4,676 Reply by wb0s

(20 replies, posted in NASTE)

Dorothy, I'm sure you're not the only one with questions. I think some people just don't ask.

I've raced with quite a few different clubs and groups through the years, and one thing I can tell you for sure is; more rules = more problems. Keeping it simple works best. Once you put rules in writing they have to be enforced. Enforcing the rules is NO FUN! Racers break rules, enforcing rules pisses racers off!  I know that doesn't seem right or fair, but it is a fact. As  the saying goes; "been there, done that"! We are all adults (granted playing with toy cars). Written rules for code of conduct should not be necessary. Excessive abuse is dealt with on a "as needed" basis. I have "asked" people to leave before. Thankfully it rarely happens. Other people that seem to be outside the appropriate "code of conduct" just go away.........  No matter where you race or what club you race with, regardless of the rules they have and the format they use, you will experience the same types of "things" you experience with the NASTE group. It's called RACING.....

At the beginning of this season a committee was formed to get the NASTE mission statement in writing, and to get some basic rules down on paper. I guess we should see about getting that finished up!........Victoria, do we have anything together yet?   ---------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,677 Reply by wb0s

(20 replies, posted in NASTE)

Cool Smooth!  Lookin' forward to it!

The potential for bad luck is evenly distributed between all the racers before the flag drops. After the flag drops it would appear some choose not to take advantage of the opportunity.

Go to forum: NASTE

4,678 Reply by wb0s

(20 replies, posted in NASTE)

"It's too bad some people....", our motto right???!!!! LOL.....

So, the race format in Salem. Traditionally NASTE has always let the track owner set the race format however they choose. NASTE has never had a set, specific race format we have used at each and every track. Sometimes format can depend on the type of lap counting system they use, or it can depend on how their track is laid out. If you recall my TooBad track was not marked off for tenths for quite sometime. We don't use tenths at Rapid Raceway track either. Keeping lap totals to the tenths is more accurate than some other methods. But then again keeping track of 100ths of a lap would be even better (in the early 80s a local HO club had a track marked in 100ths). On my old 3 lane 1/24 track, which we originally started NASTE with, we did not count tenths. We only counted full laps. We held time trials at the beginning of the race, and a racer's fast time was used to break any ties. There are many different race formats and ways to score races. One aspect of Northwest Association of Slot Track Enthusiasts is to bring track owners and racers together by facilitating more racing for a larger more diverse group of people. Part of this diversity includes racing styles, types of cars, types of tracks, and the systems and formats used to conduct the races. By having this wide diverse racing program, NASTE racers have a chance to experience different types of racing as well as getting to know new people in other clubs and groups. I think this has helped keep NASTE around for so many years. I see NASTE as a guest at a host track. We race how they race, under their rules and format, with the exception of IROC style cars and controllers. We are not there to take over their racing, we are there to experience their style of racing. My philosophy has always been, a win is a win whatever the particular format or scoring system a club or group uses, as long as all the drivers are racing under the same rules and system.

I'm glad you asked the question Dorothy! We have many newer racers in our group, and I think everyone needs to understand where NASTE came from. Of course all of this rambling is MY vision. With that said, NASTE is not EXACTLY what it was when it started out, and it may not be next year what it is this year.....................
--------------------------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,679 Reply by wb0s

(20 replies, posted in NASTE)

You are absolutely right in every respect Dorothy! Everything you mentioned has to do with being able to adapt to and overcome adversity. Everything you mentioned happens to EVERY racer at some point during a season. NO one gets through an entire season without getting screwed (I think it's a rule)!

There are three factors in slot car racing; 1. Driver skill - 2. Equipment - 3. Luck.

In normal slot car racing the biggest variable outside your control is luck, and there is ONLY BAD LUCK in racing! Because if anyone does experience what would be considered good luck, it is always far outweighed by someone elses bad luck! Just ask them! In NASTE racing the ONLY factor you have control over is driver skill. Luck AND equipment are beyond your control. Random driver placement by computer in any particular race falls under luck. Driver placement by first round finish position is based on driver skill. One of the reasons NASTE racing can be very frustrating is because luck is such a big factor. The equipment is out of your control, so luck can be a big factor there. How you deal with the luck of the hand you've been dealt, well that IS the key!

