Racing is the life line of your Mini 4WD business. Races drive the need for racers to improve their cars, get their creative juices flowing and get them interested in adding Tune-Up Parts. Without the support of a regular racing program your Mini 4WD business will never reach its full potential. The cars on the shelf will not sell themselves without a racing program of some kind. The following section will provide you with Rules, Format, Forms, Example Fliers, and Social Media advice to help you set up a racing program that will create excitement and generate greater sales.
Rules
Mini 4WD’s come alive on the race track at competitive events held for these cars across the globe.
Here are the recommended basic rules for running an official Tamiya Mini 4WD event:
Types of Vehicles
- Tamiya cars and official Tamiya made parts only.
Racing Car Features
- All machines must be four-wheel drive. Modifications that result in rear-wheel or front-wheel drive are prohibited.
- The body must be secured properly to the chassis so that it will not come off during the race. Tamiya stock or Hop-Up bodies are allowed and may be modified by the racer. Unrealistic body modifications or scratch built tube frames are not allowed.
- Race cars that may be a potential hazard to the track or other cars are not allowed to race.
- All cars must be inspected by the race officials. All components must comply with the rules and regulations. Cars that have not passed inspection may not participate.
- All cars must fit in an official Tamiya Mini 4WD Car Dimension Checker.
- Possession of a spare car is permitted on the condition that the features and degree of modification are identical with the approved car. Spare car is also required to pass inspection. Cars cannot be switched during the same heat race.
- Roller requirements: Maximum of 6 rollers total.
Size of Cars
- Maximum width (including rollers, etc.) 105mm (4.13”).
- Maximum height (including rear wing) 70mm (2.76”).
- Maximum length (including bumper, stabilizer, etc.) 165mm (6.49”).
- Minimum ground clearance 1mm (.004”).
- Minimum weight, ready to run 90gms.
- Front and Rear Tires: Diameter: 22-35mm, Width: 8-26mm (Note that tires must be attached).
Motors
- Cars must use the stock 130-type motor included in the kit or motors available in the Tamiya Tune-Up Parts range.
- All cars are limited to one motor only.
- Motors cannot be modified, externally or internally.
- Some events may limit the type of motor that may be used depending on the class structure.
Power Source
- All cars must use two AA batteries of either Zinc/Carbon, Alkaline or Ni-Cad type.
- Batteries that have been tampered with or which have torn coverings will not be allowed.
Tune-Up or Hop-Up Parts
- Tune-Up Parts are limited to Tamiya only.
- Parts may be modified as long as they meet regulation requirements.
Modifications
Please use the following guidelines when modifying a car. Note: these modifications are not permissible in a “Box Stock” class where the car must be built per the instructions with absolutely no modifications.
- Body and chassis may be trimmed, drilled or sanded to lighten.
- Modifications made to car using Tamiya parts are allowed.
- Scratch built parts are not allowed
- Scratch built chassis or alteration of the wheelbase is not allowed.
- Gears may be modified for weight savings, but changing the number of teeth is prohibited.
- The car must be fitted with stock or Tamiya Tune-Up Part wheels and tires. Wheels and tires can be modified providing they are not potentially damaging to the track, other race cars, or entrants.
- Stock bodies may be modified as long as they retain their basic appearance.
- Battery terminals and electronics must be stock or from available Tamiya Tune-Up Parts.
- Modifying the chassis to expose gear components is prohibited.
Decorating Bodies
- All race cars must be individually distinguishable. Paint and apply stickers to your 4WD to suit your liking.
Vehicle Inspection
- All cars must be inspected by the race official prior to racing.
- No changes may be made to the car once it has passed inspection.
- Race officials may randomly inspect any car at any point of the race. Cars found not to be in compliance will lose all previous results. Entrant must bring cars back into compliance with the rules in order to return to the event.
Penalties
- When an entrant is found pushing, throwing or releasing a car prior to the starting signal, the race director may impose a penalty such as additional time or restart the race.
Disqualification
The focus for these events is fun. However, racers may be disqualified for the following reasons:
- If the car is potentially damaging to the track, other cars, or racers.
- When the car is found to have been intentionally modified to interfere with others during racing.
- If the racer intentionally disrupts other cars, or the track, while racing is in session.
- Modifying the car after inspection.
- Disobeying officials or disrupting the race.
- Displaying non-sportsman like behavior that is disruptive to others.
Restrictions
- A car may be used by only one person (two or more persons may not share a car).
- Age restrictions may apply to some classes or events.
Concours d’Elegance
Sometimes it’s fun to show off your customer’s hard creative work. Try a “Best Looking Mini 4WD” contest as part of your event. Use the guidelines below to judge your event.
- Awards will be presented to the cars that display the best finish, workmanship, and overall appearance.
- Concours entries are not limited to race participants.
- Concours contests may be held at the discretion of the race director.