Hello racers,

Over the last few weeks several drivers and tracks have contacted me asking about our class structure for this upcoming season. Although I’ve not had a chance to fully update our rules package I feel comfortable in releasing the following class information to you. You can consider this as final and begin your pre-season testing.

You will find the 17.5 and 13.5 stock classes are virtually the same as last season. The major changes would be the allowance of 1” of spoiler in all classes. We will also allow any brand of Electronic Speed Control this year.

Lipo batteries will be allowed in two classes this year.
21.5 Super Stock will use the SMC 3200mah Lipo as the exclusive battery along with a Novak 21.5 motor. Most racers I've talked with expect this to be the fastest growing class nation wide.

Pro Modified drivers will have the option this year of using either a 4 cell NiMH/10.5 power combo or a 2 cell Lipo/17.5 combination.

Lipo batteries for the Mod class will be open to any Hard Case, 7.4v pack, 5400mah or less. (maximum case size Length 139mm, Width 47mm, Height 25mm ) Novak 10.5 and 17.5 motors are currently approved for this class but will also be opening up the rules to allow for other interested brands to participate. (More information on this class and the approval process for interested manufacturers will be available in the next few weeks). We hope these changes will help inject some new life in this class as it seemed to be following off at the end of last season.



We will be adding a strict set of rules concerning Lipo usage. Intentional overcharging, or pre heating of the cells WILL NOT be tolerated. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1.) Any battery that exceeds a Peak Voltage of 8.44 in pre-race tech will result in disqualification from that heat or main . You will not be allowed to reduce the voltage and re-tech the car.

2. All Lipo batteries are required to have a connector, (no hard wiring to the ESC). Approved connecters include, Deans, Traxxas, EC3, or Banana plug.

3.) A control battery will be placed in the tech area to establish ambient pack temperature. Your battery may not be allowed to exceed this temperature by more than 10 degrees during pre race tech. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from your upcoming heat or main.

A complete set of Lipo rules will be available soon.


General Car Specifications: (All Classes)
Length: 20" Maximum
Width: 9.875 Maximum 7.25 Minimum
Body Height: 4.25" Minimum
Ride Height: 3/16"
Wheelbase: 11" Maximum 9" Minimum
Weight: 41oz Minimum. (38oz Minimum for 21.5)


Class Specific Rules
17.5 Sportsman Stock
Body: Any BRL approved (Nationwide Series) style body, back must remain intact. 1” spoiler maximum
Battery: BRL approved NiMH batteries. 4600mah maximum
Motor: Novak 17.5 motors only
Speed Control: Any brand
Race Length: Heat 4 minutes, A Main 75 Laps


13.5 Super Stock
Body: Any BRL approved (Nationwide Series) style body, back must remain intact. 1” spoiler maximum
Battery: BRL approved NiMH batteries. 4600mah maximum
Motor: Novak 13.5 motors only
Speed Control: Any brand
Race Length: Heat 4 minutes, A Main 75 Laps


21.5 Super Stock
Body: Any BRL approved (Nationwide Series) style body, back must remain intact. 1” spoiler maximum
Battery: SMC 7.4V 3200mah Lipo battery Only (Part # SMC3228LD or SMC3228LT)
Motor: Novak 21.5 motors only
Speed Control: Any brand
Race Length: Heat 4 minutes, A Main 75 Laps


Pro Modified
Body: Any BRL approved (Nationwide Series) style body, back may be cut out. 1” spoiler maximum, wings allowed.
Power Option: 4cell NiMh/10.5 motor or 2 cell Lipo/17.5 motor
Battery: BRL approved NiMH batteries 4600mah maximum or Hard Case, 7.4v pack, 5400mah or less
Motor: BRL Approved 10.5 or 17.5 motors (additional approvals coming soon)
Speed Control: Any brand
Race Length: Heat 4 minutes, A Main 75 Laps


I’m starting to work on the schedule and hope to have it finalized before the end of this month.. Look for the first race to happen in early November. Hint..I hear Iowa is a nice place that time of year.

If you have any questions shoot me a PM or send me an e-mail to sbrown15@live.com

Thanks and hope to see all of you this season.

Sonny B

Thanks Brown. Looks great to me!
Iowa is nice anytime of year...except December-March. LOL
I'm hoping first weekend as we'll be visiting the Mouse the next one.....
dk

Nice package (rules that is) and thanks for putting them out!

Looks good Sonny, can't wait for things to get rolling.

As usual Sonny Brown comes through when it counts. Lots of changes in technology and still finds a good mix of classes and electrics.

Good Job Sonny.:wave:

I can't believe the big guy actually got this out in early August! Great job Sonny. Being picky I have just one comment. Unless we're all supposed to switch to COT designs, shouldn't you say Nationwide Series bodies rather than Sprint Cup series bodies?:wave: I said I was being picky.

