Re: Attn: Int’l Bit Char-G Racing Rules?

July 18, 2002 at 11:30 pm #14495

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QFM Racings Official BitDra-G Competition Guidelines (version 0.9)

Introduction
1. Overview
  1. This set of BitDra-G guidelines was created to address the growing
    popularity of the micro RC hobby, particularly the Bit Hobby. The
    guideline takes into accomodation the current state of the Bit Hobby,
    including the existence and availability of types of cars, parts &
    accessories, both OEM and Tomy as well third-party, known modifications,
    and the varied spectrum of Bit Hobbyists.
  2. QFM Racing (questformadness.com) has created these guidelines to
    help structure, streamline and officiate simulated quarter-mile and
    straight line drag races for the micro RC Bit Hobby. Any race using
    these guidelines (including variations of) will refer to the race
    as a BitDra-G Event. This is only to regulate and create
    a standard for Bit drag racing, as well as familiarize micro RC hobbyists
    with the event. Consistency in this matter will allow enthusiasts
    to be familiar with the general idea of how the race works after having
    participated in it once before. This will eventually create a familiar
    environment for the participants, thus encouraging return participation
    in future events, and result in subsequently more organized and smoothly
    excecuted events. Use of the The use of the name Questformadness
    or QFM Racing is not obligatory in the event and is discouraged
    except when referring to the guidelines, and absolutely no fee is
    required to use these guidelines. This has been created for the sole
    reason of the proliferation of the Bit Hobby. You are encouraged to
    use these guidelines and amend as necessary to ensure a successful
    event.
  3. Because the hobby is new, it is likely that amendments will be made
    to the guidelines in the future. All future revisions will be listed
    in Section VII: Revisions & Amendments. In addition,
    a smaller number of participants or any number of factors could require
    a deviation and/or adaptation of these guidelines to ensure a successful
    race event. As such, these rules are labeled as “guidelines”
    to help structure an appropriate set of rules for any given race situation.
    If deviation is necessary, a standard form of notation would be appropriate
    to make race regulation easier (so as not to require a complete rewriting
    of the BitDra-G rules for every event). See Section VI: Rules
    Deviation for complete instructions on how to do so.
  4. It is important to note that these guidelines only address simulated
    quarter-mile straight line sprint or drag events, and do not encompass
    lap or track racing.

General Information
1. Official Tomy BitChar-G
  1. All references to Tomy or BitChar-G in this document
    includes any and all official Tomy BitChar-G products designed and
    licensed for foreign markets. This includes but is not limited to
    the JNH Compact Char-G in Australia, and the Hobbico Microsizer
    in the US. This definition excludes the Hot Wheels BitRacer
    in the US. References to the Tomy BitRacer will be made as
    such, and will not be included in the definition of a Tomy BitChar-G.
    The term car or machine are used interchangeably.
2. Timing and Chronographs
  1. There is no official timing device for BitDra-G competition. Timing
    device and method will be stated or made available to the contestants
    along with the BitDra-G guidelines as well as any amendments during
    contestant entry or signup. Timing device and method will again be
    stated at the commencement of a BitDra-G competition.
3. Ties, Same-Frequency Races and Official Time
  1. In the event of a tie or two competitors with the same frequency
    being paired for a race, determinination of a winner will be made
    by Official Time. The two competitors will run the full length
    of the track as determined by division, separately for an Official
    Time. Official Time is defined as a race officials measure
    of elapsed time required for a contestants car to complete a full
    track run from starting line to finish line. Track length depends
    on division. Race competitors also have the option to choose Slalom
    Time. (See section II.D.1)
4. Slalom Time Option
  1. In the event of a tie, or same-frequency stalemate, winner is determined
    by Official Time unless either contestant requests a win to
    be decided by Slalom Time. Slalom Time is defined as
    a race officials measure of elapsed time required for a contestants
    car to complete a full slalom run from starting line to finish line.
    Slalom must be accepted if just one or both of the contestants request
    it. Although statistically this obscure rule will rarely be exercised,
    it ensures that the contestants machines maintain the ability to steer
    if necessary. This may seem trivial since the race is based on straight
    line racing, but it is remote control and the ability to steer that
    differenciates the BitChar-G from the BitRacer and other toy cars.
    This characteristic must therefore be recognized and represented.
5. Judges and Race Officials
  1. Judges and/or Race Officials will be determined by
    the persons or entities sponsoring the BitDra-G event. A Judge or
    Race Official is defined as a person or persons responsible for officiating
    division races, takes measure of official times, makes the determination
    of a tie, disqualification, and re-match.
  2. Judges may only participate in a division event that they are not
    presiding in as a Judge or Race Official. A Judge may not officiate
    or act in the thier capacity as a judge in any race they participate
    in as a contestant.
6. Race Etiquette
  1. All racers, race officials, participants and spectators must turn-off
    and keep-off all controllers while a race is in progress. Only the
    current race contestants may have thier controllers on during a race.
    The time before and after each division event and between each race
    are the only permissible times the controllers may be on.
7. Machine Failure during Race
  1. In the event that a participants car fails during eliminations and
    cannot be fixed using the same chassis, the participant forfeits the
    race and the competitor wins by default. As unfortunate as this circumstance
    may be, this rule is designed to discourage unfair advantage by contestants
    intending to machine swap during race. However, it is in the Race
    Officials capacity to allow a machine swap if he/she deems it appropriate.
8. Ties, Disqualifications and Rematches
  1. It is the Judges or Race Officials responsibility to determine a
    tie, disqualification or re-match. All decisions are
    final. A decision may be determined by a single Race Official or by
    a collective agreement of 2 of 3 Race Officials depending on
    circumstance and available manpower. A tie is when two contestants
    cars in the same race cross the finish line at the same time. A disqualification
    is when a rule defined in this guideline has been violated. A re-match
    is when some extenuating circumstance through no fault of the contestants
    affects the outcome of the race unfairly and the race must be restarted.

