theres a hand full of experienced guys running in the breakout class and they run for a 4.0 second lap. if you go faster, you lose your lap. a perfect race would be 60 4:00.0... i think they best they got so far was a 59 4:00 or somewhere real close.

its really tough cause ya got lap traffic, slow guys, fast guys where is ya move over or go high ya lose time rather than running as fast as ya can in the other classes. not to mention some people feel they have to chase down the guy in front of them and they end up breaking out.

of course the computer does all the break out work lol. i've seen some really close racing but never seen anybody stop at the finish line, i think they have a rule against that anyway. hope that helps.

 

Yep, that's the way we did it at our track, some of the best laughs we ever had was during a break out race.

theres a hand full of experienced guys running in the breakout class and they run for a 4.0 second lap. if you go faster, you lose your lap. a perfect race would be 60 4:00.0... i think they best they got so far was a 59 4:00 or somewhere real close.

its really tough cause ya got lap traffic, slow guys, fast guys where is ya move over or go high ya lose time rather than running as fast as ya can in the other classes. not to mention some people feel they have to chase down the guy in front of them and they end up breaking out.

of course the computer does all the break out work lol. i've seen some really close racing but never seen anybody stop at the finish line, i think they have a rule against that anyway. hope that helps.

 

as far as heats, its the same as racing any other class except you can't go faster that what the breakout is set for. the computer sorts it out. yes, everyone could be on breakout pace through the hole race.

 

OK, so every lap is a break out. If you go faster than the set break out you lose that lap. How do you know if you lost a lap, or how close you were, during the race?

 

Correct- it's the minimum lap time set in the scoring system. Anything below 3.5 (which was minimum at my track), you missed that lap.

There was a little griping about it. Of course, we had the guy that took time tuning to where the car would hit right on the mark every lap. But he did so with a 2C, 13.5 in an old L3. (We ran 2.9 - 3.0 in 10.5 Spec speedo last season).

The beauty of it was we had pan cars out there running all sorts of combos. There was some really close racing- it just never took off, as not enough racers "migrated". (the goal was to get racers to crossover with an oval car and their existing equipment- they just didn't do it enough)

 

We'd announce the "breakout" laps. And, before the run, we'd give racers a minute or so to "dial in" the lap times- before each race- to accomidate for faster track, etc...

 

Gary

Break Out is a really cool deal, that most "RACERS" won't take part in. But for those of us who love just having fun w/ our cars, and love a challenge it's been run when we've done them. (Never for us enough interest to do many of them).

What's really cool is if the BREAKOUT is set right, ANY P.O.S. car, motor, battery combo can do it, and you MUST slow down to the proper speed. (Through Gearing, Throttle Limiting...and if you are good, throttle control) There's NO SUCH THING as cheating...because it's RWYB, just run it at the proper speed.

It's not really RACING in the sense of GOING FASTER, it's about trying to cut PERFECT laps...and being closer to the PERFECT time than the other guy...w/o going over.

NOTE: I've read about places that do 2-3 breakout classes, all using the same rules, and same equipment... just quicker break out lap times. That way as a driver improves, he can step up and still not have to buy NEW stuff.

 

Personally, I never liked the concept of breakout racing because it does not encourage racers to work on their cars and improve each week. As long as their car can reach the correct lap time, there is no incentive to improve and learn about car setups. It rewards those who are good at timing vs. those who put actual effort into their cars. People with good video game skills would probably do well in breakout racing.

If you are going to create a new class, I say create a slower class, not a "video game" breakout style of racing. A 21.5 single cell class would fit the bill nicely. It would keep the speeds down low enough that any chassis will work fine, yet still reward those who put efforts into their cars. That's just my opinion, but I'm sticking to it. Having said that, I do like the idea "Run what you brung" and the elimination of cheating that breakout provides. I can see a draw for that.

 

...People with good video game skills would probably do well in breakout racing.

They are probably good at any type of rc racing...
My son was great at video games, knew nothing about cars,
but would kick a lot of ass at the rc tracks..

I don't see this class as a replacement for
"spend what you want, do what you want racing",
but as an alternative.
If guys want to do it, have at it....
It seems like there are quite a few places that like it... :thumbsup:

 

Personally, I never liked the concept of breakout racing because it does not encourage racers to work on their cars and improve each week. As long as their car can reach the correct lap time, there is no incentive to improve and learn about car setups. It rewards those who are good at timing vs. those who put actual effort into their cars. People with good video game skills would probably do well in breakout racing.

