1/8th Circuit Model cars come in many different shapes and sizes but with acceleration times of 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than two seconds, and top speeds in excess of 75 mph is it any wonder that 1/8th gas powered radio controlled model cars are considered the formula one of all radio controlled model car racing?
Racing 1/8th circuit radio controlled gas cars will add a whole new meaning to your understanding of the word excitement. Once you have driven a 1/8th car and experienced its awesome power, and stunning cornering speed, you’ll never be satisfied with driving anything else, and be back for more, again and again and again.
Your 1/8th scale I.C. powered four-wheel drive car can be built from one of the many available kits now on the market. Powered by a racing 3.5cc two stroke engine capable of delivering over two brake horsepower, you are just minutes away from the most mind-blowing experience in model car racing. Your car complete with engine will be a high tech 1/8th scale model racing car. All cars have front and rear independent suspension controlled by fully adjustable shock absorbers and springs. In addition you’ll have disc brakes and automatically shifting transmissions.
All this topped with a sports car style bodyshell painted to your own individual team colour scheme and designed for you to get the best from your car both mechanically and aerodynamically. 1/8th racing is a great activity and hobby for all the family to participate in, and as well as racing as individuals, many father and son teams compete in racing events. Once you’ve got used to the thrill of driving your own car around one of the purpose designed scale circuits located throughout the country you’ll be able to compete in your first event.
Following a practice session you’ll have tuned your car and engine for maximum performance. With your engine running you head for the drivers rostrum, whilst your pitman puts your car on the track for one of your qualifying races. Having qualified for a final you wait on the drivers rostrum as tension mounts waiting for the flag to drop. Accelerate hard into the first bend as you jockey for position with your fellow racers. As the race settles down you’ll have to think about the first of your scheduled re-fuelling pit stops. Head down the pit lane to your pitman, a full tank of fuel taken on in seconds, and you blast back into the action.
Well, could you handle it? If the answers yes, then come 1/8th I.C. racing!
By Michael Walton
By Lee Palmer BRCA 1/8 Circuit - Round 3 Race Report Brookland
Photos by Donna Boothman
Written by Lee Palmer
For Round 3 of the British National Championship returned after a couple years to Brookland Raceway in the south of England. The return to Brookland Raceway in no small way was due to an army of racers who spent many hours getting the track surface back to a level where 1/8 nitro could compete again on one of the fastest tracks in the UK. All the racers, officials and members really appreciate everyone one of those volunteers who gave up their time to get the track back to an amazing condition. Thank you all!
A bright warm Saturday saw the racers in open practise getting the cars set up for what is one of the fastest, high risk, high reward tracks your ever likely to race. With such a high-speed track run time in both nitro and electric classes was key. The Electric guys setting their ESC’s and gearing to maximise their speed but last the 5min (+1 lap). In nitro many of the drivers were struggling to get 4 minutes and so this became a focus for many alongside set up.
Sunday, race day, we were again greeted with warm sunshine and after the drivers briefing race got going at 09:00 with a full round of practise in heat order for the drivers and pit crews to finalise the cars for qualifying.
Throughout qualifying the pace was so fast in Electric the class Mark Green (Serpent) really set the pace with James Conolly (Serpent) only a few seconds behind with Mark Boothman (Shepherd) making the top three qualifiers.
In Nitro the battle of TQ was intense with Alex Thurston (Mugen) toping the timing sheets all day until round 4 when Andy Hastings (Shepherd) took the top spot getting the first 19 lapper of the day. Reigning British National champion Tim Wood (Shepherd) would make up the top three in Nitro.
Finals. For electric, best two of three run to count, Mark Green Continued his dominate form with James Conolly and Mark Boothman finishing second and third in the overall results but many great battles were seen throughout the electric races and this class certainly is becoming more competitive.
[ABOVE - Electric A Final]
[ABOVE - Electric B Final]
Nitro saw great races in all the finals with some very close racing throughout the field. The A final lined up and Alex Thurston, who has been the man to beat this year, taking an early lead after TQ man Andy Hasting had a plug blow. Some great pit work and super consistent driving from David Spashett put him second in the race with a great drive, after losing a number of laps, Andy Hastings making third.
[ABOVE - Nitro A Final]
[ABOVE - Nitro B Final]
[ABOVE - Nitro C Final]
The circus rolls on to Halifax later in the month for round four.
Congratulation to all those who attended and we look forward to returning to Brookland next year!
[Published by Nikita Finnigan]
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