Rules & Regulations
Official Rulebook
Machspeed Madness'26 – Technical & Competition Guidelines
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Download Official Rulebook
The complete official rulebook for Machspeed Madness'26 is now available.
Includes: Design Specifications · Mobility · Vehicle Control · Battery & Power · Team Specs · Judging Criteria · Safety Rules
Design Specifications
- RC Car must be custom-built; no pre-built or stock vehicles allowed
- Must operate in 1:10 scale; wheelbase within competition limits
- All electronics must be enclosed and properly insulated
- Body must not exceed the chassis footprint on any side
- Aerodynamic add-ons (wings, spoilers) permitted if securely attached
- All sharp edges or protrusions must be safely covered
- Paint / livery must not contain offensive or inappropriate imagery
Mobility
- Vehicle must be capable of completing the full circuit under its own power
- Minimum turning radius must allow navigation of course corners
- Suspension system must be functional on both axles
- Tyres must remain in contact with the track surface at all times
- No external pushing or assistance during timed runs
- Vehicle must start from a complete standstill at the start line
Vehicle Control
- Only radio-controlled (RC) systems permitted; no autonomous / AI driving
- Frequency / channel must be declared to organisers before the event
- Driver must remain within the designated driver's zone at all times
- Each team may use only one controller per run
- Interference or deliberate jamming of another team's signal is grounds for disqualification
- Remote kill switch is mandatory and must be functional at all times
Battery & Power
- Permitted: LiPo (max 3S / 11.1 V) or NiMH batteries
- LiPo batteries must be stored and transported in LiPo-safe bags
- Battery must be securely mounted; no loose connections
- No modification to battery cells or BMS is permitted
- Spare batteries may be carried; swaps allowed only during pit stops
- Organisers reserve the right to inspect batteries at any time
Team Specifications
- Team size: 3–6 members (1 Representative + 2–5 Members)
- All members must be enrolled students of GSV
- Each student may register in only one team
- Registration fee: ₹25 per member
- Team Representative is the sole point of contact with organisers
- Teams must submit a design abstract before the event date
Criteria for Victory
- Round 1 — Documentation Review: Design report, CAD files, BOM
- Round 2 — Physical Inspection & Testing: Build quality, safety checks
- Round 3 — Circuit Race: Fastest lap time on the competition track
- Tie-breaker: Head-to-head run on a fresh circuit
- Best Design Award and Innovation Award given separately
- Disqualification if safety rules are violated at any stage
Match Procedures
- Teams report to the marshalling area 15 min before their scheduled slot
- Each team gets a practice run before the timed run
- Timed run: 1 lap; best of 2 attempts counts
- 1 re-run permitted if a track obstruction occurs (marshal's discretion)
- DNF (Did Not Finish) results in last-place ranking for that round
- Pit-stop repairs between rounds are allowed within the allotted time
Submission of Abstract
- Abstract must be submitted via the registration portal
- Minimum 2 pages; maximum 5 pages (PDF format)
- Must include: design rationale, component list, team roles
- Deadline: as per the official timeline
- Late submissions will not be accepted
- Plagiarism results in immediate disqualification
Video Abstract
- Teams must submit a 60–90 second video showcasing their RC car
- Video must include: car overview, unique features, team introduction
- Upload to any public platform; share link via the registration form
- Video quality: minimum 720p
- No background music with copyright claims
- Submitted alongside the design abstract
Safety Rules
- All participants must follow marshal and organiser instructions at all times
- No running in the pit area; safety barriers must not be crossed
- Damaged vehicles must be inspected by a marshal before re-entering the track
- Fire extinguisher access must remain clear at all times
- Organisers reserve the right to stop any run deemed unsafe
- Repeated safety violations lead to disqualification
Judging Criteria
- Documentation Review — assessed by Technical Panel
- Build Quality & Safety — assessed during physical inspection
- Race Performance — lap time, control, crash-free run
- Design Innovation — originality, aerodynamics, aesthetics
- Presentation / Q&A — communication and technical depth
- Final score = sum of all round scores; penalties deducted
Prize Distribution
- Champion: Trophy + Certificate + Cash Prize
- 1st Runner-Up: Trophy + Certificate + Cash Prize
- 2nd Runner-Up: Trophy + Certificate + Cash Prize
- Innovation Award: Certificate + Special Recognition
- Best Design Award: Certificate + Special Recognition
- Prize ceremony held at EPITOME 2026 closing event
Round Summary
| Round | Format | Date | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Documentation | Mar 11 | Design report, CAD, Abstract, Video |
| Round 2 | Testing | Mar 11 | Physical inspection, build quality, safety |
| Round 3 | Circuit Race | Mar 12 | Timed laps on competition track |
| Awards | Ceremony | Mar 12 | Champion, Runners-Up, Special Awards |