James,

For a lot of people "WORKING ON THE CAR" is not part of the RC Hobby they enjoy...

For local fun bashing racing, RWYB - anything can run... it's some of the MOST fun you can have bashing w/ your buddies.

THIS TYPE OF RACING HAS NO PLACE at what others have called "EVENTS" ie: Snowbirds, Oval Masters, NATIONALS, etc, just as "NOVICE" classes don't.

This type of racing encourages FUN w/ RC Cars, No PRESSURE, No B.S. Drama, No CHEATING, and if I can't hit the speed...bolt in something FASTER and away you go.

What it does is give guys RADIO time, and the ability to run LAPS, Lots of LAPS

(For some of the Breakout races I've done, we also run 6-8 minutes...or until we'd KILL the batteries in the old Round Cell days)

It brings something to this hobby that so many people seem to over look - FUN!

 

I can definitely see how it could appeal to some racers, and others not so much. One thing I did learn from having a Hobby Shop for 10 years is, you have to be open to new ideas to keep the interest up, no matter how crazy it seems. We often had classes that were of no interest to me personally, but some really enjoyed.

Hope they don't make a speed control that you can program in the distance and lap time and just hold the trigger down.

Oh yea, seems like figure 8 would go well with a break out. LOL

 

I guess I need to throw my .02 in..

Our 2 breakout classes are the most popular at out track. We run 8 second Truck, 6 minute heats and 10 minute main. 7 second Car, 4 minute heats and main.

The computer is set up to recognize the minimum time each lap. In essence, a lap of 7.99 isnt recognized and you must go around for another lap. You know if you dont count immediately, there's no beep when you cross the line.... You really have to pay attention to your position on the track, it changes every lap..

Breakout just isnt for the new guys either... on any given day at the Grove you'll find an average of 15 years or more of R/C experience EACH.

Its the most fun and stressless type of racing you'll find. Where else can you beat and bang, hack each other and come off the driver stand laughing your butt off... You dont need the best equipment, newest speedo, new tires every week... just put the car down and drive it..

We have been running breakout since 2004!!! During that time, 21.5, 17.5 came and went, 1s classes have come and gone... Not just here, but everywhere else.. The programmable speedo classes have come along, and have changed...... But our breakout classes have stayed consistent.. The rules havent changed in 6 years!! We've had 5 Supertruck races.. It just gets bigger every year.. This year we ran a 101 lap 20 truck main!

All I can say is, Breakout isnt for everybody, but try it you might like it..

 

Only raced one event in break out rules, it is a lot harder than you think, guys know within a foot if they are going to break out on a lap, it can lead to freight train racing, you can hear guys changing their radios to give more speed as voltage drops.

It is a run what what you brung class which is nice. No need for the latest/greatest ESC/batteries. You just dial the speed in you need to run a little faster than a perfect lap so if you hit traffic or miss a entry you don't leave anything on the track.

 

Breakout racing is very popular at my local track (ENHobbies) the past two Weds nite we had 19 cars each nite. Tonite we had 11 cars.

To me the break out class is very close racing and normally we will have a Amain that has 2-3 laps that seperate the top from the bottom. It is tight racing and you have decide if you want to pass a guy or ride on his bumper to get him to pull out of the way or break out.

To me its a lot more fun than racing 17.1 1 Cell Truck class..

Ed

 

I've never raced breakout but have talked to a few folks about it.

The appeal is the simplicity: "Run what ya have" instead of having to go out and buy special tires, or esc or motor to comply with whatever rules your local track is running. No constant rules changes or updates, no drama about new technology.

Take something that's 15 years old off the shelf and go race and have a decent chance to win without blowing your 401K on the latest and greatest (that will be outdated in a month or two).

The challenge is driving in traffic. It's fun for guys who don't want to spend all night in the pit area chasing a perfect setup but who would rather get up there with a few like-minded folks and have a good time racing each other on the track.

And it's fun because it is laid back, no pressure, no BS, none of the "he's cheating, you can't allow that new ESC," maybe even a little Rubbins' Racin...

In short, it's racing (ie driving), not wrenching.

It's not for everyone...but it is a good option for the people who just want to have fun on a limited budget.

