How To Build An RC Drag Strip
RCDrags.com

Defined Tag: RC Car Tracks.

RC Car Racing has become a very popular sport. There are many types of RC Car Racing events held all across the country on any given weekend. One of the most exciting, and rapidly growing types of events is the RC Drag Race. RC Racing Cars of all types compete in these exciting tests of acceleration and speed. All types of RC Cars can compete. You can race your nitro rc car or truck, or your electric rc car or rc truck. Even rc monster trucks are welcome at these events.
The following article, courtesy of rcdrags.com, will help you in setting up a race track, better known as a drag strip, for rc drag racing.

R/C Drag Racing is rapidly growing in popularity, And so the need for information on building a drag racing track and where to buy a timing system has become necessary for the growth of the sport.

If you are thinking of building an R/C Drag Racing Strip, here are a few ideas to get you well on your way to doing just that. Whether you are looking at laying an asphalt race track, or simply finding a nice parking lot to hold drag race events.

1. Size of Race Track. 1/10 scale 1/4 mile track is 132' you will need a minimum of 150' additional shutdown area, 200' is preferred.

2. Lane Size - 10' minimum each side

3. Return lane - Not Necessary - Mostly used by Nitro race cars, as Electric race cars do not drive their cars any more than necessary. One thing to keep in mind, although a return lane is nice for the Nitro drivers, these cars sometimes have a mind of their own, do you really want a 80mph race car coming back towards a crowd of racers?

4. Race Track Surface - Should be either concrete or asphalt. The best surface for R/C Drag Racing is a type of asphalt called "Ultra-Smooth"

5. Level - your race track needs to be as level as possible, and smooth as possible. IEDA requires a grade of no more than plus or minus 6" over the entire 132' IEDA also requires a survey certificate stating track dimensions, grade variations.

6. Traction Compound - Although a mixture of Sugar and Water will at times be adequate, there is no substitute for VHT. 3 gals per lane is recommended.

7. Timing system - there are a couple of units available, and just about any of them will do. Race America makes a new R/C Model, and there are several of their older systems still in use today. Team Walbern has a new system on the market, along with TrackMate
   
   

   

   
   

Things to keep in mind before building or starting a R/C Drag Strip.

• There are expenses you will incur and it may be quite a while before you get your investment back.

  • Used Timing Tree: $1000 - $1500
  • New Timing Tree: $2000 - $2800
  • Laptop computer for display on some timing systems: $200 to ?
  • Boards for outer walls. walls are not necessary, but provide protection from run away cars. You will need some sort of out of bounds markings. Plastic pylons could work for local racing, boards however also give you that track feel and do protect your spectators, other racers and cars. Boards = $250 - $400 including paint.
• Traction compound: Sugar water is a popular choice because it's inexpensive. 10lb bag of sugar mixed with 5gal of water will make a sticky track However, with today's hard charging electric and nitro R/C Drag Cars, VHT is something most racers demand. VHT will be a huge per race cost. $9.00 to $12.00 per gallon when sold in gallons. If you have deep pockets you can pick up a 55gal drum of VHT for a cost of around $700.00 The average track uses 3 gals per side (6gal total) per race. (One 55gal Drum should equal 9 races) $70 plus per race on VHT alone. To reduce your per race cost, you can get a 55gal drum of methanol for around $110 and mix 50/50 or 70vht 30methanol.
• Trophies: The cost of Trophies really depends on what you want to give your racers to remind them of their win. Trophies start as little as $5.00 and go up. I would expect to spend $25 per class, which includes 1st and 2nd place trophy. Lots of tracks also give something for TQ which usually is a plaque.
• Payouts: Payouts are also common, Expect to pay 50% back to the winner and runner up. Then that 50% could be split between 1st and 2nd place at 70% and 30% or something similar.
• Lights: If you night race, you could have the expense of the lights plus the power bill.
• PortaJohns: You also may incur an expense of portajohns depending on your location. At a rate of around $110 per month.
• Misc. Expenses: Copies of race ladders and sign up sheets. Duct tape to tape timing system cables. Leaf blower, you probably already have one. Gas for blower. etc. etc. etc.
• National Events: If your planning on hosting a national event at your race track, you need to be aware they are usually 3 day events starting on Fridays. Make sure you have access to the place for the 3 days. If your using a parking lot, get something in writing from the owners. Also check with the organization your dealing with, as to what's required from you. A contract with everything in writing will be best for everyone.
  • MHRA Email
  • MTFA Email
  • RODS Email
  • QMDRA Website

This article is courtesy of RCDrags.com