Hello Racers! 

With our Track Building getting close to completion, we wanted to cover a topic that is important to us! We want our all of our racers to have a great experience at our track, but in order to do so we want everyone to display proper racing etiquette! 

1. The Drivers Stand: 

• Don't Cut in line: If there is a line of drivers trying to get on the stand, wait your turn. To build on that, it is important to wait for the drivers from the previous race to exit the stand. 
• One of the worst things you could do on the driver's stand is to yell at other drivers, marshals, or employees of the track. Most marshals will not flip over your car if you are yelling at them. If no one sees your car after an appropriate amount of time goes by, it would be okay to nicely call for a marshall. 
• "When on the stand be aware of how you are standing on the stand, having your radio hanging out, or leaning way out makes it difficult for other drivers to see sometimes. It’s called the drivers’ stand, not the drivers’ slouch. Stand up when racing. You’ll drive better and you’ll be less likely to block the view of other drivers. Also, if you have a preferred spot on the stand, get there first. Don’t be the last guy on the drivers’ stand and expect other to move for you." - adapted from RC Truck Stop

2. Driving: 

• Let off the Throttle: When you are waiting for a marshall to pick up your car, let off of the Throttle. It is not safe for marshals to pick up your car if  your holding down the throttle. 
• If your Car breaks down take it off the track: Pretty Simple. 
• Don't intentionally try to crash into other racers: This should be obvious, but be good sport and don't ruin someone else's car or race on purpose. Plus we all pay for parts, and know how the expenses add up. 
• That being said, if you accidentally bump into another racer, wait for them and allow them to re gain their position back. Once you do this, you can try to pass with a clean pass. 

A few notes in general:

• Watch Language: There are families and children that come out to race and spectate. We want it to be a friendly environment. All in all just pay attention to your audience. 
• "If you are having a bad race–and all of us do at some point–do not take your frustrations out on your truck. You have a couple of choices here: either slow your pace down and finish your race or pull your vehicle off the track at a safe spot and wait until the race is over to get it. If you happen to be in the unlucky position of being yelled at on the stand, be the bigger person and let it go, leave the battles for racing on the track, not on the stand or in the pits." - adapted from RC Truck Stop

A few notes: Content was adapted from RC Truck Stop and Track Etiquette by Shaun Duffy. 

We are back again with some helpful information on RC Car Batteries! This article will help you determine which type of battery is a good fit for you and the advantages vs disadvantages of each type. 

Note: When choosing a battery you have to make sure you have the proper charger that works with that battery type. 

Let's Get into it!

LiPo: 

Advantages: 

• LiPos are lighter and smaller in dimension. 
• Not limited in the shape or size they can come in.
• Have higer capacities and voltages - this can potentially allow for more speed and power. Typical Voltages include: 7.4V, 11.1V, 14.8V, and 22.2V
• They discharge energy at a different and flatter rate which is what allows them to have more power. This allows for a more consistent stream of energy to your motor.
• Charge Faster

Disadvantages: 

• LiPos can be dangerous. If the battery is not stored properly or if it becomes damaged and punctured, fire could occur. 
• They have a shorter life span meaning they last between 300 and 400 cycles. 

"LiPos are made of carbon and highly reactive lithium, which can store a lot of energy.  With the flat structure the inner resistance is smaller (UPOWER)."

NiMH: 

Advantages: 

• More User Friendly
• Typically can endure more charging cycles, meaning they potentially have a larger life span. 
• They cost less then LiPos. 
• Not as likely to catch fire if punctured.

Disadvantages:

• This battery loses power throughout the run, meaning your car slowly loses power until the battery is completely dead. 
• Heavy Weight 
• Lower Voltages: Typically come in 3.6V and 7.2V, etc. 

"NiMH batteries use hydrogen to store energy, with nickel and another metal (such as titanium) keeping a lid on the hydrogen ions. It often comes in a cylindrical shape.(UPOWER)."

 What are your opinions on these Batteries? Leave us a comment below! Check out our Batteries Here. 

Sources:

• Nosy Nation: LiPo vs NiMH: What's your battery of choice? (2016). 
• UPOWER: 8 Difference Between Nimh vs Lipo Battery