Getting the right setup for a new track can be frustrating and cause tempers to flare. This is the exact opposite of what driving any R/C car is supposed to be. This small article will give you a basic guide to getting a great track setup by following some simple steps.

What should I do when I get to the track?
Find a pit spot and unload all your gear. Get set up and start charging a battery or fuel up your vehicle. Once you have everything situated and have a few extra moments, walk over to the track and check it out. If it is a track you race at all the time, you'll be familiar with the size, the traction, and the competition. If this is not a track you know, pay close attention to the size. This will give you an idea of the motor and gearing you will go with. Also, if you can, check out one of the locals on the track. He (or she) will most likely be making some fast laps and will show you the fast lines! Look for cracks in the pavement, bumps, or any other irregularities that will cause you handling problems. On dirt, look for large ruts or unbalanced/uneven jumps. Off-road might be a bit easier since a 'groove' will form to show you around the track.

Where Do I Start With The Setup?
First, I would suggest a starting setup. Usually the stock setup is something that is easy to drive but probably not the best setup for every track. Always try to have it on the car when you get to the track. You know how it works and it's easy to make changes to it to make your car faster. Pay attention to the weather, also. Cold, windy or overcast days will wreak havoc on traction. You may have to soften the car up a bit to get the maximum performance from your car. Hot, humid days will make the ground sticky, especially if you are running soft tires. This could cause your car to push or even the dreaded traction roll! Weather plays effects the handling of the car because it changes the characteristics in the shock oil. So take your time and experiment. Write down your results of every change and the conditions at the time of the test.

Driving your first laps!
Once you have an idea of where to start, head for the track. The first couple laps don't need to be hot laps. This is the track learning period. I've seen to many people go out right off the bat and crush their car because they wanted to keep up with the racer that has had five practice sessions on the track already. Learn the track first, and then take some hot laps. It should take you about 5 or 6 laps to get the track down pretty good.

Back In The Pits!
Start charging another battery or refuel, and make one change to your car. Follow the procedure above, but you should only need to do 2 or 3 slow laps to get used to the change in the car. Continue to do this until you find a good setup you're happy with.

Don’t forget to make sure you check out what tires the fast people are running. A good set of tires will make an ill handling car drivable. If you don’t know the track and what tires everyone runs, ask around. Tires alone can make or break your experience at the track.

Good Luck and Happy Driving,
- Heather -