Track Specifications

Measurements

The track design is simple and accomodates several uses. It accomodates
both 12′ foot and 20′ foot races, as well as Slalom Time determinations.
Specifications are as follows:

Track Length:	22′ feet or 24′ feet (see Start Box & Finish Box)
Track Width:	24″ inches
Number of Lanes:	2
Lane Width:	12″ inches
Track A Finish Line:	12′ feet total run
Track B Finish Line:	20′ feet total run
Start Box	1′-2′ feet before start line (depending no amount of available space)
Finish Box	1′-2′ feet after finish line (depending on amount of available space)
Operators Box Lane 1	Left Side, From starting line to half the length of the track being raced. (A=0′-6′ mark, B=0′-10′ mark)
Operators Box Lane 2	Right Side, From starting line to half the length of the track being raced. (A=0′-6′ mark, B=0′-10′ mark)
Slalom Points	Every 2 feet (A=6 total, B=10 total)

Markings
1. A clear line designating the median is mandatory to help drivers
  visualize a straight line and avoid race collisions. An Actual center
  barrier is optional, but must be removeable to allow the slalom
  to take place when necessary. 1 inch tick marks should be placed
  every foot, on both sides of the track, along the length of the
  track. This is critical to visually gauging the booster effect and
  take off abilities of cars, as well as give visual feedback to both
  the racers and participants when the cars actually zip down the
  track. During Slalom Time determinations, a pylon will be placed
  on the center dividing line every 2′ feet beginning at the starting
  line. A delineator (line) should run across the width of track at
  the start line, the 12′ foot mark, and 20 foot mark. It is recomended
  you use a marker rather than tape so as to provide a smooth track
  surface.
2. Schematic Diagram:

Divisions
1. Overview
  1. BitDra-G events are separated into separate classes called divisions.
    Each division seeks to address a specific type of Bit Hobbyist and
    car configuration. A full BitDra-G competition using all divisions
    would effectively encompass the whole spectrum of Bit Hobbyists
    and range of car types (excluding track or lap races). Division
    races can be held simultaneously if enough square footage exists,
    however it is recommended that the BitDra-G competition be executed
    in division order, to build anticipation for the Super Modified
    races, as well as limit any chances of inadvertent frequency interference
    by participants and thier controllers. The divisions are as follows:
    
