alphaqgti

In the past few years since I started racing in the Mini class, the rules have been the same as the TCS rules. Recently, Tamiya introduced a Mini Pro class in addition to the standard Mini class where the rules for both classes remained the same with the exception of the motor being used. The Pro class was using 17.5T brushless motors w/Blinky and the Standard Mini class stuck with the same old Johnson silver can.

These are the TCS rules:

Mini Rules
Recommended Minimum Skill Level: Intermediate: adequate driving ability with some race experience.
- Legal chassis platforms: M03, M05 and M06 chassis cars that use the 60D size tire or smaller.
- Current TAMIYA Mini bodies available for the M03, M05 and M06 are legal.
- Any Tamiya MINI body parts set made for the M-03, M-05, M-06 may be used on any chassis platform.
- Motor Rules: Tamiya 540-J Johnson motor, item 53689. Johnson 540-J motors are limited to 18,750 RPM
- Tamiya internal gears only. Aftermarket idler and spur gears are not legal.
- Battery rules: Any Legal TCS battery. Note: LIPO battery packs used in the Mini class must be a rounded profile for use on the M03 and M05 chassis platforms. Grinding the battery slot to fit rectangular batteries is not allowed.
- All M-chassis cars must meet a minimum weight of 1250 grams.
- Spec Tires: The Mini class must use the Tamiya pre-mounted and glued spec tires manufactured by Tamiya; items 1016, 1028 and 1029. See rule #35 under "General Rules" for specifics. Note: This rule is enforced at every TCS location.


Mini PRO Rules
Recommended Minimum Skill Level: Intermediate; adequate driving ability with some race experience.
This version of the Mini class uses the exact same rules and structure as the regular M-chassis class. The only exception is the use of a “spec” selection of 17.5 brushless motors and “no-timing boost” ESC’s.

- Legal chassis platforms: M03, M05 and M06 chassis cars that use the 60D size tire or smaller.
- Current TAMIYA Mini bodies available for the M03, M05 and M06 are legal.
FWD minis must use FWD body types. RWD minis must use RWD body types.
- Motor Rules: See brushless motor chart for legal 17.5 motors. Note: Physical motor timing is allowed as are ROAR legal size tuning rotors.
- No BOOST ESC rules: See TCS ESC chart for legal ESC’s.
- Tamiya internal gears only. Aftermarket idler and spur gears are not legal.
- Battery rules: Any Legal TCS battery. Note: LiPO battery packs used in the Mini class must be a rounded profile for use on the M03 and M05 chassis platforms. Grinding the battery slot to fit rectangular batteries is not allowed.
- All M-chassis cars must meet a minimum weight of 1250 grams.
- Spec Tires: The Mini class must use the Tamiya pre-mounted and glued spec tires manufactured by Tamiya; items 1016, 1028 and 1029. See rule #35 under "General Rules" for specifics. Note: This rule is enforced at every TCS location.

The Mini rules for the Scale Nats was still basically TCS rules with the exception of 21.5T motor w/Blinky OR the traditional Johnson silver can and not limited to Tamiya only bodies. Eric has done comparisons using both motor setups and found them to be quite evenly matched (much like the the 21.5/Silver can motors used in the F1 class). On asphalt I would imagine a 17.5T would tear through sets of tires way too quickly - $35-$40/set for the premounts is a bit much for a class that is supposed to be fairly low budget.

My vote goes for same rules as the Scale Nats for club racing, but leaving tire choice open for any 55mm or 60mm tire. This would open up more affordable choices such as the Sweep 55mm premounts ($25/set). The no double stuffing rule would still apply of course!