If you are still undecided on what type of model racing you wish to do then our recommendation is :-
- Visit your local club to see what they race and talk to the members there to see if it’s the one for you.
- If you know what you want to race then visit the appropriate club that’s nearest to you and speak to the members to see if you’ve made the right decision.
To help identify your nearest club the association has a club finder which will allow you to enter a few options and this will identify clubs that are affiliated with the association that have met your criteria.
Now you know what you want to race its time to get your model racer ready. If you already have it then you will not just have a vehicle but the associated controller (Transmitter), control box in the car (Receiver), its power plant (either electric motor or fuelled engine (nitro or petrol powered), and devices called servos which help provide the steering and breaking on some models plus you are likely to have the required tools and storage boxes to keep it all safe.
If you do not already have your racer then it’s time to visit your local hobby store, online retailer but speak with the guys you met during the club visit has they will be able to inform you of the suppliers they use. Not forgetting that you will also need the bits and pieces to make it go but again the local guys and retails will be able to point out what you will need.
Don’t forget that if you are building your race vehicle to follow any advice you are given and read the manufacturers instructions carefully, and then read them again just to make sure!
The basic pieces of equipment that you will require once you have chosen your vehicle are:
- A selection of tools suitable to the vehicle and associated batteries
- A carrying case or hauler bag to store or carry your equipment to events
- A suitable portable table for you to work “pit” off during the time trackside
- A suitable chair if you don’t want to stand up all day!
Also remember to always refer to the manufacturers’ user manual for correct installation instructions, etc.
It is now time for you to re-visit the club you had previously visited but this time you will be turning up with your own racing vehicle. Make yourself know again on arrival and speak with the senior club representative who will most likely introduce you to the fellow club members and the running format of the track time on offer. Our recommendation is that if you want to get some practice or set-up time in then you schedule your visit on a non club race meeting event day.
With trepid excitement take yourself to the rostrum after putting your vehicle in the pit lane and increase your vehicles speed and have some fun. If this is your first time on track then let the host club know this.
Finally – Remember any membership, practice or race fees asked by the club you are visiting is there main means of income so please don’t try and short change the club. Any BRCA affiliated club will allow you to visit them and put your racer on the track three times without needing to join the association. Before your fourth visit you will need to become a member of the association and this is achieved by visiting the join open of this menu.