Money talks; that's common knowledge. Indeed it's fair to suggest that unless one has stacks of cash to splash, owning and competing in something at the pointy end of the motorsport field is simply out of the equation. Knowing this, you can imagine my surprise when introduced to an amazing miniature motoring world.
That I have an intimate knowledge of the attributes and potential of nitro-methane and methanol as fuels certainly made the decision of actually getting off my butt and getting down to the Melbourne Radio Control Circuit Racers' Victoria (Australia) 'Gas Car' Championships that much easier. See, I was told that the engines in two out of the three classes rely on a mix of nitro and methanol, and my friends, I simply had to see that!
Also making the transition that little bit easier was a chance look-see of an electric car circuit and with it an amazement as to the speed and handling of the almost noiseless vehicles. I left pondering the differences between the environmentally friendly and unfriendly foes, however the 'winner' became obvious via my attendance at the championships.
The first thing that struck me was the awesome note of ten chemically supercharged one-cylinder engines screaming at 40,000 rpm. The little tackers looked great too, if only my eyes were at the efficient end of the scale. Man, are these things quick or what! Let's get this into perspective. At the top end, these radio controlled model race cars reach a dizzying 100 km/h in a mere two seconds - that's real time folks, not scale! They literally take only 30 metres to reach this phenomenal speed - with that on a short winding track and with handling to match! You can understand why I found it a little difficult capturing the blur on camera!
In Australia, as is the case in many parts of the world, the sport is dominated by three classes, plus there's another two fringe dwellers looking to come on board in the not-too-distant future. Current contenders include 1/8th scale, 1/10th scale, and 1/5th scale models with each class offering rules, body styles and specifications. The larger 1/5th scale class is relatively new to Australia, and differs quite radically to the smaller more nimble 1/8th and 1/10th scale.
A major difference is that they're driven by a racing version of the "Whipper Snipper" engine running on standard 2-stroke fuel (as opposed to the small glow type motors relying on the aforementioned methanol and nitro-methane mix). The larger machines also run "semi pneumatic" tyres that are more like a "real" racing tyre, where 1/8th and 1/10th scale run foam rubber tyres. The sheer size difference is also very noticeable, as is the competitors' propensity to paint their cars to look like local Super Tourers or V8 Supercars.
Lexan bodies mount over specially designed chassis (in all classes) with radio controlled throttle, steering and brake servos, plus fully independent suspension, adjustable differentials, disc brakes and automatic gearboxes. With adjustable everything, car set-up is as important as driver skill with factors such as differing track surfaces and temperatures affecting handling - hence spring rate, shock absorber dampening, roll bar, camber, castor and toe-in/toe-out fine tuning. Just like a full size racecar, tyres are available in a range of compounds, so choosing the right tyre for the conditions can be the difference between winning and losing.
In events the calibre of the Vic Champs, five minutes is allocated to heats of ten vehicles in the 1/8th and 1/10th scale arena, while ten minutes is allocated to the 1/5th scale vehicles. Also, depending on the size and location of an event, finals vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour in length. Heats are run 'against the clock', with drivers looking to complete the most laps in the designated time.
Most state capitals in Australia boast at least one impressive, well-designed and enthusiastically run track where the lure of the adrenalin rush created by these cars attracts competitors from all walks of life. Like many other high octane sports, once hooked it's hard moving on. Indeed, many become engrossed to the point where their all-consuming 'gas car' hobby leads to well rehearsed pit stops, carefully buffed and prepped tyres and the desire to own the latest and greatest in hand-held radio control gear!
Interestingly, for all that and a hobby offering so much speed and complexity, the cost isn't great. Often the difference between a front runner and a mid-fielder comes down to vehicle preparation and driver skill, not how much money is thrown at a vehicle.
The quickest of the bunch by a considerable margin are the 1/8th scale cars, and as you can also expect, they're more expensive to run. However the elite 'only' costs between A$1800 and A$2000 for a ready-to-run chassis. Add between A$300 and A$650 for a standard or 'tuned' engine (a tuned engine produces a little more power and flexibility), a radio control hand set (ranging in value from around A$150 up to A$700), a remote starter (A$200) plus a host of spares and you're up and running.
Running costs must also be taken into account; with a 1/8th devouring approximately A$400-A$500 over a three-day championship meeting. Costs include the nitro-methane and methanol fuels, a full set of tyres (at around A$150 a set), and a myriad of other things. It's a little less for the other scales, with purchase prices slightly down whilst offering significantly reduced running costs.
Currently under consideration for championship status are an additional two classes; Formula One 1/5th scale (replicas of the real thing) as well as a 1/10th scale derivative complete with pull starter. The whole idea is to offer the novice a cheaper entry level whilst still offering an enormous amount of fun.
Things tend to 'warm' up during the heats and - in particular - the finals, with lots of biff and barge, cars flying off into walls, spinning at high speed, shooting through the air and careering into each other. Mind you, if private practice is what is wanted, most tracks are available for use at any time. It's a fantastic arrangement and rates highly in the 'bang for your buck' arena. The sound, the speed and spills are huge, and well worth a look if you're in the area.
Australian Contacts:
Melbourne Radio Control Circuit Racers Inc.
President David Dean 0418 360 821, Dave Calwell 03 9752 7314,
Paul Giles 03 59 64 6858 or in the Geelong area Michael Stavropolous
03 52 419 227.
Queensland RC Drag Racing web site:
http://www.powerup.com.au/~richard1/home.htm
NSW Gas Car Club's Web site:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1798
Queensland Gas Car Club's Web Site:
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~qrccra/mainpage.htm
CMC; Local Gas Car distributor:
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~cusmod/
David Dean: Gas Car distributor:
0418 360 821
International Web Sites:
USA Gas Car Manufacturer:
http://www.serpent.nl/index.htm
The Starting Grid (Online RC Mag):
http://www.sgrid.com
Ron Paris Racing Products:
http://www.parisracing.com/
1/5 scale on line Mag:
http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~rev-up/index1.htm
1/5 scale manufacturer, LARO:
http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~slaro/
Dynamic 1/5 Scale Racing Cars:
http://www.ace-hobbies.com/Dynamic/main.htm
U.S F.G 1/5 Scale Distributor:
http://www.sei-racing.com
UK 1/8, 1/10 and 1/5 Scale manufacturer:
http://freespace.virgin.net/pb.racing/pbracing.htm
US distributor of BMT Gas Cars:
http://www.speedline-rc.com
Extensive RC car links list:
http://www.concentric.net/~nrwrc/links.html
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