Basic Turns

• For basic turns in which you have a long straightaway into the turn there are two approaches. You can either shorten the distance by coming as close as possible into the turn, or turn with greater speeds. Keep in mind the weight distribution of your vehicle as you make turns. If your vehicle is top-heavy, it will be to your advantage to take the longer route at a higher speed. Cutting the corner sharply works well for cars with a low center of gravity and good traction. Avoid walls and grassy areas when you make basic turns to avoid any speed reduction.
  
  

Slow In, Fast Out

• Often you will find yourself in hairpin or other turns that come up suddenly. For these types of turns, remember that your vehicle brakes faster than it regains speed. Hit the brakes just prior to entering the turn and allow for any drift or skid that occurs. Usually the drift will only be a problem on wet or dirt-packed tracks. Once your vehicle is aligned with the next straightaway, lay on the accelerator at full speed to pull out of the turn. This style of handling is known as slow in, fast out and is invaluable on quick turns.
  
  

Jumps and Loops

• Jumps are becoming more common in both off-road and street RC racing. The most important technique is to hit all jumps square-on and be certain that the steering column is not in use at all during the leap. You always want to land your jump on as flat a surface as possible; a bumps can flip your radio-controlled racer. Loops are much less common; they are normally employed only by lightweight and very fast cars. To successfully navigate a loop approach it at the maximum possible speed. Allow any guide rails on the loop to direct your car and steer minimally. Very few loops actually have turns in them, but those that do will require you to continually tap the steering to compensate for their pitch and yaw.