Big Chuck

IBeing picky I have just one comment. Unless we're all supposed to switch to COT designs, shouldn't you say Nationwide Series bodies rather than Sprint Cup series bodies?:wave: I said I was being picky.

Big Chuck

Good point Big C. I forgot about that.

FYI: I will update the approved body list soon as a know a few manufactures have released some new products recently

Just showing ya I was paying attention.....

No Old Farts Class for Dusty? :freak:

Just kidding buddy!! :wave:

I can't believe the big guy actually got this out in early August! Great job Sonny. Being picky I have just one comment. Unless we're all supposed to switch to COT designs, shouldn't you say Nationwide Series bodies rather than Sprint Cup series bodies?:wave: I said I was being picky.

Big Chuck Hey Big Chuck can we start running the 1" spoiler now?:(

Hey Big Chuck can we start running the 1" spoiler now?:(

Actually I was thinking about having you run the next race with about a 3" spoiler to try to slow you down from the drag.

I think you were kidding, but in any event I'd like to leave the rules alone for the final 2 races of our series this summer.

Thanks Sonny once again for your efforts. This all sounds like exactly what we need for oval to atleast keep the racers we have and maybe pickup a few more.

I know these rules are not up for debate..............but......lol

There are certain people that think they are the "class police" of oval racing. Always expressing their opinions about who should or shouldn'tbe running 17.5. Would you please consider running WINGS in 13.5/21.5 LIPO classes. I can always swap motors in a 13.5 car and slow down and run 17.5. Its a lot harder to go the other way to 10.5 with the aero package being so different. Your thoughts???

Hope you realize how much oval racing needs a race promotor like you. I have pics of all my RC equipment and for a moment, ready to put it on the classifieds. With this great news you can count on seeing me on the rug.


Deel

Actually I was thinking about having you run the next race with about a 3" spoiler to try to slow you down from the drag.

I think you were kidding, but in any event I'd like to leave the rules alone for the final 2 races of our series this summer.
I'll try to work on him Jason...I already went home and fished out all my uncut spoilers...

Thanks Sonny once again for your efforts. This all sounds like exactly what we need for oval to atleast keep the racers we have and maybe pickup a few more.

I know these rules are not up for debate..............but......lol

There are certain people that think they are the "class police" of oval racing. Always expressing their opinions about who should or shouldn't be running 17.5. Would you please consider running wings in 13.5. I can always swap motors in a 13.5 car and slow down and run 17.5. Its a lot harder to go the other way to 10.5 with the aero package being so different. Your thoughts???

Hope you realize how much oval racing needs a race promotor like you. I have pics of all my RC equipment and for a moment, ready to put it on the classifieds. With this great news you can count on seeing me on the rug.


Deel
I think you meant wings :)
Count me as one of the guys who would rather have less drivers to apologize to on the stand during the 13.5 main for my father taking them out in their 17.5 qualifiers, but I've kind of figured that once the cat was out of the bag there wasn't much I could do.
I think nationally more and more guys are running 17.5 as the old stock class, and I can remember going down to Birds thinking "He's in stock?" so I don't really see this as anything new, its been a complaint for years, we've just been given the chance to call the classes different names
:woohoo:
Originally 17.5 sounded like a great place for my father, or Kelm and Mulvaney's sons, etc. to get experience, have fun, and not worry about guys with the talent like you, Humble, and other have. But the reasons my mind has sort of changed is:
A) 17.5 is now the national stock class, not just a BRL class to get people's feet wet
B) In many areas, the local track only has enough racers for one class
C) If you're going to bring in new racers it should be at the slowest speed possible, and in a class that will always have enough guys to compete.

All that means 17.5 is the default class for a lot of small tracks and that means more guys are going to run it as their primary class and run a second in addition to that.

Just my 2 cents, it all pretty much means I've lightened up on you studs running 17.5 but would like the spoiler rule to stay :p

Thanks for the correction. 17.5 4 cell should remain spoiler only. I was asking for wings in 13.5 and faster classes. If I have done my homework during this off season, I think the Lipo 21.5/SMC class will be just about a lap faster then our current 13.5 class. The old saying of plant the rear and make it steer is just about impossible in 13.5 4 cell. I am personally as soft as I can go for tires. It was only 3 years ago everyone still ran wings in "stock". At my home track we are easily .4-.5 faster per lap then stock in 13.5 with the spoiler only rule. Burning up the super soft compounds every weekend.

