It takes the reflexes of a 14 year old weaned on video games; us old farts have a hard time with this. Since you are not in the car, it is surprisingly difficult to learn. It is all by sight; you get none of the feedback through the seat that we are used to in full size cars. The tracks we run are set up in parking lots with 2x6's or 2x8's for the outside borders to contain the cars. The inside layout of the track is usually PVC piping or something like that. Here is a quick video of some 1/8 scale Can-Am style cars running. They run unrestricted .21ci engines that make over 2.5 hp at over 40,000 rpm. They can top 70 mph quite easily. This video is from the Winter Nats in Florida. It may appear to be sped up like an old Charlie Chan movie or something, but it's not. Try keeping this up for 45 minutes in an A main. Fuel lasts about five minutes, so there are lots of pit stops. Some guys even change tires - they have quick release hubs to facilitate this.
http://sarcarracing.com/syd.wmv