The following are general car racing rules for qualifying car racing matches

1. RACE STARTS: A two minute warm up will be announced, followed by a 30 second call to the starting line. At the 30-second call, the cars will move to the line or be placed in position by their pit crew.

The cars may be fuelled at this time, providing it does not impede the start of the race. At the 5 second time, the pit crew will leave the starting grid and the Starting Director will motion with their hand that 5 seconds remain. The race will be started with a flag or over the PA system. Find out what a car racing day in involves

2. QUALIFYING: Qualifying heats will be five minutes in length. Main event race times will be determined prior to each event.

3. FLAMEOUTS: If a vehicle flames out during Qualifying and must be removed from the track surface to be restarted, it cannot be returned to the racing surface during that Qualifier. Vehicles may be restarted during the Main Events, however, under no circumstances are the pit crew allowed onto the racing surface to retrieve a vehicle, nor are turn marshals allowed to assist in restarting or repairing any vehicle. If a vehicle is restarted during the Main Event, it must be placed back onto the surface past the transponder line/scoring area.

4. PIT STOPS:> All classes must pit a minimum of one time during a race exceeding 10 minutes. The number of required pit stops for each event exceeding 11 minutes will be announced at the event.

GR1.5 TRACK REQUIREMENTS: Tracks shall be fully surrounded with a minimum barrier of 8" above the highest portion of the track surface. Barrier should be anchored to the ground or have the outside braced with a heavy weight such as a hay bail.

GR1.6 PIT LANE: A portion of the non-race surface will be designated as "Pit Lane" and must be separated by a barrier from the race surface. Pit Lane will only be used for re-fuelling and minor repairs. The vehicles must be removed from the track surface and placed behind the barrier for re-fuelling and repair. Drivers are to exercise caution when exiting Pit Lane. Any vehicle exiting Pit Lane that interferes with a vehicle on the racecourse is subject to a penalty. The Race Director will assess penalties. What does RC Stand For?

7. PIT CREW: Pit crews may not exceed 2 persons.

8. MUFFLERS: All vehicles must have an exhaust system that directs the exhaust parallel to the ground or directly at the ground. Mufflers must be intact while the vehicle is running. The muffler can be no louder than 77db when measured from 30 feet.

GR1.9 TRANSMISSION: See Individual Class Rules.

10. ENGINE TIMING: No variable timing engines are allowed.

11. ENGINE COOLING: No liquid cooled engines are allowed.

12. AIR INDUCTION: No forced or ram type air induction systems are allowed.

GR1.13 ENGINE TECH: At National, State and Divisional Events, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place engines may be disassembled to insure proper compliance with all specifications.

14. CLUTCH: All vehicles must have a clutch between the engine flywheel and vehicle drive gear.

15. SUPPLEMENTAL THROTTLE RETURN: In case of servo failure, vehicles must incorporate a positive action return spring attached directly to the carburettor throttle arm.

16 FUELS: Fuels will contain only 20% Nitro methane. No other additives will be allowed. At NORRCA-Sanctioned events, the Track/Promoter may supply fuel for a nominal fee. This shall not exceed the ounce per gallon price. Racers must supply a fuel bottle.

17. FUEL TANK, FILTERS & LINES: The maximum fuel allowed in the tank and fuel lines is 75cc. 1 filter allowed in the carburettor line. Maximum of 8" of fuel line on the carburettor side. No reserve tanks allowed. Electric rc's

18. BRAKES: All cars must have a braking system capable of slowing the vehicle to a complete stop.

19. TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS: Engine, fuel tank capacity, carburettor bore, exhaust bore, and/or any other scale specifications may be checked at any time by the Race Director.

20. SAFETY: The Track Owner and/or Club President are required to provide gloves to be worn by the Turn Marshals. It is highly recommended that pit crews also wear protective gloves. rc car racing rule

DISCLAIMER: Any Pit Crew or Turn Marshall that receives a burn and is not wearing protective gloves will not be covered by NORRCA insurance.

22. QUICK CHANGE PARTS: No Quick-change parts are allowed.

In addition to the rules it provides, NORRCA also has a full club and track listing, as well as a list of endorsed brands.

Though it is not necessary to purchase membership in either of these or any other organizations, if you plan to race your RC you must be aware of all of the rules governing the sport. ROAR and NORRCA exist to make it easier for numerous small clubs to consult just one set of rules. This makes races, championships and other events more consistent and better for the racers. How rc cars work

Whether your RC car will be racing at the Nationals or just up and down the street, these organizations can be great resources for finding out about local clubs and events. They also provide excellent technical information so you can be sure your RC vehicle is up to specifications.