Question 1

I am new to RC Racing, where do I start?"

Accepted Answer

Getting into a new hobby can be daunting and RC Racing is certainly that.  For a newcomer, it can be overwhelming and feel a little intimidating BUT do not let that become a barrier for you.  All racers were in that position at some point and as you will learn, the RC racing community is very welcoming (especially at our club) and we love seeing new people coming along to our race days and joining in.
 
We suggest coming along to one of our race days and having a chat.  You will learnt alot just by being there and talking to racers.
 
Next you will need a car and there are some excellent RTR (Ready to Race) kits out there that will get you doing laps with minimal outlay.  Check out these models (click here) or speak to our club supporters Campbelltown Hobbies, SpeedyRC and OZRC to hook you up with the gear you will need.

It is important to point out that you do not need the latest and greatest to race at our club.  You can get racing with a good second-hand car and reliable controller for well under $1,000.

Question 2

Do I need to be a member to race?

Accepted Answer

No, you are more than welcome to turn up and race without membership.  Members do enjoy discounted race fees and our junior members (16 and under) race for free.  See our Membership page for details on membership costs and race fees.

Question 3

Is the track open to the public?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the track is open for the public to use when Chargers is not holding a club meet or race event.  If you are using the track, please respect the time and effort that goes into providing this facility for all to enjoy and only use permitted RC cars being 1/10th scale electric powered cars.  Larger cars will damage the surface which impacts our club using the facility for club racing.If you are using our dirt track, it must get a light water down with the supplied hose before driving on it.  This will help to preserve the surface for others to use.

Question 4

Where is the best place to get up-to-date race information?

Accepted Answer

The 'Chargers RC - Pit Lane' Facebook page is where all race day communications are shared.

Question 5

What time does racing start and what time should I get there?

Accepted Answer

Racing starts at 8am sharp with nominations and payment of race fees taken from 7.30am.  It is common for racers to arrive between 6-7.30am to setup and have practice prior to races commencing.

Question 6

What is the race day format?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the number of race entries, for club meets we usually run 2 x 5-minute qualifying session (per class), followed by 3 x 5 minute finals (Mains).  Your two best results in the Mains account for your overall result on the day.

We will generally run our 2WD Stock, Modified and Sportsman classes first, followed by Junior and Trucks, followed by 4WD Stock, Modified and Sportsman.  Details will be provided at each race meet in the race brief (which happens around 7.50am) prior to the start of racing.

Question 7

What class of racing is for me?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of classes that you can choose to race in which caters for any style and skill level of racer.  Generally people will race in 2 classes but racing in 3 classes is possible, but you will be busy between racing and marshalling.Junior - this class is specifically for our juniors from any age up to 16 years.  In this class, we welcome parents to assist their kids on the drivers stand and we will provide all the support the kids need to get better at racing and enjoy their time on the track and at our club.   It is suggested Juniors run a 2WD buggy with either a 17.5T or 21.5T motor limit.2WD/4WD Stock and Modified - these are the standard race classes you will find at most off-road race tracks around Australia.  Stock racing creates a level playing field for all racers as motors must be the same turn (17.5T for 2WD and 13.5T for 4WD) and no boost/turbo settings can be used in the ESC (i.e. must be in 'blinky' mode).  Modified racing is best summed up as fast.  There are no restrictions on the motor used or ESC settings for modified class (this class is best suited to experienced racers).Stadium Truck / Short Course Truck - the truck classes are about fun.  That is not to say the racing isn't fierce, but the drivers on the stand spend more time laughing than not.  Generally Stadium Trucks and SCT are 2WD but 4WD cars (including truggys) are welcome to race.There is a clear progression within the classes at our club.  If you are a Junior just starting out, you can move from Junior to Stock and then after years of practice, move on to Modified (if you desire).

Question 8

How do I submit my race nomination/s?

