Ever wondered what that big strip of tarmac running right through the middle of Santa Pod is? Well that’s the racetrack, and at USC it’s open for YOU to use it! Run What Ya Brung (RWYB) is a safe and legal place to test your car to the limit. Getting a good time is about transferring as much power from your engine to the track as possible, and getting your gearshifts correct is critical.
Don’t worry if you have a small or slow car: it’s great fun whatever you drive, and there is always someone slower than you! Remember also that the more powerful the car you are driving, the more difficult it is to get it right
The RWYB is split into classes so you can see how similar cars compare to your own, and there is a trophy for the best in class. Remember to keep an eye on the leader board in the signing on office, especially if you think you stand a chance of winning.
Sign-On is £20 for 4 runs per day. Track opening times are subject to weather and track conditions.
RWYB Classes:
Class A - Front Wheel Drive without power adders Class B - Front Wheel Drive with Turbo, Nitrous and/or Supercharger Class C – 4WD / Rear Wheel Drive without power adders Class D – 4WD / Rear Wheel Drive with Turbo, Nitrous and/or Supercharger Class E – All cars with 8+ cylinder engines Class X - Non Road Legal including cars on slicks
Classes A-D are for cars with 6 or less cylinders only. Road legal cars must run on UK road-legal tyres with full electrics. One headlight may be removed for air induction. All cars on slicks, and all cars with questionable road-legality will go into class X. Cars only, no bikes.
You will be given a race number once you have signed on, and this, along with your race class must be displayed on your rear window in white marker.
Run What Ya Brung Beginners Guide
What is RWYB?
RWYB stands for “Run What Ya Brung” and refers to public test days when Santa Pod is open to anyone with a driving licence to run their car or motorcycle down the track.
RWYB is as simple or scientific as you want it to be, and you can use these days either to just have fun with your friends or as serious test days, whether your vehicle is for road or track.
Your mission is to accelerate from a standing start and cover the 1/4 mile in the shortest possible time. A full performance printout after each run will show your reaction time, speed, and elapsed time as well as a host of incremental measurements.
What Do I Need To Have A Go?
A vehicle (vehicles must be safe and run at the race director's discretion).
A driving licence suitable for the type of vehicle you are driving.
A crash helmet for open top vehicles and those going over 110mph at the finish line. Arm straps required in open-top vehicles.
Bikers need suitable protective clothing and approved helmet.
What Do I Need To Do?
Visit the Signing On Office located at the base of the control tower near the startline on foot. You will need your driving licence and signing on fee (cash or card). You'll be asked to fill in a form.
Check your vehicle is well maintained and safe. Tyres, oil, steering, coolant and brakes are important. Also check your tyres and arches are not muddy.
Move your Vehicle to the back of the queue in the "fire up road". Bikers can usually push past to the separate queue for bikes.
When you are called forward by the marshal, close your windows and sunroof fully, and buckle your seatbelt. Bikers should pull down visors or goggles. Please DO NOT activate liquid spray-bars.
If you wish, attempt a burnout in the water under the tower. This will clean and warm your tyres. 4WD cars will not burnout unless equipped to do so.
Roll forward to the Start Line when the marshal indicates. The start line is not actually marked on the track (because it would get scrubbed out very quickly), but the best way to spot it is to look for a gap in the red boarder next to the track.
The first pair of lights on the "starting tree" marked Pre Staged will light when you are nearly in position.
Roll a few inches further forward and the next pair of lights marked Staged will light also.
When you and your opponent are both staged and the track is clear, the three orange bulbs will light and then the Green. Now is the time to go!
Accelerate as hard as you can without spinning the wheels too much. The last timing beam is under the gantry exactly 1/4 of a mile from the start line.
Slow down gently once you have crossed the finish, and keep going until you reach the first Turn Off Point on the left. Check your mirrors for your opponent before turning off and heading back on yourself. Drive slowly and carefully once you have left the track.
You can collect Timing Slips from the signing on office at the startline tower. These are free to collect as soon as your run is complete. If in doubt at any point, simply look to the marshals for direction. Please do not smoke or use mobile phones when on the track.
An advanced RWYB guide, including startline procedure and tips for a good run can be found on the official RWYB website along with a full calendar of all upcoming RWYB days, at www.RWYB.com.
Video Guides: Watch A Run What Ya Brung Video Guide.
