RC Track Etiquette

At the track it's OK to chew with your mouth open and staring is not impolite at all -- as long as you're oogling the cars and not the drivers. But you do need to mind your manners in other ways. First, if you're just there to watch that's perfectly alright. But unless you're invited into the pit area, stay in the stands or designated viewing areas. And don't touch the vehicles unless you have permission (or if you're pitching in as corner marshal).

If you plan to drive your RC at the track, I'd encourage you to go out to your local track a time or two first -- both when there are races going on and when it's just a free-for-all day -- just to get a feel for the layout of the place and familiarize yourself with any posted rules. If you're there to practice or to race, make sure you know the rules of that particular track facility and any specific rules for the organized races.

Here are some general RC track guidelines posted around the Web. Your own local track may have its own rules but a lot of these are common to any RC track or race situation. Most are aimed at the drivers.

• RC Driver's Etiquette (includes tips on marshaling)
• Racing Tips and Etiquette (aimed primarily at race newbies)
• Racing Rules ("general car racing rules for qualifying car racing matches at a typical organized race")

What tips would you give to first-timers (spectators or drivers) at an RC race track?