I've been speculating on smaller-scale cars as a means of getting new blood interested (I'm still new myself, and hurting from the costs of 1/10th scale). It's no accident that many manufacturers are doing smaller 1/16th or 1/18th scale versions of their existing lines - Traxxas, Losi, AE...then there are the Maverick Atoms, FTX Blazes and innumerable clones to choose from.

It's a class you could term as 'Christmas present' territory - about £100 would get you everything needed to start, including the charger.

Hi, the attendance level at our local club does vary from week to week, as all clubs must do, and depending on who's there sometimes we don't run with Finals.

To be honest, it's a pretty easy going club, and for me at least, I don't think it spoils things. We enjoy running finals when the numbers mean it's worthwhile, and when the numbers are lower, people understand, and are part of that decision.

We keep low attended nights as simple as possible, less complex track builds, and simple running orders...with lower numbers it means easier pack down and lower hastle factor for those who turn out week on week, no matter what and help out.

In terms of expense, I reckon that racing on a budget is def possible...I've done it for a few years and have just spent a lot on upgrading as I could finally afford it and wanted to try and improve things. The first £300 I carefully spend got me I reckon 90-95% of my speed...the last £600+ I've spent has added maybe a single extra lap so far...and in real terms will probably only ever improve things by a matter of seconds over the course of a race!!! If it's important to you, you find a way to afford what you can to feel like your doing it the best you can.

Practice more, race more, enjoy!!! IMO that's what will make you faster. A guy who is well practiced and highly skilled can still be very competitive in lesser kit...if you can afford the top kit, then great but you still need to practice/race more and enjoy!!! For 99% of people in the sport probably your most important competition is actually yourself anyway!

Been racing since '86 and have to say it is cheaper in real terms to race now than back then!

That said I'm having to assess each regional as it comes this year as to what is in the pot. I'm quite prepared to eat value ready meals for a week to go racing but not to risk loosing my house, it has come close to that already! I'm sure I am not alone.

Biggest shame for me this year is that I'll probably have to drop out of the 2 meetings at one ofmy fav regional venues due to not being able to justify the cost in fuel for the 200 mile + round trip to get there :(

compared to the racing i did years ago, to the racing now, i'd say the thing i spend on most is tyres. 1/10th off road cars are way more powerful now, and therefore chew tyres up for fun.

I used to run a set of schuey blues for months on end, without ever needing to change them. In the wet, just throw some full spikes on. Lasted so long :thumbsup: