5th Scale Onroad Racing in Texas
12-26-2015, 12:30 PM
#1
5th Scale Onroad Racing in Texas
Hello all!!
My name is Juan and I am introducing 5th scale onroad racing to Texas for 2016at the track located in Rendon, Texas. You can go to RCRCNT's website to get a picture of the track (http://www.rcrcnt.com/). The revised rules for the 5th scale are as follows:
5th Scale Rules for the SWCS
The SWCS of Texas will be offering the following classes in the 5th scale category for racing at its track at Rendon, Texas (www.rcrcnt.com):
GT - 2 door coupe bodies
STC - 4 door sedan bodies
F-1
Sportsline Spec Class
The 5th scale program will be primarily following IFMAR rules (see below link):
http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar...track_2015.pdf
The new class added to the 5th scale program was the Sportsline Spec Class to help keep entry into 5th scale racing more affordable and to bring an alternative avenue of fun to the art form of remote control car racing. The rules for this class are as follows:
Chassis
-Short chassis lengths of 510mm to long chassis lengths up to 535mm are eligible.
-Cars can be either 2wd or 4wd
-The cars allowed in the class are primarily the FG Sportsline chassis. Other brands of cars, like the MCD, will be at an evaluation level/basis
-No aftermarket hop-up chassis or custom-made chassis is allowed. The chassis must be factory or the car will not be eligible to run in the Sportsline Spec Class
Engine/Pipe
-Engines must be box stock. No modding of the engine or aftermarket modded engines are allowed
-2wd cars are only allowed to run 23cc/24cc engines
-4wd cars are only allowed to run 26cc/27cc engines
-Pipes must be the stock pipe that comes with the car. No modding of the pipe or no aftermarket pipes are allowed (like the Samba pipe or Samba-styled pipes)
-Max venture diameter on the carburetor limited to 13mm
-No reed intakes allowed
Tires
-Any brand of 5th scale tires are allowed
-Tires cannot be softer than 40 shore (The FG Sportsline RTR come with 40 shores)
-Tires can be either treaded or slicks. Tires can be teched at any given time.
-No traction compounds allowed
Suspension/Drivetrain
-No one-ways or spools are allowed on the 4wd cars. Racers are allowed to change diff oils/grease but front diff must maintain diff action
-No Active Diffs are allowed on the 2wd cars. Like the 4wd cars, racers will be allowed to change diff oils/grease but the diff must maintain diff action
-Changing of shock oils and springs are allowed. Shocks must use factory mounting holes on shock towers/suspension arms (not allowed to drill additional holes)
-No aftermarket shock pistons or shock bodies are allowed
-No custom-made extensions or other apparatus are allowed that will change the position of the shocks mounted to the arms or shock towers
-No aftermarket or customer-made aluminum parts are allowed (including shock towers, suspension arms, C-hubs, or steering blocks)
Clutches/Brakes/Gearing
-Only two shoe padded clutches are allowed. Use of the 6000rpm (part #GT282), the 7500rpm (part #GT220) and the 9500rpm (part #GT220a) clutch springs are permitted
-No aftermarket centax or automatic clutch systems from Tourex, clutch systems from Turtle Racing or any three (3) or more shoe clutches or clutch systems are allowed in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Hydraulic braking systems are prohibited from use in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Upgrades to the brake discs and brake pads are permitted
-Alterations to the cars braking system are prohibited (ie: cannot add the rear braking system to make the car have 4-wheel brakes). This only applies to the Sportsline Spec Class
-Pinion gear and spur gear changes are permitted
-No two-speed transmissions allowed
Electronics/Radio Gear
-One rule that will apply to all classes will be the use of a remote kill switch. Safely operating these huge cars is #1. So that there are no dangerous runaways that could seriously injure someone, programmable kill switches will be mandatory, NO EXCEPTIONS. A racer will not be allowed to put his/her car on the track if he/she cannot demonstrate that they have an active kill switch on their car. Here are examples of ones that can be used:
http://www.davesmotors.com/Dynamite-...ll-Switch.html
http://www.davesmotors.com/Killer-RC...tch-Combo.html
-In addition to the kill-switch rule, here is another rule (from the ROAR 5th scale section) that all racers must follow:
10.8.2 No onboard traction control or other electronic aids are allowed, other than other than fail-safe systems
This pertains to gyros/D-boxes used on steering the car.
