1. Calibrate Your Electronics & Steering
Key Point: Before you do anything else, make sure your electronics are dialed in.
-
ESC Calibration (Electric RC Cars):
Double-check that your ESC is properly calibrated to your radio. Any misalignment between your throttle input and the power output can result in unpredictable responses on the track. -
Servo Setup (Nitro and Electric):
- Steering Servo: Ensure the car tracks straight, with equal steering throw to both the left and the right. If your RC vehicle veers or drifts, adjust your trims or sub-trims.
- Throttle Servo (Nitro RC Cars): The carburetor opening should match the size of the Venturi, without overextending the brake and straining the engine. Proper throttle linkage setup prevents mid-race headaches and ensures smooth braking.
By taking a few minutes to calibrate your electronics and steering, you’ll gain a consistent, predictable feel every time you pull the trigger.
2. Choose the Right Tires & Compound
Key Point: A perfect RC setup means nothing if your tires aren’t right for the track conditions.
-
Tread Pattern: Observe the track surface—is it dusty, tacky, or somewhere in between? Talk to other drivers. Whether you prefer JConcepts, Pro-Line, or AKA tires, aim for a similar tread pattern to what’s working for them.
-
Compound Selection:
- Hotter, Abrasive Track: Use a stiffer compound for durability and stable grip.
- Cooler, Less Abrasive Track: A softer compound will help you maintain traction.
- Indoor Clay Track: A clay compound tire is typically best to maximize grip on smooth surfaces.
Since tires can account for up to 90% of your car’s performance, never underestimate their importance. Rotating through a few different compounds is often the quickest path to finding that “perfect” grip.
3. Turn Your Power Down
Key Point: More power can sometimes slow you down.
It might seem counterintuitive, but reducing your motor’s power output often makes your RC car easier to drive—especially on tighter indoor tracks. In Jacob’s experience (and that of other fast drivers like “Mr. Lee”), running a full 100% throttle endpoint isn’t always the fastest way around. Here’s why:
- Better Control & Consistency: Lower power helps beginners focus on hitting consistent lines rather than wrestling with excessive throttle.
- Progressive Increase: Start around 60% power if you’re totally new. Once consistent, go to 65%, then 70%, and so on until you find the sweet spot for your skill level and track size.
Remember: consistency beats raw speed in most RC races. Focus on clean laps before upping the horsepower.
4. Use Appropriate Oils (Shocks & Differentials)
Key Point: Temperature and track conditions dictate which shock oils and diff oils to use.
-
Shock Oil Baseline: Aim for 35–40 weight in moderate conditions. If it’s extremely hot or cold, adjust accordingly (moving up or down 2.5–5 weight to match roughly 10° temperature changes).
-
Differential Oils (1/8 Scale Example):
- Front Diff: 7,000cSt
- Center Diff: 7,000cSt
- Rear Diff: 4,000cSt or 5,000cSt
For vehicles with options like LTC or HTC diffs (e.g., Team Associated buggies), you might need to bump up these numbers slightly.
Using the right oils ensures your RC car lands smoothly, corners predictably, and remains stable in varying temperatures. This consistency helps you trust the car in every section of the track.
5. Get Track Time & Practice
Key Point: There’s no substitute for seat time (or “track time”).
-
Build Reflexes & Muscle Memory: The more laps you log, the better you’ll know each corner, jump, and straightaway. Your reaction times and racing instincts will sharpen with every run.
-
Vary Your Practice: Racing different classes—like switching from a bigger 1/8 scale buggy to a Mini-Z—can further hone your reflexes. Even though they’re different scales, the practice still improves your overall control.
Try to get in at least one dedicated practice session each week. If that’s not possible, aim for consistent sessions leading up to race day.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Constant Setup Changes
Key Point: Stick with a Baseline RC Setup to truly learn how your car handles.
For beginners, constantly tweaking camber, caster, link positions, and shock pistons can lead to confusion. Instead:
- Find a Solid Baseline that local racers or the manufacturer recommends.
- Practice, Practice, Practice until you can feel when the car is truly off or when the track conditions have changed.
- Make Incremental Adjustments once you’ve developed enough experience to interpret small changes.
Stability in your setup lets you focus on improving your driving skill rather than adapting to a new feel every time you hit the driver’s stand.
Watch the Full Video for More Insights
These are just the highlights! For more details (and to see Jacob Hardison in action), check out the Adrenaline RC YouTube video. You’ll pick up even more tips on:
- Mastering throttle inputs
- Fine-tuning steering
- Understanding how to adjust power levels
- Choosing the perfect tire compound for every condition
Ready to up your RC game? Don’t miss out on all the action and expertise Adrenaline RC has to offer. Head over to the channel, drop a comment, and let them know which tip made the biggest difference for you!
Conclusion:
Going faster at the RC track is all about consistency, the right setup, and plenty of track time. Start by calibrating your electronics, choosing the correct tires, dialing down your power when necessary, picking suitable oils, and sticking to a baseline setup. With these steps in place, you’ll be well on your way to shaving seconds off your lap times and racing with confidence.
Now, grab your RC car, hit the track, and have some fun!