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OFFICIAL xSTOCK CLASS MINI 4WD COMPETITION RULES

 

Golden Rule:  All Tamiya Cars and parts only.

Tamiya's Mini 4WD competitions have established competition rules to ensure exciting races. These rules ensure fairness in terms of cars, courses, and competition content (competition methods and etiquette), allowing all competitors to compete under the same conditions.

The fun of Mini 4WD isn't just about speed. It's important to use your brain and technique to tackle the diverse courses available. These official competition rules will inspire a spirit of fair play and teach you the fighting spirit and etiquette befitting a true Mini 4WD racer. We ask all Mini 4WD fans to abide by these rules. Major

Tamiya-sponsored racing events also follow these rules, but special conditions will be announced in the respective participation guidelines.

The most important rule once again, ALL TAMIYA only!

  1. ***ALL TAMIYA ONLY***. **This will be STRICTLY enforced through inspection before every race. If it is determined that a car contains "non-Tamiya" parts, the car and racer will NOT RACE that heat and will be considered as having lost the heat. While it is acceptable to paint parts, if the inspector’s are unable to identify that it is an original Tamiya part, the inspector may conclude that it is NOT A TAMIYA PART. The inspector's decision is final.
  2. Two cars per racer only. We register the racer, not the car.  A racer can only register TWO CARS per category.  We may allow more than two car in certain races.  The number of cars allowed will be defined at registration.
  3. Alkaline (1.5V) or Rechargeable batteries (1.2V) are allowed. Be advised that there may not be enough outlets in the venue. We will not be able to provide additional outlets. Please bring enough batteries.  

The general rule is that no custom modification to parts are allowed.  Use upgrade parts as is.  More details are listed in the guide below.

 

[1] COMPETITION CAR

 

1. TYPES OF COMPETITION CARS

Limited to Laser Mini 4WD, Mini 4WD REV, Mini 4WD PRO, Racer Mini 4WD, Super Mini 4WD, Fully Cowled Mini 4WD, Aero Mini 4WD, Mighty Mini 4WD, Radio Controlled 4WD, and Truckin' Mini 4WD series. Eligible car models and series may be limited depending on the competition and class.

2. COMPETITION VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

All competition cars must be four-wheel drive. Modifications to rear- or front-wheel drive are not permitted. The body must be attached securely to the competition car, and the body must be either stickered or painted (Note 1). Homemade bodies are not permitted. All competition cars must undergo vehicle inspection. Cars that do not pass inspection will not be allowed to participate. Competition cars must be assembled by the competitor themselves (Note 2). However, depending on the content of the competition, collaborative assembly may be permitted.

(Note 1)
To make it easier for competition officials to determine whether body modifications comply with the rules, cars that are significantly smaller or where stickers or paint are difficult to see may not be allowed to compete. Also, cut-out portions of clear bodies, wings alone, etc. are not considered "bodies."

(Note 2)
This does not apply to people who require assistance in daily life due to a disability or other reason.

 

3. BODY DIMENSIONS OF THE COMPETITION CAR

The dimensions of the racing car's body are regulated as follows: (Common to all chassis)
Racing cars must be four-wheel drive.
* Maximum width: 105mm or less
* Overall height: 70mm or less
* Overall length: 165mm or less
* Minimum ground clearance: 1mm or more
* Minimum weight with all equipment: 90g or more (including batteries and motor)
* Tire dimensions: Diameter: 22-35mm, Width: 8-26mm for both front and rear wheels (Tires must be installed)
* Roller equipment [Special rule]: The limit on the number of rollers has been changed from "6" to "unlimited" (this rule will continue to apply in 2025).

* Mass damper: The installation position of the rotating mass damper weight must be such that the entire weight is located inside the line connecting the center axes of the front and rear guide rollers.
* Mass damper [Special rule]: Along with the change in the limit on the number of rollers, there will also be no restrictions on the installation position of the rotating mass damper (this rule will continue to apply in 2025).

*The following restrictions apply to the mounting position of parts attached to the vehicle body.

- Parts must not be outside the outer edge of the tire, between the center axis of the front wheel and the rear end of the front wheel.

- Parts must not be outside the outer edge of the tire, between the center axis of the rear wheel and the front end of the rear wheel.

*The outer edge is defined as "the part of the tire that is located at the outermost position in the left-right direction."
*The rectangular pillar part in the illustration corresponds to the restricted area.

However, the body is not subject to these restrictions.
Additionally, there are no restrictions on parts that are only attached to the body, such as high-mounted rollers, as long as they are positioned higher than the center axis of the tire.

