Here are some examples of the newer style cars they are racing at Pelican Park.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_v.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_w.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_x.jpg

Doug Haynes was a great race promoter and organizer!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_r.jpg

Pelican Park Speedway. Where else would you see Dale Earnhart Jr., John Wayne, Danny Sullivan, and Marilyn Monroe all in one place?
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_s.jpg

Doug Haynes was also a master modeller. There are many of builds on display at the track.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_t.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_u.jpg

There are some early photos of the tracks that were located in the upstairs of Lee Dundas' barn. This photo is of the 3 lane big track as I remember it. I am guessing this was sometime in the early '80s.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_l.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_m.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_n.jpg

This was the smaller track in Lee's barn. We raced Womps on this track on Friday nights. The track was routed plywood.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_o.jpg

Glenn Heath (left) with one of his winning cars.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_j.jpg

Two of the most famous Northwest racers, Bob McFarland and Jerry "Geraloose" Palfenier.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_k.jpg

There is no doubt that Doug Haynes was the founder and driving force behind the creation of Pelican Park.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_p.jpg

I'm not even sure, but I believe this is an old photo with Tom Street..........
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_q.jpg

I appologize for the poor quality of these photos. I took pictures of the pictures posted on the walls with my phone.

This photo shows Glenn Heath and Lee Dundas Sr. racing at Pelican Park.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_f.jpg

This is another early photo of Pelican Park after it was moved to Springfield. I would estimate this to be pre 1990.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_g.jpg

Lee, Basil, Bob, and Glenn racing in the early days of Pelican Park. In this photo the track's lower staright has not been widened, and the old controller hookups are still in place.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_h.jpg

Another early photo. Notice the lack of diorama items around the track.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_i.jpg

The inside walls of the Pelican Park facility are covered with posters and old photos of not only past Pelican Park events, but many photos of old tracks and events from throughout the Northwest. The Northwest has a long history of racing hardbody scratchbuilt cars, and the Pelican Park track is the oldest surviving track still holding events!

Everytime I visit I see photos I had never noticed before! This red track that was originally built and used in a commercial raceway in Lake Oswego, was later purchased by Tim Barnes and set up in his basement in Fairview. NASTE races were held on this track for a couple of years. The track was eventually sold and moved to somewhere in California. It's current location or status is unknown.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_c.jpg

This blue track was built by Larry Cockerham in Carlton. The track hosted OSCAR, PASER, and NASTE events for a few years. The track was then sold to Jeff Courtney who set the track up in the upstairs part of his shop. Jeff held NASTE races on the track and hosted the annual NASTE Halloween races. Thetrack was eventually sold to Rob and moved to Vancouver where he currently holds PASER events.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_d.jpg

This is an early photo of Pelican Park Speedway probably taken not too long after it was moved to Eugene and set up in its current location. In this photo the track still has the original copper tubing controller hookups designed by Hugh Ellsworth. Hugh came up with thsi type of controller connections when the track was originally restored in Portland around 1988.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_e.jpg

It had been one year since my last visit to Pelican Park Speedway. This trip was just a visit for me. Racing was not on my agenda. Walking though the door of the faciltiy is like stepping back in time! Nostalgic pictures, posters, and models are everywhere!

But let's start with what is new. The track is now in full use of a computer lap counting and timing system! Gone are the days of a manually operated timer and toggle switch for controlling track power! Now I was told that they had been using this system for years, but upon checking past photos (from just a year ago) I became aware that some peoples memories are no better than mine! The obvious indicator was the monitor mounted for the racer's view, which was not present last year! They even have a printer in use now!

But other than the computer system Pelican Park remains true to its roots! They still race the hardbody scratchbuilt brass chassis cars they have always raced. And the racers are still the friendly guys one always finds at the track. I had a great time visiting and catching up with everyone!

Proof of the computer system now in use!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_a.jpg

The usual group of Pelican Park racers.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/pelicanpark_2025june_b.jpg

8

(0 replies, posted in Track)

I spent a day with Dave Smith last week. It is always fun catching up with Dave and seeing his newest stuff! On this trip I got to check out his newest HO track build. The course is a replica of the original Aurora Tub Track layout. Dave built this track using his wire rail system. But unlike his previous track builds, he used copper non-magnetic wire instead of steel wire. What he ended up with is a super smooth track with absolutely no benefit of magnetic traction. Running cars on this track is an absolute blast!

I appologize for not getting a more recent photo of Dave's track. This is a photo I had during the construction before it was finished.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/davesmith_hotrack_2025.jpg

Thanks to Dave for the updated photo!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/davesmith_hotrack_2025b.jpg

I had the pleasure of visiting Paul Painter's cool hang out last week. It is always a treat to visit Paul and see what his current projects and achievements are! Paul's latest project is this way cool routed HO track. This track is unique in the fact it is a track that does not support magnetic traction type cars! Paul built this track with the ultimate goal of ensuring there would be no benefit from a car's magnets (including the motor magnets) enhancing the cars overall handling performance. He accomplished this goal by using tinned copper braid (like the type used on commercial type 1/24 routed tracks) for the electrical contact or "rails" on this track. There is absolutely no magnetic traction on this track!