    Stock Box
    
    Stock Modified
    
    Open Modified
    
    Super Modified
    
    Showcase
2. Division Classes
  1. (Tomy) Stock Box Class
    
    The Box Stock class best showcases the off-the-shelf performance
    ability of the Bit. This division addresses new hobbyists, young
    enthusiasts, participants who may not own anything other than a
    basic kit, or do not wish to enter a modified category. This division
    provides the most regulation to assure fair performance ability
    between the contestants BitChar-G machine sets.
    1. 12′ foot track length.
    2. Tomy BitCharG cars only
    3. Stock equipment – Box (kit) contents only
    4. Paired contestants must always race with identical motors and
      axle gearing. This rule supercedes all other exceptions, amendments
      & revisions for this division.
    5. No modifications can be made to the technical design and basic
      function of the cars.
    6. G-09 Trueno must race with medium stabius, medium tires, 9.86:1
      gearing & microB 1.0 motor unless racing another Trueno, at
      which any combination of stock box (kit) contents may be used,
      so long as the gearing and motor type match.
    7. SE JGTC cars must race with 9.86:1 gearing and microB 1.0, unless
      racing another SE JGTC, at which time the box (kit) stock microB
      2.6 and 8.25:1 gearing may be used.
    8. G-01/02/03/04 & Calsonic Racing SE must race with microB
      1.0 and 9.86 gearing unless racing another G-01/02/03/04 or Calsonic
      Racing SE, at which time the box (kit) stock microB 2.2 and gearing
      may be used.
    9. Any stock (kit) car not equipped with a microB 1.0, and 9.86:1
      gearing, must race with a microB 1.0 and 9.86:1 gearing, unless
      racing the same type of kit, at which time any combination of
      stock box (kit) parts may be used, so long as the gearing and
      motor type match.
    10. Modifications can be made to the controller.
    11. No OEM allowed
    12. No Booster cars allowed
    13. No BitRacer cars or parts allowed.
  2. (Tomy) Stock Modified Class
    
    This division addresses the Tomy’s upgrade parts and accessories
    market. This race class will exhibit and examine both the potential
    and limits of Tomys vision of the Bit hobby market. Bit hobbyists
    will have the opportunity to test thier custom Bit combinations
    against others. While third-party products exist to enhance Bit
    performance, this category is limited to official Tomy parts and
    accessories designed exclusively for the Bit.
    1. 12′ foot track length
    2. Tomy BitCharG cars only
    3. Stock modification parts and accessories allowed – Only official
      Tomy Bit Hobby setting parts and accessories (for BitRacer &
      BitCharG) permitted for enhancing performance.
    4. Paired contestants may use any combination of official Tomy
      Bit Hobby parts and accessories, including motors and gearing
      (motors and gearing do not have to match).
    5. Official Tomy parts and accessories must only be used properly
      in the manner and purpose for which they were designed.
    6. No modifications can be made to the technical design and basic
      function of the cars.
    7. Modifications can be made to the controller.
    8. No OEM
    9. No Booster cars
    10. No BitRacer cars.
  3. Open Modified Class
    
    This category is the designated proving ground for the second generation
    booster cars. This division is essentially the same as the Tomy
    Stock Modified Class, but allows clones and OEM models to participate
    as well. Booster sets inherently have an advantage over regular
    machine kits, but because many OEM and Clone machine kits come with
    a combination of higher performance parts, the playing field is
    leveled to some degree.
    
    This division addresses the popularity of the micro RC genre by
    acknowledging the existence and availability of the many clones
    and variants of the original BitChar-G. While Tomy ‘did’ spearhead
    the emergence of the micro RC hobby outside of Japan, it was the
    economical price advantage and faster availability of the OEM and
    Clone products that filled the void created in the international
    markets. This division recognizes this portion of the Bit hobby
    market.
    
