What Makes a Race Day, What Ruins a Race Day?

What Makes a Race Day, What Ruins a Race Day?

Racing is fun. I hesitate to over simplify something that many people are extremely passionate about, but that’s why we do it–to have fun. In that sense, RC racing is no different than, say, bowling or billiards. But, like those two examples, racing can go beyond being simply fun and elevate to being highly fulfilling. That’s when it really starts to mean something. I’m making a great case for racing here. It’s fun, it’s fulfilling, it’s something you can feel truly passionate it about, it has meaning. If all of this is true, why do some people look so miserable at the track. I’m not talking about the kid with the bummed out look on his face and slumped shoulders because his RTR didn’t get him anywhere near the winner’s circle–again. I’m talking about the 40-year-old guy slamming his car down while belting out profanity. Think my little scenario sounds too dramatic? Think again. I’ve seen that scene play out a hundred times–at least a hundred times. I recently swung by a hobby shop I only visit a few times a year. It’s an excellent shop with great indoor and outdoor tracks. This particular day they were hosting a trophy race. I’m a huge fan of trophy races as having something (even a cheap plastic trophy) on the line adds some excitement to what can be a routine toy car race. On the flip side, trophy races bring out the worst in some people. I was there with my 3-year-old son who really wanted to watch some racing (I just wanted to pick up a couple aluminum servo horns). In 15 minutes time, I witnessed three grown men throw what were essentially temper tantrums. They were, to be fair, fairly mild outbursts that, as far as I could tell, went essentially unnoticed by everyone including my son who was fixated on the racing, but the “My day life has been ruined” script was followed with precision. Equipment was roughly grabbed, slammed back down and the swears flew the whole time. I want to know why? I don’t care what inflamed those three chuckleheads. I want to know about you. What makes your race day and what ruins it?

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Updated: July 20, 2015 — 3:36 PM
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