Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their feedback on our club survey. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our RC Car Racing club. From the survey, we received 11 valid submissions, each offering great insights. We have now begun drawing up the new ruleset for the Clubman 5 championship.
In this article, we provide an in-depth breakdown of the survey results. This review will hopefully ensure that the Clubman 5 championship aligns closely with the expectations of our club racers.
Is the sample data good enough to create rules from?
From the survey we had a total of 11 participants. These individuals are highly engaged with the club, as all of them visit at least every other week, with most barely missing a meeting. The ability levels of the participants were very balanced, ranging from beginners to regular A finalists. This mix ensures that our survey results reflect a wide range of experiences and skills.
We believe that the survey data provides a good sample of the racers at our club. This feedback will serve as a solid foundation for creating the championship rules. The balanced abilities and diverse class preferences highlighted by the survey will help us tailor the Clubman 5 Championship rules for everyone.
Favourite Classes
The survey revealed the following favourite classes among participants:
- Clubman/Iconic
- MTC (Mini Touring Car)
- Tamiya Mini
- Touring Car
Other classes that received votes include:
- 2WD Buggy
- 4WD Buggy
- TC FWD (Touring Car Front Wheel Drive)
- 1/12th Mini/HH (High-Performance)
What does everyone think of the club in general?
We are pleased to report that there was no negative feedback about our club or the Civic Centre, which speaks volumes about the positive experiences of our members. The feedback regarding the track exceeded our expectations, especially considering it is typically assembled from hand-down carpets and markers.
A significant majority of racers (8 out of 11) rated the club's organization very highly, with 5 racers expressing that it "always feels like a world championship" and 3 stating it is "one of the best organized clubs." This high level of satisfaction highlights the great efforts from the team and volunteers. The remaining participants had no complaints, further indicating the club is on the right track.
Regarding the number of classes offered at the club, responses were balanced. Most participants felt that the current classes are adequate, but there was also a suggestion to potentially offer an additional class in the future.
Summary of Suggestions for Improving SRC Eckington
Additional Club Days:
- One participant suggested opening the club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well to provide more opportunities for practice and racing.
Track Design and Safety:
There is a suggestion to use more flexible markers to soften the track and make it less sharp, potentially reducing damage to cars.- Another participant feels that the current track layouts are too narrow and have too many corners. They suggest considering a more spacious layout for better racing experience.
Class Incorporation and Event Preferences:
- A participant expressed interest in including the MTC class in non-championship events and possibly integrating it into the existing 4WD class. They also mentioned a personal preference against GP-style meetings.
Heat and Race Management:
- It was suggested to better separate abilities in heats due to the small track size, which could lead to more competitive and enjoyable races for all participants.
- There was a recommendation to consider a kids' class during school holidays when younger racers don’t have to go to bed early.
- Another suggestion was to ensure that only cars and drivers that qualify for championship heats are allowed to compete in them to maintain fairness and avoid robbing others of their places.
Clubman 5 Rules Feedback
All participants in the survey have taken part in at least one previous Clubman series, providing us with a well-informed base of opinions for planning the Clubman 5 championship. Here is a summary of their feedback on the rules:
Number of Classes: Most participants voted for maintaining two classes in the series, with three participants suggesting that "one extra wouldn't hurt."- Rules Flexibility: Opinions were split evenly on whether to keep the rules the same as "Clubman 4" or to "make them flexible to help beginners." This indicates a need to balance consistency with inclusivity.
- Motor Combinations: Justock motor combinations were very popular, with an even split between 17.5 and 21.5 turns. Additionally, there were four votes in favor of staying with brushed 27t motors. This shows a diverse preference for motor setups.
- Bodyshell Rules: There was no clear favourite for bodyshell rules, suggesting that this decision should be made at the club level.
- Chassis Rules: There was a 50/50 split between having an "allowed list" and having "no restrictions outside general chassis rules." This indicates differing views on how strict the chassis regulations should be.
- Handicaps: Voting for types of handicaps was mostly even, with a slight preference for enforcing a Final Drive Ratio (FDR).
Overall, the feedback provides valuable insights into the participants' preferences, which will be great in shaping the rules for the Clubman 5 championship.
Suggestions for Improving the Clubman 5 Championship
We received a variety of suggestions from participants on how to enhance the Clubman 5 championship. Here are the key points summarised:
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Motor and Chassis Rules:
- Suggestions for motor combinations included 17.5 brushless Justock and 21.5 brushless or 27t brushed motors.
- There were mixed views on chassis restrictions. Some suggested allowing only plastic or tub chassis, while others recommended having a more laid-back approach or a strict allowed list.
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Race Policies:
A strict policy on body shells was suggested to ensure compliance with specific requirements.- Introducing a minimum weight and controlled tires was recommended.
- One participant suggested a unique idea where the winner has to sell their car, complete with electrics, to another racer for a set price.
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Class and Heat Organisation:
- It was suggested that new, complete beginners joining mid-season should have their own heat to ensure a balanced competition.
- Expanding the variety of classes, such as including Mini MTC and a TT01 series, was recommended for more competitive and fun racing.
- Some participants proposed allowing MTC and TC cars in the Clubman class with specific motor, body, tire, chassis, and gearing regulations.
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Consistency in Rules:
- Several participants emphasized the importance of having a set guideline of rules and sticking to them to avoid frustration from mid-season changes.
- It was also suggested that any new additions to the allowed chassis list should be assessed by the club's committee to maintain consistency and fairness.
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Control and Regulation:
- The idea of fixed gearing was proposed to maintain uniformity across the competition.
- Ensuring that championship finals do not include drivers from non-approved groups was highlighted as a point of contention that needs addressing.