Retro Racers At Hinckley Radio Controlled Car Club

[Jammer]

Retro Racers - 1/10 Vintage Electric Buggy Racing

From Saturday 2nd May 2009, Hinckley Radio Controlled Car Club (HRCCC) in Leicestershire will be hosting a new series for vintage (inc. re-released) 1/10 electric buggies as part of its weekly off road summer season.

The class, called 'Retro Racers', has just 3 simple requirements*:

1. Any make and model of 2WD/4WD 1/10 electric buggy - pre 1996.
   
2. Mabuchi RS540 motor - either kit supplied or Mardave G1/G2.
   
3. 7.2V NiCd/NiMH or 7.4V LiPo cells
   

*Usual club rules applies

Retro Racers is intended to be a cost effective, fun and inclusive series providing a competitive racing environment for vintage and re-released buggies.

In addition to vintage buggy racing, HRCCC will be running 2WD and 4WD classes and is delighted to be hosting a round of the West Midlands Regional 2WD championships on 24th May 2009.

Q&A

Q. Can I modify my buggy?

A. By all means do - either with off the shelf or home-made parts.

Q. Can I run an esc?

A. Sure can.

Q. Why can't I run a modified motor?

A. A decision was made to only permit Mabuchi motors to help level the performance difference between buggies, assist with reliability/maintenance/cost and encourage newcomers to racing.

Q. I'm interested in racing, how can I find out more about the club?

A. Follow the HRCCC link: http://hinckleyrccc.co.uk/index.htm

If you have any further questions please contact me.

Thanks

James

[Eddystone]

This sounds like a great idea. Good fun racing where the wad in your wallet isn't going to play a major role in the results. Has much interest been shown yet for this vintage racing event? Might be time for me to drag a Hornet or Ultima out of retirement just for a bit of fun racing.

[Jammer]

Hi there Chap,

Thanks for your response...

I reckon there's going to be a good heat full to begin with - hopefully more if the word can be spread. Talking to the Chairman today at racing, HRCCC is thinking about buying a couple of re-released Mardave Cobras so that newcomers can 'try before they buy'. The natural choice would be for these Cobras to run in the Vintage class.

It would be great to see an old Ultima running again...my mate will be running a 6 gear gold tub RC10 and I'm racing a modified Frog.

Come and join us...it'll be fun. Everyone is welcome...so bring you mates.

Cheers

James

[Eddystone]

Been reading the Hinckley RCC website and your postings here and it sounds like a nice club. Might have to come and check you guys out sooner. What's the standard racing like? Many Tamiyas raced in the 4WD or is it all the latest fancy kit? I wouldn't mind some fun racing but nothing too serious. If I turned up with an old TB-01 or stock TT-01 and generally got in everyones way on the track how would it go down? The last time I raced at a club the original Ultima was an up to date race car!

Richard

[Jammer]

Hi Richard,

In my experience, Hinckley is one of nicest clubs in the Midlands. In the top touring car finals, you've got a very high standard of racing - Andy Moore was racing a few weeks ago. But there's a good mixture of abilities and age groups and the club is very accommodating of newcomers...

Most touring car racers at the club are running either the HB Cyclone or Xray 008 chassis...but I wouldn't worry about turning up with a TB01 or TT01...a chap turned up the other week with an old Traxxas 4-tec. Alternatively, there's a big following for Mardave (about 3 or 4 full heats per week)...that's always a good laugh - if you're interested in trying Mardave, I could lend you a car.

Send me a PM if you fancy coming along - I'm there most weeks.

Cheers

James

[wrightpumpkin]

Not ever done any club racing, is there any entry fees to the club and races? Only got Tamiyas as runners tt01 and off road trucks, what is suitable. Very interested in coming along as im just over 20 mile away.

[Jammer]

Hi there Bud...

There's a small racing fee of £6 for a non-member or £5 if you join the club.

At the moment we're running indoors on carpet - the classes are:

Touring Car - Stock

Touring Car - Mod

Mardave V12 - Stock

Mardave V12 - Mod

1/12th Pan Car

From the 9th May, we'll be going back outdoors to run:

2WD electric buggy

4WD electric buggy

2WD/4WD vintage elec. buggy (aka Retro Racers)

If you've still got your Hornet or Madbull (or anything similar) you'd be more than welcome to join in with the vintage class. However, if you didn't want to use your own car - the club is currently talking about buying some club owned cars that can be hired out.

