NOOB Series Update - 13 July 2010

NOOB Series Update - 13 July 2010 After an exciting first 2WD race, it's time to gear up for ROUND 2! Some things to take note of moving ahead... 1. Round 2 Sign Up Registration is now open for Round 2 of the 2WD series. Visit the Registration Thread on RCtech or click on the banner below to sign up. 2. We're working through the feedback! The feedback we've received on the boards, through PMs and at the track have been great, keep them coming. While we obviously can't implement everything and keep everyone happy, we do promise that all feedback will be heard and we'll continue to tweak and improve the series as we move along. Currently we're looking at: a. Starting the race earlier, increasing times between runs We intend to start the racing at 2:30pm instead of 3:00pm and will double the intervals between runs to give racers a tad more time to breathe. b. Running a 2+2+1 format for the race Currently considering running 2 Rounds of Heats (3 groups) and 2 Rounds of Mains (A,B,C Mains) with an additional 1 more main if time allows. We think 3 rounds of mains should be do-able but will test to see. Apologies to all who missed out on any runs last Sunday because the race ended a little behind schedule. c. Grid Positions for mains Some liked our grid formation rules, some didn't. After deliberation, we will probably move to a fixed grid position for the mains (as opposed to our shifting one). However, we will try shifting positions for the heats so guys that run faster in their heats will get to go first in the following heat to try to achieve best personal timings. Thanks again for your support!

Post Race Interview with 2WD A Main Champ!

Post Race Interview with 2WD A Main Champ!



Name : Tein
More popularly known as : A Main HamilTEIN, the best pro driver in his class!
2WD Weapon of Choice : Schumacher Cougar SV

NOOB Interviewer : Thank you Tein for taking time out of your busy racing schedule to chat a little with us...

NOOB : How long have you been into RC and racing?
Tein : Into RC since young but taken a long break in between. ECG race being the first.

NOOB : What racing result are you most proud of?
Tein : Erm, its quite obvious.

NOOB : Could you tell us about some of the more significant moments of today's race for you?
Tein : Seeing Mark-sami's car flipping

NOOB : What do you think of the NOOB race format?
Tein : Almost perfect for family-oriented ppl like me

NOOB : Do you think anything could be changed to make this event better?
Tein : Nothing much i could contribute as of now

NOOB : Yellow wheels or white wheels better?
Tein : Refer to my cars...

NOOB : Any advice for your fellow NOOBs on how to improve their lap times at the next NOOB event?
Tein : PRACTICE, no shortcuts.

NOOB : Could you provide some info about your race setup?
Tein :
Car : Cougar
ESC : Tekin
Motor : Novak
Gearing : Dunno
Tires F/R : Mini-spikes/bi-directional calibers
Springs F/R : Stock
Oil F/R : golden axe brand
Pistons F/R : forged
Shock positions F/R : stock
Any other info : refer to manual.

NOOB : Thanks for your time champ!
Tein : Thanks man!



This interview really did take place but in case you're wondering, you shouldn't take all our champ's answers too seriously.

2WD Round 1 Race Gallery

Click here or on the picture below to view the exciting pictures of our first race!

Adi's X-Factory X-6 driving his way to one of the best lap times!

First 2WD Race - SUCCESS!

2WD Round 1 - SUCCESS!

Many many thanks for all racers in today's inaugural NOOB Series race! We hope that you had as good a time as we had. Feel free to post some feedback here on rctech forums if you prefer.

Thanks also to the photographers, the race marshals, all the understanding spouses and families, BK and staff of RCI and everyone who helped to make today's race a good one. I will post more details later but here are today's overall results!

Name / Points Awarded
~A MAIN~
1. Tein / 23
2. BC / 22
3. Lorenzo / 21
4. Png / 20
5. Alan Ang / 19
6. Mok / 18
7. Alan Chia / 17
8. Adi / 16
9. Alexander / 15
10. Alan Tan / 14
11. Frank / 13

~B MAIN~
12. Johnson / 12
13. Kum Yew / 11
14. Alvin / 10
15. KC / 9
16. Roland / 8
17. Sam / 7
18. Abdullah / 6
19. Jonathan / 5
20. Darren / 4
21. Roger / 3
22. Edwin / 2
23. David / 1

To check your detailed timings, click here.

