racing how much does it cost and what do i need

[guggi101]

O.k I am looking to start racing. I have heard its cheap from some and its very expensive from others.So which is it?
Also what do I need? How many battery packs? Do you guys have any tips? I am looking for any info i can get on racing

[R_C_MAN]

You should go to you nearest track and ask around about how many heats and mains they have so you can guess how many packs you need. Racing isn't expensive for me. I race on road stadium trucks in 5 minute heats so our tires last just about forever. It all depends how and what u race. As for a tip: practice.
:)

[malici]

If your looking to go cheap see if your local track has a Bolink Legends class. If they follow the Ledends rules this is a class with a price cap.

Malici

[Gabe]

do you have a car/truck?
if so you're 3/4 there...
driving ability #1
Tires that are tuned to the track...
see what locals use
spare parts???
batteries-can you run 5 min full bore
1700-2400 millamp min usually
2 packs min more is better...

[XXXER]

Yeah, pretty much, if you have the car, you are in good shape.

Tires: #1 tuning part! The best hop-up you can get for the track, period.
You may, may want to get an extra set of crystals(about 20 bucks for AM crystals).
Batteries, one for each heat, and your main, and one extra practice pack.

These guys above are pretty on top of it, you can spend a little, or you can spend a lot.

[ofna_Kdog]

Depends on what you want...electric...or nitro?

[jmglenn]

in the end it depends how much you want to spend. If you want to spend thousands, there are folks that do that, if you want to spend just a couple of hundred you can do that. If you know you want to race and don't have a vehicle, FIRST get a vehical and get a competitive one out the box. Then slowly makeu upgrades on an as needed basis. Also keep in mind support equipment that might be needed. i.e. portable table, power, a step ladder (depending on the track) exc.

[Obi112]

Racing can be expensive. It's $14 per race day at my track, which includes three qualifiers and a main. As long as there is a hobby shop at the track, you don't have to load up on spares.

[FilthyPierre]

All good suggestions so far. From my point of view, once you have your infrastructure (car, batteries, charger, tools etc), your main consumables will be:
Most often: Tyres and motor spray (you must keep your motor clean).
Not quite as often: Tyre glue, motor brushes, shock oil, solder.
Less frequently: Spur gears (usually plastic), motor armatures, wheels, shock seals.
Of course, this doesn't include bits and pieces that wear out or break. And there's usually some kind of fee to race at clubs.