4. MOTOR

For competition cars,
in addition to the standard motor included with the kit, various Mini 4WD PRO motors can be used for driving with the MA and MS chassis.
Other chassis can use the standard motor included with the kit, as well as Torque Tune 2, Rev Tune 2, Atomic Tune 2, Light Dash, Hyper Dash 3, Power Dash, and Sprint Dash motors. (Torque Tune, Rev Tune, Atomic Tune, Hyper Mini, and Hyper Dash 2 motors are also permitted.)

1. Other Tamiya motors may be permitted depending on the competition event.
2. In competitions or classes with speed limits, motors cannot be used if they exceed the speed limit, even if they comply with the above regulations.
3. Illegal motor modifications, such as disassembling and changing the number of windings, are not permitted.
4. Any signs of the cup being removed from the motor's claws will be considered an illegal modification and will result in immediate disqualification.

5. BATTERY

Use two commercially available Tamiya AA batteries for the running power source (batteries other than Tamiya cannot be used).
*For safety reasons, batteries with torn battery labels are not permitted for use.
*Only Tamiya alkaline batteries can be used for the RC 4WD series and TR-1 chassis.
*Depending on the competition, there may be restrictions on the batteries that can be used, or batteries other than Tamiya may be allowed.

* For local races, rechargeable batteries may be used provided it has not been tampered.  Torn battery labels and replaced battery label are considered tampering.  Battery label must be original and not torn.

6. MODIFICATIONS (STOCK CLASS) 

The following regulations apply to modifications to competition vehicles. However, modifications not included here will be at the discretion of the organizer.

1.       Hollowing out or cutting the chassis, or using a custom chassis, is not permitted.

2.       Only Tamiya Mini 4WD, R/C 4WD, and Dangun parts are permitted as additional parts.

3.       Changing the shape of parts other than the body is not permitted. However, countersunk screws are permitted in FRP/carbon plates and existing chassis holes. Wheel shafts are also permitted.

4.       Body modifications are permitted only by hollowing out or cutting parts that interfere with other parts. Always attach the body to the chassis using body catches.

5.       Rollers may not be used in combinations other than those specified. (For example, attaching plastic rings to rollers other than those with plastic rings, replacing plastic rings on plastic ring rollers, combining rollers with different diameters, etc.)

6.       Modifications such as installing HG aluminum setting boards, setting gauges, or pinion pullers to competition cars are not permitted.

7.       Drive gears must be used in the specified combination. *The pinion gear for the motor is also specified by the chassis.

8.       Battery holders must be used as supplied with the kit or as upgraded parts and must be used according to the instructions. Modifications such as soldering or double layering of the holders are not permitted.

9.       Modifications that may damage the course or your hands, or that may cause grease to splash from the chassis and soil the course, are not permitted.

10.   Batteries must not be used in a direction other than the specified direction.

11.   Plates must not be installed loosely.

 

 

 

 

STOCK CLASS ALLOWED AND NOT ALLOWED PARTS & MODIFICATIONS

 

CATEGORIES

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

MOTOR(S)

SPRINT DASH, POWER DASH, *HYPER DASH, LIGHT DASH MOTORS
MACH DASH MOTOR PRO, HYPER DASH MOTOR PRO, LIGHT DASH MOTOR PRO
REV TUNED, ATOMIC TUNED, TORQUE TUNED MOTORS & PRO VARIANT
*ALL HYPER DASH MOTOR VARIANT

ULTRA DASH MOTOR

USE OF DISASSEMBLED MOTOR PARTS
USE OF OPENED MOTOR
PULLING/TAMPERING THE MOTOR'S BRUSH TERMINALS

MOTOR TAMPERING OF ANY KIND WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE  DISQUALIFICATION.

OIL OR OTHER LIQUID COMING OUT OF MOTOR DURING THE RACE

BODY

USE OF PLASTIC BODY
               
 * INCLUDING CLEAR BODY
USE OF POLYCARBONATE AND PET BODY
                     * CUT ACCORDING TO THE CUTTING LINES SPECIFIED IN THE INSTRUCTION DIAGRAM
BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR ARE SECURED WITH TAMIYA BODY CATCH PARTS. 
FREE COMBINATION OF BODY AND CHASSIS
WING PARTS ARE OPTIONAL FOR ATTACHMENT
DRIVER DOLL ARE OPTIONAL FOR ATTACHMENT

BODY DIVISION: UNPAINTED BODY / USE OF BODY WITHOUT STICKERS
* IF THE BODY FALLS OFF DURING THE RACE, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

*  TAMIYA TAPE IS NOT CONSIDERED A STICKER.  BODY MUST HAVE STICKERS
EXCESSIVE HOLLOWING OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE ORIGINAL SHAPE IS UNRECOGNIZABLE
REPAIRING DAMAGED PARTS OF THE HOLLOWED-OUT BODY USING ADHESIVES, ETC.
DRIVING WITH A BODY THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED IN A HOLLOWED-OUT AREA
   
         *THIS IS BECAUSE THE DAMAGED AREA MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RACER OR MARSHAL.