If you'd like to know more - just drop me a PM and we can have a proper chat

Cheers

James

[igbandy]

So, outdoor classic/vintage off road racing in the midlands?

Tell me more about the outdoor racing please! I am not too fussed about racing indoors. But a bit of outdoor buggy racing could well be interesting.

And it will get me round to rebuilding some of my classic Schumacher`s

[Jammer]

Hi igbandy,

You're from Tamworth hey...I work in Amington.

Yeah...rebuild your classic Schmachers...what you got? ...XLS? ...Cougar?

HRCCC will be running three classes this outdoor season; 2WD, 4WD and Vintage (2WD/4WD mixed together).

The vintage class is a great opportunity for people to run their classic or re-released racers in a fun, fair and competitive environment. The class is ideally suited to vintage buggy enthusiasts and newcomers alike who want to compete in a less demanding setting than offered by modern buggy classes.

The three requirements of the class are intended to be as inclusive as possible, practical and in tune with product availablility. For instance, the motor rule is hoped to achieve the following:

1. assist levelling the performance differences between buggies

2. minimise drive train stress and wear

3. provide racing speeds that are more controllable for newcomers

4. help keep equipment costs as low as possible

Other than the three running requirements - anything else is acceptable i.e. chassis mods, modern wheels/tyres, esc etc.

Hopefully that gives you the gist of what the class is about...

So if you're interested in dusting off one of your Schmachers and reliving the good ole days...you'll be more than welcome to join us at HRCCC this summer.

Cheers

James

[igbandy]

Hi James,

It`s a small world eh. I live the other side of town, but work down the road from Amington in Kettlebrook.

Anyway back to the racing, I have an XLS a Procat and a couple of Cougars, also got a Yokomo Dogfighter as well.

I would love to run them again, and the motor rules sound good. I will keep an eye on this thread for more details on dates etc.

Andy

[Jammer]

Hi Andy,

Small world indeed...

Any of those cars would fit in just fine.

I've had quite a few PMs now from TC members expressing an interest in racing at HRCCC...the class should be well attended.

I'll keep you informed of progress.

Catch you later...

James

[Eddystone]

Small world indeed - I spend a day a week working in Tamworth every week too !!

Should have my original 1987 Kyosho Ultima running for the vintage racing. The silver can motor limit is a great idea as hopefully I won't kill the gears as that's the one part I'd have more trouble ( expense! ) replacing.

Think I'll back it up with a spare Hornet or Frog. Also got plans on getting a Wild One racing again but it needs some work!!

Question for Jammer. Is the class is going to very inclusive? - be nice to see the odd Subaru Brat,VW Beetle, or other non-buggy bodied racer just like it was back in the day.

For everyone except Jammers benefit ( He already knows too well as he played an excellent host ) - I had the pleasure of racing indoors at the Hinckley club last meeting and had a great time. Raced a Mardave V12 for the first time and had a very enjoyable afternoon. Looking forward to getting back over there for another go.

Pssssttttt...... as a non-member I only paid £5 to race too - must have been an oversight at the cash changing hands stage - don't tell anyone!

Richard

[Jammer]

Following on from Richard's post...

Inclusive is the theme and, in my mind, the Subaru Brat and other non-buggy bodied off road cars are very much in keeping with the spirit of vintage racing. The mission is to get as many vintage cars off the shelf and onto the track where they belong.

James

[Mr. ED]

Following on from Richard's post...

Inclusive is the theme and, in my mind, the Subaru Brat and other non-buggy bodied off road cars are very much in keeping with the spirit of vintage racing. The mission is to get as many vintage cars off the shelf and onto the track where they belong.

James

don't forget the cameras guys. I want to see many pics, please.

[Jammer]

Will do Mr ED...

[Jammer]

Just a quick up-date on the retro racing class at Hinckley...

Due to popular demand the season will now start a week earlier on Saturday the 2nd May.

I've had quite a few PMs from people interested in racing their vintage buggies, but could do with firming up some number for the club. As such I'd be grateful if you could contact me ASAP.

