This is a 2026 adaption of an article I wrote in 2019.
Lets use the 2026 Wicked Weekend as an example for this concept.
NOTE: This does not affect the traditional 40+ Electric Buggy and Nitro Buggy.
At Wicked there were 3 typical categories Sportsman , Open(Intermediate) & Pro). The numbers break down as below
Nitro Buggy (83,63,29)= 175 entries
Nitro Truggy (35,38,20) = 93 entries
Electric Buggy(151,76,25) = 252 entries
Electric Truggy(81,43 ) = 124 entries (no Pro. class)
So we run thru the usual three rounds of IFMAR qualifying, with re-sorts.
When we’re done with qualifying, we then generate mains; however at this point we’re able to group racers based on how they qualify.
Wicked is “Qualifying Points”, so if we look at Electric Buggy for example, we then categorize the 252 drivers into :
Expert (Top 25% Drivers) – 63
Intermediate (Next 30% Drivers) 75.6
Sportsman (Last 45% Drivers) 113.4
The above is not precise and the RD will have to make a determination to round UP or DOWN. So in the above numbers, So for intermediate is 75.6 and sportsman is 113.4; lets just make it 75 and 113 and add one driver to Pro.
So is finally breaks down to:
Expert (Top 25% Drivers) – 64
Intermediate (Next 30% Drivers) 75
Sportsman (Last 45% Drivers) 113
We then generate the Electric Buggy mains as follows:
Then we Race the mains as usual, and hand out awards for the 3 groupings – TQ (Group TQ), Podiums etc.
Benefits of this system include:
Drivers qualify truly where they belong
Drivers race with faster racers in qualifying
Learn how to pace with faster drivers
Learn how to move over and let faster drivers thru
They can still win trophies without having their own ‘special’ class
Limits Sandbaggers
Sponsored drivers will gain merit based on how they classify
Drivers have a ‘path’ for qualification. For example; if they qualify in Sportsman, then the know the next step is to work towards Intermediate.
Minimal impact on Entry Count (Does not affect 40+ drivers)
I doubt LiveTime Scoring could function in this way as it is today but if this was adopted, I am sure they can add functionality. Basic software change would be this:
Just an ability to define “Mains Groups per specific classed; specifically Truggy and Buggy” and then let the software (or RD) decide the “categorizations” based on the scoring “boundaries” For example
Back in 2018 I applied to Tekno for sponsorship. I had owned & driven all their 1/8th vehicles before I decided to apply for the 2019 season.
Why did I apply to be ‘sponsored’ ? For me back then, I wanted to represent a brand and its products because I believed in them. I was experienced, I had good standing in the industry in terms of how I conducted myself on social media.
As we’ve just gone thru the season of racers signing their contracted custom agreements for 2025, I’ve reflected on actual process that I went through to get onto the racing team at Tekno.
In late 2018, I went thru the usual application paperwork, submitting results and evidence of my presence in the community. But one thing that I believe stood Tekno apart from most application processes racers go through today is my (future) Tekno Manager actually wanted to conduct a phone interview.
At the time I was obviously an anxious but the call went well. I was concerned he would ask me setup questions; I don’t think he did. I recall it was more of a cultural interview; to see if I would fit in the team basically, and had the right values. This is a good thing by the way.
Today, this has left me wondering how often do RC companies do this level of vetting of its potential contracted racers?
But I don’t want to go off in that tangent of the whole sponsorship deal; This is more about what effort companies make to weed out its ambassadors.
A few years ago, a good friend of mine applied to a well know chassis brand, and got right on he team. It was so easy, he had his buddy try, who wasn’t even in RC. Shockingly, got right in. Food for thought.
The 2024 IFMAR worlds brings up thoughts, ideas and maybe some criticism.
First of all this event reminds me this is truly is the olympics of RC. Going thru the motions of opening ceremonies reminds us this really is a truly global event, with each country sending their best drivers & manufactures, with many premiering new products. RCTV Media coverage is usually next level giving the RC world exposure to the complete event, where ever your are located.
So lets get into it..
Let’s address the elephant in the room; Americans are nowhere in the standings as far as seeding and qualifying goes. Consistently, only Dakota has saved the country from complete absence from the Top 10. Mason Fuller and Phi got close to Top 10, even Dakota dropping to 12 in Q4.
So why is this ? Here is some of my thoughts…
In 2022 the event was held at the same facility. There has been plenty complaints and criticism in the industry about this repeat location, but it has pros and cons.