MODIFICATIONS

BODY MODIFICATIONS ARE PERMITTED ONLY FOR LIGHTENING AND CUTTING OF PARTS THAT INTERFERE WITH OTHER PARTS. ALSO, BE SURE TO ATTACH THE CAR TO THE CHASSIS USING BODY CATCHES.
BODY PAINTING
APPLYING STICKERS
COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF BODIES AND BODY PARTS (WINGS, ETC.)
ADHESION OF THE BODY AND BODY PARTS (WINGS, ETC.)
WHEN INSTALLING THE BODY, ANY PARTS THAT INTERFERE WITH THE CHASSIS, PLATE, MASS DAMPER, OR TIRES MUST BE CUT OFF
             
  *THE CUT MUST BE MADE WITHIN 3MM OF THE INTERFERING PART. (THE ORGANIZER AND MANAGEMENT WILL MAKE A DECISION ON EACH OCCASION.)

CUTTING OUT/REMOVING CANOPY PARTS TO ACCOMMODATE ANIMALS
                
*IF AN ANIMAL FALLS OFF DURING THE RACE, IT WILL NOT RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR ANIMAL'S APPEARANCE
CUTTING OUT THE BODY AND ATTACHING MESH
                  * CUT OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE ORIGINAL SHAPE OF THE BODY CAN BE SEEN.

CHASSIS

APPLYING STICKERS
2MM EXPANSION OF STANDARD SCREW HOLES
THROUGH-HOLE PROCESSING OF NON-THROUGH STANDARD SCREW HOLES
COUNTERSUNK SCREW PROCESSING FOR SCREW HOLES
               
*COUNTERSUNK SCREW PROCESSING IS POSSIBLE FOR ALL SCREW HOLES

HOLLOWING OUT, CUTTING, OR USING A HOMEMADE CHASSIS,
ADDING NEW SCREW HOLES

FRP AND HG CARBON PLATES

COUNTERSUNK SCREWS MAY BE INSERTED INTO EXISTING HOLES IN FRP/CARBON PLATES AND CHASSIS.
WHEEL SHAFTS MAY ALSO BE INSERTED THROUGH THE HOLES.
COUNTERSUNK SCREW MACHINING OF EXISTING HOLES
STRENGTHENING PLATES BY PENETRATING INSTANT ADHESIVE
SLIDING OPERATION IS POSSIBLE WITH THE SLIDE DAMPER UPGRADE PARTS.
BONDING MULTIPLE PLATES

INSTALLING ANY PLATES IN A WOBBLY MANNER. 
TAPERED EDGES OF EACH PLATE
ADDING NEW SCREW HOLES

ROLLERS

USING ROLLERS IN COMBINATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED IS NOT PERMITTED (E.G., ATTACHING PLASTIC RINGS TO ROLLERS OTHER THAN THOSE WITH PLASTIC RINGS, REPLACING THE PLASTIC RINGS ON PLASTIC RING ROLLERS, COMBINING ROLLERS OF DIFFERENT DIAMETERS, ETC.).
THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF ROLLERS CONFORM TO TAMIYA REGULATIONS.
ROLLER COLORING IS NOT ALLOWED IN LOCAL RACES.

.

REPLACEMENT OF ROLLER BEARINGS WITH BEARINGS OTHER THAN THE STANDARD ONES
ROLLER PROCESSING
              * CHANGING THE SIZE OF THE OUTER PERIPHERY, CUTTING AND DRILLING HOLES ON FLAT SURFACES, EXPANDING BEARING HOLES, ETC.
USE OF ROLLERS THAT HAVE BECOME EXCESSIVELY SHARP DUE TO WEAR CAUSED BY RUNNING, ETC.
              * IN THE CASE OF WEAR CAUSED BY LONG-TERM USE, IF THE CHANGE IN DIAMETER IS "1MM" OR MORE, IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE PROCESSING.
              * EXAMPLE) IF THE DIAMETER OF THE 9MM PART OF AN 8-9MM TWO-STAGE ALUMINUM ROLLER IS 8MM OR LESS.
 

