1/12th Scale Circuit Racing is exactly that, 1/12th scale radio control cars racing on a flat carpet track. The cars feature a state of the art carbon fibre chassis and a simple suspension system. They run on foam tyres which generate immense levels of grip, and due to their low weight the performance is truly amazing. They should not be confused with the simple Mardave range of cars which are also 1/12th scale but race on oval tracks.

Who Can Race?

Anyone. Drivers of all skill levels and abilities are welcome when it comes the 1/12th circuit racing, unfortunately because of the nature of the cars it is not a class that can be run on the local car park, so you do need to race at a club where they have a flat carpet racing surface.

Where Can I Race?

There are a number of clubs throughout the UK that race 1/12th circuit on a regular basis. A good place is start is by contacting your local model shop, or one of the 1/12th circuit committee or area reps as listed in the BRCA handbook. Additionally, a full list is available on the Clubs page of this website.

What Do I Need?

You will need a car, bodyshell, tyres, motor, batteries, speed controller and radio gear. Any currently available radio gear, motor and batteries can be used although a smaller servo is usually chosen for the steering, as space can sometimes be quite limited.

Who makes the cars and where can I buy them?

Associated, Trinity and Corally are the most popular makes of car in the UK. They are available through most local model shops although not all shops would carry stock so they may have to be ordered. If in trouble, CML Distribution (Associated), Helger Racing (Trinity) or Ripmax (Corally) can confirm your nearest stockist.

What is the Racing Format?

Unlike any other class of electric racing, the races are 8 minutes in length. The format for national meetings is 3 rounds of qualifying and 2 finals with both to count. The national championship is made up 11 rounds with 7 to count, with the season ending with the 2 day British Grand Prix (counting for double points).

What About Additive?

In order to achieve the amazing levels of grip a special additive is applied to the tyres before each race. This additive softens and cleans the foam tyres. There are a large number and types of additive available and there is usually some available at trackside.

How much does it cost?

It's cheaper than you might think. A car kit, bodyshell and tyres cost less than £200. You can use your existing radio gear, motors and batteries, with the only running costs during the season being tyres, additive and bodyshells. You also get more than 50% extra track time compared to any other electric class of racing. This is possible because we run 8-minute qualifying heats and finals compared to the more normal 5 minutes in the other classes.

What about 4 cell racing?

I have heard you only race 4 cell with special motors. Not true. You can either run 6 cell with a 27 turn stock armature in any motor can, or any modified motor (no limit) but with a 4 cell battery pack.

Could racing 1/12th circuit improve my driving skills?

Due to the amazing amounts of grip generated by the cars, coupled with the very high speeds, 1/12th scale cars perform like no other. Racing these cars will help improve not only your reactions, but also teach you how to drive smoothly and consistently. Our very own David Spashett is living proof as this is the class Dave started with many years ago, and the class he still enjoys the most.

Interested?

OK, so I'm interested, how do I find out more? A full list of the 1/12th scale committee is available in the BRCA handbook; they will be pleased to take your call. National entry forms are available on this website. The season runs from October to March and all newcomers are welcome at national events. See you there.