Cliff Lett's remote-control car can reach speeds of up to 111 mph.

There are three basic rules for racing remote-control cars.
  1. Wash and wax your car regularly, but don't throw it in the dishwasher.
  2. Steer clear of miniature donut shops. That's where the miniature Highway Patrol hangs out.
  3. Do not challenge Cliff Lett to an RC car race, because he will beat you. Easily.


Lett is the head of the design team at Team Associated, a sort of mad scientists' laboratory for RC cars. His modified RC10 L3O Insane Speed Run car posted a speed of 111 mph at a speed-record attempt at Irwindale Speedway in 2001.

That speed has been verified by the folks over at Guinness World Records, and it leaves the official posted record of 59.09 mph in its dust. Lett's record isn't on the Guinness World Records site yet, but he's got the certificate to prove the record is legit.

Shift your RC car into high gear

On today's episode of "The Screen Savers" Lett will be showcasing his rubber-burning RC car and giving RC enthusiasts pointers on how to make their own vehicles go faster.

Get an early jump on things with this collection of links. You'll need the head start, 'cause Lett's car is wicked speedy. We won't tell him you cheated.



Tips for making your TC3 faster

Here are some tips for making your RC car faster, courtesy of Lett. These mods are meant to be performed on a Team Associated TC3 car.

Note: Some of these modifications may void your car's warranty.

  • Use a Reedy-modified motor with less than 12 turns. Make sure your speed control can handle the turn motor you purchase.
  • Increase the size of the motor pinion gear or decrease the spur gear size.
  • Use a Lehner brushless motor (XL 4200) and Schulze 18-128 brushless speed control.
  • Use Reedy Extreme racing batteries. Use seven or more cells, depending on your speed control limit.
  • Pick a car body that's more aerodynamic. Make sure the front of the body isn't blunt or flat. You want the body to be rounded and smoothly shaped.