Burn Out.

    There's something intoxicating about a competitive environment. The highs and lows of the moment, like bipolar disorder with a toy car. RC racing is a hobby by title, but the underlying effect it has on its participants is like any other competitive sport. Everyone is different, but for me, too much competition can often lead to something all-too-familiar to many of us. Burn-out.

    Expectations, adrenaline, frustrations, lack of results, and an "all or nothing" attitude can all contribute to burn-out. I can personally count these as reasons for not being into racing anymore, at some point or another. Burn-out is maddening, mainly because we all know that this isn't life. Hobbies aren't meant to feel like a job. 99.9% of us will never get paid a salary to race toys, so why treat it as such? 

    Taking a step back, and watching from the outside, I've seen a few possible alternative causes for the RC burn out:

Wrong Class-

     I've seen this happen many times to myself and others. Often, we as racers choose a class that gives us a challenge, or satisfies a want, such as speed, technology, etc. Challenges are great, and are an important part of progression in the hobby, as long as that progression doesn't come at the cost of a good time at the races. What good is a $1000.00 touring car setup, or a full 1/12th scale program, if it doesn't make you stoked to enjoy it? Choose a class or car that gets you excited, that's fun to drive, that's fun to work on, and that just gets you amped to race! Sometimes it's as simple as a paint scheme on a body that changes a perception. Find what gets you stoked, and just enjoy the hell out of it.

The Social Effect-

    No matter what people want to say, RC pit areas are a small sample of society as a whole. Cliques run rampant, rumors, opinions, judgement, they all exist. Oftentimes in the heat of competition, things get said, either on the drivers stand or in the pits. Most are blown off as just a byproduct of the racing itself, but others seem to follow the individual or groups involved. Drivers will get labeled as "hacks", "noobs", "assholes", and many others. Much like workplace drama, the affected racers become an outsider with a stigma or label because of a simple incident. Like anyone else, that racer just wants to enjoy his or her hobby, and with a little help and guidance, can get the most out of the sport in a way that suits them best. Next time you see someone struggling at the races, offer some help, maybe some advice or words of encouragement. Who knows, you might prevent a case or burn-out or even worse, quitting the hobby altogether. 

    I've been on both sides of these issues. Taking a step back from the sport definitely puts things into perspective. It also creates that hunger to compete again. Being a still-learning dad and a mediocre husband has limited my chances to go racing over the last year, and to be honest was probably the best thing for me. At best, I get to race once a month these days, so stress and frustration need-not apply anymore to my program. I race what's fun, not what's vogue. I don't set expectations or put any pressure on myself, I know my skill level, and I'm comfortable with that. I get stoked to work on my equipment and amped to race it. I have a hunger to enjoy this hobby more than ever. It's a healthy hunger, with no burn-out in sight.

RC racing is bitchin', so keep racing friends.

-JRoy