On the positive side, we know Redovan (in Spain) is an incredible facility. Many of the logistics of RC travel logistics are already understood so planning should have taken minimal time.
Reading comments on social media since the announcement of the 1/8th Fuel Championships returning to Redovan in mid April 2024, there has been plenty of criticism, with a consistent theme of ‘home advantage’, politics etc.
But there are also two sides to any coin. As the event was held at the same track in 2022, teams should have had experience with the track style and surface. Teams should have been able to understand Car setups, driving styles & tire choices ahead of time.
European track surfaces have generally be mixed, synthetic or glued/oiled surfaces. I’m not a proponent of this and sincerely hope this doesn’t become a trend in the USA, but my assumption for this surface manipulation is weather durability.
Same excuses
Americans struggling with the track style maybe highlights a few things. In the USA maybe we should design tracks that are a little more compatible with world championships, with faster tracks with sweeping turns, off camber chicanes, with drivers having to carry speed; rather than the typical Motocross style track where cars spend most of their time in the air!
Maybe American drivers and teams should spend more time traveling internationally racing at a truly international level…
The excuse its cost prohibitive is just not valid. Look at the 2024 DNC results. Elliott Boots (TQ and winner), David Ronnefaulk, Ricky Berton, Juan Carlos Canas (all featuring in the A-main) travelled to the USA for DNC, and have done in previous years. João Figueiredo, Daniel Pariente, Marco Baruffalo also traveling to this event.
Clearly these European drivers can adjust their setups to deal with American style tracks.
One Race
To wrap this up, on a different topic, does a single event really quantify a world champion driver ? My feeling is no. There is no doubt the American pro racers are incredible drivers, but a single event clearly shows they are on their back foot at this event.
Those who know me, know I harp on about the merits of RCGP and how was developed to prove the concept that a true global competition should be points based with multiple tracks and more importantly surfaces. Look at F1 as an example, multiple tracks, driver and team points; certain teams and drivers favor (and perform) at specific tracks. F1 is also ‘spec tire’ world series…Oh wait, RCGP did that too..
I’m not saying RCGP is the solution, But in my opinion, it was an industry defining series, highlighting all the above challenges. I know my racing experience has been changed ever since and I was truly grateful to be a part of two RCGP events in the USA.
2022 Results
Let’s remind ourselves, on a positive side, the US did get 4 drivers in the 2022 final event, with Ty Tessman , Ryan Maifield, Cole Ogden and Dakota all featuring.
Qualifying verses racing can be quite different. IFMAR Style ladder style racing gives drivers more chances to bump up to the next group, so we may see some of the drivers who’ve struggled, make their way up to the two Semi Finals, and then onto the 1hr Final.
On facebook, I posted a poll, to see what kinds of races would racers like to see in 2024.
This does not include the prestigious 4 day events in our region such as LCRC which are more than just a race event that most of the community attend to enjoy a weekend of friends, family as well as racing.
The poll was published on December 16th. Given the 1.6k followers of 46RC on Facebook (whom I am very appreciative of), there were 81 responses. But I think the responses represent the general feel of racers.
As discussed on Episode 11 of the North East RC Racing Podcast, here is the final results of the Top25 North East Nitro and Electric. This theoretical points series was conceived and discuss here. The points were derived for Expert/Pro point classes. No Intermediate or 40+ classes were considered in 2023.
I went with the Basic version. I decided to write this blog to maybe help someone else use it as the manual is not great.
One thing i like about the basic model is you can break in a motor without the need to worry about external dirt on the motor case etc. So lets say you had an older engine, and replaced the Piston-Rod-Sleeve, or had a tight re-pinch put on your current PSR, you just pull the carb and head off and put it in the machine, and break it in. No worrying about having to clean the engine to put in an Oil bath etc
So, on with the details.
The basic model allows you to mount the motor in a stand, take off the carb and head, and replace with inlet/outlets for oil and a head heater.
Instructions
Firstly take the complete motor-mount off the base. Attach the motor mount to the motor with the 4 provided cap head screws (like a traditional motor mount)
Place the large and mid sized carbon shims under the motor mount (these were the shims I used for an AD3 engine)
Then 4 x M5 screws screws loosely in the motor mount down to the base (shims). Put the motor shaft adapter on the crankshaft and push it into the shaft sticking out of the base (don’t tighten screws yet). Tighten motor-mount to base after good alignment of shafts
The making sure the motor level is good and no tension on the shaft (rotate with hand with engine sitting on its mount).