Racing was extremely close. A Main top positions Tein and BC were equal in points - and the tie breaker went to laps (which were equal) and then finally down to total time for all laps in mains - separated by 3 seconds.

Please provide your feedback as we fine tune the event for the 4WD race to be held on 25 July.

NOOB Series Update - 10 July 2010 PART 2

NOOB Series Update - 10 July 2010 PART 2

Some final notes before the race!

What happens if it rains?
The organizers will be at the track rain or shine and a decision will be made with regard to whether the race will proceed before 3:00pm. If the weather is all clear we will try to update this thread around 2:00pm.

In the event the race is unable to proceed, refunds for race fees & transponder rentals will only be given on the spot.


Note on batteries
As there will be limited time between runs, all racers are strongly recommended to bring sufficient batteries. In our experience, a single 4000mah lipo battery (in good condition) should be sufficient to complete 6x 5 minute runs with minimal charging for top-ups in between runs. To be safe you may wish to bring at least one more battery as a back-up.

Anyone running NiMH or NiCd batteries should make sure they have enough to complete all runs.


Power Points
Power Points will be available for charging on site. Bring your own extension cords or multi-point adaptors according to your needs.


NOOB Series Decals
The decals above will be available for sale tomorrow at $5/sheet or $9 for 2 sheets. Each sheet is approx 10.5x14.8cm large, features the NOOB series logo in black and white on a transparent decal. Decals are pre-cut and laminated for better quality.

All proceeds from the sales will go towards covering the cost of running the series.


FINGERS CROSSED for good weather tomorrow... see you all there!

First Look - NOOB Series decals

Check these out! Here's a first look at the NOOB Series decals that we've just received from the printers. We're no pros at printing decals but we think these turned out pretty well. Each decal sheet comes with the NOOB Series logo in a variety of sizes and even a few to declare that we're "PROUD NOOBS"! We'll probably be offering these for sale at the race registration table and the proceeds from the sales will go towards helping to cover part of the cost of the race. Hope you like these...

No buggy for NOOB? No worries!

NOOB Series Update - 9 July 2010 The NOOB Series aims to grow the RC electric offroad community and we'll be hoping for many interested onlookers as we run our fun races. One of the first questions anyone thinking of trying the hobby would ask would be "how much does it cost?" Understanding different types of cars, RTRs vs kits, batteries, radios, etc. can be quite a challenge to a newcomer. With that in mind, the NOOB series organizers have spoken to Racecraft Infinity (one of our local hobby stores) and they have been kind enough to put together a what we think is a great race package that will be able to get anyone started. All anyone has to do to participate in our races is to choose either a 4-Wheel Drive buggy or a 2-Wheel drive one. Check out the 2 buggies: The Team C TR02 2-Wheel Drive Buggy ($299) 2-Wheel Drive buggies are lots of fun to run. They are easier to maintain but generally require a bit more skill to drive well - this challenge is the reason a lot of guys love the 2WD class! The cars are lighter which makes them run longer and have less complicated designs which make them less costly. The Team C TR04 4-Wheel Drive Buggy ($359) 4-Wheel Drive buggies are fast! With all 4-wheels spinning when they run they are easier to control around the track so it's a very popular class. They have slightly more complex designs and more parts which make them a bit more costly, but many first time drivers enjoy the easier drive the cars provide. Both Cars Feature: - full ball bearings (makes you go faster and lasts way longer) - universal drive shafts for 2WD and on the front for 4WD (this is good race-car stuff, trust me...) - adjustable oil shock absorbers (great handling and for learning tuning) - race-oriented design - comes with a great set of accessories (see below for details) Accessory Package: - 2.4Ghz Radio : this is a great way to start, no worries about other racers using the same frequency as you have. Just turn on your equipment and run - Electronic Speed Controller : these provide great control of your speed and require next-to-no maintenance - 1600mah battery / 1-hour charger / silver can 540 motor : this is a basic setup which keeps the costs down and are easily upgradable as your skills improve! Where to buy: These packages are available NOW from Racecraft Infinity - the hobby store located right next to the track where the races are held. For enquiries, call 6272-1161. Special Thanks: The NOOB series is not affiliated with any hobby product or store but we would like to thank Racecraft Infinity for the packages they have prepared above to help anyone get started easily and quickly.