I don't think that resulted in any change?...........

Go to forum: NASTE

4,680 Reply by wb0s

(2 replies, posted in Penguin Point Raceway)

Great job on the pictures Dorothy!!! ....And the treats on race night too!!!!

Go to forum: Penguin Point Raceway

4,681 Reply by wb0s

(6 replies, posted in NASTE)

Great job on the pictures Dorothy!!! ....And the treats on race night too!!!!

Go to forum: NASTE

4,682 Topic by wb0s

(20 replies, posted in NASTE)

First off NASTE Championship racing is not for everyone. In NASTE IROC racing you do not have the luxury of getting a "competitive edge" with superior equipment. In NASTE IROC racing everyone races with the same equipment, cars and controllers. Because of that there is another difficult element to deal with, changing conditions. Many times the cars set out for the practice session are not the cars you will actually be racing. You may be starting the race with cars you have never completed a lap with. Performance can, and usually does vary, not only from round to round but from heat to heat. Wear and tear on the cars, as well as crash damage, can and does change the performance of the cars. The racers that do the best in NASTE Championship racing are those that adapt well to the changing conditions, and can best deal with the adversities during the race. It is rare that any racer gets through a race without some kind of negative impact outside of their immediate control. Whether it be a car that has developed an issue during the race, another driver's error, or turn marshal error. Any and all of these conditions can and will happen. To win you must deal with the issues and continue to push for your best possible finish. Take advantage of the practice sessions. Practice on each lane and find where the difficult sections of the track are. If the practice session cars are different than the race cars, use the first couple laps in the actual race to get a feel for the different cars before you try to push them for maximum performance. Keep in mind, ANY de-slot is worse than a slightly slower lap time. NASTE Championship racing is not easy! You win the series by being consistant over the entire season!

Just my 2 cents worth.  -------------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,683 Reply by wb0s

(6 replies, posted in NASTE)

We'd like to thank Art the owner of Edgewater Raceway for making the track available to us!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5162.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5165.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5166.jpg

Go to forum: NASTE

4,684 Reply by wb0s

(6 replies, posted in NASTE)

Left to right; Chris Kouba, Thomas Flood, Todd Flood, and current series leader Terry Abbott.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5160.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5165.jpg

The cars were assembled and tuned by Dave Smith. The chassis are 4 /14 inch Parma FCRs.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5163.jpg

Edgewater Raceway in Salem is one fun track! It is very fast and very smooth!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5161.jpg

Go to forum: NASTE

4,685 Topic by wb0s

(2 replies, posted in Track)

Saturday February 8th I made a trip over to Bob Nakamaru's in Troutdale for his open house and unveilling his new Scalextric track. Bob's track and facility is just beautiful! The four lane Scalextric track is layed out in a fast well flowing design. There are fast sweeping curves as well as a couple tricky tight corners to keep you paying attention! He has also worked a nice long front straight into his design. The track is very nicely and realistically decorated. The track is equipped with a computerized lap counting and timing system which worked perfectly. Bob plans to hold some Trans Am races, for stock out of the box Scalextric Trans Am cars. These cars even with the stock rubber rear tires work very well on Bob's track! We race quite a few laps and had some excellent dicing!

Thanks for letting me come over and run some laps Bob! I fully expect to enjoy some great racing at The Gorge Raceway!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5156.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5153.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5151.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5155.jpg

Go to forum: Track

4,686 Topic by wb0s

(6 replies, posted in NASTE)

OH WOW!!

Is that SNOW?

