Good evening everyone, you may well need to go and get a brew for this one, but please do read it in full, the committee are working together to make sure you have as much fun at racing as possible and enjoy your respective championships without destroying cars or hurting people at our racing evenings.

Firstly I had asked everyone to give me their feedback from January onwards about whether we are happy to stay where we are (given rising costs) and continue racing on the same surface, the feedback has been that people are currently happy with where we are and while open to changes the costs of a surface change currently (motors, tyres etc) would be prohibitive. Thank you all for your feedback it helps the committee to understand what you as our racers are interested in doing while we attempt to recruit many more racers to keep your championships as/more exciting and diverse. I will continue to work on making sure we get value for money from our relationship with the hall.

So, that being said, lets get on with the heavy reading.
We trialled earlier practice sessions last month to advance the start of racing and ultimately have an earlier finish. The aim of this is to look at ways to prevent the busy night/additional heats causing a late finish and to avoid the risk of people skipping a week because of this. Your flexibility is appreciated, and the earlier practices will certainly help with busy/truck/rally nights. There are a couple of ways that you can assist us with this moving forward:
Book in as soon as possible to get a practice tag.
Pre-charge batteries, where possible, so that you can be ready to practice on arrival.

We will aim to start racing at 7:15 on busy nights so if you think you will arrive after this then please let one of the team know so that we can book you in. However, there will be no guarantee that you will get a practice session.

Alongside this change we would also like to address some driving and marshalling standards that have slipped. We want everyone to enjoy the racing we provide and remind you that it is for a championship, it is not a demolition derby or fastest to crash environment.

Race Procedures:
1/10 OR Rule 15.13: Cars can only be driven within the confines of the designated track area. The use of radios’ (including self-seeking frequency systems), to drive cars within the pits or spectator areas is not allowed unless permission is given by the Race Director. Competitors may only drive during their allotted race and then only from the platform of the drivers’ rostrum. Spectators, pit-crew or competitors (not in a race), must not interfere with the progress of any driver within a race.
FORCC Guideline:
· Cars must only be driven within the main hall on the astroturf during the driver’s allotted practice/race period (when the tracked is declared “Live”).
· Drivers must control their cars from the stage
· The track is not live in the period before the practice sessions start.
· No driving within the pit areas is permitted
· Only designated marshals can be on the track during practices/races

1/10 OR Rule 15.14: A penalty will be applied to any driver that enters or leaves the rostrum whilst a Heat or Final is in progress, unless instructed to do so by an official. Race ‘in progress’ is clarified as from:- ‘when the first car is started (all cars in Finals)’ to ‘the race is declared over’.
FORCC Guideline:
· Drivers must remain on the stage until the race is over and the track is no longer “live”
· This is the point where all drivers have crossed the finish line and cars are returned to a designated zone.

1/10 OR Rule 15.21: At the race end, when the car has passed the finish line, and the finish signal has been given, the car must pull off into the designated pull-off area, so as not to interfere with any other competitors. A driving penalty may be awarded if any car continues to circulate the track after having received the finish signal, and especially so if that car in any way interferes with a competitor still racing.
FORCC Guideline:
· As above, per the designated zone

Marshalling Requirements:
BRCA General Rule 3: All Marshals must wear Hi-Vis Vest/T-Shirt/Jacket in predominantly bright colours (black/blue varieties not permitted)

1/10 OR Rule 16.2: Penalties will be applied by the Referees for poor marshalling, late marshalling or failure to marshal, as detailed in Rules 17.10, 17. 1 and 17.12. Late marshalling is clarified as being any marshal not at the correct position when the first car leaves the Start line or Final grid (unless otherwise instructed by officials). Failure to marshal is clarified as being any marshal not at the correct position.

1/10 OR Rule 16.5/7: Marshals must have their hands free at all times & Marshals must remain at their posts until replaced.

