The second part of our Beginner’s Guide is all about the electronics we are using at the ETS. If you do not know anything about the ETS electronics so far, this article will lighten your candle for sure.
To provide the same chances to everybody on the motor side, the ETS is running handout motors in all stock classes since many years. To make it a perfect fit, only one ESC is allowed in any class. Racer`s can buy their own ESC and use it at all races, but there is also the possibility to rent a speedo for a single event.
Which classes are using handout Motors, and why!
The Matrix Modified class is not content of this article as the modified racers can choose any speed controller (ESC) and Motor they want to use. There are no limitations, and everybody can select and adjust his power according to the track and his personal preferences. It sounds easy – and that`s what it is.
The stock classes are different. Every stock class driver will pick up a motor from the ETS motor pool at every ETS event. This always happens during free practice on Thursday as the handout motors need to be in the cars at latest for the start of seeding practice. The motors are marked by numbers, and after the race everybody returns his motor. A well-oiled system that was never in need of changes since many years.
All other ETS racing classes are using handout motors, and a special ESC which is updated with a special ETS software. The front wheel drive class (FWD), and the Formula 1 class are using ESC`s and motors from Hobbywing, while all stock touring car classes (Pro Stock, 40+ Masters, and 21.5 Stock) are powered by ORCA equipment.
The reason behind these handout motors and special ETS speed controllers is easy to explain. The goal of the organizers is to create even racing with equal chances for everybody on track without being dependent on the quality of the motor. In all “Open Brushless” stock classes, people must invest a lot of time and money to select the strongest motor with the highest torque and rpm. The testing is intense as everybody wants to find the perfect speedo settings and end bell adjusting on their equipment. It is not uncommon that motors and ESC`s are bursting into flames during this process. In our opinion, this is not true “stock racing”, it is almost modified!
The ETS is different and puts kind of a “performance cap” on everything. For sure not every motor is the same, but the RPM limiter in the ESC software is adjusted to a value of rpm which is making sure nobody can use the advantage of a 2-3% stronger handout motor. All top speeds are even and the only thing the driver can do is driving perfect lines, carrying good cornerspeed, and having a strong and powerful battery in his car together with a maximum free drivetrain. The RPM limiter has brought the maximum equalness to the ETS in the last years and is the perfect solution for true and fair stock racing!
Pro Tipp: Take care about your drivetrain. If it spins super free, you will have a benefit above others on track in all ETS stock classes. CHeck your bearings, the belts, and the belt tension and you will be fine!
Another factor which is limited by the ETS rules is the maximum gearing in the cars. It is possible to change speedo settings with a programming device, but we also have removed many unnecessary settings from the software to make it as easy as possible to handle them.
Pro Tipp: Don`t care too much about your ESC settings. As long as you are using the correct software version (with the correct RPM limiter), just invest some time to adjust the brake punch and the drag brake (mostly set to zero) to your likings and just drive it!
Does it make sense to practice with ETS equipment?
Simple answer: YES!
Most ETS racers are practicing with the equipment they must run at the ETS. That means that most of them have bought a Motor for their own use to be as close as possible to ETS conditions. At the races of the ToniSport Onroad Series in Germany, the rules are almost the same as at the ETS which makes it even more easy to attend all these events with the same ESC, gearing, and motor power.
Pro Tipp: If you are planning to race at the ETS more frequently, get yourself a complete motor and ESC combo and practice with this equipment as much as you can!
We hope this little insight about the ETS motors and speed controllers had been helpful and interesting for you. The next article will follow soon and the topic will be something about the race tires of the Euro Touring Series!
