Welcome to the RPN Motorsports Technical Center. Our goal is to help racers of all levels understand the fundamentals of race car setup and engine performance. Below you'll find guides and explanations for key setup parameters. Click on any topic for a detailed article.
Chassis Setup
- Basic Chassis Set Up – Getting started with the right baseline.
- Cross Weights Explained – How to measure and adjust wedge.
- Caster / Camber Guide – Optimizing tire contact patch.
- Panhard Bar Basics – Controlling lateral chassis movement.
- Track Side Chassis Adjustments – Fine-tuning at the track.
Drivetrain & Geometry
- Understanding Stagger – How tire stagger affects handling.
- Gear Charts – Recommended ratios for various tracks.
- Quarter Midget Terms – Glossary of common racing terms.
Q&A Page
Have a specific question? Visit our Q&A Page for answers to common inquiries about engines, setup, and maintenance. If you don't see your question, feel free to contact us directly.
Featured Tech Tip: Setting Initial Stagger
A good starting point for quarter midgets on a typical clay track is 1/2" to 3/4" stagger (difference between left and right rear tire circumference). Adjust based on track size and tightness. Always measure stagger with tires mounted and at race pressure.
| Track Condition | Recommended Stagger |
|---|---|
| Small, tight tracks | 3/4" - 1" |
| Medium tracks | 1/2" - 3/4" |
| Large, sweeping tracks | 1/4" - 1/2" |
For more detailed information, check out our full Understanding Stagger article.
Quick Reference: Gear Ratio Chart
Below is a sample gear chart for World Formula engines. Always verify with your specific track and class rules.
| Track Size | Typical Gear (Clutch/Driver) |
|---|---|
| 1/20 mile | 15/60 - 15/62 |
| 1/16 mile | 16/58 - 16/60 |
| 1/10 mile | 17/56 - 17/58 |
Visit the Gear Charts section for detailed charts for all engine types.