1/10 OR Rule 16.6: Marshals must wear safe and sensible footwear that will not become detached when performing marshalling duties. (Open toed shoes or sandals are not acceptable). Anyone failing to follow this instruction will not be allowed inside the Track Confines. If suitable footwear cannot be worn, then a substitute marshal must be provided. Failure to provide suitable Marshall Cover will be subject to penalties as covered by Rule 16.2.
FORCC Guideline:
· Safe footwear/no loose clothing etc.
· Hands free at all times, no phones etc.
· Marshals be alert – no distraction from watching friend/family member/particular race battle

Marshals should endeavour to:
• Recover cars in a timely manner (marshal how you would want to be marshalled)
• Identify which direction a car was going and return it to the track correctly, including the correct side of the timing loop, if appropriate
• Return cars to the track in the appropriate order if multiple cars involved
• Be aware of other nearby track sections and verbally assist other marshals with the above points
• It is the marshals responsibility to ensure that it is safe to proceed on to the track
• Drivers will be dropped to the back of the grid if they do not marshal or get it covered before the race starts.

Penalties:
1/10 OR Rule 17.6: At the Referees’ discretion, penalties can be incurred for bad driving and/or corner cutting with any one of the following, depending on the severity of the offence: Official Warning, Stop-Go penalty, 5 or 10 second penalty, 1 lap penalty, disqualification. The Stop-Go penalty area must be well defined and in a position that is practical to operate. If the Referee has decided to award a Stop-Go penalty but there is insufficient race time remaining to serve the penalty (eg. last lap), the Referee will instruct the Timekeeper to adjust the race time for the driver involved to reflect a ‘served’ Stop-Go penalty.

1/10 OR Rule 17.7: The Referees’ will not give a penalty for accidental corner cutting provided sufficient time is spent stationary so that no advantage is gained (e.g., overall time)
FORCC Guideline:
• No intentional corner cutting – a -1 lap penalty
• If corner cut accidentally, drivers should pause momentarily for a period equal to the time saved by cutting the track
• If drivers knowingly miss the timing loop, a (safe) attempt should be made to cross the loop with the associated penalty of doing so. If in doubt, it’s better to recross and lose x seconds than a whole lap
• Laps will not be added at the end of the race unless it is a timing loop equipment failure (not including individual transponders)
• It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their personal transponder is performing correctly
• Drivers causing a crash should stop and wait until the other affected car has been recovered to the track
• Drivers should not attempt overtakes/drive in a manner that would inevitably lead to a crash, when lapping slower cars or otherwise (i.e. trying to pass in a tight section of track or having a clear speed difference on the straight)
• Drivers should attempt to identify faster/lapping cars and should drive in a manner to allow clean passing, where appropriate. Appreciate that in the heat of battle, this can be difficult to track, so: Drivers could/should communicate (honestly) between themselves to allow effective lapping
• Drivers should line up on the grid in their correct position, allowing the correct distance between cars in an effort to minimise first corner incidents. If deemed necessary by a committee member we will use marshals to correct the grid and penalties for repeat offenders will be starting at the back of the grid.

Safety:
1/10 OR Rule 17.15/22.7: If the body shell and/or gear cover becomes loose or falls off during a race, the car must be removed from the track until the body and/or gear cover is securely re-attached./ No cars may be raced without a body shell being securely fitted at all times
FORCC guideline:
· As per BRCA guideline

BRCA general rule 4: In the interest of safety, any battery pack(s) carried on a model car must be able to be disconnected quickly without the use of tools in an emergency. Direct soldering is not allowed.

1/10 OR Rule 25.1: Cars will be driven by cells/batteries with a nominal voltage not exceeding 7.6v, starting 1st. April 2017. The maximum charge voltage is 8.40v. Cells/batteries cannot be replaced after a race has started.

