Burn Tunes

Burn Tunes

by Steve Fujita on Nov 13, 2024 Categories: REVIEW/TECH/HOW-TO

Burn Tunes

11/13/24

We have been hearing about this for awhile now, but it has not affected us much here in the states until recently. Now it is affecting us, so now is the time to address this trend.

First I want to start out by saying, keeping the speeds in RC Drift similar between the cars has always been an important aspect of RC Drift, and has been controlled by having a Spec Tire. This is still the case. Tracks will select the tire that best suits their surface and the desired speed and grip level. This keeps things as fair and as fun as possible. It’s never fun if you are on slicker tires than someone else and trying to chase them. Trying to chase someone on considerably slicker tires isn’t fun either. It just doesn’t work. As the cars become better and the turning becomes more advanced, the tires need to become more and more slick to maintain reasonable speeds and keep Drifting fun. Here are Super-G we are on the slickest and most consistent tire we could find for our surface. Where we go from here is anyone’s guess.

Burn Tune - What is it?

A Burn Tune is when someone sets up their car to be capable of extreme wheel RPM to the point it starts to melt the tires and increase traction. Whether it is through gearing, ESC tuning, or motor selection, the result is the same. Spin the wheels fast enough to heat the tires near the melting point. In extreme cases we see the tires show signs of melting. This is also very hard on the track surface and causes permanent damage.

 

Shown above, we have thousands of laps over this area in the left side image. The dark marks are recent and caused by Burn Tunes. This will not be allowed to continue.
The images on the right were sent to us about a year ago explaining the latest trend that was tearing up the tracks.

The question now arises, do we allow this type of tuning?

After giving it much consideration and weighing the different scenarios, we here at Super-G have decided Burn Tunes are not allowed here at Super-G, and SDC (Super Drift Competition) will also adopt this rule.

If this trend is allowed to continue, it will force everyone to do the same to be able to drive together. Basically the same outcome as not allowing it, but ruining tires and ruining the track surface in the process. It is a destructive trend that will ultimately yield the same result, everyone being the same speed. The difference being, everyone will need to replace their tires more often, and the tracks will become beat quickly.

In researching this trend, it is being countered by a few means:

  • Limiting FDR (Final Drive Ratio). I have seen 9.0:1 as a suggested limit
  • Limiting Motor Selection. Nothing hotter (lower) than 13.5T

Others simply state: 

  • If you are running this type of tune you will be asked to leave.
  • A second offense and you are not allowed to return.

For the time being, we hope stating as a rule, Burn Tunes are NOT allowed here at Super-G will be sufficient.

If this does not fix the issue, we will be forced to impose some of the limitations listed above.
We do not want to do this, as we feel it will limit tuning methods for some people who did not abuse the venue.

If you are caught, it will be considered vandalizing our venue and will be treated as such. 
What would the penalty for carving your initials into our track surface be?  🤔Purposely spinning your wheels fast enough to burn the surface of our track will be viewed the same way.

Say No to Burn Tunes

 

Special thank you to Marcus Morizuka for his on going help, not only in this matter, but countless others.

 

#Super-G