-In regards to the RTR Sportsline Spec cars, stock servos can be upgraded to servos the operator is familiar/accustom to using
-In regards to the RTR Sportsline Spec cars, the RTR Tx/Rx can be upgraded to a Tx/Rx the operator is familiar/accustom to using
Again, with safety being our biggest concern, please follow this ROAR rule in regards to marshalling 5th scale qualifiers/mains:
10.12.1.7 A Red Flag condition must be called prior to anyone going onto the racetrack. No corner marshals or mechanics are allowed on the track during practice or racing without a Red Flag being called. Marshals will wait until race vehicles come to a complete stop before entering racing area. Track maintenance must be done under a Red Flag conditions
Since these cars have long run times per a tank of fuel, I would like to deviate from the norm that most nitro racers are accustom. Here are the rules in regards to running qualifiers and mains for 5th scale:
Qualifying
-Qualifiers will be 10 minutes with one mandatory three second pit stop (more of a stop & go) that has to be taken. The pit cannot be taken within the first or last minute of the qualifier but can be taken anytime between the second and ninth minute.
Mains
Main lengths are as follows:
A-main – 30 minutes
B-main – 20 minutes
C main and below – 15 minutes
In the A and B mains, two (2) mandatory pit stops must be taken, none to be taken within the first or last minute of the race. This way, there would still be a bit a strategy as far as race planning. You could make more stops if needed but two of them would be mandatory.
In the C mains and below, one (1) mandatory pit stop must be taken (similar to how it is done in qualifying).
If during any of the qualifiers or mains a red flag is called, this rule will be adhered to if you refuse to obey:
10.13.1.2 Failure to obey a Red Flag will result in disqualification from the race in which the offense occurred
Here is another very important rule in regards to the fueling of cars during a qualifier/main. This is the ROAR version of the rule but IFMAR has a similar rule:
10.9.1 No refueling is allowed after the warm-up period for a race has begun, and no refueling is allowed during the running of any Qualifier or Main event
This is just the beginning with more information/rules to come. Please feel free to ask me questions or make any suggestions. The goal is to grow this class of racing and keep the competition fun and enjoyable for all that participate.
Addendum A
Additional rules for the 5th scale Mains
All mains will seat eight (8) cars with a two (2) car bump-up from the previous main. In the event that a lower main only seats four (4) cars, only one (1) car will bump to the next main. In the event that there are not enough participants/entrants to have at least four (4) in a lower main, then all participants will run in the corresponding main (i.e.: if only eleven (11) entrees are present, all eleven (11) will run the A-main, if only 19 entrees are present, eight (8) will seat the A-main with eleven (11) seating in the B-main, etc.).
Addendum B
Fuels and additives
-Gasoline no higher than 94 Octane is to be used in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Octane boosters or other additives outside of two stroke oil are prohibited in the mixing of fuel for use in the Sportsline Spec Class. Violators will be disqualified from the running the class, relegating them to the STC/GT open classes.
-VP premix fuel is permitted in the Sportsline Spec Class. Octane boosters and other additives are prohibited from mixing with this fuel as well, no exceptions.