1/10 OR Rule 25.6: LiPo/LiFe drive batteries must be charged in a ‘Closed Lipo sack’ at all times. LiPo sack is defined as a receptacle designed for the purpose of charging LiPo/LiFe batteries and of a suitable construction as to contain a LiPo/LiFe fire.
FORCC Guideline:
· As per BRCA guideline but including bat boxes designed for the purpose

Thank you all for taking the time to read this, if you have any feedback obviously we are there on the night, or email theforcc@gmail.com or call me on 0777 558 1890.
Thank you, Mark.

I have purchased 50 pairs of our control tyre, U6786 Block yellow rear and inserts. I’ll have them with me to purchase on Wednesday nights.

£10 for a pair of the tyres £12 with inserts. This should keep us going and I will reorder each time I get below 20 pairs. Going forward this should help us to moderate our tyre issues to some degree.

Any questions feel free to email me or call me on the usual number, thank you all, looking forward to getting back racing again on the 6th September, cheers, Mark.

Hi everyone, just a quick reminder, we have two weeks off now, we return on the first Wednesday in September, the 6th. Remember it will also be the truck week date as well as the new championship for 2 and 4 wheel drive. Thank you everyone, cheers, Mark

Good evening everyone, a huge thank you to Lloyd who has been helping me out and doing the results updates for the club. I’ve managed to get time around work and get them uploaded this week. It was a quieter night this week but we still had some fun and some excellent racing. Thank you all for your continued support.

Two of our very talented racers have been on the Grid Talk RC podcast, so as well as watching Matthew racing on YouTube from the last post, you can also catch up on Spotify.

Kyle Moon Interview – https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cpsnYEq05INOmnXNRw759?si=MI48qdy5S3motA7WgZZ8xg

Matthew Peters Interview – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Izo7D9HycMOSI8b5Ptdsd?si=1D3cb8wAQF6AOXZlbxKeww

Hi everyone, I was hoping to go through this face to face this week but my work meant I couldn’t stay and race this week so I am uploading the document here and will speak with everyone next week.

To be clear, this isn’t a set of rules but a joint collaboration amongst us all to adhere to a safer, positive, constructive enviroment where our competitive nature aligns with everyones health and safety.

http://www.forcc.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FORCC-Club-etiquette.docx

If anyone has any questions please feel free to email the committee theforcc@gmail.com

Thank you, Mark

Hi everyone,
A very busy night of buggy racing, with some new racers, welcome to the family guys, I hope you enjoyed your evening with us.
We do need to remember to be careful and vigilant around all of our marshals, this is still a high speed sport that we enjoy as entertainment but injuries can happen so please take care.
Videos of everyones last races of the night have been uploaded to YouTube, these do show some scrapes and some areas of concern around driver etiquette when cars are being marshalled. Please do not throttle up your cars when a marshal has come out to get you back on track, at the same point if you are driving and see a marshal has come out to recover a vehicle, please slow down to allow them safe passage to and from the cars.
I am always available to come and talk too if you have any questions or concerns and I’ll speak with everyone next week before racing.
Thank you, Mark
#FORCC #Favershamoffroadcarclub #RC #rcracing #rclife #rccars #xray #xrayracing #willspeed #serpent #serpentrc #schumacher #SchumacherFamily #SchumacherRC
Faversham Off-Road Car Club (FORCC) is a Kent based RC Club, racing 1/10th Scale 2WD, 4WD and Short Course Trucks. We welcome everyone from seniors to juniors on Wednesday nights in Boughton-under-Blean, please feel free to come and say hi, let us know who you are and what you enjoy about RC racing.
Our website – http://www.forcc.co.uk/?page_id=15
Our Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Faversham-Off-Road-Car-Club-667575600015641
Our YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFVX3r29hjLPg3nMK-RJugg/videos
Our Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/faversham_forcc/
Our email- theforcc@gmail.com

Hi everyone, the results have been updated for the nights racing with the championship standings being updated, apologies last weeks didn’t show. Thank you to everyone for your support and please let us know if you have any feedback.
Thank you, Mark

