2014 IFMAR Worlds: Not Taking It to the Streets

The controversy began  in early in 2013 when IFMAR let the world know they would be racing the 1/12 scale Worlds race on asphalt.  Literally, "Taking it to the streets."

That early announcement didn't settle well with a lot of racers now preparing to race Worlds in Florida. But racers were now scared that the action would be out in a sandy, Walmart parking lot doing figure eights around manatee mailboxes.

So, IFMAR has made a change to the program 1/12 scale racers will be expecting at Worlds this year in Florida.

By popular demand, they've decided on carpet.

"Dear all,

Taking into consideration the predominant general feelings and thanks to the goodwill and co-operation of the organiser IFMAR has commonly agreed to revert the 2014 IFMAR world championship 1/12th from an Asphalt to a Carpet surface race.

We are well aware that this may come over as a bombshell. Many people will have to reconsider their engagements due to this important new element and its short notice.
A swift and ample communication flow is by then fundamental.
We trust you to spread this important information at your very earliest convenience to all concerned levels under your control.

Yours in the sport,

Frank Mostrey,
IFMAR electric sections."

Since the 1/12 scale category has traditionally been fought out on temporary carpet tracks in hotels and gymnasiums world wide, it does make sense.

These 1/12th scale cars are precision instruments.  Running just millimeters off the ground. Making even the most highly prepared Off Road World competitor look like an amateur contestant at your local mud bog tractor pull.

This would rule. No joke.

Carpet has been the level playing field, world wide for a variety of reasons. It's more consistent, it's mobile and really someone found out that a model car 3mm off the ground, is pretty useless in your everyday parking lot behind the hobby shop. 

That doesnt mean asphalt racing doesnt still exist 1/12th scale, though. In fact just a few Worlds ago, the who's who of the "Jedi" class took it to the streets.

Here is a solid eight minutes of fantastic 1/12 action on asphalt:

The problem is, that fantastic track pretty unique and highly maintained. It is basically a scale race track that would be proudly displayed in the detailed scenery of a model town, and not commonly available for for the everyday club racer.

So, Florida will be indoors, on proper carpet as the world has come to prefer.


RC Racers are not a large, or particularly vocal group of hobbyists. So, when changes need to occur for the good of the majority, it is good to know that promoters and organizations listen. IFMAR listened and decided to give the racers what they felt was the best option for a level playing field at a world wide event. Good on IFMAR.

Thanks for reading!
-Tommy