciated. Here’s just a few photos of my offended gorilla; Airborne Ranger, named after my lengthy and storied navy profession. Let me know what you suppose sir. Thank you prematurely,
Michael R.
Thank you for the e-mail and on your service, Michael! Good trying monster- right here’s a pic he despatched me.
Coming out to race on the BIGFOOT 4×4 Open House is a implausible alternative for a primary timer as a result of the day is far lighter and quick paced than a typical stand-alone r/c occasion day. (For these questioning, BIGFOOT Open House is Saturday June fifteenth, in Pacific, MO, and I’ll present extra r/c occasion data for it because the date comes nearer.) As somebody who’s raced just about all sorts of r/c automobiles and solely raced monsters for the final 10 years, right here’s some recommendation for the potential noob-
You WILL be nervous, and that’s okay!
The first time anybody races, they’re going to be nervous. In typical r/c racing, race heats are 4 minutes or longer. This means that there’s ample time for nerves to be labored by means of and somebody can ultimately get right into a groove and slowly shake off the butterflies.
Traditional r/c monster truck racing, held in brief heads-up mano-a-mano trend is a razor’s edge, thrilling kind of factor. Races are sometimes VERY quick. A protracted observe format may be 30 seconds, whereas many might be within the 10-15 second vary. This means that there’s not a lot time in any respect to discover a rhythm, and your nerves may cause you to quick circuit in every kind of the way, quick. This is regular! It’s why so many love such a racing- anybody can win at anytime!
If you determine to keep it up, your nerves will relax and you’ll focus on the job at hand. It’s very powerful when beginning out although. My recommendation is concentrate on taking just a few deep breaths when your truck is staged, focus solely in your lane, and attempt to run as clean as potential (NOT quick as potential). This method will assist you to mentally calm down and step by step get sooner!
Drive your truck to the beginning line!
You understand how I discussed the nerves, factor? I’ve seen noobies carry their vehicles to the beginning line and set them down…solely to appreciate they by no means turned the change to “on” when the sunshine turns inexperienced. If you possibly can’t drive it to the road, at the very least give it a pair throttle whacks within the pit space to make sure you have the juice flowing!
Locked differentials are very unhealthy for racing!
I’ve seen varied people deliver their locked diff vehicles to a race, and it causes NOTHING however issues. These are normally Axial AR60 primarily based axles that most probably got here out of crawlers. Locked differential monster vehicles may be enjoyable for bashing, as they will generally be higher for wild stunts….however they’re atrocious for racing, so be warned!
Ask questions, most are blissful to speak store and assist a beginner!
This is my final piece of advice- make sure you discuss to your fellow monster truck racers. Most racers are blissful to share set-up or working suggestions, as we have been all in your spot as soon as. Solid axle monsters may be sophisticated, distinctive machines which have A LOT of variables, so ask! Most of us are very pleased with our vehicles, and love discussing them.
I hope that helps! Solid axle monster truck racing is my favourite a part of the pastime and I hope you attempt it!