    Because official Tomy affiliated retailers and distributors may
    find conflict in sponsoring an event that allows for the promotion
    of OEM and clone products, OEM and Clone participation may be omitted.
    However, if you are a Bit or micro RC enthusiast, it is advisable
    to retain this category in the interest of the proliferation of
    micro RC genre, and so as not to exclude this important market,
    which shares many of the same customers who buy Tomy’s genuine Bit
    product.
    1. 12′ foot track length
    2. OEM, Clone, BitCharG and Booster cars allowed.
    3. Paired contestants may use any combination of OEM, Clone, Booster,
      BitCharG, BitRacer parts, motors and gearing only.
    4. Parts must come from an OEM, clone, Booster, BitCharG, or BitRacer
      kit, or must be an accessory for any of the aforementioned kits,
      and is sold and marketed as such by the cars manufacturers themselves.
    5. No self-fabricated parts allowed.
    6. Parts and accessories must only be used properly in the manner
      and purpose for which they were designed.
    7. No modifications can be made to the technical design and basic
      function of the cars.
    8. Modifications can be made to the controller.
    9. No BitRacer cars.
  4. Super Modified Class
    
    This division is the highlight of the BitDra-G event. This class
    addresses the technical and expert hobbyists, and demonstrates the
    limitless possibilities of the micro RC hobby. It will constantly
    redefine the potential of the Bit Hobby by showcasing the end-users
    vision of it, which is limited only by the contestants ability to
    manifest his/hers ideas into an actual working machine.
    
    Track Length is 20′ feet. 8’feet longer than the standard length.
    Excellent or modified range is a basic mod and is considered a given
    to even ponder participating in this event. If this cannot be achieved,
    then this is not the event for you. Also, some booster cars may
    require a significant length to reach top speed when boosting. In
    reality, since you can stand up to halfway down the length of your
    side the track, you really only need to achive 10′ feet reception.
    1. 20′ foot track length
    2. OEM, Clone, BitCharG, and Booster cars allowed.
    3. Paired contestants may use any combination of parts and accessories
      (both self-fabricated and commercial).
    4. Modifications can be made to the technical design and basic
      functions of the car (i.e. 2.4v powered, 6 wheels, front wheel
      drive, IR DigiPropo, etc.)
    5. Modifications can be made to the controller.
    6. Modifications, parts, and the cars themselves must remain 1/60th
      scale or smaller.
    7. Although parts and accessories are allowed from any other type
      of micro RC car 1/60th scale or smaller, the chassis must be that
      of a BitCharG or acceptable OEM or Clone. After all, this is a
      BitDra-G Competition.
    8. No Bit Racer cars.
    9. Custom chassis or pan chassis are allowable if fabricated from
      an original Bit Chassis or OEM/Clone chassis. In tyhe event that
      the main determining factor (the chassis) is not genuine, it will
      be the determination of the Judge or Race Official if the sum
      of cars components and technology used is enough to qualify for
      inclusion. Elements to evaluate include but are not limited to
      the use of Bit or OEM/Clone parts, same or similar technology
      used (i.e. magnetic coil steering, Radio control, etc), 1/60th
      scale or smaller and overall appearance. Inclusion is permissible
      if the Judge or Race Official determines the car to be mostly
      or at least 51% Bit.
  5. Showcase Class
    
    This optional class is a catch-all for any cars or participants
    that do not easily categorize into the previous divisions. While
    the races are still officiated, there is no official winner. Any
    type of 1/60th scale or smaller Micro RC is allowed, as the purpose
    of this class is to showcase the technical differences between the
    dozens of micro RC toys out there. For example a Takara Digi-Q
    may race a BitChar-G or perhaps a Yokomo Petit Maru
    versus a Nikko iRacer
    
    There should be no previous sign-up or entry for this event, and
    the etiquette for participating is similar to that of an illegal
    street quarter-mile drag. Once all the official divisions have completed,
    Race Officials will invite the audience to participate. 2 lines
    are formed, one line for each lane. A prospective racer signals
    his/her intent to race by lining up. The first contestant steps
    forward and occupies a lane, then waits for the next competitor
    in line to advance. Once two competitors are found, the race is
    offciated, a winner is decided, and the contestants clear the lane
    for the next two participants. It is important that the winner does
    not remain for the next race, because there is no official winner,
    but more importantly, the lack of regulation for the types of cars
    involved, may lead to a vastly superior car dominating the whole
    division.
    
