DIY Network

Athens, TN: Speedzone Raceway Oval-Track From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-401

Mike Henderson, owner and proprietor of Speed Zone Raceway.

In this episode of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli visits Speed Zone Raceway in Athens, Tennessee. This dirt-oval track hosts several national competitions with multiple RC buggy classes being run.

The latest craze sweeping the RC off-road enthusiast is Truggies -- RC buggy transmissions with truck bodies. The frames are lowered for some fast-action laps around dirt oval tracks.

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Mike Henderson describes the types of RC racers that run on Speed Zone's dirt oval-track.

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of the particular radio-control models shown in this episode. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

Dirt-Oval Track Racing: Vehicle Classes

In this segment, Chris Chianelli visits with Speed Zone Raceway owner Mike Henderson. Mike shows Chris the different RC buggy classes available and the classes they run at Speed Zone Raceway.

Outlaw Class

• Outlaw 2WD truck that has been modified both in suspension and engine (figure A).

• 1/1O-scale late-model, modified with special body. Any modifications allowed.

• Outlaw modified 4WD buggy (figure B). 1/8-scale. One of the fastest variations, the engines used in this type vehicle are capable of more than 5 horsepower.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D

1/8-scale buggies (figure C). Entry-level and ideal for beginners. No modifications allowed for this class. Stock parts only.

Truggy Class

A recent craze to sweep RC racing, the truggy is a 1/8-scale buggy that has been modified by lowering the suspension, installing smaller tires and replacing the buggy body with a truck body (figure D). The general popularity of trucks has made this special "hybrid" a particularly hot property among racing enthusiasts. With the lowered stance, these RC vehicles are very fast -- reaching speeds of 60 mph or more.

	Figure E
	Figure F

Monster-Truck Class

1/10 and 1/8-scale 4wd monster trucks (figure E). Tires over 5" tall required.

Outlaw Class, 4WD

Many oval dirt-track enthusiasts consider the ultimate in this form of racing to be the Outlaw 4-wheel-drive buggy (figure F). It's what track owner Mike Henderson calls "full-blown outlaw racing." In this class, any type of modification is allowed. These highly modified racers may reach speeds over 65 mph.

In the segment that follows, Chris visits with several drivers in the pits at Speed Zone Raceway and gets some tips on racing off-road buggies.

RESOURCES :

Speed Zone Raceway Park
1116 North Congress Parkway Athens
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-744-8358
Toll-free: 866-590-0763
Web site: www.speedzoneraceway.com