CNC AND ANNODIZED NOT ALLOWED

DAMPER(S), GEAR(S) AND OTHER PARTS

ONLY TAMIYA MINI 4WD, R/C 4WD, AND DANGUN PARTS ARE PERMITTED AS ADDITIONAL PARTS..
COLORING OF MASS DAMPERS IS NOT ALLOWED IN LOCAL RACES
MULTIPLE MASS DAMPERS PLACED ON THE SAME SCREW ARE JOINED USING MULTI-TAPE
THE INSTALLATION OF A MOVABLE MASS DAMPER IS LIMITED TO VERTICAL MOVEMENT USING FIXED SCREWS.
HANGING ARRANGEMENT BELOW THE PLATE.
CUT AND USE OF BRAKE SPONGE FROM TAMIYA UPGRADE PARTS.
                  * FIX THE BRAKE SPONGE WITH DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE.
CUTTING AND USE OF TAMIYA'S UPGRADED MINI 4WD MULTI-TAPE.
CUT AND USE OF TAMIYA'S UPGRADED MINI 4WD RUBBER PIPES.
USE OF DIFFERENT CHASSIS AND A PARTS COMBINATIONS.

MASS DAMPER SHAPE PROCESSING
MASS DAMPER HOLE EXPANSION
              * IF THE HOLES ARE WORN DOWN DUE TO LONG-TERM USE, AND THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN THE HOLES IS 3MM OR MORE, IT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS PROCESSING.
PROCESSING OF PARTS
              * EXCLUDING CASES WHERE INDIVIDUAL PERMISSION IS GRANTED.
PROCESSING OF METAL PARTS SUCH AS SCREWS, SHAFTS, ROLLERS, ETC.
USE OF SCRAP MATERIALS SUCH AS RUNNERS AND POLYCARBONATE BODIES AFTER PARTS ARE SEPARATED.
USE OF MODIFIED PARTS FROM A MINI 4WD CATCHER.
USE OF BRAKES OTHER THAN TAMIYA UPGRADE PARTS.
PROCESSING DUE TO OVERHEATING OF BRAKES.
USE PARTS OBTAINED BY DISASSEMBLING THE MOTOR.
PROTRUDING PARTS OF SCREWS/SHAFTS ETC. NOT PROTECTED BY RUBBER TUBES OR POLES.
GEAR PROCESSING.

SLIDING DAMPER(S)

IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO INSTALL ANY PLATES IN A WOBBLY MANNER.
USE OF TAMIYA'S UPGRADED SLIDE DAMPER
USE OF TAMIYA'S UPGRADED BALL LINK MASS DAMPER

USE OF SWING-TYPE VIBRATION CONTROL GIMMICKS USING HEAVY OBJECTS SUCH AS MASS DAMPERS
                   * LANTERNS, HIKUO, NORIO, TOHOKU DAMPER, CATCHER DAMPER, GUILLOTINE DAMPER, DORAEMON LANTERN, ETC.

WHEELS AND TIRES

PENETRATION OF THE WHEEL AXLE HOLE
                   
* PROTECT THE SHAFT PROTRUDING FROM THE WHEEL WITH MULTI-TAPE, RUBBER PIPE, ETC.     
ADHESION OF TIRES AND WHEELS (DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE, ADHESIVE, ETC.)

TIRE MODIFICATION
             * IF THE CHANGE IN DIAMETER DUE TO WEAR CAUSED BY LONG-TERM USE IS 1MM OR MORE, IT IS MODIFICATION.
            * EXAMPLE: IF THE TIRE DIAMETER OF A MEDIUM-DIAMETER LOW-PROFILE TIRE IS 25MM OR LESS, ETC.

 

[2] Competition course

If the course meets the following specifications and is officially approved by Tamiya, the course will be recognized as an official course and competition records will be recognized. All competitions and records on original courses that do not meet the specifications will be unofficial.
* Course width: 115mm (dimension of one lane in the straight section)
* Course fence height: 50mm (dimension from the road surface)
* It is permitted to change the width and height partially to make the course run more smoothly, such as for lane changes and banked corners.

