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SCR Welcomes New Racers!

Part of what SCR is all about is to promote the fun sport / hobby of RC car racing.  We welcome new racers to our club and track.  Everyone started was in the position of being new.  The information below is provided to help a prospective racer know what to expect and to overcome any fear of coming out and participating in their first race.

Type of RC Car

There is a huge choice when it comes to picking an RC vehicle to race.  At SCR we race off-road vehicles only.  There are many type of off-road vehicles that make it to the track such as buggies, truggies, stadium trucks, and monster truck to name a few.  Before diving right in you may want to come out to a race and see what type of vehicle appeals to you.  Your local hobby shop can also help guide you in your decision.

A hobby quality R/C vehicle is definitely needed for racing.  That means an R/C toy from Radio Shack or Wal Mart is not going to cut it.  Hobby quality does not mean expensive (some of the high end kits can be), but it does mean they are made for the hobbyist and not just a toy.  One of the great things about hobby quality vehicles other than the vastly superior quality over toys cars is the availability of parts and upgrades.  Again, see you local hobby dealer for some great guidance.  If you do not live near a dealer you can always shop from a reputable online hobby dealer.

Gas (Nitro) vs Electric

This is possibly the all time biggest debate in RC.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages.  It is generally accepted that a new comer to RC cars should start with an electric vehicle.  Currently the best entry level electric car for racing at SCR is the Traxxas Slash.  The slash is very reasonability priced and has its own class at the track.  The class is a spec class meaning that the cars must meet a specification in order to race.  In this case the specification is the Slash must be completely stock with a few exceptions.  The reason for this is to keep the vehicles on the same performance level and to keep the cost down.  New racers do not have to buy hundreds of dollars of upgrades just to be competitive.  For more details on the spec visit the SCR rules page.

While electric is great for the new comer some people have experience with nitro cars, but have never raced.  Anyone who has experience starting and tuning a nitro motor should not be afraid of jumping into a nitro racing vehicle.  Currently a majority of the racers at SCR race nitro vehicles which are primarily 1/8th scale buggies and truggies.

The nitro vs electric debate could fill this entire web site.  The bottom line is that if you are new to RC or do not like tweaking and tuning and just want to flip a switch and drive then electric if for you.  If you have experience with nitro engines and want to participate in the longer races nitro allows then dive in with a nitro powered vehicle.

One final note, currently there is a surge in electric powered RC.  While nitro is still dominant at SCR, the adoption of brushless motors and the advent of lithium polymer batteries has improved the performance of electric vehicles dramatically.  Some racers even convert nitro class vehicles to electric and race along side the nitro vehicles.  The point being RC is always evolving and trends change over time.

Why RC Racing and How it Works

RC racing is a way maintain a prolonged interest in the hobby and is a great way meet other people who share the same interest in RC cars as you have.  If you are getting bored with just running up and down your street or running by yourself in an empty lot then RC racing could be a just the thing to get back into the hobby.  Some people have some RC trucks or cars sitting in the garage not being used at all.  Dust that stuff off and come out and race with us.

RC racing works like full scale racing in almost all respects (except the costs).  Qualifying races are run called "qualifiers" or "heats".  Based on performance in the qualifiers racers are placed in different final main event races called "mains".  Every lap of every driver on every race is recorded by a computerized timing system.  Every car has transponder with a unique ID.  Each time the transponder passes across the start finish line the computer records it.  Before the race each transponder is associated with a particular racer.  All regular racers have their own transponders mounted in their race vehicle.  New racers are welcome to use a transponder owned by the track.  The track owned transponders are heavier than personal transponder because of the built in battery.  The main reason to get a personal transponder is for convenience.  A track owned transponder must be picked up before and dropped off after each qualifier and main.  The track transponders are there for a new racer to see if racing is thing for them without having to invest in a personal transponder. 

When electric vehicles are run the qualifiers and mains race durations are set so the vehicles can run without the batteries running out of power assuming they start with a full charge.  The duration of nitro vehicle qualifiers are typically set to run just under one tank of fuel.  The main event race duration can be much longer.  With the typical runtime of a nitro vehicle a single tank of fuel usually less than 10 minutes some main event races at large races can last 1 hour.  For club races the mains are usually around 15 minutes.  For nitro class main event races cars will make a pit stops as needed to be refueled.

What to Expect at Your First Race

It can be intimidating to come out to the track at for the first time especially if you do not know anyone.  SCR welcomes new racers.  Come out and have some fun.  The SCR board, members, and other racers are always glad to help out and show new racers the ropes. 

When a race time is posted it is when racing actually starts.  Racers need to show up well before the race time in order to register, setup, practice (optional), and attend the drivers meeting just before the race.  Make sure you register when you arrive as registration typically closes 20 - 60 minutes before a race.  Once everyone is registered the race director will input all the racers into the computer and then the qualifiers will be set.   A printout on with all the qualifiers and who is in each one will be posted.  Check this list to see which qualifier you are in and be ready.

One thing to remember when racing is that you will not be at your house with all of your stuff you normally have.  It seems obvious, but bring everything you will need.  Some racers have a check list they create so they do not forget anything.  It is no fun to show up without your radio or your batteries or anything else.  Bring your car (yes people do forget their car), radio, fuel, batteries, tools, etc.  Some things not related directly related to RC cars that comes in real handy is drinks, snacks, table, sun screen, bug spray, paper towels, and a chair.

It is good to have read the track rules and the section on corner marshaling below before coming out to race.  It is also a very good idea to come see a race before participating if you have the chance.  Do not be afraid to ask questions to other racers and club members.

Corner Marshalling

New racers who read, understand, and apply the information in this section may be mistaken for a veteran.  Corner marshaling is where race drivers from the previous race position themselves around the track to get cars that have over turned or are otherwise stuck back on the tack racing as quickly as possible.  First comes safety.  You should always wear closed toe shoes for corner marshaling. No sandals are allowed.  Gloves are optional and recommended especially for new racers.  New racers typically start with electric vehicles and may not be used to specific hazards of handling a nitro vehicle.

When it is your turn to marshal immediately after your race, put your vehicle back and your pit area and then return directly to the track.  If you are in the last race of the rotation you will be marshaling for the first race.  Keep the following in mind when marshaling:


Corner marshaling is not a huge deal but it is very important to the quality of races. Also, the second bullet item is very important.  A RC car hitting your ankle can really hurt.  Be careful and wait for any on coming cars that may hit you pass before help the stuck vehicle.  It is your job to avoid the cars and not the cars job to avoid you.