RC Racing 101 #2- What To Ask About A Track

RC Racing 101 #2- What To Ask About A Track by Tim Mohr

Last week, in the first installment of RC 101, I went over the best ways of finding a track to race at. All tracks are different, so installment #2 will focus on the top 3 questions to ask a track you are considering racing at. Typically these questions can be answered from a tracks website, but some tracks rarely update, and some don’t have websites at all, so it’s always best to call to get the most accurate information before you pack and head their way.

Here are the top 3 questions to ask a new track.

3. What classes do you provide? You might own a Duratrax Evader, but your nearest track might be carpet that only races touring cars and 12th scale. It’s important to know what cars they have classes for, and which ones they don’t. Many tracks have a rule that 3 cars make a class, so if they don’t have a particular class you are interested in, you might be able to round up a couple buddies and get to race.

2. How much does it cost to enter? Most local tracks charge between $5 to $20 per class for a local race, and from $15 to over $100 per class at a big event. Some tracks also require that you be a member of one of the rc sanctioning bodies to race, while others are club tracks that require a club membership. Membership fees are usually paid once a year and are available at the track, but can add significantly to the cost of your first race.

1. What pitting aids do you supply? Some tracks provide everything, while others provide nothing. Bringing all your rc gear is a no brainer, but you might also need to bring an EZ Up, extension cord, pit table, and chair to the track.

Until next week, see you on the grid.