Everything you need to know about brushless motorization in competition

Acknowledgements to Bastien for writing this article on the forum https://forum.ircr.ch/

1. Modified, Boosted vs Blinky: Which setup to choose?

Brushless motors have become the standard in RC racing due to their efficiency, low maintenance, and consistent performance. In races, these motors are used in different configurations depending on the current regulations. Generally, there are three main categories: "Modified", "Blinky", and "Boosted".

1.1 Modified

In this category, there are virtually no restrictions although the equipment must comply with race rules. Drivers can use any motor and ESC ("electronic speed controller"), with free timing, boost, and advance settings. This allows full power exploitation but requires strong control of the car and electronics.

1.2 Blinky

This is the so-called "stock" or "zero timing" configuration. The ESC operates without added timing or electronic boost. The performance is more balanced on paper, promoting fairness between competitors. However, the motor, ESC, and battery combo still heavily impact track performance.

To perform well in Blinky 13.5 and 17.5T, especially in FFVRC races, the reference is the TEAM POWERS V5S motor—extremely torquey and stable over a 5-minute heat.

If you prefer smoother motors, the MUCHMORE Fleta ZX V3ER is perfect—very stable for an entire run, allowing smoother driving.

For the 2WD STOCK off-road class, the R1Wurks V30 and Team Exalt Phoenix are serious options. Alongside the Team Powers V5S, they are considered top contenders in the U.S.

The main drawback of this regulation is that for true fairness, organizers would need to impose the ESC/Motor combo. This is the case at ETS events, where a specific combo is mandatory. Additionally, a max RPM limit (motor revolutions per minute) is enforced by the ESC.

1.3 Boosted

The ESC can apply dynamic timing and electronic boost to increase performance. It's like a "magnetic gearbox". This category is often used with 13.5T or 17.5T motors. It's more demanding than Blinky and requires proper knowledge for tuning. However, it allows driver progression without changing hardware and brings different skill levels into the same class. That’s why IRCR events use it.

2. Winding: what's the difference?

The number of turns ("T") of a brushless motor indicates how many copper wire loops are wrapped around the stator poles. Alongside turn count, the KV rating is crucial. KV (RPM/volt) shows how many RPM a motor reaches per applied volt, without load. For example, a 3000KV motor spins at 30000 RPM under 10 volts. Higher KV means faster motors but less torque. KV figures must be interpreted carefully—they don't fully represent real-world performance and can’t be compared between brands.

There’s a direct correlation: low-turn motors (e.g., 4.5T) have high KV (4000–6000KV), while high-turn motors (e.g., 21.5T) have lower KV (1500–2000KV).

General overview of winding ranges used in competition:

• 4.5T to 6.5T: Very powerful motors for "Modified" or "Open" classes. Used on-road or off-road by experienced drivers. Require efficient cooling and precise electronics management.
• 13.5T to 17.5T: Fast motors with smoother power. Used in "Blinky" or "Boosted" categories. Require decent driving skill.
• 21.5T: Best suited for beginners and juniors. Mainly used in "Blinky". Less speed but easier handling. Focuses on fundamentals like lines, braking, and consistency.

3. What's best for Juniors?

For young beginner drivers, a 21.5T motor in Blinky mode is generally recommended. It allows learning driving basics without being overwhelmed by too much power or tricky handling.

Another option is to start directly with a 17.5T motor but use it in Blinky mode. This builds a strong foundation with a motor that can be kept longer.

As the driver improves and gains better vehicle control, the ESC can simply be reprogrammed into Boosted mode. This upgrade boosts performance progressively without changing the motor.

It’s an economical, scalable solution that supports junior learning while adapting to their growing skills.