TCS regional Races currently take place in California, Maryland, Illinois, Washington, and Connecticut. Click HERE to see the current schedule.
We are always looking to expand the TCS series as time and interest permit. If you know of a hobby shop with a well organized racing program, which incorporate some Tamiya classes, have them fill out the form HERE.
Yes. The TCS Series is designed to promote the Tamiya brand. It is necessary to use a Tamiya branded eligible radio control product. For current and eligible Tamiya chassis' click HERE.
Each class category has a detailed description in the class section of the TCS website. A product showcase is provided to highlight those products that are eligible to use in the series. It’s a great resource for both the participant and host site. For current and eligible Tamiya chassis' click HERE.
No. The series is designed for hobbyists, both new and veteran. A detailed section of the TCS rules covers this topic under “eligibility”. Click HERE to see the rules.
No. The equipment used to support your Tamiya car does not have to be manufactured by Tamiya. Items such as the radio, batteries, and chargers, and in some cases motors, may be from other brands. See specific class rules for exceptions and details.
No. At this time there are no entry fees to enter a regional race. Note: Some regional locations do charge practice fees if your are practicing the day before the event.
For first time racers, we recommend the TT-01 GT Spec Novice class. This class uses Tamiya’s easy to build TT-01 platform and the class is structured for first time racers.
Yes. See class descriptions as the TCS series is structured for all skill levels, budgets and product interest.
Every regional race location is different. Click on the TCS host Site information link found HERE for Details about the hobby shop amenities, hours and parking. Host site information will be updated on an ongoing basis.
You may register online on our entry tab found on the TCS website navigation header. Note: Online registration typically opens one month prior to the most current event.
Typically, there are two qualifying rounds of racing to determine your starting position in the main event. Regional races have what are called single mains to determine the overall class winner. The object of qualifying is to make it into the highest letter main event. Example: A, B, C, D. Qualifying in the “A” main is where the fastest group of racers will compete for the overall top honors and prizes, thus making the “A” main is the most prestigious. Lower mains will also race to determine winners in lower divisions. In some regional races, “bump-ups” are used to give lower division racers a chance to bump up into the next higher main race.
If you are in the “C” main event, and win the race, you will be put on the last grid position in the “B” main event; hence you bumped into the next higher main event. If you win the “B” main as well, you will conversely also “bump-up” into the “A” main. “Bump-ups” make for exciting races in the lower divisions and still give a chance to racers who had bad luck in qualifying.
No. Bump-ups are used at the discretion of the host site.
Race qualifying heats are typically 5 minutes long. Main events can be either 5 or 6 minutes in duration.
Qualifying for starting position works in one of two ways. There are usually two rounds of races where you will race other members of your class to place yourself in the appropriate Main Event. In cases of a two day event there can be as many as four qualifying rounds and triple “A” mains.
Qualifying for starting positions functions in one of two ways. The first way is "Heads Up Starts" where at the sound of the start tone, from the timing and scoring computer, all the racers race each other around the track to get the most laps and time within a 5 minute race length. This is usually done in heat race groups of 10. The second method is what is commonly called "IFMAR Starts", named after the international racing organization IFMAR (International Federation of Model Auto Racing) that started the practice. In the IFMAR format, each racer begins his or her race at the start of the race tone, but they are released on the track one car at a time with a gap between competitors, usually 1 to 2 seconds. Each person is on an individual clock timer; therefore they’re not really racing head to head as in a heads up race. Because each person is on an individual clock, it doesn’t matter if a faster car passes them. Your personal laps and time is what counts and not who finished ahead or behind you on the physical track. The IFMAR method is considered the most fair, but it does not teach you “race craft” like heads up starts do.
Like many races around the country, TCS regional races have two race qualifiers and one main event. At certain venues, where time permits, you may have up to three qualifying rounds and triple “A” main events.
A triple “A” main is when 3 races are run to determine the overall “A” main race winner. Instead of a single race, where the winner takes all, three races are run and the points earned from all three races are added together to settle the overall standings in the “A” main. Triple “A” mains are usually used at the National or World Finals.
Your typical schedule is: 7:00 am (race registration confirmation) 7-9 am (Practice) 9:30 am to 5/6 pm (qualifying and main events)
Races are scored using software that counts your lap time through the use of a transponder mounted on your R/C car. The software of choice is called RC Scoring Pro. It is the most advanced and best supported R/C racing scoring system in the industry. http://www.rcscoringpro.com/ A new track or hobby shop seriously considering a racing program should really consider R/C Scoring Pro. It’s the program used by all major racing organizations and clubs around the USA.
A transponder is a small device measuring 35mm x 31mm x 17mm (W x L x H: house/loaner transponder dimensions), which is mounted on your R/C car. It is battery powered and when passed over the start/finish line of the race track it will measure how long it took you to complete a race lap through the timing and scoring software. The start/finish line has a loop buried under the track surface that detects the transponder signal. The scoring software used at most TCS locations measure to the 1/1000 of a second. EXAMPLE: 15.789 lap/time is typical of what a lap may look like on the race screen. When you complete a race you will see a time like this: 23 laps in 5:12.789, which reads twenty three laps completed in 5 minutes and 12.789 seconds.
No. Host TCS tracks have loaner or what are called “house” transponders that you can use during the course of the event.
Most modern Tamiya cars have a special mount that attaches the “house” transponder in place. The alternative is to make a Ľ “hole on the front windshield of the car. The house transponder has a nub at one end which will protrude from the underside of the body. It stays in place with a standard large body clip. The loaner transponder will be given to you prior to your race heat and you will return it to the race officials immediately after your race heat or race.
A personal transponder is a device that is made by MyLaps: http://www.mylaps.com/index.php/us_eng/Websites/home
They are sold at most hobby shops that have a racing program. The idea behind the personal transponder is convenience. A personal transponder is 7 times smaller (16mm x 19mm x 6mm-RC 4 Hybrid-new version, 22mm x 27mm x 7mm old AMB RC version) than the loaner “house” transponders made by the same company, therefore your car will be lighter, which in any form of racing is a good thing. Also, with a personal transponder in your car, you don’t have to stress during the pre-race inspection process in getting the loaner transponder mounted inside your car quickly. If you plan to race often a personal transponder is a good investment.
A TCS host location must be a hobby shop that has some kind of existing racing program as part of their store promotional agenda. The prospective store must also regularly stock Tamiya merchandise. Click HERE for a TCS host site application.
No. A TCS host site is required to stock and sell Tamiya product. The purpose the TCS series is to promote the Tamiya brand and to promote those stores and tracks that support Tamiya. The two objectives go together.
No. Past and present TCS host sites have successful parking lot racing programs that are just as fun to race on as those hobby shops with permanent facilities. Parking lot racing is what started TCS and racing on a parking lot draws in a good crowd of spectators.
A "Spec" or controlled tire is used to level the playing field in R/C car racing. The tires come pre-mounted and glued to the wheel. A standard foam or shaped tire insert is also used to keep the guess work and expense down in finding the optimal combination.