Accepted Answer

It is preferred that race nominations be submitted online prior to race day using our Race Nomination form.  You can elect to pay your race fees securely online using a credit/debit card or fees can be paid at the track (cash or EFTPOS).  Alternatively, you can comment on our Facebook post which will call for nominations a few days out from race day.
 
If you elect to pay at the track, then race fees must be paid to Race Control before racing begins.

Question 9

What time does racing finish?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the number of race nominations on the day, we usually finish between 3-4pm.

Question 10

Do I need a transponder to race?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as our MyLaps timing system requires a transponder to run the races and record your laps.  Most specialised hobby stores (e.g SpeedyRC/Campbelltown Hobbies/OZRC) sell transponders.  Please speak to a committee member at the track for more information.

Question 11

What is 'marshalling' and do I have to do it?

Accepted Answer

A marshall is somebody standing on the side of the track during a race to assist with re-placing a vehicle on the track if it crashes.  There are usually around 6-8 marshalls per race and are the drivers from the previous race.  So once you finish your qualifying/race event, you are expected to 'marshall' the next race.  If you aren't sure how to marshall, that's OK, ask us for a helper marshall to teach you what is required.

Question 12

Can I practice at the track at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the track is always open for practice (except on club race days).  All we ask is you use 1/10th scale electric vehicles only and you respect the facilities and track for the continued enjoyment of all members of the RC racing community and our club.

Question 13

Do I need to charge my batteries at home?

Accepted Answer

No, there is power available for everyone on race day.  You just need your own charger and an extension lead can be handy.

Question 14

What do I need to bring to 'setup' in the pits?

Accepted Answer

The club does have a limited number of tables, however we strongly suggest bringing your own fold-out table as well as a chair.  A powerboard is handy and don't forget an extension lead.

Question 15

Where can I get advice on car setup etc.

Accepted Answer

Whilst the internet has lots of information on this topic, the best advice will come from speaking to our members.  Every track has it's own characteristics requiring different setups and those that race on the track, generally know what works and what doesn't.  Alternatively, check out our Racing Guide page to get some helpful hints and tips.

Question 16

Is food and drink available?

Accepted Answer

The club has a dedicated and well stocked canteen with a selection of burgers, pies, sausage rolls, snag on bread as well as our delicious Kransky rolls.  We have plenty of ice cold drinks available as well as chocolates, local made jerky and other tasty snacks.  We even have fresh ground bean coffee and hot chocolate.  All net sales from our canteen go directly back into improving the club for all to enjoy.

Question 17

Do you have EFTPOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do.  In fact, we prefer it and may not be able to offer change at our canteen if you have cash as we aim to run a cash free club.

Question 18

Are there toilet facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a council toilet nearby.

Question 19

If it is raining, is racing still on?"

Accepted Answer

If it is raining on the day, then no.  Depending on the amount of rain we receive in the leadup to a race day, will determine if race day continues.  This is because although the track is resistant to water, it can still get quite soft under foot and using it while wet can damage the track.  Check our Facebook page for communications about race days and potential cancellations.  If we have experienced rain at any time, please DO NOT use the track until it has had a chance to dry off (usually 24-48 hours).

Question 20

Can I bring my family along?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Chargers is a family friendly environment and we encourage everyone to attend and get involved.  We have a thriving junior class of racers and when not racing, they tend to 'hang out' together and just have a good time being kids.  Family members are most welcome in the pit area to see what happens, meet our members and ask questions.

Question 21

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Any comfortable clothing is fine and be sure to bring a hat and consider sunscreen as the race days are long and the track is in full sun.  Note: the pit area is undercover.  In winter months, don't forget a warm jumper as it is quite cool in the pit area.  Thongs and sandals are NOT recommended and enclosed footwear MUST be worn on the track.

Question 22

If I break a part or my car fails, is my race day over?"

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily.  You will quickly learn our members (and the off-road RC racing community in general) are very helpful and resourceful and are always willing to help a fellow racer get their car back on the track as soon as possible.  Somebody will usually have the part you need as a spare, so just ask around.

Frequently asked questions