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5157.jpg

Practice time.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5158.jpg

The cars as prepared by Dave Smith.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5164.jpg

Edgewater Raceway in Salem. That is one long straight!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/IMG_5159.jpg

Go to forum: NASTE

4,687 Reply by wb0s

(7 replies, posted in NASTE)

My original plans for Saturday's race were foiled by circumstances beyond my control. Fortunately the ever dependable NASTE '55 Chevys stood in and saved the day. So just what makes these cars so damn much fun? Is it because they are so big? So slow? Or could it be the fact they provide great fender to fender racing with a little bumper thrown in? Whatever the reason they provided some very close racing along with some great crashing and bashing! Oh, and did I mention durability? We've been racing these SAME four cars since 2006. Yes, we've been IROC racing these exact four cars for over 7 years. In those seven years we have replaced one crown gear and three guide flags. All three guide flags were broken at TooBad last Saturday night! After seven years we are still running the same tires on all four cars, not to mention the same $1.99 Radioshack motors!

But back to my original plan for Saturday's race. The circumstances that altered my original plan have been corrected. So, be ready for something different for the next NASTE race at TooBad
Motorplex!

--------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,688 Reply by wb0s

(7 replies, posted in NASTE)

You're welcome Dorothy!

Thanks for the photos!!!

Go to forum: NASTE

4,689 Reply by wb0s

(7 replies, posted in NASTE)

You guys are very welcome! It's always nice to have a good turn-out!

As far as the '55s go Rico, you ran an excellent race! Maybe you were just trying too hard to go fast before?

Bryan - I'll get my two ready as well. I'll replace the guide flag on the second car (only one not broken yet), and I'll true up some more tires. Let's true the up to the point where they're flat at that sharp shoulder line. That's where we took them down to before I belive. That leaves some room for wear, so we should be able to run them for another 5 or 6 years! Sound OK?

  -----------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,690 Topic by wb0s

(7 replies, posted in NASTE)

Thank you to all that made it out to TooBad last night!  I had a blast!   -----------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,691 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

Almost forgot!

Thank you Dorothy for the birthday candy!!!!   --------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,692 Reply by wb0s

(93 replies, posted in NASTE)

List updated from Jan. 23, '14 race.

Go to forum: NASTE

4,693 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

It's a NEW YEAR!.........MORE Odd Thursday Night Racing on January 23rd, 2014!

Not a big turn out but still a bunch of fun racing! This odd Thursday marked Al Blanchard's return to slot racing. Al stated he was in need of some entertainment. Whatever the reason, welcome back Al! So in addition we had six of the usual suspects for a field of seven racers. The racing was close and competetive, as it has been for awhile on odd Thursdays. Then we raced the BRM Porsches in somewhat of an IROC format. That's when things changed! Competetive; yes, but in an ugly kind of way! As we only had two BRM Porsches to use as IROC cars, we looked for a substitute car as a third entry. Mitch Brooks volunteered his scratchbuilt vintage sports car. We promptly broke the guide flag on Mitch's car (sorry Mitch!).  It was then decided a NASTE '55 Chevy might be an appropriate substitute; uh NOT! Don't get me wrong, the car functioned just fine. But what started out as a nice friendly competetive race, turned into an all out brawl!!! Since the '55 was quite a bit slower it didn't take long for racers to figure out it was strategically advantages for the '55 to serve as kind of a defensive tool! The name of the game turned to; get past that damn '55! It was actually quite fun and I had a great time!

So here's the results:

Classic Sports Car Class:

1st Rico Locati 47.9 laps
2nd Bryan Dickerson 47.8
3rd Terry Abbott 47.2
4th Tracy Flood 46.4
5th Mitch Brooks 45.1
6th Bill Bostic 44.4
7th Al Blanchard 41.1

GT Class:

1st Rico Locati 56.5 laps
2nd Terry Abbott 54.0
3rd Tracy Flood 53.4
4th Bill Bostic 53.2
5th Bryan Dickerson 51.6
6th Al Blanchard 47.9
7th Mitch Brooks 46.7


'55 BRM Porsche 962:

1st Tracy Flood 48. laps
2nd Bill Bostic 47.2
3rd Rico Locati 46.9
4th Bryan Dickerson 46.8
5th Al Blanchard 45.0
6th Mitch Brooks 42.2

Go to forum: NASTE

4,694 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

Thanks Chris!..........I'm onboard!

