Although this discussion took a detour to the Kesgrave thread, here's my 5 cents worth:
If you want a class that is 75% utter frustration and 25% complete exhilaration, come to Pro-Mod.
If you make it to year two (and, looking at the stats, most don't) it might even out to only 50% frustration, but maybe not
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The crucial thing is how much you're prepared to learn (and spend) in that first year. Ask whether 2 or 3 half-decent races during the year are sufficient to overcome the frustration of burned armatures, dead cars and last place finishes. One race you might think you've cracked it, then it's disaster again at the next two or three races.
It may be strange for me to say, but the learning process was as enjoyable for me as eventually winning races. And the wins were sweeter because of the hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Not everyone is like that.
Buying a ready-to-race chassis is a tough one. If it's built in the States, it will need significant refining for our big tracks. The best 'customer' runners in Pro-Mod have definitely been Craig (Martech G3) and Jimbo (Jon Cryer G3). I think the problem for both was when something went wrong they weren't confident of what to do to fix it.
Running in Pro requires some knowledge of keeping the car running, an ability to problem-solve and a massive amount of patience. An interest in car building also helps.
It is a long-term project that you need to be up for. Other racers will give you tips and advice, but you'll need to do the work.
When you're ready, start with a Storm Extreme, change the armature and traction magnets, add a lexan shell and take it from there. Initial cost = £45 including shipping. Add £15 for some spares, £25 for tools and another £15 every couple of months to develop the car over the first year.
If you want a class that is 75% utter frustration and 25% complete exhilaration, come to Pro-Mod.
If you make it to year two (and, looking at the stats, most don't) it might even out to only 50% frustration, but maybe not
The crucial thing is how much you're prepared to learn (and spend) in that first year. Ask whether 2 or 3 half-decent races during the year are sufficient to overcome the frustration of burned armatures, dead cars and last place finishes. One race you might think you've cracked it, then it's disaster again at the next two or three races.
It may be strange for me to say, but the learning process was as enjoyable for me as eventually winning races. And the wins were sweeter because of the hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Not everyone is like that.
Buying a ready-to-race chassis is a tough one. If it's built in the States, it will need significant refining for our big tracks. The best 'customer' runners in Pro-Mod have definitely been Craig (Martech G3) and Jimbo (Jon Cryer G3). I think the problem for both was when something went wrong they weren't confident of what to do to fix it.
Running in Pro requires some knowledge of keeping the car running, an ability to problem-solve and a massive amount of patience. An interest in car building also helps.
It is a long-term project that you need to be up for. Other racers will give you tips and advice, but you'll need to do the work.
When you're ready, start with a Storm Extreme, change the armature and traction magnets, add a lexan shell and take it from there. Initial cost = £45 including shipping. Add £15 for some spares, £25 for tools and another £15 every couple of months to develop the car over the first year.
