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I like that Bryan. I think 6:00 pm race start is good. It seems like in the past that has been a reasonable time to start. The only consideration might be the races that are "out of town" for the Portland area racers, like maybe Eugene where we will be carpooling? Do we want to adopt a "home town" type precedent for NASTE where races out of the Portland metro area would be considered "out of town" races and have different start times?  ------------------Bill

You're very welcome George!  ------------Bill

Rico I will admit I'm also surprised at how tough some of the cars are, but the key word is SOME. I've seen many different types of cars destroyed in one outting at Randy's. Some of them never even made it to the starting grid. I think Randy is exagerating to some degree how great these cars are. I'll admit they really look great, but from a technical and quality aspect they are no better than the HO cars manufactured 20 years ago. As far as how they hold up when raced, I don't know what Randy is smokin'! As far as compared to 1/24 it's like comparing apples to oranges, but just for the record let's think about it.  The facts of 1/24 cars are, yes you have to replace tires every couple of races. You will most likely NEVER have to replace the chassis. If you have motor problems you can buy individual motor parts to REPAIR the motor, as opposed to throwing it away and buying a new one! And as far as cost, the Slot.It cars are $40 to $50 initially. Now if you want to be competitive add another $20 to $30. Let's see the current rules read "you can qualify and race 2 cars".....so double that figure. So here's the facts......Is 1/32 racing really cheaper than 1/24? Generally speaking NO. Depending on the classes you could find some variance EITHER way! Are the current 1/32 scale RTR Model Racing cars better than their predecessors, asthetically YES, functionally NO. Just the facts ma'am........   -----------------------Bill

It would be nice to pick up just a few parts when needed instead of putting together a big order.

Jack, Thanks for posting this and putting forth the effort with Hobby-Town. Here's some parts I've been buying more than once;
SICH25 Slot It Sidewinder OFFSET motor pod   
SICH01 Chassis Starter Kit Inline (HRS)
SICH04 Front Chassis Parts and Mounts
SICH05 Main Chassis Frame - High Rigidity
SICH09 Magnetic Suspension Kit
SICH20 Body to Chassis adapter cups (4x)
SIGSX18 - 32+34+36 tooth, hex screw M2, ERGAL, 018mm
SIPSMX Sidewinder Pinion Set 10+11+12+13 tooth (6.5 mm)
SIMF10 V12/3 - 29K motor, sidewinder, endbell drive
SICH07 Deep Guide for Wooden Track
SICH10 Race Guide Plastic Track / Deep
SIPA17M Magnesium 15X8 Super Light Wheels, M2 Screw (pair)
SIPA18M Magnesium 17X8 Super Light Wheels, M2 Screw
SIPA01 Axle 3/32"x54mm (2)
SIPA01-55H Axle 55mm Long Hollow (1)
Now of course that list could change depending on the next class that's raced at Randy's! But I know I'll always enjoy building HRS cars.  ---------------Bill

Tell you what AJ, I'll see if I can put something together soon. I've been thinking about building some more IROC cars anyway. What day, date, and time would work best for you?  --------------------Bill

GREAT JOB MONTE!!!!!

I like your ideas Byron. How about you throw a couple cars together and try them out?  Some of the other racers could also build some different types of cars to try out. At your remaining summer season races different types of cars could be tested, and the other racers could try them as well. It's hard to put together a class of car without actually testing them out. Experiment, then build your class rules on what you like and what works well.    ------------------Bill

AJ, you'll probably need a tire management system for the "loops" and "up the wall" sections!!!  ----------Bill

Randy, thanks for wading in! Your input was needed on this topic. After many emails back and forth it seems we have some areas of disagreement, and that's OK. The way I see it some of the new technology in slot racing is taking it to a place somewhere between video games or board games and the "old style" slot racing. Personally I don't find many flaws with the "old style" of slot racing (why do you think it's survived for over 50 years?). But what I have seen in my years of slot car involvement is various sorts of "new" technology come and go. Granted, now some of the technology is more refined, but a lot of it is not actually new. Various manufacturers have experimented with lane changing technology (Eldon had it in the late 60's and called it Select-Tronic). Aurora had a couple of different lane changing race sets in HO.  Oh, and fuel management, both Aurora and Tyco had systems with those features in the early eighties in HO scale race sets. And both actually worked very well! There has always been "new" technology on the market for "HOME RACE SETS" like Scalextric, Carrera, Ninco and all the others to try and "enhance" the racing experience. The fact is they have never really survived the test of time. I expect that is partially to do to the fact they didn't really work all that well. I admit the newest technologies seem to perform much better. But still you have to remember, although this stuff is marketed towards slot car enthusiasts the quality is still somewhat "toy like". The slot car products being produced for "HOME SETS" is NOT high quality. The emphasis on the production of the newest "SET CARS" is on the body. Body detail and appearance are the highest priority, that is obvious! There is as much or more consideration given to collectors as racers! I would bet that sales to collectors is even higher! The focus on manufacturing to meet "slot racer's" interest is on speed. Faster motors and bigger or more traction magnets. The way I see it, they're toys until a slot racer makes them into "race cars". As far as the "technology", I can take it or leave it!     -------------------------Bill

So it's looking like this must be a forbidden topic or something? I heard a lot more talking and complaining than I'm seeing in type here! Come on, let's hear from someone who is pro-fuel management!  -----------------------Bill