Racer's blues

[JK Racing]

Do any of you racers just get burnt out and not enjoy it any more? I love running my vintage cars, dont mind the occasional run up the sidewalk to "check the steering & trim up the servo". But lately I get super pumped to go racing, part way in, just blah. I parked my vintage cars and tossed my TLR 22 back onto the track, wasnt much better. I did enjoy banging doors in SCT, but I think mainly just for bragging rights with my buddy I was racing against. I had my son & first time racer (brother in law), that kept me pretty busy (prepping 4 cars all night), but just wasnt really enjoying it they way I used to.

Maybe I am just getting old, maybe just burnt out on 2wd buggy.

What do I need to revitalize myself in racing? Its been my passion for more than 20 years, occasional time off here and there, as tracks closed or I moved into a different area. I've gone from dirt oval to electric offroad to electric onroad to nitro offroad, even tried 1/8th scale for a bit, back to electric offroad now for quite a while. So variety isnt the problem

Your thoughts?

[Charlie don't surf]

It's not always just racing blues, it's been dead around here too- like no one wants to turn a wrench or open parts. I really think the general uncertainty in the economy are really having an effect.

I find running on our home track, or specifically with my son alone is a big boost

[RichieRich]

Have you tried using toys, costumes or role playing to spice things up?

[Incredible_Serious]

Have you tried using toys, costumes or role playing to spice things up?

[Incredible_Serious]

It's not always just racing blues, it's been dead around here too- like no one wants to turn a wrench or open parts. I really think the general uncertainty in the economy are really having an effect.

Honestly, I am trying to get back into it...... moving has taken a lot of my time and energy, as well as getting resettled, etc.... fear not, I'm trying to get the cars (and the BS) flowing again.

As for racing, well, can't comment there... although if it's more fun racing with a buddy / family member then without, it may just be time to take things less seriously.... or, start prepping your car early for the next big class - VTA Offroad! Also called Dukes of Hazzard class......

Alex

P.S. Yes yes, I know, it probably doesn't help.....

[THUNDERSTRIKE1]

Ive been out racing since 2000 since couldnt work no more.I miss it but not all the fixing of everyone elses cars on top of mine.It kinda kills it for me.But i do love helping buddies and occasional newbies.Boy i miss it so.All my electrics is outdated and dont know crap about the new stuff.Don

[GJW]

sometimes i can be bothered racing at our vintage get together's, other time's i just turn up for talk's about the old day's and drink beer racing get's too much at time's for sure joey. have a break dude!

[cunawarit]

Have you tried using toys, costumes or role playing to spice things up?

LOL! Brilliant

Anyway, everyone goes through that in a hobby I guess. With rifle shooting, I did it on and off during a number of years when I was younger and at points I found it truly engaging and at other points I've found myself at the range wondering why I wasn't doing something else. I took up pistol shooting to spice things up then gave it up when I didn't have the time. At some point I'll pick up shooting again, in fact wife is keen to try archery... It might be fun

I've been into RC since 97, but only just started racing and I find it AWESOME!

At least for me the key with any hobby is that people do it for FUN. I enjoy it at the track when most people are relaxed and helping each other out with car setups, tips, etc... Specially racing newbies like me need lots of help even with basics. I don't enjoy it when someone takes it too freaking seriously, there's one culprit where I race who gets way too worked up over what after all is just a bunch of grown men playing with toy cars. He's really the only one who you find swearing and getting all worked up at the driver's stand... Can that be fun for him?

[kaiser]

about once a year i get that feeling. then when the season changes i get pumped up again.

right now we are selling our house and buying a new one so i'm on rc hiatus. good timing too because i was getting that feeling again. by the time all the selling/buying/moving is done i'll be pumped for some winter carpet racing.

[JK Racing]

Have you tried using toys, costumes or role playing to spice things up?

I may have something on underneath...think Bull Durham


Its not the seriousness of the racing or other racers, I dropped out of our local series races for that reason. Once they added cash to the bowling trophies, the fun went out the door...really quick.

The local outdoor track is very laid back and a great atmosphere, I have no issues taking my 10 year old son there and feeling safe and confident with him racing/wandering the pits. This past weekend, I got hacked (accident or not, dunno), it broke my truck (during my best run of the night), and I cursed out loud, and on the drivers stand. I was so ashamed afterwards, I am always a very calm, quiet guy in the pits and on the stand, I dont let things rattle me. This did, and I still am confused as to why. I took myself out into the parking lot and had a 10 minute walk (after I marshalled of course). Got back into the pits and fixed my broken truck, prepped the other cars I was helping with, put on a smile and finished out the night.

I have commited to a larger race the first weekend of November, when I have begun prepping for already. Tires, electronics, building another truck for and such...I want to race it, I am actually excited to race it. I just want to go out and have fun. I will talk my son into going with me, tear him away from his XBox.

also...glad I am not alone.

[slapshot1979]

I dont have a local track that I can run 1/10 stuff. It strated off a nice flowing track for everyone then the 1/8 point and shoot cars took over, and the fun was gone for me. I started restoring the cars I wanted as a kid and has kept me into this hobby I would have bailed on long ago if not for this. Take a break you maybe surprized at your rejuvination after a month or 2

[Coelacanth]

about once a year i get that feeling. then when the season changes i get pumped up again.

right now we are selling our house and buying a new one so i'm on rc hiatus. good timing too because i was getting that feeling again. by the time all the selling/buying/moving is done i'll be pumped for some winter carpet racing.

Although I'm not an RC racer, I agree the same happens with any hobby or pastime. I was gung-ho with my RC projects last winter but spring & summer came, and I put all my spare time & money into working on the Charger. Now the snow will be flying soon and I'll be returning to my RC projects. Barney needs to be completed, I have a bunch of alloy wheels to polish, and several bodies to paint.

If you lose motivation in one pastime, switch it up. Don't worry, you'll probably come back to the original one eventually.

[SRTracer121]

it happens man, sometimes you dont even want to look at the stupid things.

maybe just take a step back and sit out a few weeks. catch up on some 1:1 racing. that always helps me when i cant find the motivation to go racing.

[CAT3K]

I think most racers must go through this. I only race once a fortnight, and i suppose that helps that i'm not racing too much. I have in the past, and ended giving up for 15 years *Well maybe it was girls.. and beer.. that was responsible.

One thing that gets me now is if i'm racing more than one class in a meeting, there's just no extra time to watch or chat with other racers, and it's just less enjoyable for me.

[Bormac]

There was a time when all I thought about was getting my cars on to a race track somewhere (anywhere). Having two sons now has diverted all my attention and even if I had the will to race I'd very much doubt I could find the time right now. I'm glad I got to enjoy the hobby again and drive so many cars that I missed out on back in the day. I still think of my cars fondly but it seems my boys are now my main interest. I'd rather just bash around in my driveway with an old relic and my eldest son than sneak off to the track all the time. That would feel selfish.
At some stage my sons will be old enough to drive and i'll no doubt get them trackside in the future. Not sure in what capacity that will be but for now though, I'm happy with the way things are.