[3] Competition on an official course 

1. The start of a race will be signaled by the starter or a start signal. Competitors, with the switch on and the wheels spinning, hold their racing car in one hand and, upon receiving the signal, bring the car down onto the ground to start. Starting while pushing the car in the direction of travel is not permitted.
2. If a racing car goes off the course or falls over during the race, if the car crosses the course fence and enters another lane, or if the car's body becomes detached during the race, the car will be deemed to have retired immediately and will not be able to rejoin the race.
3. If a race official determines that a car is being overtaken by another car in the same lane and is in danger of impeding the progress of following cars, the car will be deemed to have retired.
4. The finish will be the moment the racing car reaches the finish line.
5. Qualifying and final rankings will be determined by finishing order or time. If a decision cannot be made based on the above, the organizer's decision will be made.

[4] Vehicle inspection (vehicle inspection)

1. All competition cars will undergo a vehicle inspection before the race, and if any parts are found to be in violation of the regulations, they will not be able to participate in the race until they are corrected.
2. For competition cars that pass the vehicle inspection, no modifications or changes to settings will be permitted between the time of inspection and the time of participation in the race.
3. Re-inspection will be conducted at any time during the race. If any parts that do not comply with the regulations are discovered during the re-inspection, it will be considered that unauthorized modifications have been made, and all race records up to that point will be invalidated, and the car will not be able to participate in the race unless the violations are corrected.
4. If a competition car that does not comply with the regulations cannot be corrected during inspection, the car may, if the driver so wishes, participate in the qualifying rounds only as a reference record, but the record will be invalidated.

[ 5] Disqualification

Any car or racer that falls under any of the following categories will be disqualified at the discretion of the race officials. Please be sure to observe proper etiquette for a Mini 4WD racer.

1. If modifications are deemed to have caused damage to other cars or hands, or to the course.
2. If modifications are deemed to have been made to a car that intentionally interferes with the running of other cars.
3. If grease or other substances are left on the course and it is deemed that this could worsen the course conditions.
4. If modifications are made to a car that violate regulations after inspection and the car is entered into the race.
5. If the car interferes with the running of other cars or the course by touching them during the race.
6. If the car interferes with the running of the race by not following the instructions of the race officials.
7. If a false start is made, or if the car is started by being pushed by hand.
8. Any other behavior that goes against the spirit of fair play and causes discomfort to other race participants.

[6] Race Management

1. Athletes may file an objection to the decisions of the races they have participated in. However, this must be done before the start of the next race.
2. Depending on the race, special rules may be adopted at the discretion of the organizer.

[ 7] Participation Restrictions

1. Please note that depending on the content of the competition, you may not be able to participate in the race due to age, etc.
2. Apart from endurance races, two or more people may not participate in the same race vehicle.

[ 8] Advance Registration for official competitions

Generally, those wishing to participate in an official Mini 4WD competition must apply in advance using the "Registration Form."  However, depending on the class and tournament, advance application may not be required, and participants may be accepted on the day. In such cases, this will be specified separately in the application guidelines.

Unless otherwise specified, we will not accept walk in registration.  In the event that the racer encountered a problem during the registration, the racer must inform the Brickyard before the registration closing date.  Any changes after the Registration closing date will not be allowed.  

[9] Disclaimer for Mini 4WD events hosted by Brickyard

The following disclaimers have been established for Mini 4WD events (hereinafter referred to as "Mini 4WD Events") hosted by The Brickyard (hereinafter referred to as "Organizers").
We will strive to ensure the smooth running and operation of Mini 4WD Events and the safety and security of participating competitors, but we ask that participants and their guardians or accompanying persons understand and agree to the following disclaimers before participating.

1. The organizer may cancel the Mini 4WD event due to weather or other circumstances at their discretion.

2. Please note that the organizer will not be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, or illnesses that occur during the Mini 4WD event.  Participants and their guardians or accompanying persons are responsible for taking out insurance at their own risk.

3-1. Participation in an official competition (hereinafter referred to as "race") at the organizer's Mini 4WD event will be deemed complete upon the machine's entry in the first qualifying round.

3-2. If a race for which you have paid a participation fee is canceled, we will not refund or compensate you for more than the participation fee you paid to the organizer. If a race for which you have paid a participation fee is canceled midway due to weather or other circumstances, participation fees will only be refunded to runners whose participation has not been confirmed, and refunds will not be made to runners whose participation has been confirmed.

3-3. If a race, that does not require a participation fee, is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, no compensation will be provided to participants.

4. Competitors are responsible for managing their own valuables, and the organizer will not be held responsible for any theft or loss that occurs at the Mini 4WD event venue.

5. We are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, etc. that occur during travel to or from Mini 4WD events.

6. The Organizer may correct, amend, add, suspend, or delete this website or the information posted on it at any time without notice.

Information current as of December 17, 2025.

 

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