And Sonny, you can't tell me this rule is for looks, I have seen your paint jobs.......lmao

Count me as one of the guys who would rather have less drivers to apologize to on the stand during the 13.5 main for my father taking them out in their 17.5 qualifiers, :p

Hey, I resemble that remark......:eek:

Actually I was thinking about having you run the next race with about a 3" spoiler to try to slow you down from the drag.

I think you were kidding, but in any event I'd like to leave the rules alone for the final 2 races of our series this summer. Now that's Funny :roll::jest:.

Okay I won't go looking for a spoiler then. :thumbsup:

I'll try to work on him Jason...I already went home and fished out all my uncut spoilers... After thinking about it I think Dad's right it would be best to leave the spoiler the way it is for the next two races. I wouldn't want to slow my car down right now.:devil:

Sonny, looks good. Even though I was only able to attend one race last season (Steel City) your series ran very well and had a great time there (even being sick) Hoping to possibly make it out to another race or two this year. Although I'm not a BRL regular I would like to see wing's allowed in 13.5 as Brian suggested. Keep up the good work!

Walter

Class structure looks great. Not that there was ever any doubt. I hope to make as many BRL races as I can. I must also say I agree with the wing idea for 13.5/21.5 and up. FWIW. Anything to help relieve the tire bill I am all for. Thanks Sonny! Bob

Guys thanks for all the comments.

I appreciate your thoughts regarding the wings but we will not be going that direction for 13.5 and 21.5 classes.

The racing and competition level in the 13.5 class was simply awesome last season. After 9 races we had 7 different winners and some very exciting finishes. Given that it was a largest class I don’t see the need for a change.

Guys thanks for all the comments.

I appreciate your thoughts regarding the wings but we will not be going that direction for 13.5 and 21.5 classes.

The racing and competition level in the 13.5 class was simply awesome last season. After 9 races we had 7 different winners and some very exciting finishes. Given that it was a largest class I don’t see the need for a change.

do you honestly feel you had so many different winners because you didnt have wings on the cars? you had so many different winners because of the class of the guys running it. 13.5 is close everywhere!!! many of us are very shocked you can not move past this. i do want to say thank you for putting out some lipo rules and opening up the speedo rules

I can't speak for Sonny but I think he meant that there are plenty of people willing to run 13.5 without wings and that the number of entries and level of competition last year support that view.

Whether I (or anyone else) think wings would be the better choice for whatever reasons is immaterial. He is a race promoter. If he picks his rules "right"; lots of people show up to race and he's successful. If he picks wrong; no one wants to run and he's unsuccessful. Whether there could have been (in someone's opinion) a "better" set of rules is immaterial. He doesn't owe it to anyone to create a rules package exactly the way they (individuals or groups) want it.

When are the proponents favoring various specific changes to his rules (wings, open motors, etc) going to get it? He's listened to all the arguments and discussions and made his choices on rules. He's willing to live with the results. If you're willing to run by those rules; show up. If not....

If the issue is that your local track will adopt his rules, then that's an issue with your local track. They're in the same position as Sonny. Pick the right rules; lots of racers. Pick the wrong rules; you've got a problem. So lobby the local track for the rules you want if you don't like the BRL's.

I'd just make mention that a lot of the BRL guys decided to continue spoiler only at Snowbirds, even when given the choice. It goes back to what I told Pat months ago, if the rules said we had to mount up trans-am bodies backwards I'm pretty sure we'd still have good turnouts, just because this gives all us guys in the midwest a common travelling schedule to hang out and race with each other.

do you honestly feel you had so many different winners because you didnt have wings on the cars? you had so many different winners because of the class of the guys running it. 13.5 is close everywhere!!! many of us are very shocked you can not move past this. i do want to say thank you for putting out some lipo rules and opening up the speedo rules


....two of the top three cars in 13.5 at the 'birds this year ran spoiler only including the winner. There were also others in the 'A' running naked.

Wings are not a necessity in 13.5, more of a crutch than anything.

Wings are for airplanes and maxi pads.

I can't speak for Sonny but I think he meant that there are plenty of people willing to run 13.5 without wings and that the number of entries and level of competition last year support that view.

Whether I (or anyone else) think wings would be the better choice for whatever reasons is immaterial. He is a race promoter. If he picks his rules "right"; lots of people show up to race and he's successful. If he picks wrong; no one wants to run and he's unsuccessful. Whether there could have been (in someone's opinion) a "better" set of rules is immaterial. He doesn't owe it to anyone to create a rules package exactly the way they (individuals or groups) want it.

When are the proponents favoring various specific changes to his rules (wings, open motors, etc) going to get it? He's listened to all the arguments and discussions and made his choices on rules. He's willing to live with the results. If you're willing to run by those rules; show up. If not....

