The BRCA Constitution is clear about what our role is.
(a) To promote the construction and racing of radio-controlled cars.
(b) To facilitate the exchange of information and ideas relating to the sport.
(c) To set rules and standards for construction and racing.
(d) To encourage National and International competition within a co-ordinated calendar.
It is not to promote club racing, but it would be senseless to ignore that fact that (d) would be impossible if there were no entrants, and those entrants start their RC life at a club.
For the club drivers to go down to a shop and buy a car that will be competitive at their local club, there has to be a set of rules. So we do (c) in order that those that just want to go down the club and thrash a car around to get away from things can do so safe in the knowledge that all the cars there can compete against each other.
Imagine there were no rules. That you went and bought a TC from Assoschumo, took it to the club and found yourself thrashed by an Xrarangomiya that is wider and has bigger wheels. Pissed off? You certainly would be! And next week, someone comes along with a completely different motor that is larger and more powerful and hands you your arse on a plate. And so on... How long does anyone think this sport would last if we did not do (c)?
So, having got our rules out there and a big choice of cars, got our Nationals organised and sent our drivers on to Euros and Worlds, we have to turn our attention to (b). What better way to promote our hobby than to have an arrive and drive track stocked with cars from most of the classes you can enter, and supported by a stand of cars from manufacturers you can go and buy now? We do that.
Frankly, the conduct of Nationals is neither here nor there in a real sense - whether your tracks have a raised pit lane or not is rather irrelevant compared to (b) (c) or (d). What is so important is that people go to the AGM and make sure that the Construction Rules are in place, sensible and create the platform for (b) and (c). To that end a discussion on accessibility to cells is waaayyy more important than something as trivial as a raised pit lane.
If you pay attention to your construction rules you influence manufacturers to produce items that anyone can buy and turn up to a club and race. In turn, clubs are free to state which rules they will run to - and the EB lists may not be one of them.
Construction Rules require a 2/3 majority of those voting to be amended, so ideas that have a divided opinion cannot sneak through by the odd vote (see General Rule 11) they have to have good levels of support.
How it works has been stated many times above. Nonetheless, it all starts by having people turn up. Share cars, walk, hitch-hike but please make every effort to get there. Where our most important role is concerned, your vote very definitely counts.
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