How to Build a Track for Remote Control Race Cars

RC trucks are ideal for a backyard dirt track.

If you have just purchased your dream remote control race car, you may need a place to race your shiny new purchase. With just a little open space, you can build a fun and challenging track in your back yard. With turns, berms, elevations and jumps, your new race track will provide a place to drive your RC race car and possibly compete with your hobbyist friends.

Things You'll Need

• RC Car
• 20-foot by 20-foot space
• Dirt
• Shovel

Instructions

1. 

   Make sure to sketch plans for a RC track before you start to dig.

   Sketch a design for the track. Draw a picture of where the track will go and include jumps, berms, elevations and other features you want on the track.

2. Use a shovel to create the track. You do not have to excavate flat parts of the track, but you need dirt to create jumps and berms. You might also want to dig out dips. Build table-top jumps, with dirt filling in the space between the jump and the landing, to avoid rough landings that can damage your RC car. Pile extra dirt at the corners of your track and smooth it in a gradual curve to create berms.

3. Drive your RC car around the track while you are working to make sure the car can handle the features of the track. Was that jump too long? Is the washboard section uneven? Can two cars fit on the track at once with opportunities to pass? Tweak the design as you go to make the track work for your RC car.

4. Establish a start and finish line and clearly mark it on either side of the track. Make sure the start area is wide enough to line up a few cars to race.

5. Race your remote control race car over the jumps and berms to try out your new track. Make adjustments if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a street-style RC car, follow the same steps but make your track on concrete and forget the jumps. Use paint or sidewalk chalk to outline the track.

• You can also use garden hose, plastic piping or wood to outline a dirt track.

• Design jumps that you can clear and make a soft landing with your RC car.

• Build the track based on the scale size of your RC car.

References

• Everything RC Cars: How to Build an RC Car Track

Resources

• ROAR: 2010 Remotely Operated Auto Racers Track Guidelines