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R/C Racing
Etiquette
There is more to RC racing than just controlling a car or truck on
the track. You will spend more time in the pits and around the track
than actually racing. On the track you will impress those you race
against with what caliber of racer you are. The rest of the race day
you will impress people with what caliber of person you are.
Hopefully everything in this article will be common sense and
nothing new to you. However if you are human, you may read
something here that hits close to home. I did.
Be On Time
Whether signing up, getting your transponder, putting your car on
the track or marshaling don't make people wait for you. Be sure you
are ready to race at least one heat ahead of your race. Make sure
you have the right crystals, your battery is charged and installed,
tires are clean you have body pins and every thing is ready to move
to the track. Listen for your heat to be called to pickup
transponders. Get the right transponder and put it in your car and
have it ready to put on the line.
Keep Your Radio Off
The only time your radio should be on is when you are racing. If you
turn your radio on any other time you could be interfering with
someone who is racing. This could cost them more than just the race.
Don't Run Your Car In The Pits
Golden Rule
Marshal Others As You Would Have Them Marshal You Does this sound
like the "Golden Rule"? It is. You are expected to marshal the race
following yours. Be there on time. Don't take your car back to your
pit. There should be a place set aside to store your car and radio
while you marshal.
Watch Your Area *Not* The Race
If you don't pay attention to your area you may cost a racer
precious time. This will not make you popular. Get to cars as fast
as you can and use your hands, not your feet, to right them. Don't
put a car or your foot down in front of or on top of other cars.
Keep your feet and other body parts off the track unless absolutely
necessary. Don't become an obstacle. It could get you hurt. These
things can bite. When you place a car or truck back on the track
point the vehicle in the correct direction.
Hand Placement is Everything
Do not grab a gas/nitro car by the sides. Grab them by the front and
rear bumper or wing. Most exhausts exit the side of the vehicle. If
you cover the exhaust for even a split second you can kill the car.
There are some exhausts that exit the rear of the car. If you are
careful you will notice where the smoke is coming from and adjust
your grip point accordingly.
Race in Progress
Don't Walk Across The Track During a Race
Just because you are not in a race does not mean it is not a serious
contest. Walk around the track during a race. Don't Disturb The Race
Director During a Race. If you need to ask a question hold on to it
until he or she is between races.
Better yet why not ask another club member?
Please be Considerate
I don't like hard rock and you don't like jazz. Deal with it. If you
like to listen to music or the radio don't make everyone around you
listen to it as well. Use a headset or keep the volume way down.
Watch Where You Set Up Your Pit Make sure you don't set your pit up
as an obstacle. Don't set up your pit in what is usually a walkway
or driveway. If you aren't sure ask.
Watch Your Language
There are young kids and families around. Let's do our best to keep
it rated G even when things get really frustrating.
Here are the 12 Commandments of R/C Racing:
1. I'm going racing to have fun!
2. A mad driver is a bad driver!
3. The turn marshal didn't wreck, I did!
4. I have to slow down to go fast.
5. The more I relax the better I drive.
6. It's not like I never hacked anyone!
7. Whether I have a good or bad day is my choice.
8. Don't take this so serious after all you're racing toy cars.
9. HEY! The Winston Million isn't on the line.
10. Be a good looser and more importantly a good winner.
11. Watch my mouth.
12. If I can't follow these rules today I should stay home
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