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

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


  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Track Specifications

    1. Measurements

      1. 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)
           

    2. 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:

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Revisions

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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