 

Just as an afterthought...
to the idea that you don't have to work on a car...
or drive a fast car..
There is no rule that says your car cannot be a monster.
In other words, one that has way more than enough power
to enable easier passing, then you would have to "drive" the car
to make sure you don't break out.
Like in drag racing...
In breakout racing, you see cars going like a banshee,
and then brake lights at the finish line.
They only use whatever it takes to win.
And not breakout.

 

how many outdated pan cars and electronics are out there, that could be brought back from the dead for this class? stuff that will never be competitive in open classes again.

also, it teaches new racers to drive "consistent" lines!! and lets more experienced racers, race another low stress,budget class.

 

James...we could do breakout racing - with a MAXIMUM LAP TIME. Kind of like minimum speed on the highway!!!

Rip off lap times 3.5 seconds or less or you lose your lap...wait, we kind of already do that. lol

 

I think this has been a good thread....it certainly has gotten information out about "Breakout Racing". It's been very interesting. Might even be good for McAllister Racing, since you wouldn't feel like you have to have the same bodies the "team racers" have to be competitive. LOL.... Not that you do anyway.

 

We are on our second season of running a breakout class. This is our second most popular class. Breakout has been a popular second class a lot of guys have chosen to run. Yesterday the top three finishers were running an ADX, RIP Undertaker and Original narrow 10L. We have guys running brushless, brushed, lipos and celled batteries. The drivers range from very experienced to new. This is one of the most competative classes we have. People have run it for the first time and been amazed at how hard it actually is.

One of the cool things also is the variety of bodies. It's not just the boring Nascar style bodies you see at every other track. Besides Nascar, we have guys running trucks, late models, and Vintage style bodies.

We have had a lot of guys come out of retirement and start out in this class. They were able to use their 10 year old equipment and be competative right from the start. It has been a real good stepping stone class for our other classes.

 

I think every one running the same roll out is more fun at the end of the race all cars are right there.

 

Breakout is a cool class that teach you how to work on consistency and working on your drive-line. Sometine you are chasing or being chase just don't breakout.

 

Breakout racing has been around a long time. Years ago at the Whip, in addition to open stock and mod, Bob offered what he called "Club" classes, a stock and a mod breakout class. My first race there I qualed second out of 37 entries in Club Stock for a regular Saturday race with a homebuilt chassis on foam tires!
All of the previous comments are correct. It does promote consistency and some calculated driving. It also created an environment of running close together and some give and take on track. Chatter on the stand was imperative to avoid major crashes. We ran on a lap total, I think it was 32/4:00.00 to begin with but I think I would have liked the minimum time approach. I actually nailed the 4:00.00 twice!
There will always be that group of racers who will slam it for not being real racing. In a way they are correct, it's not flat out racing but if it gets racers to the track and having fun again what's the harm?
Made some great friends and had a lot of fun in breakout racing.
We're in this hobby to have fun.
Right?

 

Geno, Randy, Chuck and Chuck really enjoyed the whip breakout!!!

 

Breakout is good for an oval beginner, this is where I started out it gets you comfortable with racing around other cars and teach you to talk to others about holding their line. You can also coach another drivers who is getting started in oval about different run lines and car set, especially how one chassie change can effect there car.

 

I still hear from Roy from time to time. Haven't seen Jeremy in quite a while. Sure miss Big Ernie. How about the Waddell boys and Al the Earnhardt lover! There was some kid from the Tampa area that used to come over... wonder whatever happened to him...

 

We also did another form of breakout at Pro Hobbies in Apopka, Florida.
It was a breakout/handicap system. A little confusing at first but actually worked very well to allow some of the guys to still run flat out.
The breakout was set at 60 laps for a pan car, 4 cell using 27 turn stock motors. If you ran a 61 in your quals or the main your handicap moved from 0 to 1 lap. Another lap handicap was added each time you increased your lap count. One guy had a 5 handicap becuase he decided he wanted to run 65 laps!
If you did not break 60 your handicap did not apply but if you did break 60 your handicap was deducted from your lap total. So the guy I mentioned above had to either run 60 or 65. Otherwise his adjusted lap count would fall les than the on pace 60 mark. On that small track and heavy traffic it was challenging but also meant you could not pace yourself off other racers. You had to know your car and how you set it up.
BTW - I did talk to Jim over Christmas and he's interested in trying again. We kicked around a 2 point season format one Spring and one Fall. Definitely Legends and TOUR 17.5 is right on the mark with lap times we ran with 4 cell/27-turn. Maybe that breakout would be the ticket to get some of the older cars back on track.