I started with Tamiya Manta Ray QD as it had small enough radio for me to hold
At age about 4-5 years it was really necessary not to have it too big and heavy
that was about 1994. I wouldn't call it hardcore racing for me for long time, however I was doing races I was rather having fun than racing (I was told funny stories that I didn't remember like stopping my car during race so it can sleep for a while
I'm quite surprised that I didn't manage to frustrate my dad too much
)