Turf For R/C Race Tracks

Artificial turf integrated into r/c race tracks offers new levels of realism, impact cushion, dynamic traction, and reduced overall maintenance. Utilizing artificial turf for indoor, outdoor, dirt, and even on-road race track divisions are all possibilities. Whether looking to build a track completely of artificial turf or integrating it into a current setup, we will go over some of the common options here.

To note: When we refer to traction, this will all be dependant on the tire and suspension setup of the r/c cars being raced. Each surface has its own unique traction setup requirements.

What Is The Turf Used For R/C Race Tracks?

The types of turf utilized by r/c race tracks can be broken down into three main categories:

• Low Pile Carpet
• Low Pile Artificial Turf
• Field Turf

Each of these has unique aspects and can be utilized to conform to certain track needs.

Low Pile Carpet

The low pile carpet used in both indoor and outdoor r/c race tracks is actually a specialized r/c racing surface. This type of surface allows for both on-road and off-road style r/c car racing. Companies that manufacture this type of surface include CRC with their Fasttrak II and RC Carpet with both their ETS and EOS offerings.

Low Pile Artificial Turf

This is usually “the cheap stuff” found at Home Depot. This is very low pile artificial turf (sometimes referred to as astroturf) that is fairly inexpensive and readily available. This type of surface offers great traction and ease of installation but will require far more maintenance and repair than any of the other two options.

Field Turf

Field turf is the artificial turf found in professional sports fields. Most commonly on football, baseball, and soccer fields. This has a much higher pile height than the other two options which makes it more realistic in terms of being a life-like grass surface. These products contain rootzone and artificial blades which, as a combination, offer lifelike traction and shock absorption on impact (or landing). This product may require infill, depending on installation and use type, and you can learn more about those options here.

Which Surface Is Right For Your Track?

An Indoor Race Track Utilizing Both Low Pile Carpet And Artificial Turf

This will really be dependant on the style of racing envisioned for your track setup. On-road, off-road, and mixed-use tracks can all utilize different forms of turf surfaces.

On-Road Racing

An on-road style race track will be the best fit with the specialized, low pile, r/c carpet. This offers the best traction and height for on-road setups.

Off-Road Racing

Off-road race tracks can utilize and all three variations of the turf’s listed in this article. For the most realistic grass-like surface, field turf will be the best bet. This type of surface can handle more abuse, offers cushion, and be utilized both indoors and out.

Dirt Track Erosion Control

For off-road r/c dirt tracks dealing with erosion issues, or even mud pockets after a rain, field turf can again be the best solution. This style of artificial turf is designed to drain water expediently and, by the way it is engineered, can keep the dirt (especially on jumps) in place race after race (see pic top of the page for an example).

On-Road to Off-Road Track Conversion

If you have an on-road specific race track but want to open up to off-road specific events, creating dynamic track portions dedicated to the off-road crowd can be key. Utilizing pre-made sections, jumps, and stretches that are made with field turf can be an easy way to convert the track from on-road to off-road. These premade sections can be placed on the track and with some planning and testing, most likely through weight, will stay in place through your events full race day.

Runoff Area’s

For any track, runoff areas can be best fit with field turf. This is a thicker artificial turf that can expediently slow down an out-of-control car, offer less destructive impact, and give your turn marshalls feet a break with a much more comfortable surface to stand on.

Best Place To Find Field Turf

While specialized r/c race carpets are a simple google search away, cheap low pile artificial turf can be found at the local hardware store, you might be wondering where to find this specialized field turf product. There are many online vendors who offer new field turf products, but for the best costs used artificial field turf is the right choice.

Used field turf is generally offered in two grades, basic and premium. The biggest factor to consider between the two is the actual condition of the pile itself. Basic used artificial turf generally has more curled and fibrillated synthetic grass blades, that have a lower pile height. Whereas premium used artificial turf offerings can be in much better condition (more like new turf) and have a higher pile height.

If you would like to shop and compare these two options you can buy used field turf here.