The classes range from Mini Goodyear, using a 1.5cc diesel engine that is readily available, through to F2C, the “Formula 1” of C/L racing which is the international class flown at World and European Championships.
Team race gets its name through the fact that it requires teamwork from a pilot and his pitman. The race distance is 100 laps which equates to 10km but the models have only 7cc fuel which is not enough to complete the whole race thus pit stops are required - usually 2 per race. The models are fitted with a fuel shut-off device which can be used to stop the engine in the optimum position to affect the quickest stops. Many races are lost “on the ground” due to long stops – it is no good having the fastest model if it won’t start! A good target time nowadays is around 3 mins 15 secs for the race distance.
Team race is a highly addictive sport. Small changes to propellers, fuel mixture, motor setting and the model itself can have an outcome on any race. There are a thousand things that could go wrong to spoil a race! But when everything works as it should it is a very satisfying feeling to complete a race in a good time. It involves getting the best from the model/engine and the two team members working in harmony to achieve the best possible race time. Ultimately the work carried out away from the flying circle contributes as much to the team’s success as the flying on race days. It is the great sense of achievement that is derived from finishing a good race that drives people on to do better next time!