As an incentive for you all, everyone running a vintage buggy at HRCCC will get complementary Retro Racers stickers...

You can see pics of my Frog in Retro Retros livery in my showroom (see link)

Retro Racers Frog

Looking forward to hearing from you...

Cheers

James

[caddy shack]

Count me in still james. dont know what andy or the others are doing but know doubt they will be intouch.

frog looks great .

look fowards to this best get my frog stripped & rebuilt its had a hard week on the beach lol.

c.

[igbandy]

Hi Everyone, sorry I not been in touch sooner James. Unfortunately I am working on May 2nd . But I will do my best to get over sometime soon.

[Jammer]

Just a reminder to everyone that Retro Racers starts this Saturday (2nd May) at Hinckley RCCC, Leicestershire...

We suggest people start arriving from 11:30 to get booked in, set-up and help lay the track markings. Racing is intended to start at 13:00 and finish about 18:00.

Format of the meeting will be 4 rounds of qualifying and a final. Duration of the races is 5 minutes. The track surface is grass.

You'll need to bring a 12v DC supply with you to charge your cells. Please also bring spare sets of crystals if you have them. Gazebos and tents are welcome.

Race fees are £6 for members £7 for non-members (membership fee is just £4).

We anticipate there will be a total of 30 - 40 drivers racing 2WD, 4WD and Retro classes.

For more information and directions, please visit:

http://www.hinckleyrccc.co.uk/index.htm

All are welcome....so remember to bring your mates.

Look forward to seeing you all there...

Cheers

James

[Jammer]

Saturday's first meeting went well, helped by the glorious sunshine. The old buggies were well received by drivers from other classes who remembered the racing from the 80s. It was nice to see two youngsters in the heat racing with the HRCCC club Mardave Cobras - the retro class gave them the opportunity to enjoy racing that they wouldn't get from a typical 2wd buggy heat.

As for me - my Frog was a hand full to begin with due to excessive grip roll, but I made a number of changes throughout the day and got use to easing the car through the corners. Speed wise, I think the decision to limit the series to silver can motors was right - I found my Frog had good torque out of the corners and a fair pace down the straight. To put the performance into perspective, my overall time in the final would have placed me second in the 2wd buggy C final, just 1 second behind the leader - not bad for a buggy designed in 1983!

Racing aside - the important thing was that I went home with a big smile on my face and lots of happy thoughts to see me through the week ahead. Looking forward to next week's meeting when the series starts in earnest.

Photos from the meeting can be found in my showroom

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.a...11&id=14357

If you're wondering what to do next Saturday, dust off a buggy and come and join us for some vintage racing fun...

Cheers

James

[tamiya monkey]

The idea of the vintage buggy racing is music to my ears, im hoping to get over there in the next week or two, great pictures by the way.

[igbandy]

Hi James, I am hoping to get over this Saturday as I am not working this week.

The cut off date is 1996 I see. Just found out the instruction manual for my Yokomo HotDog and it says 1995 on the front cover

Seeing as both of my CATS need alot of TLC, I will bring this and my Cougar along.

[Jammer]

Hi Tamiya Monkey and Andy,

It'll be great if you can both make it this Saturday...there should be a good crowd of us this week now that the Bank Holiday weekend is out the way.

Andy, your Hot Dog will be good competition for my mate's 6 gear RC10. What set-up you planning on running?

James

[igbandy]

Setup wise, I want to go with a LIPO, do I have to use a hard cased pack? or is a soft pack ok. If thats not ok, I have some oldish but little used Reedy/Sanyo 2000 sc`s that I have been cycling they seem to be giving decent power. Motor wise as the hotdog didnt come with a motor, I am going to put all of my mabuchi silver cans thru my shinwa motor dresser and find the best ones .

[Jammer]

Setup wise, I want to go with a LIPO, do I have to use a hard cased pack? or is a soft pack ok. If thats not ok, I have some oldish but little used Reedy/Sanyo 2000 sc`s that I have been cycling they seem to be giving decent power. Motor wise as the hotdog didnt come with a motor, I am going to put all of my mabuchi silver cans thru my shinwa motor dresser and find the best ones .

Hi Andy,

I'm not sure what the club's policy is on uncased LiPo packs, I'll check and get back to you.

Cheers

James