Since the beginning in 1996, NASTE has been evolving. From racing on a small three lane 1/24 track with no timing or lap counting system, to 2016 where racing takes place on multiple tracks with fully computerized lap counting and timing. But what hasn’t changed until now is NASTE’s basis for operation which has always been slot car racing. Somewhere along the way there has been a shift of interest at the weekend NASTE IROC races. This shift has made me re-evaluate what NASTE is all about. I feel NASTE still serves a purpose in the slot car world, but that purpose is now split into two groups. The NASTE weekend IROC races are still an excellent venue for attracting new racers, as well as providing members some social interaction. But the Point Series Championship just doesn’t seem to fit anymore. In fact right now, I question the value of the Point Series Championship. If there is still enough interest in running the Point Series Championship, I propose we move the series to the NASTE Odd Thursday Night Races where there is a slightly more competitive atmosphere. With this change I would also propose track owners collectively would continue to host one weekend event per month. The event location would rotate just as we currently do. I have an outline of a new race format for the point series championship to be held at the Odd Thursday Night races. In addition track owners could host weekend races for the point series if they so desire. Currently this is the direction I am headed. I am very interested in feedback in regards to this proposal. If there is not enough interest in the Point Series Championship I will drop it completely. It has lasted 20 years. Maybe it’s time is over? I hope not, and in an effort to retain the point series I am proposing the following.
Proposal: PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL. I HAVE ABANDONED THIS PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ANY ODD THURSDAY NIGHT RACE FORMATS. ODD THURSDAY NIGHT RACES WILL CONTINUE AS CURRENTLY FORMATTED.
The NASTE Odd Thursday Night Races will be the new venue for the NASTE Point Series Championship.
Points awarded for one race per night.
Schedule at least 6 weekend races that count as point races – separate from NASTE IROC races. For any track that wants to host a point series race.
One class race at each Odd Thursday Night race will be a points race. The point series race will be the second race of the night. Doors open at 4:00pm. First race starts promptly at 5:00pm. May have to switch to racing three classes per night instead of current four per night.
Racing starts with qualifying round. Racers get one minute to post fastest lap time. Track power on for one minute, with 30 seconds between. Timing to be automated by computer with no pauses for any reasons. Drivers are responsible for getting their car off the track when done, and new driver resposible for getting controller hooked up and car at start line. If racer gets a late start he gets the time remaining on the clock to post his fastest lap. Should be able to complete qualifying session in 1 hour.
The three or four fastest qualifier's cars (depending on the number of lanes on the track) will be used for the race in an IROC type format. Fastest qualifier gets first pick as to what lane his car will be in, second pick goes to second fastest qualify, third etc. Top qualifier gets either 3 championship bonus points (or 4, again depending on number of lanes on track), second place qualifier gets 2 bonus points and third place qualifier gets 1 bonus point. In the event a racer does not want his car used in the IROC format he has two choices; he can "sandbag" and run a slow qualifying session, or he can take a "bye". If a racer choses to take a "bye" he will forfeit one championship point. If a racer does not have a car for one of the classes raced, he can still race in the event but he will have to "pay" one championship point to compete.
Points awarded as follows: In addition to the bonus points awarded to top qualifiers, one point will be awarded to racers for each competitor they beat, For example: last place finisher gets 1 point, next to last finisher would get 2 points, and on up to the race winner. If there were 21 racers the winner would receive 21 points, if only 15 racers the winner would receive 15 points.