-Non-ethanol gasoline is allowed but the octane rating cannot be more than 94
Addendum C
Penalties for non-compliance
-All cars will be teched before the first round of qualifying. Failure to comply will result in non-participation in the event
-Failure to take the mandatory one (1) pit stop during any qualifying run will result in a one (1) lap penalty from your best qualifying round. Thus failure to take any pit stops during qualifying would result in a three (3) lap penalty from a racer’s best qualifying run
-Failure to take the mandatory two (2) pit stops during the running of the A or B mains or failure to take the mandatory one (1) pit stop during the running of the C or lower main would lead to lap penalties up to and including disqualification from the race of participation
-In the event that the Sportsline Spec Class has enough participants to split the group and we are to marshal our own races, failure to marshal will result in a one (1) lap penalty from the racer’s best qualifier run.
-In the event that a racer runs out of fuel during a qualifier or main and refuels the car (ignoring the safety rule that covers this area), the penalty is immediate disqualification from the event, no exceptions. In the event that a racer violates the refueling rule a second time (repeat offender), said racer will no longer be allowed to participate in the class as this is a direct violation of the safety rule put in place not only for the safety of the racer in question but for the safety of the other participants at the event.
My name is Juan and I am introducing 5th scale onroad racing to Texas for 2016at the track located in Rendon, Texas. You can go to RCRCNT's website to get a picture of the track (http://www.rcrcnt.com/). The revised rules for the 5th scale are as follows:
5th Scale Rules for the SWCS
The SWCS of Texas will be offering the following classes in the 5th scale category for racing at its track at Rendon, Texas (www.rcrcnt.com):
GT - 2 door coupe bodies
STC - 4 door sedan bodies
F-1
Sportsline Spec Class
The 5th scale program will be primarily following IFMAR rules (see below link):
http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar...track_2015.pdf
The new class added to the 5th scale program was the Sportsline Spec Class to help keep entry into 5th scale racing more affordable and to bring an alternative avenue of fun to the art form of remote control car racing. The rules for this class are as follows:
Chassis
-Short chassis lengths of 510mm to long chassis lengths up to 535mm are eligible.
-Cars can be either 2wd or 4wd
-The cars allowed in the class are primarily the FG Sportsline chassis. Other brands of cars, like the MCD, will be at an evaluation level/basis
-No aftermarket hop-up chassis or custom-made chassis is allowed. The chassis must be factory or the car will not be eligible to run in the Sportsline Spec Class
Engine/Pipe
-Engines must be box stock. No modding of the engine or aftermarket modded engines are allowed
-2wd cars are only allowed to run 23cc/24cc engines
-4wd cars are only allowed to run 26cc/27cc engines
-Pipes must be the stock pipe that comes with the car. No modding of the pipe or no aftermarket pipes are allowed (like the Samba pipe or Samba-styled pipes)
-Max venture diameter on the carburetor limited to 13mm
-No reed intakes allowed
Tires
-Any brand of 5th scale tires are allowed
-Tires cannot be softer than 40 shore (The FG Sportsline RTR come with 40 shores)
-Tires can be either treaded or slicks. Tires can be teched at any given time.
