Racing a Bandolero on an oval track might look simple—but winning takes more than just mashing the throttle and turning left. These cars are light, powerful, and sensitive to setup changes. And because they run on asymmetric ovals, dialing in the chassis to rotate smoothly through corners is critical.
Whether you’re racing at Stateline, Wenatchee, or your local INEX track, this guide will help you understand how to properly set up a Bandolero for oval track success.
1. Tire Pressure & Rear Stagger
Tire pressure is one of the easiest tuning tools—and it has a big impact on grip and rotation.
Baseline Pressures (Cold):
LF (Left Front): 14–16 PSI
RF (Right Front): 16–18 PSI
LR (Left Rear): 18–20 PSI
RR (Right Rear): 22–24 PSI
Rear Stagger:
Stagger is the size difference between the left rear and right rear tires. More stagger helps the car naturally rotate through corners.
Typical stagger: 1.25" to 1.75"
Short, tight ovals: use more stagger
Fast, sweeping tracks: less stagger = more stability
👉 Measure tire circumference with a stagger tape—not just PSI. Uneven wear or tire growth can throw off your handling fast.
2. Weight Distribution & Crossweight
In Bandoleros, weight distribution is key to turning left consistently and confidently. Always scale the car with the driver suited up and full fuel in the tank.
Target Percentages (with driver):
| Split | Ideal % |
|---|---|
| Front / Rear | 47–48% / 52–53% |
| Left / Right | 54–56% / 44–46% |
| Crossweight (LR + RF) | 52–54% |
More left-side weight helps in left turns by keeping weight over the inside tires
More crossweight adds stability and reduces loose-on-entry behavior
Too much cross = tight off
Too little cross = loose off (rear steps out)
💡 Document your scale numbers so you can track changes between race nights.
3. Ride Height & Frame Clearance
Bandoleros have fixed suspension, but ride height still affects handling and legality.
General Tips:
Ensure 3" frame clearance all around (per INEX rules)
Lower front = sharper turn-in
Higher rear = more forward drive, helps car rotate
Watch for dragging on the left side or bottoming out on bumps—it usually means you're too low or too soft in rear tire pressure.
4. Rear Axle Offset (Track Width)
You can move the rear axle side-to-side to help cornering. Most setups push the rear axle to the right side of the chassis.
Offsetting right gives more rear steer and helps loosen the car mid-corner
Too much offset = unstable, hard to control
Start with 3/8" to 1/2" rear offset right and fine-tune based on driver feedback.
5. Seat Position
Seat placement affects balance, weight transfer, and driver comfort. Most Bandolero chassis have slotted mounting rails to fine-tune position.
Further left = more left-side %
Further back = more rear %, helps drive off
Keep the seat centered front-to-rear for most ovals unless tuning for a lightweight driver
📏 Record seat location from axle centerline to back of seat and from left frame rail to left edge of seat.
6. Throttle & Brake Control (Driver Input)
No setup works without good driver habits. Teach your driver to:
Ease into throttle on corner exit (avoid spinning tires)
Use smooth, early braking into corners—not sudden stabs
Avoid “tossing” the car—Bandos reward finesse, not aggression
Drivers who “chop” the throttle or slam brakes often confuse what’s wrong with the setup. Reviewing GoPro footage can help isolate bad habits.
7. Gearing for Ovals
Gearing can make or break a Bandolero on short ovals. Too much gear = no top-end. Too little = sluggish off the corner.
Start with a 3.50 to 4.10 rear gear depending on the track length, surface grip, and driver weight.
👉 Call or message us if you need help picking gear for your home track—we’ve likely helped someone run there!
8. Keep a Setup Log
Trackside tuning is easier when you know what’s been tried. Keep a binder or digital notebook with:
Track name, condition, weather
Tire brand, pressure, stagger
Gear ratio
Lap times
Driver feedback (“tight in,” “loose off,” etc.)
Weight % from scales
Notes on changes (ex: “added 1/4” stagger, car turned better mid-corner”)
Final Thoughts
Bandoleros are a great way to learn racecraft, car control, and teamwork. A solid oval setup gives your driver the confidence to focus on racing—not fighting the car.
At Impel Motorsports, we stock Bandolero tires, gears, chains, body panels, safety gear, and more. Whether you're prepping for a full rebuild or just need a quick alignment check, we’ve got your back.
📞 Call or text us at 208‑262‑9629
📧 Email info@impelmotorsports.com
🛒 Order online: impelmotorsports.com
Need help figuring out your setup for Stateline Speedway? Message us anytime—we race too, and we’re here to help.