Stories from the world of RC car racing

Rant Warning.  Proceed at your own risk….
I know I shouldn’t be. I should just ignore it and let sleeping whingers lie. But I can’t help it. We participate in a great sport. Most of the people are good company (even if some of them inexplicably like Nitro). There are a bunch of selfless individuals who give a great deal of time, talent and money so that we can go racing, enjoy first class facilities and then tell tall stories afterwards about it.
And then there are some who just couldn’t be gracious, or generous, or fair if their life depended on it.
Today one of the best blokes in the sport in Queensland was put in the disgusting position of feeling like he can’t continue racing and can’t continue volunteering to organise races because of a very small group of whinging, whining individuals. We almost certainly don’t know the full story behind what put him in this position, but I for one feel sick to my stomach that he was put in that position.
On the back of the same small group of whiners putting two other quality people in the same situation, I just have to vent.
I love the sport, love going racing, love hanging out at race tracks, love driving the car hard. I think I genuinely appreciate those who put in so much effort so we can enjoy it. And I try to genuinely convey that appreciation to those who make such a sacrifice. Maybe more of us need to try do that, and maybe I need to try harder so that those doing the hard work know beyond doubt that the vast majority of us appreciate their efforts. And maybe the whiners need to get a life, and get lost.
Vent over.
But I still feel sick.

12 responses to “Anger, Frustration and Disillusionment”

  1. Daniel Morris Avatar
    Daniel Morris

    Scott,
    I cant help but agree with you 100%, it is a sad day indeed when a father who obviously loves to help his son and the club that he and his son belong to withdraw his services because of a few people who cant get over themselves or their EGO’S!!!!! Although Tom has said that he will continue to support his son in his racing, you cant help but get the feeling his whole heart wont be in it anymore (and you cant blame him for that) because he knows what goes on behind the scenes. I sincerely hope that Tom reconsiders and doesnt resign his position but stands up to these guys and calls their bluff, cause god knows that racing and clubs in SE Qld with be all the better off because of it.
    Regards,
    Daniel Morris
    Slo-MTX4

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  2. heavy Avatar
    heavy

    “The Interclub”
    For the new guys and those who haven’t bothered to read it previously.
    When it was decided to hold a Interclub for Onroad around Brisbane a talk fest went on for some time – the major hurdle being that all clubs ran different (although similar ) classes with different rules.
    There was a recognition that a set of classes and rules would be needed for the Interclub events – these rules in no way affected what clubs ran week to week they were just to be for the Interclubs.
    Naturally it was difficult to come up with a set that suited all clubs and even more difficult (impossible) to suit every individual.
    Last year when the rules were set for 2007 there were a lot of dissatisfied people – mainly in Gas Tourer, a class that has no precedent elsewhere and where we were very much still inventing the wheel, to their credit most of the racers in Gas Tourer got over their objections and embraced the new rules – the two fantastic events of the Interclub 2007 are testament to the fact that the rule set wasn’t too far off the mark.
    The rule set is a combination of what the clubs were actually running or wanted and not cognisant of what AARCMCC or ORRCA rules were in some areas. The Interclub is a true reflection of what clubs were allowing. Next year for example I suspect we will see some discussion around other brand 13.5 motors in stock (providing we get some testing done ) and some other motors being allowed in the “19t class” – like the 13.5 sintered for example and no doubt there will be some discussion, at rule making time, about Lipo batteries as well.
    Now this year Novak decided for marketing reasons to rename the bonded rotor 4300 and call it EX10.5. Naturally this caused a quandry for the Interclubs as the motor 4300 was actually named in the rules.
    When it was suggested that this motor would be allowed to run somehow some Gas Tourer drivers decided that this meant that a engine which has never been legal under Interclub rules would be ok to run in their class. That is a very long bow to draw and any rational thinker would not take such a claim seriously. That this could lead to the sort of rubbish that has been spoken and the threats that have been made is absolutely mind boggling.
    To the RC racers of SEQ I say this – the Interclubs have been fantastic events – not just Bayside and Logan this year but the ones in previous years as well rank with me as some of the most enjoyable days of racing. When we resign from our positions – like me and John and now Tom have done – who wins – the wingers and whiners win. I’ve come to realise this over a period and I will be putting my hand up to represent my club on those types of committees in the future – the wingers won’t win – can I talk Tom into reconsidering – well I’m trying.
    Heavy D aka David Guyatt

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  3. Joshua Price Avatar
    Joshua Price

    i really feel sorry for tom, worse part is that in a close nit hobby like this their is a coward and back stabber among us imo.
    im still racing at the inter club only 540 but still showing some support but i think this whole situation has tarnished this weekend in a way.
    sad really

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  4. heavy Avatar
    heavy

    i reckon we just try to have the best time possible which will prove to anyone that they haven’t succeeded in damping teh Interclubs.