-No traction compounds allowed
Suspension/Drivetrain
-No one-ways or spools are allowed on the 4wd cars. Racers are allowed to change diff oils/grease but front diff must maintain diff action
-No Active Diffs are allowed on the 2wd cars. Like the 4wd cars, racers will be allowed to change diff oils/grease but the diff must maintain diff action
-Changing of shock oils and springs are allowed. Shocks must use factory mounting holes on shock towers/suspension arms (not allowed to drill additional holes)
-No aftermarket shock pistons or shock bodies are allowed
-No custom-made extensions or other apparatus are allowed that will change the position of the shocks mounted to the arms or shock towers
-No aftermarket or customer-made aluminum parts are allowed (including shock towers, suspension arms, C-hubs, or steering blocks)
Clutches/Brakes/Gearing
-Only two shoe padded clutches are allowed. Use of the 6000rpm (part #GT282), the 7500rpm (part #GT220) and the 9500rpm (part #GT220a) clutch springs are permitted
-No aftermarket centax or automatic clutch systems from Tourex, clutch systems from Turtle Racing or any three (3) or more shoe clutches or clutch systems are allowed in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Hydraulic braking systems are prohibited from use in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Upgrades to the brake discs and brake pads are permitted
-Alterations to the cars braking system are prohibited (ie: cannot add the rear braking system to make the car have 4-wheel brakes). This only applies to the Sportsline Spec Class
-Pinion gear and spur gear changes are permitted
-No two-speed transmissions allowed
Electronics/Radio Gear
-One rule that will apply to all classes will be the use of a remote kill switch. Safely operating these huge cars is #1. So that there are no dangerous runaways that could seriously injure someone, programmable kill switches will be mandatory, NO EXCEPTIONS. A racer will not be allowed to put his/her car on the track if he/she cannot demonstrate that they have an active kill switch on their car. Here are examples of ones that can be used:
http://www.davesmotors.com/Dynamite-...ll-Switch.html
http://www.davesmotors.com/Killer-RC...tch-Combo.html
-In addition to the kill-switch rule, here is another rule (from the ROAR 5th scale section) that all racers must follow:
10.8.2 No onboard traction control or other electronic aids are allowed, other than other than fail-safe systems
This pertains to gyros/D-boxes used on steering the car.
-In regards to the RTR Sportsline Spec cars, stock servos can be upgraded to servos the operator is familiar/accustom to using
-In regards to the RTR Sportsline Spec cars, the RTR Tx/Rx can be upgraded to a Tx/Rx the operator is familiar/accustom to using
Again, with safety being our biggest concern, please follow this ROAR rule in regards to marshalling 5th scale qualifiers/mains:
10.12.1.7 A Red Flag condition must be called prior to anyone going onto the racetrack. No corner marshals or mechanics are allowed on the track during practice or racing without a Red Flag being called. Marshals will wait until race vehicles come to a complete stop before entering racing area. Track maintenance must be done under a Red Flag conditions
Since these cars have long run times per a tank of fuel, I would like to deviate from the norm that most nitro racers are accustom. Here are the rules in regards to running qualifiers and mains for 5th scale:
Qualifying
-Qualifiers will be 10 minutes with one mandatory three second pit stop (more of a stop & go) that has to be taken. The pit cannot be taken within the first or last minute of the qualifier but can be taken anytime between the second and ninth minute.
Mains
Main lengths are as follows:
A-main – 30 minutes
B-main – 20 minutes
C main and below – 15 minutes
In the A and B mains, two (2) mandatory pit stops must be taken, none to be taken within the first or last minute of the race. This way, there would still be a bit a strategy as far as race planning. You could make more stops if needed but two of them would be mandatory.
In the C mains and below, one (1) mandatory pit stop must be taken (similar to how it is done in qualifying).
If during any of the qualifiers or mains a red flag is called, this rule will be adhered to if you refuse to obey:
10.13.1.2 Failure to obey a Red Flag will result in disqualification from the race in which the offense occurred
Here is another very important rule in regards to the fueling of cars during a qualifier/main. This is the ROAR version of the rule but IFMAR has a similar rule:
10.9.1 No refueling is allowed after the warm-up period for a race has begun, and no refueling is allowed during the running of any Qualifier or Main event
This is just the beginning with more information/rules to come. Please feel free to ask me questions or make any suggestions. The goal is to grow this class of racing and keep the competition fun and enjoyable for all that participate.
Addendum A
Additional rules for the 5th scale Mains
All mains will seat eight (8) cars with a two (2) car bump-up from the previous main. In the event that a lower main only seats four (4) cars, only one (1) car will bump to the next main. In the event that there are not enough participants/entrants to have at least four (4) in a lower main, then all participants will run in the corresponding main (i.e.: if only eleven (11) entrees are present, all eleven (11) will run the A-main, if only 19 entrees are present, eight (8) will seat the A-main with eleven (11) seating in the B-main, etc.).
