Just checked on PCH's site. You can get BRAND NEW Womps with bodies for $31.50!!!!!
4,051 February 28, 2015 6:54 pm
Re: On The Bench - CHEAP Slot Cars? (37 replies, posted in Slot Talk)
4,052 February 28, 2015 6:48 pm
Re: On The Bench - CHEAP Slot Cars? (37 replies, posted in Slot Talk)
WHAT???!!!! $50 to $60 for a WHOMP????!!!! ARE THEY NUTS????!!!!
I might have to sell mine now????!!!!!!
4,053 February 27, 2015 5:23 pm
Re: On The Bench - CHEAP Slot Cars? (37 replies, posted in Slot Talk)
I now have 2 VW Womps together, VWomps we'll call 'em. Ran some laps to test different gear ratios. With a 7 tooth pinion and 31 tooth crown I ran a best lap of 9.711 seconds. With a 7 tooth and 28 crown I ran a best lap of 9.076. No surprises here, just simple math. Each car was easy to run with either gear set. Looking forward to testing on Monte's track on Sunday!
==============Bill
4,054 February 27, 2015 5:17 pm
Re: On The Bench - CHEAP Slot Cars? (37 replies, posted in Slot Talk)
John, Very nice work, thanks for posting! It is great reading and viewing!!! Looking forward to seeing & hearing more!!!
P.S. what did you end up using for a windshield in your GT40 roadster?
==========Bill
4,055 February 26, 2015 10:19 pm
Re: NASTE Odd Thursday Night Racing Rules & Current Thread (2,156 replies, posted in NASTE)
OR..."BIG" "Smooth Data".......................sounds kind of nasty.........er...NASTE
4,056 February 26, 2015 7:16 pm
Re: NASTE Odd Thursday Night Racing Rules & Current Thread (2,156 replies, posted in NASTE)
Would it be "Big Smooth Data" or "Big Data Smooth" ????
4,057 February 26, 2015 3:32 pm
Re: NASTE Odd Thursday Night Racing Rules & Current Thread (2,156 replies, posted in NASTE)
Who are you referring too???
MY comment was in referrence to Monte finding a Womp car.
I personally KNOW he already has 1/24 Carrera cars - multiple examples of such!!!
4,058 February 26, 2015 3:02 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Dorothy your influence on the social aspect of NASTE has resulted in nothing but improvements within the group. We have the best photo records of races that we have ever had, not to mention great movie footage! In the area of refreshments and food NASTE is second to none, and attribute a great deal of that success to you and your influence.
One thing to remember about the final race for next season and the Shoot Out for the Championship. Shoot Out day will be an all day event. There will be races held for ALL NASTE racers, not just the top seven in points. My plan for the Shoot Out Race Day includes; trophy dash races for the Novice Division, Intermediate Division, and the Point Series competitors that did not make the top seven.
As far as apologizing to me for your influence in the club's direction as opposed to my vision, I'm sorry but you can't take total responsibility for that one. I did not mean anything negative by my comment, the direction the club has taken is fine. What I meant was if the club truly was MY club, I am quite sure it would be focussed more seriously on the racing aspect of the club activities versus any social activities. The social aspect of the club is something that makes NASTE truly unique and even more fun. I can't and don't take credit for that, that is something the members have accomplished! And YES, it is a GOOD THING!
4,059 February 26, 2015 2:39 pm
Re: NASTE Odd Thursday Night Racing Rules & Current Thread (2,156 replies, posted in NASTE)
I wouldn't worry about locating a car just yet.............I may know of a source..............
4,060 February 26, 2015 12:04 pm
Re: NASTE Odd Thursday Night Racing Rules & Current Thread (2,156 replies, posted in NASTE)
I needed to revise this post as there are actually two new classes up for consideration and comment.
