Where does everyone do their off road practice?

[al869]

I'm looking at getting a 1/8 scale off road nitro buggy, and I was just curious what kind of places (back yards, construction sites, etc.) everyone runs their off road vehicles. I wouldn't be interested in racing right away, but just want to get some experience somewhere. I'm in the Charleston SC area, and I don't think there are any tracks around here is there? If there are cool places to go, I'm willing to travel an hour or two.

Thanks

[evaderstman]

Racing is way more fun than bashing if you ask me. Also I race in Easley, SC and the track is worth traveling too, but there are tracks closer to you. Check here for some tracks http://www.carolinasrc.com/trackdirectory/ .

[Vato Loco]

I like bashing more! Most races we go to are run by ego maniacs and if your not running what they think should grace their tracks they treat you bad!JMO. But for bashing/practice we like running around the house, also any public park.weI run are Rustypedes like some kids do with their skate boards.we run anywhere that looks fun and safe! Me and my son tend to run at the park a lot we get a lot a attention there;-) My son is shy and because of his stuttering problem kids treat him bad. so when we show up and start running he has a easier time making friends! so all in all we bash where ever and when ever we can! a soccer,football, and base ball field is flat fenced in and very good surface to run on most parks have one of these fields on them! just ask the park maint. staff if it is all right first! most will even lock most of the gates for you so no one will run on to the field while you practice!

[highroller]

For vehicles used only for racing they are run on the track, nothing else gives you an idea of how it will handle. For bashing or just go out an relax it kinda depends on the vehicle - the faster, bigger, heavier it is I prefer to run them in isolated areas away from kids. Kids might think it cool or exciting to try and outrun a rc vehilce with their bike or get in the path of one thinking the operator can drive around them. In instances that kids start to come around I stop running it, especially a nitro vehicle.

[suckfish]

Well I definatley perfer racing than bashing so my truck's only ever see the track. and sometimes my back yard.

[nicholcgn]

Racing and Bashing are totally different to me. If you want to race go to a practice day or so then join a novice class. No bashing will prepare you for a race in my book. Once you are on the stand with competators you will drive differently until you can control your nerves.

Field bashing will most likely not prepare you for a track. Loads of fun but mistakes are not as costly. Also you will not learn car setups for a track you race on. Have fun bashing but start racing soon. We were all learing once. I stunk when I first drove, and compared to top drivers I still do. At the club level I am not bad. It just needs to be in perspective. Set your expectations and try to meet them.

Mine were.

1. Less than 2 crashes per lap. (spinning out, tangle with pipe, other drivers.)
2. Less than 1 per lap.
3. Consistent lap times with few crashes per race.
4. Consisten lap times with no crashes per race and decrease lap times.

# 4 is a constant battle. You notice none of mine are to win a race? That will come if I do 4 better than anyone else. It is a race against yourself more than others. But it is fun as heck to do. #1 took me the most to do from 1 to 3. Hate to think the # of people I messed up when learning #1.

[snakecharmer89]

Personally, I dont think 1/8 buggies are the best bashers. They are much better on a track. If you want to bash, get a monster and go to town...

The best way to practice in my opinion is actually racing. Go to the track and enter the novice class. If you dont do so well, who cares. Come back next week and try again.

[evaderstman]

Buggies do great at bashing. They are more in there element on the track, but they will do pretty good bashing as long as the terrain isn't seriously rough. Either way though if you get an rc enjoy it whether you race or bash.

[Giant655]

ha, buggies are excellent bashers, not that I would know ( LOL) and as far as whereI race, I race in my head LOL, my local track hasnt opened yet ( DANG RAIN!!!!)