Addendum B
Fuels and additives
-Gasoline no higher than 94 Octane is to be used in the Sportsline Spec Class
-Octane boosters or other additives outside of two stroke oil are prohibited in the mixing of fuel for use in the Sportsline Spec Class. Violators will be disqualified from the running the class, relegating them to the STC/GT open classes.
-VP premix fuel is permitted in the Sportsline Spec Class. Octane boosters and other additives are prohibited from mixing with this fuel as well, no exceptions.
-Non-ethanol gasoline is allowed but the octane rating cannot be more than 94
Addendum C
Penalties for non-compliance
-All cars will be teched before the first round of qualifying. Failure to comply will result in non-participation in the event
-Failure to take the mandatory one (1) pit stop during any qualifying run will result in a one (1) lap penalty from your best qualifying round. Thus failure to take any pit stops during qualifying would result in a three (3) lap penalty from a racer’s best qualifying run
-Failure to take the mandatory two (2) pit stops during the running of the A or B mains or failure to take the mandatory one (1) pit stop during the running of the C or lower main would lead to lap penalties up to and including disqualification from the race of participation
-In the event that the Sportsline Spec Class has enough participants to split the group and we are to marshal our own races, failure to marshal will result in a one (1) lap penalty from the racer’s best qualifier run.
-In the event that a racer runs out of fuel during a qualifier or main and refuels the car (ignoring the safety rule that covers this area), the penalty is immediate disqualification from the event, no exceptions. In the event that a racer violates the refueling rule a second time (repeat offender), said racer will no longer be allowed to participate in the class as this is a direct violation of the safety rule put in place not only for the safety of the racer in question but for the safety of the other participants at the event.
Last edited by JLock; 06-06-2016 at 02:43 PM.
12-29-2015, 02:12 PM
#2
Since these cars have long run times per a tank of fuel, I would live to variate from the norm that most nitro racers are accustom. Instead of running 5 minute qualifiers, I would like to run 10 minute qualifiers with one mandatory three second pitstop (more of a stop & go) that has to taken. The pit cannot be taken within the first or last minute of the qualifier but can be taken anytime between the second and ninth minute.
In the beginning, mains would be at least 30 minutes but can be expanded to up to 60 minutes once the class builds up participation. In the 30 minute main, I would like to do two mandatory pitstops like what would be done in the qualifiers, none to be taken within the first or last minute of the race. This way, there would still be a bit a strategy as far as race planning. You could make more stops if needed but two of them would be mandatory.
We all strive for more track time at the races we attend. I am hoping that this would give racers more track time competing against fellow racers instead of burning fuel and tires constantly chasing tune, setup, and the constant wrenching in the pits. Less wrenching = more racing enjoyment.
In the beginning, mains would be at least 30 minutes but can be expanded to up to 60 minutes once the class builds up participation. In the 30 minute main, I would like to do two mandatory pitstops like what would be done in the qualifiers, none to be taken within the first or last minute of the race. This way, there would still be a bit a strategy as far as race planning. You could make more stops if needed but two of them would be mandatory.
We all strive for more track time at the races we attend. I am hoping that this would give racers more track time competing against fellow racers instead of burning fuel and tires constantly chasing tune, setup, and the constant wrenching in the pits. Less wrenching = more racing enjoyment.
12-30-2015, 11:42 AM
#4
Thanks RJ. My postings are starting to peak some interest from some around the country. Hope you get a chance to come up and not only watch the fun but maybe participate, no matter what class you choose to run (even electric classes are starting to be included in the racing program if participation is there).
01-07-2016, 05:55 PM
#5
Here is the 2016 schedule for the Texas state series:
2016 SWCS Schedule
SWCS 2016*
Asteriks * denote other known important races listed within the schedule or*
footnote at bottom.*
SWCS #1- 2/27-28 Porter*
**
SWCS #2- 3/19-20 DFW*
SWCS#3- 4/23-24 Porter*
*5/27-29- 39th Texas Biggie*
**
SWCS #4- 6/25-26 Porter*
**
SWCS #5- 7/30-31 DFW*
****
SWCS #6- 8/27-28 DFW*
**
*ROAR R9 FuelOnRd 9/24-25 Porter*
***
10/29-30 reserved for re-schedules*
*'s*
The 5th scale class will run all the DFW races for sure (at the Rendon track). The Porter track is a bit narrower for these cars to run but I will try to make the first race and due some test running.