Go to forum: NASTE

4,695 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

I'll have to submit this question to Chris..........

Go to forum: NASTE

4,696 Topic by wb0s

(2 replies, posted in NASTE)

Thank you Terry & Dorothy for an action packed, fun race night!

I really enjoyed the HO cars. What a blast!

And of course the FOOD!

Go to forum: NASTE

4,697 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

As most of you regular Odd Thursday Night racers know, thanks to Chris Kouba, we have been racing 1/24 BRM Porsches in an IROC format after the running of our two rgeular classes, Classic Sports Car and GT. These BRM cars have provided us with much more fun than anyone ever would have thought. So much so that we have added them as a third class to race on Odd Thursdays when there are enough participants (this would be at least 2!)...Anyway, they provide for extremely close racing, a lot of bumping and pushing, and they are just a blast! I have added the rules we will race them under to the first post here, which contains all the Odd Thursday racing Rules. The rules look a little complex at first glance, but let me asure you they are not. The intent is to keep the cars close to the BRM Challenge Rules, so if a racer wanted to compete in that series it would not be hard for them to alter their car to comply with those rules. Basically we race them BOX STOCK! If you don't have a car and are interested in sticking around to try them out, Chris Kouba has graciously made loaner cars available!

Thanks Chris!   ---------------------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,698 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

This morning I reviewed the Odd Thursday Night Winner's List. It is obvious by the number of laps the current winners are posting, the competition has somewhat levelled out. Therefore I have lifted all handicaps attached to previous winners. So, previous winners be aware, there are racers gunning for you! The gauntlet has been raised!.............

"Flying Bryan", let me introduce you to "Wingman"..........."Flyin'", I think we may have something for you!

-----------------------------Bill

Go to forum: NASTE

4,699 Reply by wb0s

(93 replies, posted in NASTE)

List updated from Dec. 19 race.

Go to forum: NASTE

4,700 Reply by wb0s

(2,177 replies, posted in NASTE)

December 19th Odd Thursday Racing.... Seven brave racers set out in the arctic cold night to race in Fairview......OK, so it wasn't quite that bad. I was actually pretty warm in my garage........

Anyway, eight of us had a pretty good time racing in the Classic Sportscar and GT classes. The BRM Porsche class is rapidly becoming a mainstay of the Odd Thursday Night racing program. These 1/24 cars are a blast to race on the somewhat tight confines of TooBad Motorplex, and the racing is VERY close! Look for the BRM class to stick around as a third class on Odd Thursday's. You can contact Chris Kouba for info on the cars. Diane set us up with some excellent treats and coffee, and some racers brought out some treats as well. The racing was very close with lots of side by side battles. Towards the end of the evening we had two new guests that Chris had invited show up. It's always nice to meet new people, and even nicer when they come back out to race again!

Here's the results:

Classic Sports Car Class:

1st Chris Kouba 50.8 laps
2nd Rico Locati 50.1
3rd Bill Bostic 49.4
4th Greg Petrolati 47.9
5th Bryan Dickerson 46.6
6th Tracy Flood 46.3
7th Jimmy Jones 38.1
8th Mitch Brooks 32.1

GT Class:

1st Bill Bostic 59.3 laps
2nd Chris Kouba 55.8
3rd Rico Locati 54.9
4th Greg Petrolati 54.0
5th Tracy Flood 52.7
6th Jimmy Jones 49.065
7th Bryan Dickerson 47.6
8th Mitch Brooks 46.7


BRM Porsche 962:

1st Bill Bostic 59.2 laps
2nd Tracy Flood 58.8
3rd Rico Locati 57.0
4th Chris Kouba 54.4
5th Bryan Dickerson 52.8
6th Rob 48.9
7th Jimmy Jones 46.0

Go to forum: NASTE