Mini racing?

[Tristar Racing]

A few years back, I used to be into buying RC car kits and building them, but never got around to racing. The two that I kept were the original Tamiya mini (M01) and a Losi XX buggy. I recently was looking for something new to do, and for some reason RC cars sparked my interests again.

I was looking at another mini, this time the new HPI cup racer. After searching around some forums, it seems that there is not much support for the car on the local level. That led me back to Tamiya and their new M05 mini chassis. It seems there is some local support for the Tamiya minis, but my question is how much? I do not want to end up buying a car that I can't race against others. The mini appeals to me mainly because of the simplicity and scale looks. It also looks like on a national level, the mini class seems to be geared towards affordable racing; definately a good thing in todays economy.

I live in Naperville, and I saw there is an event in Winfield this weekend. Supposedly their will be a Tamiya mini class. I might dust off my old M01 Mini and take it out, but most likely will just go to watch. My battery packs are all very old, plus Im not sure my cheapie am radio (JR Python) is allowed for racing. Im not even sure if either of my ESCs still work.

Any input anyone might have would be appreciated. Just looking to get back into RC, and actually race a bit this time around.

Thanks!

[Gene]

Isn't there the datsun 510 from HPI? I hope they bring the bmw 2002 as well.

[Tristar Racing]

Isn't there the datsun 510 from HPI? I hope they bring the bmw 2002 as well.

Yea, the HPI club racer has a bunch of neat bodies, including the 510 and 240z. They look really cool, but again I just dont want to buy a kit that is not going to be supported at any of the local racing venues.