Pre-Race Briefing

Pre-Race Briefing : All racers please take note: 1. Punctuality Please come no later than 2:30pm for registration, we will need some time for all the pre-race administration. All races aim to start, run and end on time All heats and mains will start on time even if any buggy is not there. If you are late you are free to introduce your buggy mid-run taking care not to obstruct any other buggy on the track. 2. Sportsmanship All racers should exercise good sportsmanship at all times. Remember the NOOB series is supposed to be FUN. No cursing or swearing at the event at all times (there might be kids around...) Typical race etiquette should apply - e.g. allow race leaders to pass, don't crash into another driver on purpose, etc. - that said, there are newcomers who might be unaware of these, feel free to educate in a friendly and courteous manner. 3. Track/Pit Conduct Be considerate at all times, this applies to the entire event, including: Smoke only in designated smoking areas for the duration of the event Don't take up more pit space than required If bringing music players, please adjust volume for your personal listening Keep the pit area clean 4. Marshalling Marshals are there to help overturned cars, treat them with respect Do not shout rudely at marshals, give them time to attend to your car. If you think they have not seen your car, politely get their attention and ask their assistance Our Marshals are not RC savvy and will not repair your cars on track. If your cars are broken, they will be taken off track. You have the option of picking it up for repair and returning it to the race if you can make it. Race carefully when marshals are on the track. Slow down or even stop if necessary to avoid hitting marshals. Thank your marshals after the race - it's hard work! Here is the TENTATIVE RACE SCHEDULE for the event. Depending on the attendance and timing on race day we may add or delete groups/runs. Schedule is subject to change at the organizers discretion. Thank you for your understanding.

NOOB Series Update

1. Transponder Details If you haven't yet filled in your transponder number on the signup thread, please try to do so before the race to help us reduce registration time on race day. The organizers are making the assumption that "TBC" means racers have already some arrangements for a personal transponder and do not require rental ones. Again, all participants who need a rental transponder are recommended to reserve one (see details in previous update). 2. "I want to join the 4WD race but it's full! Can I still join?" We are thankful for a full race for the first 4WD event. If you are keen to join please PM me or funkymojo and let us know your details (name / car / frequency / PT#) and we'll see what we can do. Some regulars have volunteered to give up their slots to help with race duties instead (what nice guys). Alternatively you can always just come on race day and if there are any no-shows we'll be happy to slot you in. 3. Race Schedule In case you haven't had time to read the race details, take note that all heats and mains will be run at scheduled times regardless of whether all racers are on the grid. This is to ensure the event runs smoothly and efficiently. If any car is broken and cannot be repaired before the next run, racers are advised to miss the heat / main and work on their cars and keep in mind that you just need 1 good heat and 2 good mains to get a good result. With marshals provided at this first round, racers are available (and strongly encouraged) to help one another when needed. Racers with "back-up cars" may bring them along as well - we will not be picky about car swaps so long as the chassis run still conform to the rules of the class. In worse case scenarios with unrepairable cars, just focus on enjoying the exciting racing with your fellow RC enthusiasts. 4. Smoking Areas Designated smoking areas will be available for anyone who needs to calm their racing nerves with a puff. All participants who want to light up may do so only at the designated areas. To help maintain a family-friendly environment, smoking will not be allowed at the pit or drivers area during the entire duration of the race. We thank all racers for your kind understanding and cooperation. With 18 drivers the first 2WD event on 11 July is probably one of the best attended 2WD EP races this year - what a great start! See you all on the dirt!