Then take the head off the motor. Next get the Top Oil outlet disk (from the bag) and place it over the top of the motor. Attach it with regular 4 head screws that come with your engine head.
Next unscrew the screw at the side of the Oil outlet disk (silver screw) – do this as it will bind with the engine head/heater.
Next attach the head heater with the 4 small screws to the Oil outlet disk.
Next you’ll find the mount that will go over your exhaust port. Mount that with the 3 hand nuts, push rubber seal onto engine exhaust port as tightening.
Then remove the screw from the exhaust mount. Then attach the two hoses, ‘Top out’ to the head outlet, and ‘Bottom out’ to the exhaust.
If you don’t follow the steps in order, you’ll end up doing it multiple times to get it right 😀 (ask me how I know this).
Take the carb off the engine and install the white “Oil In” insert, tighten with regular carb screw. Connect the Inlet hose to the top of the carb .
Lastly, tighten the two screws that attach the drive shaft and crank shaft – ending BDC
I’m breaking in an AD3 motor here.
Next, put oil into the tank. I found it a little tricky but used a large syringe. I used 0W-20 Synthetic Oil (again, didn’t seem to be anything in the document to specify what to run, but this seems to be the lowest viscosity and I had some on hand).
Once the tank was full (leaving 1cm free):
I powered the system up. I’m using a normal 72Amp RC 12v power supply.
I had to make up a 4mm to 4mm power lead, fyi (would be nice if this was included).
There are two Modes to control the break-in process:
Mode 1 – Per the manual, Main break-in cycles. This starts by heating the motor and oil, then starts to rotate the once up to temp, pulling oil via the carb into the engine and then out.
This mode has 5 x 75min cycles a. Between each cycle, it stops, fires up the fans and cools the motor down again, before proceeding. Cycles as follows:
Cycle 1: – 450RPM
Cycle 2-4: 500RPM
Cycle 5 : 250RPM
Mode 2 – Performs a single 200RPM cycle for 60mins
Once the unit is running, you’ll see oil moving in and out of the engine, and back to the rear before passing thru the filter and back into the reservoir, where the whole process of oil flow continues. (Note: Oil looks kind of cloudy in tank, thats because its returning from the oil filter with tiny air bubbles)
Here is a picture of the screen during Cycle 1
Cycle 2 (before start)
Cycle 3 (again at start of cycle)
Cycle 4 – in process
Cycle 5 in process
Mode 2 – 1 x cycle in process (which by default followed Mode 1)
After this I took the motor out. I just happened to have a spare New in box Protek RM2 motor broken-in by Adam on deck. I put flywheels on both motors and compared the pinch. My feeling is they felt very close, which to me was a legitimate test against a baseline (of which Adam is the go-to for engine break-ins).
So there you have it. If you nitro race, and enjoy the process of maintaining engines, and would like to break-in your own engines, while pricey, the amount of design and development that has gone into this tool warrants the price, you also get 1 year warranty.
If you think about it, the basic version isn’t much more than a brand new Engine or new 1/8th kit; we can always justify new RC gear to ourselves 😀
Hope this helps. Hit me up with questions of feedback.
I always hear people ask how do these systems work. So I thought it might be useful to describe this and also compare the popular international governing bodies regarding with respect to RC Nitro Buggy racing.
Per EFRA [Reproduced from IFMAR 2022 Rules]
5 Qualifiers IFMAR style
All finals can be of 12 cars with 4 cars progressing to next final, and 6 cars from each semi final proceeding to Main A Final, together with a 13th car, that spot will be decided on a race of 15 minutes duration, after the first exhibition final
“A” series sub-finals will be composed of Odd places drivers following qualification . “B” series sub-finals will be composed of Even placed drivers after qualification .Every qualifying driver must progress to the main final in accordance with the accompanying Christmas tree (or Ladder for the US).
All sub-finals up to and including 1/128th A and B will be of 15 minutes duration . Then from 1/64th to quarter finals 20 minutes, Semi-final A and B 20/30 minutes, the final should be 45/ 60 minutes .
The top 3 (three) / 4 (four) from each up to the quarter finals progressing to the next sub-final and the first 5 (five) / 6 (six) from each semifinal progressing to the Main Final .
TQ driver after qualifying will have the right to practice in both semifinals .
Drivers will qualify for that final according to their results achieved at qualification rounds, top 10/12 will have the right to compete in this final except those who have reached the semi finals .
