Racer Applied Traction Compounds ARE NOT Allowed on The Local Tracks!

I want to review a rule that applies to all of the different 1/24 tracks we race on. Each sanctioning body has specific rules against racers using tire additives or traction compounds on their tires. Tire rubber conditioners that soften the rubber are not the same as the traction additives. The correct way to apply the conditioners (such as Walgreen's Muscle Rub) is to apply a SMALL amount to the tire surface and spend time to rub it into the tire completely. Any excess needs to be cleaned off the tire. The tire should not feel slick or greasy when you're done. It should feel as though there is nothing on it at all. Lighter fluid is good for cleaning the tires, but again it should be applied, rubbed in, and any excess removed before the car is placed on the track.

If a car is run around the track with anything on the tires it will be transmitted to the track surface and spread all over the track by all of the cars. And it does not take very much. This not only makes a mess on the track but also on and inside all the cars! As a track owner I will tell you the tracks are prepared by the track OWNERS and treated with traction compounds they have confidence in and THEY apply! ONLY!

As a racer you have no idea just how the traction compound you are using affects the track and parts of the track like the track braid. There are chemicals that work to deteriorate the glue that bonds the braid to the track surface. Some chemicals affect the track surface paint. I would suspect most racers have no idea what is in many of those traction compounds! So let me put it to you simply; if you are putting something on your tires that makes the tires feel "sticky" or "greasy" when you're done, it is NOT allowed! If I find someone putting chemicals on their tires that could potentially cause problems, they will be required to remove those wheels and tires and replace them. I do not like cleaning up tire messes! This is one rule I will not be cutting anyone any slack on!