The first is actually Carrera 1/24 cars as proposed by Chris Kouba. Here's what Chris has to say: I would propose running non-mag with all stock parts on Paul Gage tires, but "home tuning" allowed- slop taken out of bushes, a little float allowed on the bodies, wheels trued, tires trued, the usual tips. The only thing I would say we can get creative with is the guide- they suck and we should find a better way. Braids would be allowed to be modified as well seeing as they're fairly dependent on the guide.
We would probably need to bump up the voltage as they might be a little boring at 10v, but I can wait to figure that out.
Cars that would qualify? Anything which ran post-1960 and pre-1971:
250 GTO's
330 P3's
512
906
917
Cheetahs
Corvettes
E types
GT40's ----------Chris
The second proposal:
Some of you probably saw, or even got a chance to run the VW Womp I put together as a test car in preparation for the next NASTE IROC race here at TooBad. This car seems to have stimulated some interest in these little beasts. My question is; would any of you be interested in adding Womp cars to the list of classes we race here at TooBad Motorplex on Odd Thursdays?
I understand we already have quite a few classes, but alternating the classes seems to be working out pretty well. On the plus side these Womp cars are realitively inexpensive to buy used, readily available, and the parts are inexpensive. In addition the cars are generic in terms of available bodies that can be used to change the appearance of the class. Pattos Place has many body styles available that fit the Womp chassis. If there is any interest I could be persuaded to purchase a group of bodies to better distribute the shipping cost.
Feedback?
==========Bill
4,061 February 26, 2015 8:48 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Here's my last 2 bits on this.......maybe.......
Consider the series as it is now. Many times with even two or three races left, it is obvious who the winner is going to be, and sometimes the outcome is already mathmatically decided. It is also possible for a racer to win the championship without ever winning a single race. With this new system the outcome will not be decided until the final race, and there will be seven top racers with a shot. In the new system a racer WILL have to win at least one race to become champion. In contrast to NASCAR's system, NASTE's new system will make it easier for more people to stay in the hunt. Also in contrast, racers aren't eliminated by a single race's performance leading up to the final race. Will it be more difficult to win the championship? I would say yes. Your performance at that last race will have to be spot on. But isn't that a characteristic of a true champion?
Monte, Bryan, Terry, Rico, Dorothy, and Howie, thank you all for taking part in this discussion. If nothing else, next season should at least be controversial!
4,062 February 25, 2015 10:19 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
This is a good discussion. Rico's point is also very good. If you look at the example of this race format scenario using last years finish results, it would be a moot point as to whether the races for the track host were counted towrds their score or not. Ultimately those points would likely amount to less than five in regards to their overall total anyway. Especially when you figure 5 of the top seven were race hosts to start with. The race host's wins may have more affect on the racers lower in the points standings, but there is a pretty sharp cut off in points standings at or below the seventh place racer. Whether or not we count race host's points at their own race seems to be irrelevant. It is just like the example of a racer who only shows up for one race during a season and wins. Some would say it is unfair to the regular racers because he has taken points away from them. In reality it only amounts to one point, and he didn't take it away, he earned it. No one would have gotten an extra 20 points if they would not have showed up!
4,063 February 25, 2015 9:43 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Thanks Terry. Your idea of the track owner racing his host race but points not being tallied for them is a good suggestion. The host's race could be one of the races thrown out, not counting towards their 5 race total. I think that would be do-able good alternative.
4,064 February 25, 2015 9:13 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Thanks Bryan. As far as next season, there will not be points championships for each division. There will only be one, and racers must elect to participate and pay the $5.00 fee to be included in that series. Prizes or awards are encouraged for the individual novice races, but not mandatory. That will be left up to each track owner to decide.
Right now at this point in time I do not forsee the NASTE Point Series Championship going back to just everyone racing together. That format does not seem to suit everyone.
============Bill
P.S. Sorry about the aneurysm. I can sometimes get wordie!!!
