MiniMod SD Alpha Cup 2026 Official Rules
MiniMod SD Alpha Cup 2026
Read this first before race day. The goal is simple: clear rules, fair racing, beginner-friendly flow, and no confusion at check-in.
Participant Information
Keep this section visible so racers understand the basics fast.
- By registering, all racers agree to follow all rules.
- Any rule not explicitly permitted is prohibited.
- Organizer decisions are final.
- $5 registration fee.
- Limited to 50 racers.
- Non-refundable once finalized.
- All racers may compete in BMAX and Open.
- Box Stock is the beginner-friendly entry class.
- Race fair. Help the next racer.
Class Overview
This gives racers a quick snapshot before they read the deeper rules.
Box Stock
Best entry point for newer racers who want a simple, fair race format.
BMAX
Competitive Tamiya-style racing with multiple car entries and impound rules.
Open
Higher-level builds with the same entry flow and impound structure as BMAX.
Batteries, Motors, and Tech
These rules help keep racing safe, fair, and easy to inspect.
- AA NiMH only.
- Maximum 1900mAh.
- No modified batteries.
- Organizer may reject unsafe batteries.
- Tamiya motors only.
- Motors must remain sealed.
- No motor modifications.
- Follow Tamiya standards.
- No magnets.
- No track-damaging setups.
- Cars may be inspected any time.
How Each Class Works
Clear race flow reduces confusion at check-in and during staging.
- 25-minute practice before racing.
- 1 car per racer.
- No battery changes once racing begins.
- Winning cars are impounded immediately.
- No rebuy round for Box Stock.
- 25-minute practice before racing.
- Max 4 cars per racer.
- $5 per car.
- Winning cars are impounded.
- Cars are independent entries.
- Cars may be reused only after a loss.
- Winning cars are locked and cannot be reused.
- Once a car wins, it stays impounded.
- Applies to BMAX and Open only.
- Occurs after Round 1 if time permits.
- Max 2 additional car entries.
- Cars must not have won any race.
- Winning cars cannot be reused.
- No assisted starts.
- No touching cars after release.
- Car off track equals loss.
Gear Rules
These rules are listed clearly because gear confusion causes problems fast.
- FM-A chassis cars must use the official black 8T pinion gear.
- Only Tamiya-compatible FM-A gear sets are allowed.
- Mixed or modified gears are not permitted.
- FM and Super FM chassis must use the proper Special 3.5:1 gear set designed for those chassis.
- Incorrect gear combinations or mixed gear setups are not allowed.
- Only Tamiya gear configurations intended for the chassis may be used.
- All gears must remain unmodified.
- Cutting, shaving, polishing for performance alteration, or custom tooth modifications are prohibited.
- Tamiya OEM gears only.
BMAX Apex and Open Apex
High-stakes side events after the main class racing.
Apex Run Format
Cars are locked in before racing begins. Racers submit cars with batteries installed before the race. Once submitted, cars are impounded immediately.
- BMAX Apex.
- Open Apex.
- $20 per car.
- Maximum 2 cars.
- Cars submitted with batteries before race.
- Impounded immediately.
- No battery changes.
- 70% winner and 30% organizer split.
Schedule
Schedule may be adjusted to stay on time.
Time Rule
- All racing must be completed by 8:00 PM.
- Final hour, 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, is reserved for teardown and cleanup.
- Schedule may be adjusted to stay on time.
Setup
Track setup, table setup, check-in prep, and event staging.
Registration and Check-In
Racers check in and confirm entries before class racing begins.
Box Stock Practice
10:30 AM to 10:55 AM. Practice window is 25 minutes.
Box Stock Racing
Racing begins. Awards immediately after class, around 12:00 PM.
BMAX Practice
12:10 PM to 12:35 PM. Practice window is 25 minutes.
BMAX Racing
- Racing begins.
- After Round 1: rebuy round if time permits.
- Awards immediately after class, around 3:00 PM.
Open Practice
3:10 PM to 3:35 PM. Practice window is 25 minutes.
Open Racing
- Racing begins.
- After Round 1: rebuy round if time permits.
- Awards immediately after class, around 5:45 PM.
Apex Run Events
- 6:00 PM: BMAX Apex Run.
- 6:30 PM: Open Apex Run.
Final Buffer
Overflow buffer for delays, extended races, late Apex, or schedule adjustments.
Racing Complete
All racing must be complete. Teardown and cleanup run from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.