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  5. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    I would like to thank all those people who have expressed their support for me over the past few days. This means more to me than you realise. My decision to resign was for a number of reasons. Firstly I did not want the SCRCCC and its members to be any way slighted by my comments and actions and possible involvement in repercussions. Secondly I took the situation very personally. Most of the competitors this weekend know me or I know them . If you don’t you have probably seen me talking crap with nearly everybody at any meeting Drew attended or you have seen some clown with a video camera. That’s me.
    For the short time Drew and I have been involved in this hobby I have always enjoyed watching the racing and then participating. Not very well, but enough to really enjoy the battle for last place. This enjoyment of just driving and not worrying about winning is what I am passionate about. I have seen my role as a member of the SCRCCC and then Race director to encourage those new to the hobby to just enjoy themselves and be part of the action or for the more experienced guys some feedback on how well they are driving and possibly useless tips to improve. My driving skills (or lack of) can make anyone feel like they can have a go. I will happily lend my car to someone to try out for the first time or to someone who has had their car written off so they can complete the meeting.
    Not all of us are gifted but the guy who finishes last should have just a big a smile as the guy who won the A main. This connection of enjoyment is what drives me to do the position. The enjoyment part for me has died over the past few days. That’s why I cannot take the position back at the moment. I need time to reflect and gather my thoughts.
    I would also like to apologize to Dave and John for not being more supportive when you went through similar times. I have a small sense of how you must have felt and it is deeply saddening to experience.
    To all those competing in the upcoming events please do me a favor. When you have packed up and are driving home with either the first place trophy, the wooden spoon, the car in a million pieces or the credit card soon to be maxed out
    Ask yourself one question. DID I HAVE FUN??? If you answer yes then you know what I am about.
    Ginners are winners.
    Tom Crawley

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  6. Daniel Morris Avatar
    Daniel Morris

    Tom you are a true gentleman and although i havent met you and dont even know what you look like, will miss your presence on the weekend. At the beggining of what you wrote i was sad to read that you wont reconsider at the moment, but somehow managed a smile towards the end of it, so i guess that means that i already get what you mean. I garuntee i will have a smile at the end of the weekend (well maybe not os it the car is in a million pieces cause that means i have to explain to the missus why i need to spend more money on the car) regardless of where i finish. Best of luck to you mate and hope like buggery that you will return to racing one day soon and enjoy it again as much as we do
    Regards,
    Daniel Morris

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  7. Barger Avatar
    Barger

    Tom…I appreciate where you are at…the decision you have made and the thought behind the decision…but I have to aggree with Heavy in that by resigning they have won.In reference to court action..if this were to go ahead I will contribute $1000 to a fund to back you up…while I hope this never happens ..I feel very strongly in supporting you.
    Please reconsider
    Bob Vardy

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  8. heavy Avatar
    heavy

    Good option Bob – I’m pretty sure we could raise the cash around the RC traps but lets hope it never comes to that.

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  9. carnage Avatar
    carnage

    Bob i like that opinion, and i would like to help any way i can.
    as this person is a disgrace to the rc committee and i also agree with Scott
    john taynton

    Like

  10. Sherif Avatar
    Sherif

    Barger, I’ll match your $1000 not a problem and would lend more if needed, cause the same happen to me when we first changed the gas tourer rules from someone but I laugh them off , they made me nearly quit then, so Tom dont go, the sport should ban those people and stop them racing at our trcks lets expose this person and make an example of them,
    Johnny Hyde

    Like

  11. Joshua Price Avatar
    Joshua Price

    lol ill kick in $100 lol soz im a poor uni student lol
    tom havnt met u but ive only heard good things bout u and drew so please reconsider and ill introduce my self on saturday so u can see who i am.
    cheers
    josh

    Like

  12. Shev Avatar
    Shev

    I’ll definately back you up however I can. I’ve experienced your generosity and help many times over. It would be the very least I could do.
    Like everyone else, Tom, it sickens me to think that you were put into this position and truly hope you reconsider your options as your face on and off the driving stand is greatly appreciated.
    Much support
    Shev

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