What I would like to know is:
What options are available for motors and batteries for standard class of racing?
Sealed can brushed motors are 540class, and slow(13.5t) brushless also get put into that class as well. Anything else is modified class.
Are points meetings split into standard and modified classes?
Yes.There are 2 points meeting a month, 1 for 2wd (540 class and modified - although 4wd 540's race here as well) and 1 for 4wd (modified only)
Can you run either 2wd or 4wd in the standard class?
Yes.
Can you run Lipo's in a standard class?
Yes. You are supposed to use a lipo pouch for charging, but many don't.
In order to charge batteries at a race meeting there used to be a large lorry battery if you were unable to bring your own car battery from which to charge from, though I see nowadays a lot of chargers can charge from the mains supply. Is there a facility to charge batteries, or do I need to bring a car battery from which to charge from?
There is power at the school, just make sure you bring an extension lead.
Is it still the same that you marshall the race following your own race?
sure is.
Can I simply turn up and race or do I need to be a BRCA member?
You can race for upto 3 meetings without BRCA membership. Memberships are undergoing renewal now, so it would be a good time to join.
I still own Futaba radio gear which runs on 40MHz FM crystals which I assume is still acceptable, providing it still works of course?
no problems there. Bring as many crystals as you can to avoid clashes, although there are alot of people on 2.4gig so clashes are rare.
By the way if you are interested my car history consisted of the following:
Tamiya Lancia 037 Rally
Tamiya Fox
Kyosho Optima
Schumacher Cat XLS
Being a junior with limited budget I had to sell every car before I could afford to buy a new one.
I would appreciate it if someone could help answer the questions above, and appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Thanks very much.