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>> Ackerman

At The Track

What Should I Do When I Get To The Track?

Find a pit spot and unload all your gear. Get set up and start charging a battery. Once you have everything situated and have a few extra moments, walk over to the track and check it out.  If it is a track you race at all the time, you'll be familiar with the size, the traction, and the competition.  If this is not a track you know, pay close attention to the size.  This will give you an idea of the motor and gearing you will go with.  Also, if you can, check out one of the locals on the track. He (or she) will most likely be making some fast laps and will show YOU the fast lines!  Look for cracks in the pavement, bumps, or any other irregularities that will cause you handling problems. On dirt, look for large ruts or unbalanced/uneven jumps. Off-road might be a bit easier since a 'groove' will form to show you around the track.

Where Do I Start With The Setup?

First, I would suggest a starting setup...something that is easy to drive but probably not the best setup for every track, and ALWAYS have it on the car when you get to the track. You know how it works and it's easy to make changes to it to make your car faster.

Pay attention to the weather, also. Cold, windy or overcast days will wreak havoc on traction. You may have to soften the car up a bit to get the maximum performance from your car.  Hot, humid days will make the ground sticky, especially if you are running soft tires. This could cause your car to push or even the dreaded traction roll!

On The Track!

Once you have an idea of where to start, put your battery in and head for the track. The first couple laps don't need to be hot laps. This is the track learning period. I've seen to many people go out right off the bat and crush their car because they wanted to keep up with the guy who's had 5 batteries on the track already. Learn the track first, then take some hot laps. It should take you about 5 or 6 laps to get the track down pretty good. Finish off the battery.

Back In The Pits!

Go back to your pits, start another battery, and make ONE change to your car. Follow the procedure above, but you should only need to do 2 or 3 slow laps to get used to the change in the car. Continue to do this until you find a good setup you're happy with.

Tires - Tires are EVERYTHING!!!  A good set of tires will make an ill handling car driveable. If you know the track and what tires everyone runs, great. If you don't, FIND OUT!  That can make or break your experience at the track.

Most of all, though, this is a FUN sport. If you're not having fun, there's no reason to be there. I understand tempers flaring. We've all experienced it. But, in the immortal words of a World Class Driver - "We are racing toy cars for bowling trophies". That's really all it is.

Have fun!