If the issue is that your local track will adopt his rules, then that's an issue with your local track. They're in the same position as Sonny. Pick the right rules; lots of racers. Pick the wrong rules; you've got a problem. So lobby the local track for the rules you want if you don't like the BRL's.
Standing ovation.

http://www.marks-collectibles.com/nowings.jpg

:woohoo:NO WINGS IN 13.5 & 21.5 :woohoo:



123 different entrants in that class last season. If needing a wing was that big of an issue..10.5 would have been huge!

I say two years of success without wings. Its not broke, don't fix it!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SONNY!! :thumbsup:

do you honestly feel you had so many different winners because you didnt have wings on the cars? you had so many different winners because of the class of the guys running it. 13.5 is close everywhere!!! many of us are very shocked you can not move past this. i do want to say thank you for putting out some lipo rules and opening up the speedo rules

Yes I think it plays a part. Honestly I have nothing to get past. In fact you could probably turn that comment around and say you are the one that needs to get past it. If you want to run a wing we offer a Pro Mod class that will allow them.

If that does not work for you that’s fine it’s a pretty simple solution, run elsewhere. I’m happy with the quality of racing we have and don’t see a need to change.

The extra quarter inch of spoiler will make a big difference. It was a good compromise!

I ran a lot both ways last year. I didn't see a big tire wear difference, but my car was about equally hooked up either way. If people feel like a wing reduces tire wear or improves the quality of racing at your local track then run wings at your local track. If you want to go to a BRL race then unscrew four screws and run wingless. It's really not that big of a deal.

I thought 13.5 needed a wing as well when I started looking at the class to run last year. Then I started running the class and realized that the wing wasn't necessary to have great racing. I give Sonny a big thumbs up on his rules package and I will be running 13.5 again this year. :thumbsup:


By the way Sonny did you get my email at work?

Rules look great Sonny.

I look forward to attending BRL races this year.

Keep us posted on bl motor (10.5) approval for Mod class.

Steve.

If you have to "wing it" in 13.5 to go faster or keep your tire bill down, I'd say you need to look at your set up and driving style. Since switching to this class I feel my driving has improved along with my setups. My tires are lasting longer and if I do find That I'm getting to much tire wear on the RR, I just go to a harder compound without noticing a difference in handling. Maybe the spoiler only rule shows who really are the best drivers.

Great Job on things again, Sonny! Thanks for all you do. . . .

As for all this wing-stuff, we don't need-em for 13.5 or 21.5, take it form me, I'm in
the wing business. . . .( MUDDSLIDE MOTORSPORTS PRO-TAN & SUPER-TAN WINGS )

Sparky.

Wing or no Wing the BRL series is the best thing that oval racing has seen in years.

Going with the Lipo classes will really benefit the BRL and pan car racing for sure. :thumbsup:

Wings are for HOOTERS, and BWW. Wingless cars just make better drivers, not rotor wars. I'm just one of the slow guys who runs 13,5 but will probably be a Lipo guy this year......HOOWWWWLLLLLLL

Wolfman

A 1st class guy running a top notch series with " The greatest group of racers". Hope to see you guys soon. But may take the year off......Bobby

Hope to be doing more BRL this year..

Sonny the rules look great A+..

Deel you dont need a wing your to fast the way it is.They should make you run a 4200mah battery this year rather than 4600. Just to make the competition fair LOL!! Just kidding guys deel is not that fast...

Sonny,

Can you start a Poll on here asking what class most everyone plans on running? I think it would help those that haven't made up there mind as to what class they are going to run this year (Like Me).

Taylor- Shut-up and work on your cars!

LOL!!

Yes Sir........

Just something i noticed sonny. The part numbers you listed for the lipos don't show up but i did find these on horizons site SUM3228LD and SUM3228LT. Are these the approved packs?

Just something i noticed sonny. The part numbers you listed for the lipos don't show up but i did find these on horizons site SUM3228LD and SUM3228LT. Are these the approved packs?

Yes 3228LD or LT is correct.

Sonny- PM......

I'm an idiot, what is the dif between the 3228 LD and LT?

I'm an idiot, what is the dif between the 3228 LD and LT?

LD= Deans Plug LT= New Traxxas Plug

Thanks Mr BRL!!
Are the Traxx'x plugs, bullet or banana plugs by chance?

Thanks Mr BRL!!
Are the Traxx'x plugs, bullet or banana plugs by chance?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=TRA3080

Thanks Mr BRL!!
Are the Traxx'x plugs, bullet or banana plugs by chance?

Better get this figured out there Sr. So when I call and want plugs...you get me the right ones!! :thumbsup:

Sonny,

Quick question. I am wiring up my cars right now and was wondering if we are allowed to shorten the leads on the battery packs? I know the connector must be installed, but I was hoping to shorten the leads to clean up the wiring a little.

Thanks,
Pat