Race Management System of Scalextric

Race Management System (RMS) is a nice tool for the slot racer

Race Management System (RMS) is a nice tool for the slot racer. RMS can be connected to the Sport system and Classic track of Scalextric. Many people have waited impatiently for the system, but some were very disappointed when the system requirements were announced.

Hardware

Before giving a brief description of the software, you should know what hardware you need. The system requirements are at least: Pentium II 400 MHz or equivalent, 32 MB Ram, 100 MB of free disk space, 16 bit color 800x600 graphics card, 24x CD-ROM drive, COM port, Windows 95/98. I have tested the software on a 300 MHz computer with the same configuration. I was able to run the basic parts, but some features were not operating well, such as pit stops and the qualifying session. I experienced that the system only makes fun when you can make full use of all features.

Pentium II 400 MHz computer

If you are so lucky to have your circuit in the same room as your Pentium II 400 MHz computer (or better!), you can obtain for this system. If not, RMS can be very expensive if you have to buy a computer for this hobby only. I think it was not smart of Scalextric to create a system with these high requirements. I suggest Scalextric to bring a "RMS-light" version on the market, for those who do not want to use their expensive computer for slot racing only. Most probably the strategy of Scalextric is focused on the future; the computers of today are old tomorrow. With this vision it will take some years before RMS is becoming a success.

Track section

Together with the software you get two half-straight sections that you can use with Classic as well as Sport track. A "Sport house style" operating box is fixed to a half straight section. A special COM cable makes the connection to the computer. A mechanical switch in the rails gives an impulse to the computer. Some SCX, Fly and Proteus guides are not capable to register. Sometimes you can solve this problem to put Ninco guides under the model. It is said that Scalextric will release an optical switch for RMS in future.

Software

It is very easy to install the program. If you follow the instructions on the screen you will be ready in a few minutes. The instructions (on the CD-ROM) inform you about the basic functions of the software.

The features of RMS

The program is divided into seven parts: Race, Practice and qualifying, Championship, Circuit design, Pit garage, Pit lane and Race briefing.

Race

When you have chosen how many laps or minutes you want to race you can start. The computerized Marshall comments "The race begins when the red lights go out". During the race the Marshall will inform you if you have to make a pit stop (optional) and tells you two laps before the finish that the end of the race is expected. When the car crosses the finish the Marshall says "And that is the end of the race, the victory goes to lane two". Other comments of the computer Marshall are "False start, penalty lap lane one" (when you jump the start) and "Fastest lap lane one".

Practice and qualifying

If you do not start the qualifying mode (do not click start) you can practice unlimited number of laps. The window is too small if you run more than ninety-nine laps. It will time every lap and show the quickest and the time of the last lap. It is not possible to get an overview of all laps.
If you want to run a qualifying session like those in Formula One you have to choose the qualifying mode. A counted lap is followed by a non-registered lap during a limited number of minutes. You have to start from the pits (cross the line on the special track section) to get the first flying lap. The computer warns you ("one minute to go") if you near the end of the qualifying session.
I am very disappointed that the registration is limited to 1/100 instead of 1/1000. Like in Formula-One margins can become close during serious racing.

Championship

The Championship mode gives you the opportunity to set up a complete championship. After selecting the drivers and cars, the computer will set up the heats. You can set up a race, including pit stops. On the screen you can check the fuel consumption. The quicker you are the shorter the pit stop.

Circuit design

An advantage of Race Management System is that the timer and track design software are integrated in one program. The design mode works great. It is easy to (re-)design your track. You will find out very quick how to use this tool.

Pit garage

A large number of pictures of Scalextric is preloaded, which you can see in the 3D catalogue. Pictures of recent released Scalextric slot cars can be downloaded from the Scalextric web site.

Pit lane

You also can add scanned photos of your own collection in the Pit lane mode. Add your own pictures of the drivers and set your own team.

Race Briefing

This is the most important mode. Before you start to race you can set up your race parameters. You can choose how many laps or how many minutes you will run, how many pit stops you want to make and choose the drivers and cars. You can set up a beep or car sound when a car completes a lap.
In this mode you select the circuit that you use and this will be shown in the race mode.
The clips of the preloaded circuits are very nice. You will not use this function a lot but it is very attractive to show the 3d movies to the visitors of your hobby room.

Conclusions

RMS can be a serious option if you have a (spare) computer that will run the software. The software is not expensive. If you want an integrated circuit design and race tool and you do not mind the limited registration (1/100) Race Management System can be your choice.

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