The present invention provides a method for self-righting a remote controlled model vehicle. The method includes determining a current pitch angle and a current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle. The method further includes accelerating or decelerating a mass on the model vehicle based on the current pitch angle and the current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle to create a rocking motion about a first axis by the model vehicle. In addition, the method may include sensing a rotation about a second axis of the model vehicle and imparting a yaw moment to realign the model vehicle to rock about the first axis. The method may also include terminating the self-righting process when the model vehicle is upright.