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Let me introduce you all to the McInSlot (Mac In Slot) chassis developed and built by Kirk Smith. This chassis was based on an original design originally built by Kirk Smith and Bob McFarland. This latest version features adjustable components which enables the racer to custom tune the chassis to different tracks and changing racing conditions.

This particular chassis (which we lovingly refer to as "The Mule") has undergone extensive testing. During that testing small changes were made to the chassis construction resulting in a chassis with incorporated adjustable pieces. Adjustments include travel of the side pans up and down to control body lean, and available twist of the motor box which allows more or less available traction.

After much testing this chassis was entered in the Late Model NASCAR race at Tom's World in Bend. The chassis performed extremely well. Had it been in the hands of a better driver I am sure it would have finished on the podium. And although I did not post a very good finish due to my own actions, this chassis did allow me to post my best ever qualifying time!

On Saturday November 4th Tom Susan N Tom Street held an OSCAR Late Model NASCAR race. Three of us headed over the mountains to represent PASER. My Jeep Wrangler (2 door model) was packed tight with three big, old guy racers and the racing associated gear, as well as the required overnight personal stuff (not much in that regard). We made good time on the highway and arrived with plenty of time for practice and car adjustments. This was not the first trip for two of us, but it was Tim's first visit to Tom's track.

Practice went well. Tim appeared to be getting the hang of negotiating the huge and difficult course. I was going to be racing Kirk's newly completed chassis which features some adjustable components for tuning purposes. Kirk spent quite a bit of time helping me get the car dialed in. A big thanks to Kirk for loaning me his best car, and helping me get it race ready! After a few hours of testing, practicing, and making adjustments we left for our hotel to get some rest.

Race day on Saturday started off with breakfast at Shari's where we met up with Tom, Curt, and Shaun. After breakfast it was a short trip back to the track. After the tech inspection and all the bribes were submitted, we started qualifying. Personally I never qualify very well but today was a little different. I posted my best qualifying time ever at Tom's. I qualified fifth with close to an 8 second flat time. Of course all the fast guys were half a second faster, but I was pretty happy with my time. "Curtious Curt" was the top qualifier (as usual).

Qualifying results:

After qualifying we all voted for the car we felt was the best looking and deserved the "Concours" award. Shaun (Monster Mayea) won the award with his beautiful number five Camaro. After the concours event it was time to set the starting grid. OSCAR races normally consist of four rounds of racing four minute heat races. This day due to diminished attendance, we would be racing five minute heats. With the hot motors run in OSCAR races, this change would prove to be very taxing on equipment, both cars and controllers.

Shaun's Concours winning Camaro:

In the first round of racing Tim experienced a spectacular crash, leaving the track, and landing on the cement floor. Amazingly his car suffered no damage and he was able to continue racing (a tribute to his excellent chassis build in Staurt's chassis class PASER held awhile back!). After repeated crashes into pretty much every wall, around every corner, I finally blew the pinion gear out of my car. Seeing as how I am really bad at pit work, after the first round I was down forty laps from last place, almost one hundred down from first!

In the second round most everyone settled down and improved their performance.

By the end of the race almost everyone had experienced some sort of problem. Curt had changed out two expired motors, Wade lost one motor and a set of gears, and Tom suffered multiple chassis issues. Two of the star performers were Michael and Shaun, but neither had quite enough to best Curt.
Race results:

In the end it was an awesome race! Racing at Tom's World is always spectacular! A great time to socialize with fellow racers, and run on an extremely fast and challenging track! Thank you Tom for hosting this race, and a big thanks to Susan for feeding us (and allowing Tom to play with us!).

OSCAR races have always been the premier 1/24 races in Oregon. The season opener is traditionally held at Tom Street's track in Bend, for the Super Stock Class. This year's opening race is scheduled for October 21st, but at this point in time it is looking like attendance may be way down. Right now we are only anticipating seven participants. In a discussion over the phone with Tom yesterday we wondered if switching the class to late model NASCAR might entice more racers. So I am posing the question here to solicit replies and hopefully gain some commitment by additional racers. If you plan to attend the race, or will attend if the class is changed to NASCAR, please let us know here, or send me a message, or give Tom a call. We will be assembling a list to establish an accurate headcount.

Thank you!   =======Bill