There are several types of vehicles you can race in RC, however we recommend that new drivers of any age get the Traxxas Slash electric race truck to start... for several reasons:   - It is relatively inexpensive to get started with, approx $170 - $200 dollars and it comes ready to race with a

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transmitter, electronics and all you need except a battery and charger.

 

- The truck is very durable and hard to break. If you do crash and break it, the replacement parts for this truck are very inexpensive. As a plus, Hot Rod Hobbies stocks everything you need for this truck right in the store.

 

- It is electric which means it has very little maintenance to maintain and run compared to a gas vehicle. The truck is ready to run, plug in the battery and go have fun.

 

- Our local track hosts off road events at all skill levels for this class truck including bi weekly club race events. The truck can be driven in four classes from Rookie Stock up to Expert Short Course and is still very competetive with minimal upgrades such as tires and motor.

 

- It's just a blast to race Slash. Almost all our team members currently race Slash trucks. After all, the bottom line is to have fun or why would we do this?

 

 

 

 

 

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Nickel Metal (NiMH) or Lithium Polymer (Lipo) batteries work the best. We recommend getting a 3800 to 5000 mah, 7.4v, 2 cell Lipo battery with a 20 - 35C discharge rate that is protected by a hard case. Although NiMH batteries are cheaper, the Lipo battery has a performance life approx 3x longer than NiMH and has several advantages over NiMH batteries.

 

- Lipo Batteries have about a 30% longer run time and they also put out more voltage.

 

- They have almost no drop in power during their discharge. NiMH batteries experience a power drop as they discharge during use.

 

- The lipo battery can be charged and discharged an unlimited number of times each day without overheating or damaging the cells. NiMH batteries should only be recharged after they are completely discharged and allowed to cool off to avoid damage to the cells.

 

- Lipo batteries hold a charge for weeks without any real drop in voltage and they don't need to be discharged after each run like NiMH batteries do.

 

For NiMH batteries you will want to get three batteries at 3000 mah or higher to race. You will need one battery for each race heat - two qualifying heats and the final main race.

 

For Lipo batteries you will only need one 3000 mah or higher battery to race. It is easily charged to full capacity between races.

 

Only 2 cell Lipo or 6 cell NiMH batteries are allowed in racing events.

 

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When buying a charger you will need it to be able to perform certain functions.

 

With a Lipo Charger you want a built in "cell balancer" for at least 2 cells or more. The ability to adjust the charging rate from 1 to 5 amps or higher. Most Lipo chargers can also charge NiMH batteries.

 

With a NiMH charger you will want it to detect a peak charge on your battery. It should also have an adjustable charge amp rate between .5 and 5 amps. The ability to discharge a battery at 1 amp or more and it should be able to cycle batteries (charge then discharge then charge again) multiple times. Most NiMH chargers are not compatible for charging Lipo batteries (just fyi).

 

Many Lipo battery chargers run on DC current. You will need a car battery or an AC to DC power converter to run it. If you buy a converter you want one that puts out at least 6 Amps at 12 volts. Most of the members are using DC Lipo chargers powered by an AC to DC converter.

 

Some chargers come with a built in converter that allows you to simply plug it in to any AC outlet. Chargers with a built in AC to DC converter work just the same however they cost more money.

 

Team SCV has extra Lipo chargers and DC converters you are welcome to use at the track while you are first getting started. However, eventually you will want to get your own personal battery charger.

 

Come out and see what the Team uses and get a better idea of what to buy.

 

 

 

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Racing starts at 6 PM on Tuesdays and usually ends by 10:30PM.

 

You can sign up ahead of time at the store or at the track booth just prior to racing. It is $12.00 for your first race entry and $7.00 for each additional class.

 

Our Team leaders are usually out at the track practicing by 3 PM on Tuesdays. Your welcome to come out early and run practice laps with us.

 

The Team Members pit area can usually found at the tables in the northwest side of the track area. Come find us and set down your stuff at any open spot on the tables. That will be your pit area. See the map for details of the area.

 

We suggest bringing a large towel or fender cover to set out on the table as a cover/mat. The tables can be dusty and dirty at times. Bringing a stool or folding chairs to sit on is another thing you might consider.

 

While in the pit area our Team Leaders can show you how to make final adjustments on your vehicle for the races. This usually means showing you how to position your suspension setting, adjusting your wheels toe/camber angles, setting your steering trim and creating a mounting hole on your truck body for the track's transponder system.

 

To avoid transmitter channel conflicts the track has frequency markers next to the booth. Grab the marker that matches your transmitters freq and keep it with you when practicing. This will let others know what channel your transmitter is using so they don't interfere with your channel.

 

Now you are ready to do some racing on the track...

 

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At race time, all drivers are entered into a track side computer at the announcers booth. Pages called "Heat Sheets" are then printed and posted outside the booth. The Heat Sheets show all drivers what race they are in and what car number they will use. Races are run in the order as posted.

 

Your car number gets put on the front window and side of your truck with a sticker. The number stickers are provided for you at the booth.

 

Your car number is also your transponder number for your race. A transponder is a small electronic device that you put in your car. It allows the computer to count your laps each time you cross the start/finish line. The transponders are located in the track booth and are numbered 1 through 10. Just before your race, get your number transponder from the booth and clip it on your car.

 

When the race ahead of yours is done you can switch on your transmitter and car and set your car down on the track. Now walk up the ramp to the drivers stand. That is where you will stand and drive from when racing your car. You can drive a few practices laps until the announcer calls for the cars to line up. Then when everyone's ready a tone will sound... BEEP! and you race! Each electric race is typically 5 min's.

 

Immediately after your race finishes, pick your car up off the track and return its transponder to the booth. Do not go back to the pits yet. All racers must perform "Turn Marshaling" for the race after theirs. This means you go out and stand at one of the orange cones on the track. From that spot you are responsible for righting cars that flip over in your section of the track. If you neglect to turn marshal you can be penalized laps in the main. After you Turn Marshal you can return to the pits area and get ready for your next race.

 

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So you don't anger other racers and avoid possible embarrassment here is a list of things to avoid doing at the track.

 

- If you have an AM or FM transmitter (radio) never turn it on while in the pits when races are running. You may have the same channel as another driver. Tuning on your radio will cause the driver racing to loose control of their car and crash. If its a gas car it could go wild out of control and hurt someone. Never turn on your radio in the pits when a race is running!

 

- Never stop or park your vehicle on the long straight-a-way part of the track unless the announcer directs you to line up there. The straight-a-way is the fasted part of the track and vehicles be going at full speed when driving there. When they hit your car one of you will likely break something. The person who stopped is at fault unless it was announced as closed.

 

- Don't shout profanities on while on drivers stand and don't yell at the turn marshals. You get one warning, after that you are docked laps or asked to leave.

 

- Don't forget to return your track transponder to the booth when your race is done. The person racing shortly after you needs to use it and the transponder needs time to recharge between races. Don't go back to the pits with your transponder still in your car or the announcer will be calling for you on the loud speaker.

 

- Be sure to pay attention to your cone area while turn marshalling. You will eventually find out how frustrating it can be when a turn marshal is not paying attention and your cars sits there upside down for longer than it should have.