Mini 4WD Race Day Checklist

A short pre-run check catches the failures that actually end races, and it takes a couple of minutes.

Drivetrain

Spin the wheels by hand. Listen for grinding and feel for tight spots. Check the gear cover is secure and that no gear has developed play.

Rollers and stays

Every roller should spin freely. Check that stay screws are tight and that nothing has shifted since the last run, because roller height drifts as fasteners loosen.

Brakes and dampers

Confirm brake height has not changed and that sponges are not worn through. Check each mass damper still moves freely.

Power

Fresh or freshly charged cells, seated properly with clean contacts. A poor battery contact produces symptoms that look exactly like a drivetrain problem.

Spares in the box

Axles, gears, rollers, screws and brake sponge. These are what break, and a race day ends quickly without them.