DIY Network

High-Speed Oval-Track Racing From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-401

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-vehicle classes being run. The vehicles of choice at this flat dirt track are buggy racers, monster trucks, highly modified "outlaw" racers, and the newest entry in the field -- a hybrid buggy with a truck body known as a "truggy."

In this final segment, Chris gets to try his luck on the track with some of the local hot-shot buggy and "truggy" racers.

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The Big Race

In this dirt-track competition, after qualifying rounds the winning drivers move on to the finals. An actual race consists of 100 laps around the track with two pit-stops allowed for refueling. Since races in this class are frequently won by only fractions of a second, the drivers adjust and tweak their buggies to achieve their best possible results.

High-speed oval-track racing is one of the purest forms of RC auto-racing and is actually known by the nickname "Turn Left, Go Fast." Basically it consists of running at full speed on the straights, then braking as deeply as possible into a turn, then throttle-on power-slides out of the turn followed by returning to full throttle into the straight. The winner of the race will be the skilled driver who has mastered this sequence to a perfect rhythm.

So where did Chris Chianelli end up at the race's finish? Fifth place. A respectable showing, but no match for the hardcore enthusiasts at Speed Zone.

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.

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