I think you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone more excited for a fresh start and a new year more than yours truly. Not necessarily because of RC, although that was definitely part of the equation. I think we all can agree that by December, calender-burnout sets in faster than infection on an open wound. The holidays can be a chaotic way to end the year even without any outside issues adding to the proverbial shitshow. So, when you start with that, and add in some financial & personal struggles, and you can bet your ass I'm welcoming 2019 with open arms and a waiting bear hug.
It's easy (most of the time) to escape to hobbies when times get tough, but what happens when the hobby you escape to becomes just as draining? Between low car counts locally, the closing of a Saturday race program, creeping resentment toward my own race program, constant public complaining about various aspects of RC, and the barrage of "I'm excited to announce" sponsor posts blowing up my Faceballs feed, I'd just about had my fill of toy car racing for the remainder of the year. I was flat burnt out; nothing you could do about it.
Now, where did I put that "reset" button....
I'm calling it now: 2019 will be the year of "Good Times".
With the help of my amazing fellow-degenerate RC racing friends, I have a reinvigorated outlook on the hobby and the season ahead. It goes without saying, that when it comes to finding substantial speed and challenging the establishment in my respective classes, the odds are forever stacked against me; I'm 32 years old with poor eyesight and a bad case of "whiskey finger". Having said that, I'll be damned if I won't be having the most fun at the track when I'm in attendance. Whether that means less social media time to avoid the "noise" thats created by the talking heads of our community, or by some other means, remains to be seen. Regardless, my personal outlook within this awesome hobby will only include activities, races, and people that support a fucking awesome time.
My outlook won't be the only thing changing, however. As of January 1st, I made the decision to overhaul my own RC program. After careful consideration and a few beers, I've determined that sponsorships and support are worth their weight in gold to the prospective racer, so long as the companies you represent contribute to you having the best experience possible on and off the track. Just saying your're a "sponsored" toy car driver won't mean dick if the support, info, and value (or lack thereof) causes added stress, a lighter wallet, and a stale attitude.
So, what was my criteria for selecting a possible company to represent?
1: Said-company must be in-line with my desire to "enjoy" RC racing first and foremost.
Good attitudes produce better results. True story.
2: Said-company must have LOCAL support.
Shocker: I'm not a pro driver, and sometimes (ahem, oftentimes) I need advice or guidance on setups or technical info. "Strength in numbers" is a term that comes to mind here.
3: Said-company must produce a product I already use or one I believe in.
I have no interest in running sponsor stickers on my car just for a discount, nor should anyone else...but that's a conversation for another time.
Let me be clear, I have always been and always will be more than grateful to those that deem and have deemed me worthy of company support for my racing efforts, but as is the case with many facets of competition, sometimes a change is needed for fresh motivation and excitement. As I said, 2019 will be all about "good times". I mean, I'm just a local club racer that's looking to get rad with my toy car. Nothing more, nothing less. I can't fix the problems plaguing our hobby, but I can help it be a more positive experience. I think we all can.
Call me the "Purveyor of Good Times". After all, isn't that what a hobby is supposed to provide?
Thanks to those that read the blog and support my racing adventures! 2019 is gonna be lit, fam.