2016 SWCS Schedule
SWCS 2016*
Asteriks * denote other known important races listed within the schedule or*
footnote at bottom.*
SWCS #1- 2/27-28 Porter*
**
SWCS #2- 3/19-20 DFW*
SWCS#3- 4/23-24 Porter*
*5/27-29- 39th Texas Biggie*
**
SWCS #4- 6/25-26 Porter*
**
SWCS #5- 7/30-31 DFW*
****
SWCS #6- 8/27-28 DFW*
**
*ROAR R9 FuelOnRd 9/24-25 Porter*
***
10/29-30 reserved for re-schedules*
*'s*
The 5th scale class will run all the DFW races for sure (at the Rendon track). The Porter track is a bit narrower for these cars to run but I will try to make the first race and due some test running.
Last edited by JLock; 02-18-2016 at 02:43 PM.
01-17-2016, 09:20 AM
#8
Juan, I am definitely interested. I will PM you my contact info as I would love to meet up w/ another 5th scale enthusiast.
01-19-2016, 04:58 PM
#10
Tech Rookie
Juan,
I have been following this thread for a few days.
Wow, 1/5th scale r/c racing in the D/FW area sounds promising.
My first introduction to r/c car racing was 1/5th scale in California in 1998. Unfortunately, when I returned to Dallas there was no large scale racing. However, while visiting one of the best hobby shops in the U.S., “Mikes Hobby Shop”, I met several racers. They invited me to my first Texas Biggie in 1999. Needless to say, “I was hooked”!
Now that large scale racing has a promising future in the DFW metroplex, you can count me in.
I have been in contact with DDM.
I will let you know when my car arrives,
Mark
I have been following this thread for a few days.
Wow, 1/5th scale r/c racing in the D/FW area sounds promising.
My first introduction to r/c car racing was 1/5th scale in California in 1998. Unfortunately, when I returned to Dallas there was no large scale racing. However, while visiting one of the best hobby shops in the U.S., “Mikes Hobby Shop”, I met several racers. They invited me to my first Texas Biggie in 1999. Needless to say, “I was hooked”!
Now that large scale racing has a promising future in the DFW metroplex, you can count me in.
I have been in contact with DDM.
I will let you know when my car arrives,
Mark
01-24-2016, 11:58 AM
#12
Yesterday, got a chance to do some testing and tuning in a local parking lot, getting ready for the upcoming racing season. Here are some pics of us and our cars (the BMW is the electric FG). Got one more that will join the group locally in a few weeks. Had some spectators and a couple of visitors in which their interest was peaked. Looking good for 2016.
Last edited by JLock; 02-01-2016 at 09:21 AM.
02-01-2016, 09:16 AM
#13
It is now official: 5th scale has been added as a class to the 2016 Texas Biggie!! Through some negotiations from my other 5th scale partner and RCRCNT, is will be a racing class at this year's event. So, if you have one, bring it down and join in the fun!!
02-03-2016, 10:27 AM
#14
Looking to doing some testing and tuning at the Rendon track on 2/6/16. Have had a few more guys inquire about the class, the cars, rules, etc. We are going to try to keep it as simple as possible but also fair to all those that participate.
02-07-2016, 08:29 AM
#15
Went out to the Rendon track to do some light maintenance with Marquell and get some run in with the 5th scales. Got the track cleaned and some of the weeds killed. There was no traction but with easy trigger fingers, we got the cars around the track without incident. Will be doing more maintenance and testing in the coming weeks before the first race there in March.