4,065 February 25, 2015 7:51 pm
Re: Late Model Trans-Am (6 replies, posted in Rapid Raceway)
TA2 at Rapid Raceway!
From left to right: Marty, Bob, Ted and John lining up for the start of the Feb. 24th 2015 race.
4,066 February 25, 2015 7:27 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Dorothy, I am disappointed you feel the need to assign ownership to our "club". Although I respect and value your opinion, I disagree with you. Based on my history with other slot car groups, it is obvious that NASTE would have much more of a racing oriented focus were it truly MY club. However what I will take ownership of is the NASTE Point Series Championship. I started the series in 1996, and have promoted an organized it for the past 19 years. This racing series is the corner stone of NASTE. It is what NASTE came from. Since its inception NASTE has evolved into more of a social event than an actual slot car racing event. This is not a bad thing, just not what I originally had in mind. Not a direction in which I would have lead a slot car club. The evolution came about through the participants interests and input. The same can be said for rule revisions and changes I have made to MY series. I do my best to make the series appealing to all interested parties. It has come to my attention that not all NASTE members, participants, or whtever you would like to call them are interested in the racing series, let alone the actual race itself. The rule changes I have decided upon for next season (2016) reflect the feedback I have received. With these changes NASTE participants at all levels of interest should find a niche' that fits their interest. As I see it, NASTE is at a crossroads where participants are divided in areas of primary interest. NASTE has been on its evolutionary journey with course changes influenced by its participants. I will admit I carry some influence in how and what NASTE does and becomes. But I am not the only influence. I would have to say NASTE is as much YOUR club Dorothy as it is mine. Your influence has changed the social aspect of NASTE in a positive way. You have also had more influence on rule revisions and changes in the racing aspect than any other members. I do not want to sound rude or dictorial, but I have tried to hold meetings where participants can provide feedback and take part in the administration responsibilities for NASTE with dismal results. I do what I feel is necessary to keep the NASTE Point Series Championship running.
==========Bill
4,067 February 25, 2015 8:52 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Monte, I like the idea of the track owner/host not racing. I would be good with that. It would give me more time to actually run the race and make it more efficient. However if we race the Shoot Out at Rapid Raceway or The Gorge, and Howie and Bob do not race the minimum 5 series races, the home track advantage is totally eliminated. As much as I would love it if Howie and Bob raced with us more, I know they are both much more committed to their 1/24 racing, and everyone has only so much time to devote to hobbies.
A couple other points; my current plan is for 10 point races next season. That is not counting the Halloween race and digital enduros. That would mean only half the races count towards a racer's final point total. This increases a racer's chance of making the Shoot Out. Reducing the number of our races will also allow racers more time to attend other slot car events with other clubs if they choose to.
4,068 February 25, 2015 8:37 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Thanks Monte for your support. Through the years NASTE has raced under varying race formats. We have tried different things with some working and some not. Systems that have not worked well have been either modified or dropped all together. The changes have come in part to better accommodate the competitors. Things like budget concerns and interest level are major determining factors as to race format. These changing conditions are one reason NASTE has evolved into an IROC style racing series. Slot car clubs come and go, NASTE has been around for over 19 years and our racing and attendance is better than ever. We are doing something right. We have a friendly atmosphere where new racers feel comfortable. We have a relaxed attitude regarding good close competition. We have a point series championship for those that take their racing more serious. We are an excellent venue for all types of slot car enthusiasts! There are other clubs that take the racing much more seriously, and there is nothing wrong with that. I race with other clubs because I also like to race at a more serious level sometimes. Just because someone takes their racing more seriously or shows a higher level of racing skill, does not mean they are doing it wrong, and they should not be ridiculed for it. This new format, whether you like it or not, WILL better serve our wide variety of racers, from casual racer to hard competitor. The bottom line is; if you look around at our races we are ALL there for the fun of it. Our interpretations of fun are as diverse as our racers.
