Winning Isn't Always Winning

In order to be successful at anything, you have to be able to have a clear definition of success. For some people, it's making enough money to swim in, for others to win a Grammy, and for some to raise a happy, healthy family. The mentality of success in R/C racing, especially in America, is based mostly on winning trophies. To have that glory moment where, after a weekend's hard work and determination, you have come out on top. Standing proudly on the winner's circle, car in hard, light bulbs flashing at every moment, women surrounding you, a God among men. Well....maybe not exactly like that but we all like to dream, eh? Don't get me wrong, winning and trophies are great but I think it tends to cloud racers' minds when it comes to the sport. We have so many classes of racing that's it easy to jump from class to class until you land upon that one obscure class that has yet to be penetrated by those faster than you and you can, for one shining moment, be victorious. That, until, someone comes along and strips you of your imaginary rank and you are suddenly selling off on R/C Tech while making excuses about "expense" and "work" obligations.  

This is a hobby for goodness sakes and it's about having fun! I'm tired of the class floppers who do nothing but make excuses inbetween classes. I say, pick a class you can enjoy and afford and have fun! Nothing is more pathetic than not having the gall to improve just because someone else happens to have a better knack at it than you once thought you did. This is especially true in American R/C racing. No wonder we have so few racers in so many classes! Granted, new classes are formed for various reasons but I think racing would be stronger, on a whole, if people would just stop this nonsense and commit to a class - whether they take a beating or give a beating on the track. 

With that said, my definition of success in R/C is not winning the Worlds more than Masami or be sponsored by Associated, Xray, Losi, and Hot Bodies all at the same time to improve myself as a racer. My biggest competitor is always myself and once I beat him, I'll have success. If I can improve some aspect of my driving or setup or techniques each time I practice or race I'll have another win under my belt and be that much closer to being "fast". Until then, enjoy the race and not so much the finish line. 


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Toy Car Racing.. Or Is It?: Winning Isn't Always Winning

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Winning Isn't Always Winning

In order to be successful at anything, you have to be able to have a clear definition of success. For some people, it's making enough money to swim in, for others to win a Grammy, and for some to raise a happy, healthy family. The mentality of success in R/C racing, especially in America, is based mostly on winning trophies. To have that glory moment where, after a weekend's hard work and determination, you have come out on top. Standing proudly on the winner's circle, car in hard, light bulbs flashing at every moment, women surrounding you, a God among men. Well....maybe not exactly like that but we all like to dream, eh? Don't get me wrong, winning and trophies are great but I think it tends to cloud racers' minds when it comes to the sport. We have so many classes of racing that's it easy to jump from class to class until you land upon that one obscure class that has yet to be penetrated by those faster than you and you can, for one shining moment, be victorious. That, until, someone comes along and strips you of your imaginary rank and you are suddenly selling off on R/C Tech while making excuses about "expense" and "work" obligations.  

This is a hobby for goodness sakes and it's about having fun! I'm tired of the class floppers who do nothing but make excuses inbetween classes. I say, pick a class you can enjoy and afford and have fun! Nothing is more pathetic than not having the gall to improve just because someone else happens to have a better knack at it than you once thought you did. This is especially true in American R/C racing. No wonder we have so few racers in so many classes! Granted, new classes are formed for various reasons but I think racing would be stronger, on a whole, if people would just stop this nonsense and commit to a class - whether they take a beating or give a beating on the track. 

With that said, my definition of success in R/C is not winning the Worlds more than Masami or be sponsored by Associated, Xray, Losi, and Hot Bodies all at the same time to improve myself as a racer. My biggest competitor is always myself and once I beat him, I'll have success. If I can improve some aspect of my driving or setup or techniques each time I practice or race I'll have another win under my belt and be that much closer to being "fast". Until then, enjoy the race and not so much the finish line. 


Labels: