[axeman]

1/8th Electric Off-road

1. AIMS
To provide a uniform format for 1/8th scale electric powered off-road cars to compete with each other, and if required, with nitro-methanol powered off-road cars. The intention is to allow all commercially available 1/8 electric cars, including conversion kits, whilst still encouraging experimentation and innovation with the aim of developing the class further.

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
A: Dimensions – to abide by the main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate)
B: Power source
[a] Only electric motors are allowed. Motors do not have to be sensored, and motors designed for helicopters and planes may be used. There is no motor limit.
[b] Only battery packs with a (nominal) voltage no greater than 22.2V may be used. This is simply to comply with rules laid down from other governing bodies (ROAR for its unlimited class in the USA). Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) packs are allowed, though the use of LiPO (lithium polymer) packs is encouraged. LiPOs may be softcase or hardcased, All softcase lipo’s must be enclosed in a rigid hardcase. These can be purchased and fitted to the vehicle, this is to stop a Lipo being punctured during an impact, these are to be checked upon booking in by an official.
[c] A battery pack MUST be retained in an appropriate box, tray or case, that offers some level of impact protection. The battery must be a 'snug' fit inside its battery case, so that it cannot move or slide around inside the box.
[d] There must be some way of preventing the battery pack from being displaced from the battery box in the event of a crash. Velcro wrap-around straps are suggested, but a more traditional style battery strap as widely used in 1/10 scale may be used. If Velcro straps are used, the pack must be retained by at least two straps.
[e] Any commercially available electronic speed controller (ESC) can be used, though it is suggested that it is a speed controller designed for cars, as they will offer more linear throttle control, and stronger, more consistent braking over a plane or helicopter ESC.
[f] Mechanical brakes may be used in place of ESC brakes, should the driver wish. This is the only circumstance in which a 3rd channel may be used.
[g] It is suggested that some type of clutch (preferably a slipper clutch) be used to protect the motor and driveline, though this is not a requirement.
[h] A separate battery pack may be used to power the radio system, but it must be retained in a safe manner, and abide by the ruled laid out in sections 2A(b-d). The red wire from the ESC MUST be removed if the ESC has an on-board battery eliminator circuit (BEC).
[i] The motor should be directly soldered to the ESC if possible, though if not possible, then connectors of the same capabilities as 4mm Corally-style gold tubes or better must be used.
[j] The battery cannot be directly soldered to the ESC. Connectors of the same capabilities as 5mm
Corally-style gold tubes or better must be used. Deans-type connectors can be used, but more capable connectors are preferred when using above 4 cell Lipo’s. The use of connectors that are polarity-protected is strongly advised.
C: Tyres – to abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).
D: Wings – to abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).
3. APPEARANCE
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).

4. RADIO CONTROL EQUIPMENT
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).

5. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).

6. OFFICIALS
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate) with the following addition:
[d] A technical inspector who will check cars upon booking in at the start of the meeting, to make sure they meet the technical specifications (2B) above. It is the technical inspector who decides whether a car is fit to race or not.
7. DRIVERS BRIEFING
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate).

8. TRANSPONDERS AND LAP COUNTING
To abide by main section rules (1/8 rallycross or 1/8 truggy as appropriate). Obviously, at club races, a handout transponder may be used, and should (if possible) be provided by that club.

9. PRACTICE
Practice will be run as either, a separate 5 minute round, in heat format, before qualifying, or a 10 minute 1st round of qualifying, with the latter 5 minutes timed. This decision is at the race director's discretion.