9 tips for winter R/C racing from A Main Hobbies

0 Nov. 17, 2017, 8:45 a.m.

Main Photo: 9 tips for winter R/C racing from A Main Hobbies

By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com

9 Tips for Winter R/C Racing from AMain Hobbies:
www.amainhobbies.com

Lighter is Better - When the temperatures drop it’s imperative to run lighter shock oils and springs. Try running 5-weight lighter oil when the ambient temperature has dropped 15-20 degrees fahrenheit. Your car will handle better and have more traction. Shop Shock Oils

The Compound Matters - Softer tire rubber & foam inserts generally work better in cooler conditions for off-road racing. Experiment with softer compounds and in some cases soft compounds perform better on clay tracks than clay-specific tires when the temps are low. Shop Tires & Traction Compounds

Cold Temps = Hot Glow Plugs - If you notice your nitro vehicle going through glow plugs more in cooler weather, try opting for a hotter plug. Cold air is dense and compact; it's "thicker” and will provide the engine with more power. Shop Glow Plugs

Keep Your Batteries Warm - LiPo batteries perform better when they are warm. If you’re racing outdoors or in a cold warehouse, keep your batteries in a container and do your best to keep them above 60-degrees fahrenheit. You’ll notice more punch and increased power when your packs are warm. Buy better packs too! Higher C-rated batteries will perform better than lower C-rated packs in cooler weather. Shop LiPo Batteries

Stock Up On Parts - Generally when it’s colder, you break more parts. Make sure you are stocked up on suspension arms, spindles, carriers etc… when racing during winter months. It is not uncommon to crack or snap parts during frigid temps. Shop Replacement Parts

Dress Appropriately - I know what you’re thinking, really? Remember a big part of racing is mental. If you’re cold and uncomfortable at the track, you won’t be having as much fun nor will you be focused come A-Main time. Grab a beanie, gloves, pocket warmers and whatever other creature comforts you have to keep you warm when it’s cold. Shop Warm Clothing

Gear Up - One of the benefits of colder weather is that you can run a taller gear ratio. If you’re running in the competitive 17.5 class, you can try running an extra tooth on your pinion gear. The extra horsepower is a nice bonus of cold weather, but make sure you monitor the motor temps. Shop Pinion Gears

Go Thinner - Thinner CA glues generally work better in colder temperatures. If you’re using medium or thick CA tire glue, make sure you glue indoors in much warmer temperatures about 75-degree Fahrenheit. Shop Tire & CA Glue

Practice Close to Race Time - It’s important to get on the track and run some laps as close to go time as possible. Take extra laps during warm-up too. Why? During the winter track surfaces change slightly and you want to be ready for those subtle nuances.