Last chance final will run based on remaining drivers in A/B Semis . There will be 13 drivers and the fastest will bump up to A-final, 13th position on the grid .
Pic below shows basic structure.
Per ROAR [Reproduced from IFMAR 2019 Rules]
ROAR adopts IFMAR rules. Basically similar to above. Except TQ goes right to the Main and does not get the choice to run the Semis.
4 Qualifiers IFMAR style
Structure mostly per EFRA Rules above.
Number of drivers bumping up is at the discretion of the track/event organizer.
IFMAR [Reproduced from IFMAR 2022 Rules]
6 Qualifiers IFMAR style
Structure mostly per EFRA Rules above.
All sub-finals are twenty (20) minutes duration, up to 1/8 finals, from 1/8th to semi finals all will be of thirty (30) minutes duration, with the top three/four (3/4) from each sub-final, up to the quarter (1/4) finals, progressing to the next sub-final, and the first four/five (4/5) from each semi (1/2) final progressing to the Main Final, along with the next two (2) fastest drivers from either of the two (2) semi-finals
After the finish of the quarter finals, each semi-final (‘A’ & ‘B’) is entitled a ten (10) minutes practice time with numbers and appropriate radio frequencies. TQ driver after qualifying will have the right to practice in both semifinal-practices..
Earlier in 2023, I got involved in the North East RC Racers Podcast (NERRP). One thing we talked about trying to do was develop regional standings for our North East region with regard to the most popular classes.
The standings will be similar to the Top25RC standings, that everyone loves to hate (not my opinion personally but I digress).
So finally, for Episode 7 of NERRP I developed a starting point for this Top 10 standings.
I’ve explained a lot of the details in the podcast but wanted to layout it out here, which can be easier to refer to than the contents of a video.
I’ve focused on just Nitro Buggy to start the conversation. I’ve then taken the top 10 finishers from named racers, scored them and put them into a spreadsheet. Here are the basic rules I have developed so far. Current standings are for the past events:
Trains opener
Barn Opener
LCRC Opener
Barn Mr B
LCRC North East Showdown
Barn Ness 1 (Likely to be dropped from series in 24)
Madness Ness 2 (Likely to be dropped from series in 24)
LCRC Party Rock Race
How it works (2023 Work in Progress)
On conflicting dates, larger (# of drivers) event supersedes
Currently top 10 finishing drivers scored
An Event has to have at least 5 drivers from other preceding events to be included
States included PA,NJ,NY, CT
Races in North East, including ONLY drivers from NY, PA, NJ (updated Aug 31, 2023)
With tiebreaker in points, racer that racers largest # of races takes precedence . Next tiebreaker goes to
• Barn Big Apple • LCRC Protek Challenge 7/23 • Ness Rnd 3 • LCRC Mugen Challenge /20 • NES Rn4 4 9/10 • LCRC Charity Race 9/17 • Trains HB Days Oct 1st
So here are the current standings for Nitro Buggy as of Aug 31,2023:
NOTE: Generally ignore the ‘Position from Last Result’ column as I have removed non-regional drivers, so some drivers artificially moved up or down. This will stabalize after the next scheduled race.
For those who want to know the full Top 25, here is the other 15 spots:
By all means, make comments, suggestions etc. We could build something that we can use in our region.
Earlier in 2023 I got involved in the North East RC Racers Podcast (NERRP). One thing we talked about trying to do was develop regional standings for our North East region with regard to the most popular classes.
The standings will be similar to the Top25RC standings, that everyone loves to hate (not my opinion personally but I digress).
So finally, for Episode 7 of NERRP I developed a starting point for this Top 10 standings.
I’ve explained a lot of the details in the podcast but wanted to layout it out here, which can be easier to refer to than the contents of a video.
I’ve focused on just Nitro Buggy to start the conversation. I’ve then taken the top 10 finishers from named racers, scored them and put them into a spreadsheet. Here are the basic rules I have developed so far. Current standings are for the past events:
Trains opener
Barn Opener
LCRC Opener
Barn Mr B
LCRC North East Showdown
Barn Ness 1 (Likely to be dropped from series)
Madness Ness 2 (Likely to be dropped from series)
LCRC Party Rock Race
How it works (2023 Work in Progress)
On conflicting dates, larger (# of drivers) event supersedes
Currently top 10 finishing drivers scored
An Event has to have at least 5 drivers from other preceding events to be included
States included PA,NJ,NY, CT
Races used in North East, rather than drivers – so visiting drivers are included
team-tobamiester 