Technical Race Rules
Motors
Motor choice was simplified in 2016. The former ‘exact like for like’ motor swap rule, except where specifically retained under individual class rules, was rescinded. Some guidance is available on line including through Robert Livingston’s useful but aging spec sheet. Motors may be cleaned but are not to be opened or 'tweaked'. Class rules are to be read as allowing the use of any motor with lesser specs (i.e. a lower maximum rpm and torque rating) than any of the motors listed for a particular class.
Breakdowns/DNF
If a car cannot start or finish a race due to mechanical problems, the Race Director may allow the driver to change cars mid-race. However, drivers may not replace cars mid race simply because their car isn't performing well. In between heats, a short delay (maximum of 2 minutes) may be allowed for simple repairs to be effected. If a member is in their first season with the Club, a car may be replaced without penalty with another eligible car. Minor maintenance, such as cleaning the braids or tyres, is permitted between heats providing the cleaning agents are readily to hand and the start of the next race is not unduly delayed.
Maintenance
Tyres may be sanded or cleaned prior to the start of any heat providing this does not exceed 2 minutes. Motors may be glued in as well as axle bearings and on newer SCX models, the brass pickups may be soldered or wires soldered on to ensure electrical contact. Similar other ‘fixes’ may be allowed to overcome manufacturers’ defects.
Weight and Magnets
Cars may carry ballast. Ballast or weight may be placed inside the body or under the chassis. If under the chassis, care should be taken not to make contact with the track and it may assist to apply some tape to ensure no electrical shorts. Traction magnets must be removed – they need not be removed for racing on tracks using non-magnetic tape or non-metal rails.
Guides and Braid
Choice of guides and braid is allowed in all classes.
Gearing
Choice of gearing is free in most but not all classes. (Refer to specific “Approved Class” rules)
Wheels
Choice between metal and plastic rims is free but a replacement rim must have the same critical dimensions as the original. Although a member may choose for any reason to replace plastic with metal rims, in exercising that choice, members should generally restrict the use of metal rims to cases where: the car already came with metal rims (e.g. some Slot-it, Ninco and NSR cars; Plastic rims supplied by the maker are chronically unsatisfactory (e.g. Monogram/Revell Classic NASCAR); the original plastic rims are no longer readily obtainable; or a driver is also running the same car in another Club and the car meets the remaining eligibility criteria). Some classes, such as BRM/TTS and Revoslot GT, must retain the original rims, so be sure to check the class rules.
Tyres
Choice of tyres is free where not otherwise specified, however, silicon and foam/sponge tires are NOT permitted unless otherwise stated. Tyres must correctly fit the original rim. Use of WD-40 and similar oil-based tyre treatments on race night is NOT permitted. The use of water or windex on wet-and-dry sandpaper is permitted, and cleaning tyres with masking tape pre-race is permitted.
Power Supplies and Hand controllers
The Club uses a Clipsal 439/110 three point plug (two round pins with a flat earth plug). All members tracks are wired in a positive polarity, so when purchasing a hand controller such as those made by Professor Motor, please ensure that it too has positive polarity. There are a wide variety of hand controllers that are permitted including those manufactured by: Slot-it, MRRC and Professor Motor. The voltage for each class may be set by the track owner on the night but generally will be in the range of 10-12.5 volts.
Car Interiors
All models must contain a full interior including a driver, ‘super resistant‘ and ‘high impact’ models are not permitted. Models for rally classes must include a navigator in addition to the driver.