An R/C race is monitored by a computer and transponder system much like Formula 1 style racing!  Every car has a transponder mounted inside which triggers the computer lap timing software each time the car crosses the sensor or ‘loop’.  The transponder loop is buried under the track and marked with a spray paint lines.

You can purchase your own ‘personal transponder’ from most hobby shops.  The transponder to use is the AMB Personal Transponder.  Every transponder has a unique number, no two are identical.

If you do not have a Personal Transponder, Sid’s Raceway has house-transponders that can be used before each qualifier/race but must be returned to the charging station after each run.  Having your own personal transponder makes racing hassle free.

Track opens at - 7:00 am

Arrive early to get a good Pit Area and setup your equipment and get some practice laps in!  Unload your equipment at the drop off area, then move your car to the boulevard parking area.

Open Practice - 7:00 am to 8:45 am

If you arrive early you will be able to get some practice before the qualifying rounds start.  Generally practice is not controlled but if there are too many people on the stand the officials may limit practice time to 5 minutes per group.  Try not to drive too aggressively so you don’t break your or some other car before qualifying has even started.

Driver’s Meeting – 8:45 am

Good time for a group photo shot, and a review of rules for the day.

Qualifying Round 1 – 9:00am to 12:00pm

Qualifying rounds are races versus time.  Each qualifier is 5 minutes long.  Find your name on the qualification round printout. 

If you do not have a Personal transponder it's best to ask the race director 2 minutes before your qualification "heat" starts so you can have your car ready.  Each group is called a heat.  When your heat is up you must put your car on the track and drive past the transponder loop.  If your transponder is functioning you will hear a sound from the computer system confirming your transponder is working. 

Feel free to do a test lap or two but you will soon be lining up in the order the computer printed your name.  The race director will confirm everyone is “checked in” and the qualification heat can start.

Each car lines up before the loop in a spread out fashion.

When the race director calls your name you can start your qualifier.

Example:  “John,  << 2 second pause >>, Mike, <<2 second pause >> “  wait for your turn then get going!

Although there are multiple cars on the track, each car is on their own clock timer.  When your qualifier has completed the results will be printed.  Depending on the number of racers in your class (Ex: 2wd Buggy)  there will be multiple qualifying groups or “heats.” If there are three groups of 2wd Buggies, it’s not until all three groups have run that the “round” for 2wd Buggy is complete.  After the last heat you can see how your time compares to the rest in this round.

The typical order of the rounds are:  2wd Buggy, Truck, 4wd Buggy

After you have finished your qualifier you must Marshal the next qualifier.  Marshaling involves standing at a designated spot on the track and flipping cars over which have crashed.  The racers are not allowed to use reverse! You must marshal after your race or risk being disqualified.

Qualifying Round 2 – 9:00am to 12:00pm

Within your “heat” of racers, depending how you finished in the previous round, you will be starting in that order. For example, if you had the fastest time in your group, you be starting first for this qualifier within the group of racers you are currently in.  The order is not that important since qualifiers are still versus time!

NOTE: One important racer's tip, when qualifying, if another racer gets very close behind you and is with you for a few turns it's customary to let that driver pass since they are going faster than you. Slow down just for a brief second while they pass and then try to keep up.

Lunch Break - 12:00pm

If there are no delays there will be a 20 minute lunch break.

Qualifying Rounds 3 (Re-sorted) – 12:30pm to 2:00pm

The third round of qualifiers get ‘re-sorted’.  What this means is depending on your current standing you will be re-sorted with drivers with similar times.  You may not be starting your heat in the same order as before so check the posted printout.  You will be grouped with drivers with similar times after the first two qualifiers.  Since this is the last qualifier it’s important to get your best time in.  After this round is complete your final time is compared to the rest and the Order of the Mains is determined.

MAINS - 2:30pm – 4:00pm

The Mains are the highlight of the race day, where the real racing action begins! A typical number of racers per main is 8-9

Your starting position in the Mains depends on your best qualification time.

A-Mains consist of the fastest drivers followed by B, C, D, ...

The Mains do not start like the qualifiers do. Unlike qualifiers where you line up before the loop.  For the mains you will be placed on the straight away in the order you qualified.  For example if you qualified 3rd from the top, you will be starting in third place on the starting-grid in the A-Main.  If you qualified 13th for example you will be starting in the B-Main in 2nd or 3rd spot.

When the race director sees all the cars are checked in and ready, the typical starting call is “Drivers ready, marshals ready, starting in less than 5….”  Then the “GO” Tone will sound and all drivers are to start at the same time!  At this point race time is not important it’s your position among the rest that counts.  Take it very easy the first few turns and try not to crash early.  The race is never won in the first turn!

Race times in the Mains vary depending on which Main you are in. A-Mains are now 10 minutes, B Mains 8 minutes (Times can vary per race/event as well)... After your main you will Marshall the next race.

NOTE: Occasionally "bump-up's" are offered. If you are in a lower main, for example C-Main, and win that race you are offered the chance to keep the C-Main win or give up your position and be placed in the B-Main race in last place. Your Choice!

Award Ceremony – 4:00pm

Once all the Mains are complete, the awards are presented as well as any prize draws or special events.

Good Luck to All and remember have fun!