#FORCC #Favershamoffroadcarclub #RC #rcracing #rclife #rccars #xray #xrayracing #willspeed #serpent #serpentrc #schumacher #SchumacherFamily #SchumacherRC
Faversham Off-Road Car Club (FORCC) is a Kent based RC Club, racing 1/10th Scale 2WD, 4WD and Short Course Trucks. We welcome everyone from seniors to juniors on Wednesday nights in Boughton-under-Blean, please feel free to come and say hi, let us know who you are and what you enjoy about RC racing.
Our website – http://www.forcc.co.uk/?page_id=15
Our Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Faversham-Off-Road-Car-Club-667575600015641
Our YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFVX3r29hjLPg3nMK-RJugg/videos
Our Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/faversham_forcc/
Our email- theforcc@gmail.com

Hi everyone,
The results from Wednesday night are now posted up for you to review. What else can you say, it was truck night!
That says it all, 11 drivers in one heat, living the dream of being the number one driver, , , , , well some of them anyway, others do it to enjoy the sheer adrenaline and fun factor grins!
Thank you, Mark
#FORCC #Favershamoffroadcarclub #RC #rcracing #rclife #rccars #xray #xrayracing #willspeed #serpent #serpentrc #schumacher #SchumacherFamily #SchumacherRC
Faversham Off-Road Car Club (FORCC) is a Kent based RC Club, racing 1/10th Scale 2WD, 4WD and Short Course Trucks. We welcome everyone from seniors to juniors on Wednesday nights in Boughton-under-Blean, please feel free to come and say hi, let us know who you are and what you enjoy about RC racing.
Our website – http://www.forcc.co.uk/?page_id=15
Our Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Faversham-Off-Road-Car-Club-667575600015641
Our YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFVX3r29hjLPg3nMK-RJugg/videos
Our Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/faversham_forcc/
Our email- theforcc@gmail.com

Hi everyone,
The results from Wednesday night are now posted up for you to review. It has been a great start to the New Year and lovely to see all your faces back again for another championship, some new members joining us as well and a huge welcome to them.
From Wednesday night I filmed rounds two and three they are available on our YouTube channel as always, I believe also the presentations for last year’s championship photos will be on our Instagram. The mini championship tyres were also handed out and again my thanks to you all for taking part to get us back on track for this year.
As the chairman of the club it does fall to me to remind people about safety and being appropriate so I am sorry to the people impacted by the behaviour of a single driver on Wednesday night. I only mention it here to put on record that our club alongside the BRCA has a zero tolerance policy to any inappropriate behaviour. The driver will remain banned from racing with us until the members impacted have been apologised too.
Thank you, Mark
#FORCC #Favershamoffroadcarclub #RC #rcracing #rclife #rccars #xray #xrayracing #willspeed #serpent #serpentrc #schumacher #SchumacherFamily #SchumacherRC
Faversham Off-Road Car Club (FORCC) is a Kent based RC Club, racing 1/10th Scale 2WD, 4WD and Short Course Trucks. We welcome everyone from seniors to juniors on Wednesday nights in Boughton-under-Blean, please feel free to come and say hi, let us know who you are and what you enjoy about RC racing.
Our website – http://www.forcc.co.uk/?page_id=15
Our Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Faversham-Off-Road-Car-Club-667575600015641
Our YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFVX3r29hjLPg3nMK-RJugg/videos
Our Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/faversham_forcc/
Our email- theforcc@gmail.com

Thank you for an excellent start to 2023.

First things first, the presentations from last year will take place on the LAST race day of this month. January the 25th!

Second thing to mention is the RallyX cars, they start racing as of next week, 18th January. David Armstrong and Dave Andrews have put in time and effort to speak with people and create the framework of regulations that will be the start of this season. We will review them after every fourth race, please feel free to use our email to give your feedback. The document can be found at – RallyX-ver1

Third and final thing is just to point out where our calendar is – 2023-Racing-Calendar

Hope you all enjoy the new championship and I’m looking forward to getting some great footage for the YouTube channel.

Thank you all,
Mark