Hi Richard,
Hopefully I can help, I am quite new to RC but have been going down to MA most Tuesdays so I have a feel for what the general format is, so here goes...
1) Not really, I think the letter of the law is that your first 3 meetings you don't have to register, the fee is only something like £15 for a year for the BRCA (I would email them directly to organise payment). It is mainly for insurance purposes when marshalling etc.
2) Yes that is correct, because it is indoors it needs to be done really - I am sure if you don't have a sack someone will lead you one
3) I think they are 5min heats (maybe wrong there), normally you get 3 heats and 1 final
4) I get there around 6pm, track is normally being built and everything is ready to practice on for 6:30pm ish
5) Booking in is a casual affair
6) That is the aim to start at 7pm ish normally around 7:30pm
7) It is a quick turnaround, but don't worry.
Depending on the numbers of SC trucks they are sometimes in with the 2WD buggies, but because of the size of MA there is plenty of space for everyone.
If you get there for 6:30pm that is plenty of time.
There is a wide variety of motor/setups/lipos that people run, me for example I run a 10.5t Orion, Hobbywing ESC and with the boost I can easily keep up with similar skilled drivers with 6.5t or 8.5t.
With both of the cars you have again there are loads of people with similar set-ups and really helpful with advice and emergency spares if needed.
For my B44 I run Schumacher Yellow Spikes all round, but I have heard Mini Pins work, but the tarmac sections can be a little harsh on tires. The track varies from week to week, sometimes fast and bumpy sometimes smoother and flowing - all depends on what Mat has in his mind. They are usually very good
You will need a PT though. Somebody might be able to loan you one, best to PM Matt though.
The evening format is a follows:
- Practice and booking in
- Heats 2WD first then 4WD (normally 3 rounds)
- Then finals (1 final each)
You have to marshall after you heat.
Hope that all helps.