DIY Network

Dirt Oval-Track Competition From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-401

The action can get intense in dirt oval-track racing.

In this episode of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli visits Speed Zone Raceway in Athens, Tennessee. This dirt-oval track hosts several national competitions with multiple RC buggy classes being run.

In this segment there's more action from the dirt oval track as Chris explains how the dirt oval competitions work -- with a sophisticated lap measuring system that's computer based. Chris also reviews some of the special rules and regulations in this style of racing. It's all in preparation for the big race that happens later.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of the particular radio-control models shown in this episode. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

Which Way Did He Go?!

After qualifying rounds of 25 laps, the winning drivers move on to the finals. The final race consists of 100 laps around the track (figure A) with two pit-stops allowed for refueling (figure B).

Figure C

Keeping track of laps completed for several of these dirt-track torpedoes as the race up to 100 laps around the track would be a challenge to any racing judge. A little assist from technology makes things simple.

As raceway owner Mike Henderson explains, the system works off a transponder system. Each racer is equipped with a tiny transponder (figure C). A wire buried beneath the track receives transmissions from each transponder as the vehicle passes over the wire. That data is transmitted to a computer equipped with special software for tracking the status and laps completed for each of the contestants.

In the final segment that follows, you'll see the race and how Chris Chianelli fares against his competitors from Tennessee.

RESOURCES :

Speed Zone Raceway Park
1116 North Congress Parkway Athens
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-744-8358
Toll-free: 866-590-0763
Web site: www.speedzoneraceway.com