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Racing Rules, Classes and Race Etiquette
RACE CLASSES
All classes at RRCCC are 1/10th Scale or smaller, and are electric.
Please follow the BRCA electric guidelines
2wd buggy – This is the most popular class at RRCC if you are a new starter, this is the class we would recommend you start with.
4wd Buggy – This is the second most popular class at RRCC
Vintage Buggy – Vintage buggies are pre-1998,.
1/12 Gt and Minis 25.5 Motor limit
1/10 Touring cars 17.5 Motor limit
No brushless motor lower than 10.5t iand to be run in Blinky mode
GT & Mini to be run on alternate weeks with touring cars
HOW TO RACE
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR RACE DAY!
A typical race day at Rochdale radio control car club takes the following format:
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Doors open outdoors 17:30 hrs all members are expected to help lay the track before practice is allowed. The Heats on the evening will be is order of the previous weeks finals.
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10 minutes practice
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4 qualifying rounds that are 4 minutes long.
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1 final that is 5 minutes long.
PRACTICE
This is where you can get a feel for the track, workout your racing lines, and if you need to change your set up. You are not racing the other cars, so if a faster car approaches, please let them pass.
QUALIFYING
The aim of qualifying is to complete as many laps as you can in 5 minutes. You are not racing the other cars on the track you are racing the clock and every other car in your class that day. The start is staggered since it is the clock you are racing against, if a car starting behind yourself closes the gap and they are faster please let them through as they will be ahead on the clock.
After each round of qualifying, you will be placed on laps achieved if there is a tie it will be your fastest lap that is scored.
FINALS
This is the main event!
Cars line up on the grid and on the tone you all set off F1 style.
You are racing for position and unless you are being lapped you do not need to give up a position.
Beware the first corner! This is usually the place where the incidents take place in a final.
RACE ETIQUETTE
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If qualifying do not hold faster cars up, you are against the clock and not the other cars, battling other cars will usually result in a slower time.
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If you hit another racers car in qualifying or the final please give the position back, buggy racing is a none contact sport and it is the overtaking cars responsibility to pass cleanly.
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Do not abuse the marshals, if a marshal does not see your car, you may get there attention but shouting or bad language towards marshals will not be tolerated. You might receive time penalties or asked to leave the meeting. Remember it is your job to drive cleanly.
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Marshalling – Please marshal how you would like to be marshalled, we ask that cars are attended too as quickly and safely as possible.
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On the rostrum please do not leave your spot until the race is over. If you break your car, please wait until the race is over to not distract other drivers.
Racing incidents occur please do not become abusive to other drivers on the rostrum, you might receive a time penalty or be asked to leave the meeting.
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR NEW STARTERS
Getting into RC racing can be a daunting experience and buying the wrong equipment can be an expensive mistake, hopefully we can point you in the right direction.
Below is a list of popular 2wd cars, and the previous generation car that you would be able to get on the 2nd hand market. We recommend that new starters begin in 2wd.
Team Associated
This is one of the most popular cars at Rochdale and you will find lots of drivers who will be able to help support you.
Schumacher Cougar Laydown
This is one of the most popular cars at Rochdale and you will find lots of drivers who will be able to help support you.
other cars at the club
Xray – XB2 XB4
Team Losi Racing
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLLERS (ESC)
You should be looking for a sensored ESC, some of the high-end options that retail around the £200 mark are:
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Hobbywing XR10 Pro
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Maclan M32t Pro
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LRP Flow X
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Reedy Blackbox 510R
There are a number of other options, but these are some of the most popular. For around £40 you can buy the Hobbywing 10BL120 this is a good reliable entry level ESC.
STEERING SERVO
There are a number of servos on the market Savox 1258tg is a good servo for the money, you want to be looking for a servo that has a fast speed rating as well as metal gears for durability.
RADIO EQUIPMENT
If starting out it is recommended that you buy a steering wheel / pistol grip handset, these are the most popular option and you will have a number of transmitters to choose from. The most popular brands are Sanwa, Futaba and Ko Propo. If you decide to go for sticks your options are limited if within budget, we recommend the Futaba T4GRS.
MOTORS
When picking a motor, it is always tempting to get the fastest one you can. For a junior new starter, we would recommend a 13.5t or a 10.5t, for a senior new starter a 10.5t would be a good starting point. It is important you are in control of the vehicle and not crashing excessively. If we feel your car is too powerful and you are becoming a danger to the marshals you may be spoken to by the committee.
With motors the lower the number the faster the motor, Our rule is no lower than 10.5t
BATTERIES
All racers are to use 2S hardcase lipo batteries, popular brands are Intellect, Centro, Reedy, Orion, LRP, etc.
If you plan to buy second hand lipo batteries, ensure they are not swollen as this is a sign they are at the end of their life. You will need a lipo charger and a fire proof lipo charging bag to place them in whilst charging.
TRANSPONDERS
We currently use a Lapmonitor timing system around RRCCC the transponders are available from various places but I tend to use inside line models. They are £32.99 to purchase but please check with Gary to obtain the numbers we currently use before buying one.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to buying equipment like any sport every racer has their preferred brand / supplier / sponsor. Most drivers are friendly and will tell you all about their equipment if asked and its always best to get a number of opinions. If you are unsure don’t hesitate to chat to the committee for advice. We were all new at one point, the main thing is to have fun!
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