Unfortunately, it’s getting harder to find a good RC track. My closest RC track is thirty miles from my house, and I’m lucky I even have one that close.
If you’ve got the space, you can create your own RC racing track in a single afternoon. But what makes for a good RC track?
Every RC track is unique, and the features of the track are what make it exciting to drive. The combination of obstacles, jumps, and tight corners are what makes a great track.
Every RC track is unique, but there are some essential factors to consider when constructing your own RC racing track.
With that in mind, the most challenging part of building a new track is coming up with good ideas for the track.
Let’s explore some good track ideas and help you construct your dream RC track.
What Makes A Good RC Track?
Most great RC racetracks have some similarities, so it’s worth learning from these excellent tracks when constructing your own.
A good RC racetrack provides a challenging and enjoyable experience for racers of all skill levels.
Several key factors contribute to a quality RC racetrack:
- Layout: The layout of the track should be carefully designed to offer a variety of challenges and opportunities for skillful maneuvering. The track should be wide enough to accommodate multiple cars racing side by side but narrow enough to provide technical turns and obstacles.
- Surface: The track’s surface should provide good traction for the tires of RC cars. Popular materials include clay, dirt, and carpet, depending on the type of RC car and the preferences of the racers.
- Obstacles: A good RC racetrack should have a variety of obstacles, including jumps, banked turns, and other challenges that test the driver’s skill and precision.
- Safety: Safety should be a top priority when designing an RC racetrack. The track should be designed with clear boundaries and safety barriers to prevent cars from leaving the track and colliding with spectators.
- Accessibility: The track should be accessible for racers and spectators, with adequate parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep an RC racetrack in good condition. The track surface should be regularly maintained. Any damage should be repaired or replaced as needed.
No RC driver enjoys a track that is boring or too easy. This means that a good RC track must be interesting without being too challenging either.
Questions to Ask When Designing Your RC Track
If you’re trying to design the perfect RC racetrack, it can be intimidating to stare at a blank piece of paper.
Here are some important questions to ask to help you get started.
What Type of Cars Will be Racing on Your RC track?
RC tracks are typically designed for a single type of car.
Street cars or dragsters are designed for racing on smooth surfaces such as pavement or carpets. They require a track with long straightaways and sweeping turns.
On the other hand, off-road RC cars and buggies are designed for rough terrain, such as dirt or gravel. They need a track with jumps, bumps, and banked turns.
Short-course trucks are scaled-down versions of full-sized off-road trucks. They are best suited for a track similar to an off-road track but with shorter straightaways and tighter turns.
Consider the size and power of the RC cars racing on the track.
Smaller 1/18 scale RC cars can navigate a more compact track, while larger 1/10 scale or 1/8 scale RC cars require a massive track with wider turns and longer straightaways.
Considering your RC car’s scale can help you create a layout and design that is appropriate and enjoyable for the racers.
What is the Skill Level of the Drivers?
Next, consider the skill level of the racers using it. The track design should be appropriate for the drivers’ skill level to ensure that it is both challenging and enjoyable.
For beginner drivers, the track design should be forgiving and easy to navigate. This may include a simple layout with fewer obstacles and easy turns. Keep the track surface smooth to prevent the RC cars from losing control.
Intermediate drivers can get a little more complex. Add additional obstacles such as jumps, turns, and banked corners. This will provide a challenge for the drivers and improve their skills.
You can pull out all the stops when designing a track for advanced drivers. The track design should be challenging, with tricky obstacles and tight turns. This will test the driver’s ability to control their RC car at high speeds and tight spaces.
Finally, consider the age range of the drivers using the track.
Children and teenagers may require a simpler track design than adults since they may not have as much experience or skill. No matter the age range, the track should be designed to ensure that it is safe for all ages and skill levels.
How Big Should the Track Be?
Indoor tracks can range in size from around 20 feet by 40 feet to 50 feet by 100 feet. Smaller tracks are typically used for slower cars or tighter courses with more obstacles. Larger tracks are usually used for faster cars and courses with longer straightaways.
Outdoor tracks range from around 80 feet by 120 feet to over 200 feet by 400 feet. The track should be large enough to allow for high speeds and long straightaways and enough room for tight corners and technical sections.
The track’s size also depends on the number of racers using the track simultaneously. If you plan on having a dozen racers at one time, you’ll need a larger track than if you only expect a few cars at once.
What Surface\Terrain will The Track be Made Of?
When designing an RC race track, spend some time thinking about the terrain and surface of the track.
The terrain will determine the type of RC cars that can be used, and the surface will determine the speed and handling of the RC cars.
Flat surfaces like a parking lot or gym floor are most suitable for on-road RC cars. On the other hand, off-road RC cars would be more appropriate if the track is built on natural terrains such as grass, dirt, or sand.
The track’s surface should be smooth and even, without any bumps or irregularities that can cause the RC cars to lose control. The surface should allow good traction so RC cars can accelerate and corner effectively.
The terrain and surface of the track will also affect the amount of maintenance required for the track.
For instance, dirt tracks require regular maintenance, such as grading and watering, to keep the surface smooth and free from dust. On the other hand, a track built on a flat surface, such as a parking lot or gym floor, will require less maintenance.
What Obstacles Should You Have on Your Track?
Now for the fun part: how you place obstacles and challenges on your track.
These can include jumps, hairpin turns, and other features that test the driver’s skill and make the race more exciting.
Avoid placing obstacles haphazardly. It should be done in a strategic and well-thought-out manner.
You’ll want to place obstacles in areas where drivers can safely navigate them, providing a challenge to the driver without causing collisions or accidents.
It is also important to consider the difficulty level of the obstacles and challenges on the track. The difficulty level should be appropriate for the skill level of the drivers using the track.
Finally, the placement of obstacles and challenges on the track should also consider the safety of the drivers and the spectators. They should be placed in areas that will not obstruct the driver’s view or cause collisions.
What Safety Features Should You Include?
When designing an RC race track, it is vital to consider the layout of the track. The layout will determine the flow of the race, the speed of the cars, and the track’s difficulty level.
The track should have a clear and visible starting line and be wide enough to accommodate all the cars without causing collisions or accidents. Corners should be designed to minimize the risk of collisions and to provide a safe turning radius for the cars.
Take into account the speed of the cars, as well.
For example, if the track is designed for slower RC cars, the corners should be wider for easier turning. If the track is designed for faster RC cars, the corners should be tighter to provide a greater challenge.
Tracks should also provide enough opportunities for passing and overtaking. This makes the race more exciting and will allow drivers to showcase their skills and driving ability.
Wrapping It Up
Many features can be used on RC racetracks. Still, planning the track well before beginning construction is a crucial part of the design process. Take your time to plan and draw your track before building it. Don’t be afraid to try several different iterations of racetracks to see what will work well for your space.
Every RC track is unique, so make yours unique as well!
Consider the cars that will be using it, and build it according to your favorite racing styles.
Draw inspiration from tracks you like, and soon you will have an excellent place to race your RC cars!