Summary: 
The current practice at VRG/FFCS events for on-track incidents or disabled cars in harm’s way is to
first briefly display a yellow flag at all corner stations, followed by black flags at each corner station, indicating all drivers are required to slow to 75-90% of race pace and return to pit lane so that emergency vehicles and on-track assistance can be dispatched. 
 
In many instances, difficulty discerning the non-contrasting black flag from background clutter or drivers otherwise missing the black flag (as well as the Checkered Flag), despite the use of the preceding yellow flag, cause additional loss of track time.  Drivers who have missed flags also must typically report to the Driver’s Committee, who will assess penalties.
 
A Radio Solution:
Many oval track racing organizations use in car radio receivers (Nitro Bee and Raceceiver) with earbuds to notify drivers of on-track emergency situations and other relevant information.   These receivers have limited range for road course use, and therefore a new style of receiver (Scan Ceiver X16) with an external antenna was tested by FFCS.  While initial testing was positive for range, subsequent testing revealed interference issues and inconsistent range performance between otherwise identical units.
 
The receiver detailed below has also been tested at all tracks during the 2023 season with excellent reception and no interference.  Use of this Uniden Bearcat radio scanner by FFCS participants will be voluntary at all events continuing in 2024, but is highly recommended and encouraged.
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Details:
The radio of choice for the series is:

• Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Analog Scanner

• Size: 1” x 5” x 3”; weighs 14 ounces

• Uses 2 rechargeable Ni-Mh or alkaline AA sized batteries (not included with radio)

• Built in antenna and can be connected to external antenna

• Channel frequency range: 25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz and 406-512 MHz, programmable

• Can scan and receive multiple frequencies; can be locked to an individual frequency

• Receiver only, does not transmit

 
Use & Application method:

• We will broadcast on this frequency:  456.8000 MHz

• An FFCS official will monitor the track’s flagnet (race control) frequency.

• The FFCS official will rebroadcast the following information from race control over the radio:

  • Green Flag

  • Double Yellow (Full Course Yellow)

  • Black Flag All

  • Mechanical Black Flag (Meatball)

  • Individual Black Flag

  • Red Flag

  • Checkered Flag

• This information is advisory only; actual on-track flag conditions take precedence.

• While racers are on the false grid the FFCS official will conduct a radio test so that racers can confirm operation of the radio and confirm volume is set.

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Manufacturer / Supplier:

• Participation is voluntary and units may be purchased from distributors on e-bay, amazon, Wal-Mart, or other radio scanner dealers.  Used or reconditioned units have also been advertised for sale.

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Radio cost: 

• $50 to $110 depending on source and whether new or used.

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FFCS Loaner Radios:

• A limited number will be made available for use on race weekends.  First come, first served.

• The loaner units may also be purchased at cost – “try it and buy it!”

• It is strongly recommended you purchase your own earbuds for your personal use.

 
Known issues:

• Radio has built in antenna and should be located high in the cockpit of the car.  Clipping the radio to a shoulder belt may work, but if it slips off poor reception will result.

• Recommend securing the radio and clip with industrial strength Velcro to the cockpit sides with the antenna exposed.

 
Drivers Affected:

• Any drivers competing in the FFCS events may voluntarily use the radio receiver during all on track sessions

• Drivers with existing analog 2-way radios may tune/program their own radio receiver to the 456.8000 MHz frequency used by FFCS.  Note: when using this frequency, push-to-talk transmissions will not be allowed, as they will interfere with FFCS communications to drivers.

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v5
11.28.2023
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