Editor’s Notes

by Christopher "Kit" Kidder-Mostrom, Editor-in-Chief

Hey there!

We’re back from our break! It was a nice break, but now we’re back to work. I hope you enjoyed out February Double Issue. This month you’ll get two issues, just like normal. This is the first of those two.

As the world slowly gets back into a groove this spring and upcoming summer, we’re looking forward to seeing how the diecast world adapts to folks being able to be face to face again. Will tracks move outside? Will local Hot Wheels clubs pick up on the action? A lot of them used to hold regular races that aren’t on the internet. Will that more localized community merge with the online community, or will they be separate things entirely?

This may also be a time for evaluating one’s own participation in the hobby/sport. Ali and I jumped headlong into building tracks, cars, and a magazine. We hadn’t been part of this scene at all prior to January of 2020. Now it’s an integral part of our lives. And yet, we are both looking at pulling back a little so that there is time for other parts of life. I’ve started to notice that I’m building fewer cars. I’m becoming more selective about which tournaments I’m sending cars to. When we were starting out, the excitement led me to submitting to everything that I could. Ali was more controlled about her early participation. Her racing name didn’t appear in too many fantasy races. Her builds were more deliberate, and more spread out. Our places have somewhat reversed. She’s now had cars at multiple tracks that I’ve not sent anything to.

Part of what I’m trying to figure out is how to make sure that I don’t get burned out. That’s actually what I expect to take people away from this community in a year or two. When everyone joins in the fun it’s exhilarating,

But how long can any of us sustain that level of excitement. For some it will be years. For many it will be a far shorter time.

I often think about the folks who were competing in Diecast 64 races and in events promoted on Redline Derby years ago. Many of those folks are still around. In many ways they are the backbone of this community.

Sure, 3DBotMaker has more views on YouTube, but the old guard were doing these races before most of us knew there was an Adult Diecast Racing community at all. And, once many of the newcomers make their way back to their old routines, the old guard will still be sending their mods to race at various tracks around the country.

We have been lucky to have been embraced by many of the folks who have been around for a while. And we’re thrilled that we get to share this community with so many who are on the same journey as we are.

To chronicle what this special field is, to record it for the present and the future, is a task that we embrace. Thank you for taking the time to read our words.

And, I must take a moment to thank our Patreon patrons who make this all possible. For as little as a dollar per month, anyone can help ensure that we can keep bring the magazine to you and anyone else who wants to delve into the world we have shared for the last year. Thank you, patrons for helping us tell the stories of the Diecast Racing Report.