What is 1/5 large scale on road?

1/5 scale on road refers to radio controlled cars 1:5 the size of their real life counterparts, typically touring cars. An example of these “real life” counterparts would be the vehicles that compete in a racing series like the BTCC (British touring car championship) or FIA World Touring Car Championship.

On track these cars look, sound, and feel as close to the real touring car as possible but on a smaller scale. The technical aspects coupled with how the cars handle truly make for a very realistic experience for the driver/controller.

Locations / Conditions

Just like their full size versions, 1/5 scale on road is raced on tarmac. The tracks located around the UK have the appearance of “real life” race tracks and are laid out accordingly ie painted kerbs, chicanes, banked sweeping turns, straights, pit lanes, etc.
The tracks themselves are located up and down the country so there may be one local to you.

Key Features Of 1/5th Scale Cars

Types of cars raced in 1/5th scale on road

FG 4WD Mini
This car is generally aimed at beginners in the sport as it provides a good platform to get you racing. All the cars are supplied almost ready to race and ruling is in place to keep the class affordable and competitive.

FG 4WD 530 Touring Car
Like the Mini, the 530 Touring car is supplied in an almost ready to run format making it very affordable to race. All the workings of the car are the same as the Mini except for the chassis length which is longer. The longer chassis gives the 530 more of a touring car “look” and has a different driving “feel” which some drivers prefer. Again, this class is regulated so no modifications are allowed and the car is used in a stock format, both aimed at affordability and competitiveness.
 
2WD Touring Car
2WD cars are very different to the Mini and FG 530 as they are “open class” so a lot of the car is upgradable to provide better performance. These cars are typically made from premium materials like aluminium, carbon fibre, titanium, etc. Manufacturers offer these cars as a “rolling chassis” and drivers will need to add engine, differential, exhaust, air filter which ultimately gives them a more tailored car.

Engines/Motors

1/5th scale cars are powered by a two-stroke petrol engine (normally a 23cc or 26cc). These engines can be used in their normal “stock” version or “tuned” ie modified by specialist tuners (23cc version only). They run on a two stroke mixture of petrol from your local petrol station and two stroke oil.

Exhausts

Again, like their real life versions, these cars can be fitted with a “tuned” exhaust system to improve performance. They are also available in various materials to improve durability and weight saving.

Drivetrain

1/5 on road racing has two different classes, 2WD and 4WD.
2WD cars are rear wheel drive which provides for more lifelike feel as with real touring car. These cars are generally highly modified ie engine, exhaust, differentials.
4WD cars provide front and rear drive therefore making them more versatile and can be raced in all conditions (wet, dry, rain, etc). These cars are raced in a standard format and no modifications are allowed.

Clutch and Differential

All cars have a single speed centrifugal clutch and on certain versions are adjustable to suit track conditions. Differentials again like the clutch can be used in a stock or adjustable format making for a very realistic and simplified power delivery.

Braking System

All 2WD cars tend to have hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels which makes them very similar to their full size counterparts. These are very durable and maintenance free and also very predictable when on track.

All 4WD cars use cable disc brakes on the front and a differential locking brake on the rear. These brakes are also very effective.

Tyres

For both 2WD and 4WD cars there are numerous tyre options to suit track condition. All wheel rims are the same size however tyre compounds can be varied ie dry, intermediate, wet, etc to suit track conditions.

Community

1/5th scale on road racing is very welcoming community. All who attend have a common goal of having fun, learning and improving their racing. With tracks all over the UK and Northern Ireland its very easy to get involved and find local events.

Summary

1/5th large scale on road racing provides an exciting and thrilling realistic racing experience that mimics the feel, atmosphere and technical challenges of full size touring car racing.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced racer this type of RC racing offers something for everyone.