4,069 February 24, 2015 11:51 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
I don't know... All I see in that so-called "data" Monte showed is that Bill can't win a race. Even at his own track.
(Come on, you know you were ALL thinking it!)
Sad...........but true.............
4,070 February 24, 2015 12:33 pm
Re: New Chassis Available for Rapid Raceway Classes (56 replies, posted in Rapid Raceway)
Lookin' good Howie!!!
4,071 February 24, 2015 11:16 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Thanks Monte. It's nice to have this kind of data to help resolve issues.
4,072 February 23, 2015 8:35 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
I'm sure I think about this stuff way too much, and I'm sure Diane would agree with that. I just want everyone with any interest at all, to have a venue to have a good time racing slot cars. I truly believe slot car racing is one of the best hobbies around!
4,073 February 23, 2015 4:13 pm
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
We are lucky in that I see three possibilities for the Shoot Out venues where the home court advantage is pretty much eliminated. My first choice would be to ask Howie to host the Shoot Out race at Rapid Raceway. Howie typically does not participate in enogh NASTE races to be eligible for the Shoot Out. I would race the NASTE '55 Chevys, which are the roots of the NASTE organization. The BRM Porsche 962s would also be a good choice for the Shoot Out at Rapid Raceway. Another potential host track with no home court advantage would be The Gorge Raceway. Again Bob Nakamura typically does not run the full season with NASTE. Lastly we have the option of the race being held at TooBad Motorplex. What lessens the home court advantage there is the fact that there are routinely scheduled races throughout the year where racers can get experience and practice on the track. But the real breaker would be the fact I would run the Shoot Out with the track running direction reversed. We have only had one race on TooBad in the reverse direction, and I do not plan on holding any races with the direction reversed, except for the possibility of the 2016 Season Shoot Out.
4,074 February 23, 2015 9:34 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
2016 will be NASTE's 20th consecutive year of Point Series Championship racing. Over the years NASTE has evolved into one of the most diverse slot car racing clubs I have ever been associated with. We have racers with all levels of ineterest in slot racing, from hard core builders and racers to those with just casual interest just racing for the fun of it and the social interaction. That is what has made NASTE so successful and in my mind one of the best slot car clubs around! However, it has become quite a challenge to design a racing format that suits everyones interest. I am quite confident this new format will help make our racing for the 2016 season more FUN for everyone! If you're not interested in racing in the championship series, well you're not in it unless you choose to be. It will be each racers option and decission as to which group of racers and experience level they race with. If you're a new racer or less experienced, but you'd still like to take part in the championship series just to see how you stack up, well you can do that while still racing with other racers at your same skill level. The biggest difference between NASTE's new race format and NASCAR is we do this for FUN, not for millions of dollars!
4,075 February 23, 2015 9:23 am
Re: New Championship Rules for 2016 (46 replies, posted in Race Rules)
Who holds the Run Off and where will be determined at the annual NASTE BBQ, or when I send out the notice for race scheduling to all the track owners. It will be part of the same system I use now to schedule races.
With our current scoring system a driver can win the championship without ever winning a race. In fact I believe I have done that. Some of the differences between the NASCAR system and this one are; only a racers best 5 races count towards their final total score. Only the top 3 are guaranteed a spot in the final A Main race. If I use last season's results as an example, the 7 racers in the shout Out would have been; Terry 97 points, Bill 96, Tracy 98, Monte 99, Rico 94, Dave Smith 98, and Flyin' Bryan with 99 points. Flyin' Bryan, Monte, and Dave Smith would have had the 3 spots in the A Main, with Dave's four wins to Tracy's three breaking that tie. Based on that example, I am quite confident that any one of those racers in the top seven, would be very representative of a NASTE championship driver. Any one of those drivers is capable of winning a race at any of our venues. I really doubt a racer will be able to make it into the top seven without winning at least one race during the regular season, but maybe it will happen. At least with the new system the driver that wins the series championship will have to win at least one race!