    This division event lasts for as long as the BitDra-G event organizers
    permit it. For example, the track can be opened to the audience
    for 30 minutes after the last official event. Because this is such
    a loosely regulated and informal division, organizers may run this
    part of the event as they see fit.
    1. 12′ or 20′ foot track length.
    2. Must be 1/60th scale or smaller.
    3. Micro RC cars permitted.
    4. Bit Racers permitted.
    5. non-RC cars permitted

Rules Deviation and the Temporary Amendment List
1. overview
  
  It is understood that not every event will have the right circumstances
  to execute a full BitDra-G competition, and it may be necessary to deviate
  and/or adapt these guidelines to accomodate the size or circumstances
  of the event. The BitDra-G guidelines recognizes this and has a standard
  method for quickly and easily amending the rules for this purpose. It
  is called the Tempopary Amendment List or simply New Rules.
  
  The standard notation for rules deviation is a clearly defined list
  of rules in two parts. The first part (or header) indicates what section
  of the guideline, if any, is being temporarily amended, such as III.A.5.a.
  If the rule is not addressed in the guideline at all, it is labeled
  as E.S.R. (event specific rule). The following below is an example,
  but a real amendment list would be prominently placed along side a copy
  of these rules, perhaps as a cover sheet to the guidelines, or made
  available to participants elsewhere (i.e. internet).
2. Example:
  
  ESR All contestants must start from 6 inches behind the start line.
  
  IV.A.1 Track length for stock races is 20′ feet

Revisions

Overview

This section covers the official revisions made to the BitDra-G guidelines.
Take note to differentiate between an official revision to the guidelines
versus a temporary amendment (See section V.A). An official revision
is a permanent change to the BitDra-G rules. This change is made if
the general consensus of Bit hobbyists feels a permanent amendment to
the guidelines will better accomodate the sport of micro RC Bit racing.
When a permanent amendment is made to the document, an entry will be
made in the revision record (VI.C), indicating the said changes.
A temporary amendment is a deviation of the standing rules outlined
in this guideline, for the purpose of catering to a single event. Such
ESR’s (event specific rules) do not imply a need for change to the guideline,
but rather a need to accomodate the circumstances of the specific event.

Administration

The current administator of this document is listed in the administrators
list (VI.D). As the hobby develops, it is logical to turn administration
over to the entities or event organizers closest to or having the most
experience hosting or participating in BitDra-G competitions. This collective
decision making of Bit enthusiasts will help to serve as a system of
checks and balances to ensure the guidelines meet and address the needs
of its users.

This document will be hosted on the current administrator/s website,
and will be made freely available to the Public. The newest revision
must always be available, and it is the administrators responsibility
to update the publicly available document in a timely manner when a
revision is made. Each administrator is responsibile for creating (1)
outlet for the document to be publicly available (preferably through
the internet). A list of current administrators along with the mailing
address and/or URL of thier copy of the newest revision, will be maintained
in section VI.C. Anytime a revision is agreed upon, and the guideline
is updated, a copy of the newest revision must be sent to all the administrators
on the list, and the links must be updated.

Revision Record
1. Date / version 1.X / Summary of Changes
  1. (Section changed or added here) Actual
    changes made here.
  2. i.e. (VI.C.1.b) Included an example
    of a revision record entry
  3. i.e. (VI.C.1.c):
    
    Here is another example of a revision entry that shows
    how to enter a more detailed record. perhaps the amendment is
    more complex and requires more space to completely document
    the entire changes. Real revisions should be entered below,
    and this example entry should be left in place.
2. 7-18-02 / version 0.9 / Initial Draft Proposed
  1. Initial Draft Ideas combined and presented as a complete document.
  2. Added Section VI. detailing Administration of guidelines
  3. Schematic track design graphic added
  4. Draft proposed to to several entities.

Administrators List

Organization	Administrator	Contact or URL	Current Guideline available here:
http://www.questformadness.com”>QFM[/url] Racing	mailto:qfm@comcast.net”>Jay[/url] Medina	http://www.questformadness.com”>questformadness.com	v0.9

ESR	All contestants must start from 6 inches behind the start line.
IV.A.1	Track length for stock races is 20′ feet

Re: Attn: Int’l Bit Char-G Racing Rules?

QFM Racings Official BitDra-G Competition Guidelines (version 0.9)

Introduction

General Information

Track Specifications

Divisions

Rules Deviation and the Temporary Amendment List

Revisions