Racing in a competition for the first time can be a ton of fun if you know what to expect and what to bring. By reading this article you can maximize your time at the event.

Race format Overview:
Most likely the race will follow a format close to this, checking in and practice, then qualifying heats (2 or 3 each), final heats (racing 1 each, sometimes triple a-mains), and results.

Pre Race Preparation:
Check with the track that you are racing at and see what they provide and what you need to bring. Many large races require you to bring your own table, chair, long extension cord, and power strip.

It is also good to go over your r/c car before you get to the track. This way you can use your small amount of practice time for dialing in your setup and not fixing problems.

Arriving at the Event:
Check in as soon as you get there. Some people have forgot to check in and where very embarrassed. At check in they with verify the class that you are racing in. This will also verify that they got your entry form and fees. Depending on your class they will sometimes give you an overview of the class and what you are allowed to run. If you are running a handout class, where they provide you with certain tires or motor, they usually give those items to you or direct you where to pick them up. They also can give you information such as practice times and when the qualifying will start.

Setting up your pit space:
Setup by friends or other people running the same car as you. This is a great time to make friends, which will help you in case you need help or a spare part.

Check over your car:
Do another check to make sure that everything is race ready. Start charging any batteries you need for practice and qualifying. If you are in a handout class, install them in your car and do a basic overall check. Some key things to check are:
Tight screws and nuts, adjust any tension on belts, suspension movement, differential, outdrives, secure motor screws, good gear mesh, tight pinion gear, and fresh fuel or batteries ready.

Practice:
Take extra fuel or batteries with you. The usual way for practice is the frequency clip system. Unless you have the frequency clip for you car do not turn on your radio, this includes at your pit table. When you have the frequency clip take a few laps to see how your setup works on the track. Return your frequency clip and make the necessary adjustments and test the setup again. Usually you will want to already have your car with a stock setup when arrive at the track and make adjustments once you are there during practice. Here are some tips that will help you get the best setup for the event:
Tires - Tires make up 90% of the cars handling, so you better get this bit right! People can be on or off the pace depending what tire choice they make. Many races have control, spec, or handout tires. To make the racing more even. If not using specific tires, then the best thing to do is ask around and see what tires the fastest people are running. If racing indoors on carpet, then you will only need the one set of tires, as whatever other people are using will be good for next time. Outside in varying weather conditions, it would be advisable to have at least 2 to 3 sets of tires. A hot condition tire, a cold condition, and of course a wet tire! Find out what ones to get, ask around most people will be happy to help you! On-road or Off-road ask around.

Batteries and motor choice
Really this should be sorted out before you get to the track! Then if you need a motor or batteries go and buy them! It really is that simple! Motor wise go for the best you can buy, are there (you should have at least 2 if not 3) Buy batteries with good voltage and ones that will last long enough for the motor you are running!

Stock class - Batteries like matched 2400's are perfect. 3000's are 3300’s great too, but not a necessity.

Mod Class - You need better batteries for this! Matched 3000's or 3300’s the choice battery for this class.

Find out when your qualifying heat is:
Sometime during practice or sign-up the track will post heat number and car number. Go as soon as they are displayed, and check twice!

Qualifying and Race Heats:
Be ready at least five to ten minutes before your heat. This will allow you to get your transponder when called and not be late to the drivers stand. Many races are on a time schedule in the computer and will start automatically. Make sure you put fresh batteries in or re-fuel your car. Put tape or something on the used batteries just to make a visual reference not to put these back in the car once they are used! Same with fuel, fill the tank up. Corners which have accidents in qualifying are going to be even busier whilst racing. Learn form this and try to avoid bundling into them whilst racing. Also if there's a corner which you get wrong remember it for the main. If someone is trying to lap you, and is clearly faster than you, do not try and race him for position! Mostly likely you will ruin his run and yours, and you could get penalized for this. For the first round of qualifying, you start in the order of the numbers you were given by the computer; i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... with usually a IFMAR style start (going when the announcer calls your number or at a tone) Thus meaning your not actually racing each other for position! When you finish your heat, pull off as soon as you finish (or in the pull off area if there is one) and wait there until the rest of the heat is finished. For the next two heats, the starting order will be, reverse order or the order you finished in for the round beforehand. Qualifying is all a big gamble. If you are not doing good, each new round, make changes to your cars set up and see what these results have and try and get it right for the main race. A car which is easier to drive but maybe slower will be better in a race, because you ca not always keep up on the edge driving for length of the race in a faster car. Try to get as good as possible so you know you limits for race. i.e. "I can take that end corner flat out" so you will know that for racing!

After you heats:
Immediately put your car down, return your transponder, and then go and marshal. Sometimes you are able to take your car back to your pit area and sometimes it must be left on the radio check table. Either way, make sure you get back out to the track to do your turn marshaling duties! Every racer has to turn marshal the race immediately after theirs, this is the best way to make sure everyone does their marshal duty and everyone has an equal chance to get going the right way if they crash or make a mistake during their race. After marshaling, the first thing you should do for an electric car is take batteries out, and if they are not fully dumped, put them on a discharger! By now the results of your heat should be posted and you can see how you stand for the next race or the trophy ceremony.

Results:
Depending on how you did in your main or average of A-main points will determine how you stand overall. If you are in at least one of the top three spots of the A-main you should receive some kind of trophy. Some events give trophies for all top three racers in each main.

Most of all try to remember that you are there first to have fun and second to win the race.