Introduction
Radio controlled model car racing as we see it today saw its birth in America and England. Since then it has spread world wide, with organised race meetings and purpose-built tracks all over the world. Today we have local, national and international events culminating in the world championship held biennially.

All scales have independent suspension, disc brakes, differentials / solid rear axles and shock absorbers. Each car has its own handling characteristics and therefore different suspension settings, tyre compounds and wing angles are required.

Large Scale Racing 1/5th Petrol Racing
1/5th SCALE Internationally recognised. This class is powered by 23cc pull-start 2 stroke engines running on a petrol and oil mix fuel. The cars are 2WD, single speed, use semi-pneumatic racing tyres and are restricted to replica 2 litre Touring Car bodies. This class is powered by 23cc pull-start 2 stroke engines running on a petrol and oil mix fuel. The cars are 2WD, single speed, use semi-pneumatic racing tyres and are restricted to replica 2 litre Touring Car bodies.

Nitro Racing Classes


1/8th SCALE Internationally recognised

This scale is run in two classes, 4WD (Open) and 2WD (Restricted), with both classes having 2 speed automatic gearboxes. The cars are powered by a 3.5cc (.21 cu.in.) single cylinder two stroke engine, driving the car via a centrifugal clutch. Fuel is a mixture of synthetic or castor oil, methanol and nitromethane. Engines develop over 2 b.h.p. with engine revs up to 35,000 r.p.m. On some circuits these cars can reach speeds in excess of 100 k.p.h. The cars can have a variety of bodies fitted, including Sports/G.T. (CanAm), Group C, Formula 1 and Touring Cars. 2.5cc I.C. cars are very similar in construction to the 1/8th scale circuit cars and are powered by 2.5cc (.15 cu.in.) engines, are two wheel drive only, have a 2 speed automatic gearbox and can run a variety of body shells similar to the 1/8th scale cars.

1/10th SCALE Internationally recognised

Club Sport 10 are pull start Nitro Tourers.
Nitro Tourers are 1.5cc 200mm I.C. cars are again very similar in construction to the 1/8th scale circuit cars and are powered by 1.5cc (.12 cu.in.) engines, are four wheel drive, have a 2 speed automatic gearbox and run sedan body shells.
1/5th SCALE Internationally recognised.

Electric Racing Classes


Mini
This is as controlled a class as you can get in electric racing. Using a Tamiya M01, M02 or M03 chassis, these cars are 2 wheel drive by the front wheels only. They have a restricted maximum gearing and only limited option parts may be installed. Motors are limited to the Mabuchi or Johnson silver can 540, Tamiya Sports Tuned black can 540 or Hobbywing 13T brushless with matching 25A or 35A speed control. Power is provided by 6 NiCd or NiMH cells or approved 2 cell LiPo battery. A minimum weight of 1330g ready to run applies. The M03 is available in three different wheelbases depending on body style.

Touring Cars
These are the main class in electric on road. They feature a 4WD chassis by either belt or shaft. These cars run sedan bodies which are 190mm wide. There is a large variety of chassis available. The most popular brands are XRay, Tamiya, Corally, Associated and Yokomo. Other less represented brands are Hot Bodies and Losi. Power is provided by 6 NiCd or NiMH cells or approved 2 cell LiPo battery. A minimum weight of 1500g ready to run applies to these cars.

The main difference between electric touring cars and any other class of radio control is the variety of motor types that can be used. Electric touring cars are divided into three motor classes: Stock, Super Stock and Modified.

Stock motors are 27 turn, 24 degree fixed timing brushed motors or 17.5 turn brushless motors and is the beginner class at RRCSA.

Super Stock is the next class up using 19 turn , 24 degree fixed timing brushed motors or 10.5 turn brushless motors.

Modified has no restriction on motor wind. These are the fastest of the touring cars and this class is really only for those with the experience and the budget to run them.

12th Scale
The oldest surviving electric on road class. These cars feature a 2 wheel drive pan car chassis. That is, they are a flat chassis and are 2 wheel drive by the rear wheels. They use a Can Am style body which offers a lot of aerodynamic down force. With only the rear wheels being driven, these cars need all the aerodynamic down force they can get. Power is provided by 4 NiCd or NiMH cells. This class use an open modified motor although in some clubs, a spec motor (Stock or Super Stock) is used. Drive one of these with a modified motor well and you can drive just about anything. The minimum weight for 12th Scale is 865g ready to run.

RADIO CONTROL UNITS

The drivers control the cars using a two channel radio control system, one channel controlling steering, the other controlling throttle and brake.

There are two styles of radio available, Wheel and Trigger or Sticks. The Wheel and Trigger uses a trigger (like slot cars) which is squeezed for throttle and pushed against a loop on the far side of the trigger for brake. Steering is controlled by the wheel mounted on the side of the radio. Stick radios are derived from model aircraft and imply use one stick for throttle/brake and the other for steering.