Start with the surface
RCP foam and carpet behave differently, and each track’s preparation matters. Ask for a proven local tyre combination. Use the same face of interlocking track tiles consistently. Dirt, hair, debris and changes in temperature can affect the car more than a new motor.
Read tyre numbers carefully
A lower hardness number generally means a softer compound within one comparable product family. Different manufacturers’ numbers are not a universal grip scale. Tyre diameter, profile, wheel width and wear also change behaviour. Keep left and right tyres matched and record exactly which compound you used.
Diagnose instead of guessing
If the rear slides, first check rear tyres, contamination and abrupt throttle input. If the front pushes wide, check front grip and entry speed before adding steering travel. Excessive front grip can cause traction rolling. Change one axle or one variable at a time, obey local rules on additives, and compare consistent laps rather than a single best time.
A balanced tyre combination is usually a better starting point than extra power.