I wouldn't usually comment on threads, but this one does raise some interesting points about our hobby.
It is true that the cars can go very fast now, but too fast basically comes down to the skill of the individual driver. Nobody is forced to hurtle down the straights at ballistic speeds, I do however appreciate that the goal is racing and speed equal success right?
Technology has changed dramatically since I first took up this sport, and now you can buy off the shelf equipment to match the speeds of the top team drivers; but good luck matching their speed over 5 minutes. When I was starting out there was a huge gulf between the equipment the sponsored drivers got their hands on and what you could get down your local model shop. (An interesting side note: Masami Hirosaka, back in the day before lipos, used to run his car so fast it would have been impossible for him to last a 5 min. race at full speed. Therefore, he used to drive his car at 3/4 throttle! Now that takes skill!!)
This meant 2 things; that the guys with the faster cars were the ones who could handle it and those starting out could develop their skills and learn race craft (a term seldom heard these days!). Personally I'm an advocate of the technology these days as it provides a completely level playing field; there are no excuses except for driving alone. I always use my slower motor at York because it is a small track; lap times are not determined by straight line speed, they are by skill and set up - Set up is King!!
Finally regarding the jumps, which I will keep brief at this is more a committee and club issue, there has always been the issue of how difficult should a track be. The better drivers want something technical to test their skills, and those starting out would like something simply to provide the necessary practice to improve. My suggestion would be this; looking at the normal race calendar there are 2 points nights and 2 regular club nights a month, so why not make the track appropriate for each? Well, that's just my opinion anyway!!
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