The bottom line is the performance of the cars brings back memories of the '60s, only better! The track is super smooth and challenging! The build quality of this track is exceptional, typical of what one would expect from Paul Painter!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/painters_ho_track1.jpg

There were a few of us there for Paul's track unveiling (L to R; Herb, Paul, Dave, Jerry).
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/painters_ho_track2.jpg

This part of Paul's track is a true optical illusion. It looks like Paul built an Aurora Thunderjet type "hump" into the track. Although I was fooled, even when running the first few laps, there is no hump, just a set of curves.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/painters_ho_track4.jpg

Dave Smith took a moment to post an iconic pose (sporting the appropriate glasses) below the Cherry Park signage.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/painters_ho_track3.jpg

No problem Doc, I'm probably a little over-sensitive when it comes to my beloved Womps!

I wouldn't mind racing modified Womps. I started the Womp class as an entry level class for new racers, so I kept the rules simple and low cost. If enough guys want to race them modified, I would be onboard.

I'll admit I am biased towards metal chassis cars. In response to Doc's notation that the Womp entered in the Open Production Class finished last, I'd like to add that it also finished next to last in the Womp Class race. That particular car was actually not legal for the Womp Class, but was allowed to race. It is a Champion Thumper owned by one of the new inexperienced racers.

So let's dip into reality. The Womp Class rules call for no additional weight on the stock chassis. In fact no chassis modifications of any kind. This really handicaps tuning for improved handling. Especially when the chassis is of one piece with no provision for movement of any type. Overall dimensions of the two types of cars (Open Production vs. Womp) are similar.

Open Production Class cars for the plastic hardbody style cars are open to modifications. The cars entered in this race had multi piece chassis, and at a minimum were well tuned with additional weight bias. The top two cars did perform at a level above the Womps in their races. The Open cars that finished third through fifth were similar in performance to the Womp field of cars.

Although this is somewhat like comparing apples to oranges, I would like to point out that an Open Class Womp would perform much better than the class of Womps we currently race. Adding lead for weight bias (which is legal for the Open Production cars) makes a huge difference! Doc's comment left me thinking he was implying the Open Production class cars were superior to a Womp. I can assure everyone that is not the case. To a "stock" Womp as we currently race them, maybe. But given the same parameters for modifications, I am quite sure a Womp would dominate the Open Production Class. In fact maybe I should introduce everyone to my little friend at the next Womp race............................(Womp Master Dave Smith knows which one I am talking about!)..............And thanks again for those Dave!

The June 9th race at Rob's Redline Raceway officially closed out the PASER 2025 racing season. Although it was pretty hot at the track, we had a good turn out of racers. Rob had large fans in place to circulate the air, which made a huge difference in comfort for the participants!

The track was open for practice at 3:00 pm. Rob pprovided us all with a good pizza dinner and plenty of drinks before the racing began. The grid for the first race was set at approximately 5:00 pm. First class of cars to hit the track were the Womps. Right out of the gate, Bob Nak showed he was going to be tough to beat. Bob laid down some fast and consistent laps, with his best lap total hitting 42. Bill Henry kept Bob in sight, but fell just short of Bob's totals, finishing just 4 laps behind Bob. Rob was third, 5 laps down from Bill H.

Womp results:

1st Bob N.  159 laps
2nd Bill H.  155
3rd Rob      150
4th Mike G. 147
5th Bill       147
6th Doc      141
7th Kona    124
8th Gerry   108

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/Robs05092025b.jpg

After we had finished the Womp race, and were all in full race mode, we brought out our Flexi class cars. The Flexi cars are super fast on the Redline Raceway circuit! Bob Nak was again the guy to beat! As it turned out, Bob gave us all a severe spanking in this race! The next four spots were 8 plus laps back. The only racers that came close to Bob were Rob and Bill Henry.

Flexi Class race results:

1st Bob N.   193 laps
2nd Rob      185
3rd Bill H.   181
4th Mike G. 178
5th Bill       175
6th Kona     155
7th Gerry    143

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/Robs05092025a.jpg

The last race of the night was for the new Open Production Class. Based on production 1/32 plastic hard body cars, this class is becoming quite popular. Doc, Bob, and Mike are very good at prepping these types of cars for competition. I was lucky enough to have Mike loan me one of his race spec cars. The car was awesome,.......me, not so much! Bob closed out the night by completing the sweep! However this race proved to be more of a challenge for him! Bob took the thrid win but, Doc was only one lap behind him. Rob and Mike tied for third, both were running one of Mike's well prepped cars.

Open Production race results:

1st Bob N.   164 laps
2nd Doc      163
3rd Rob       156
4th Mike      156
5th Bill        155
6th Bill H.    133
7th Gerry    126
8th Kona     118

The 2025 PASER season has been fun for me! Racing at Rob's on Mondays has been growing in popularity. Redline Raceway is very well suited to the three classes Rob has chosen to race there! Womps and Flexis are fast and smooth on the circuit. The new Open production class has surprised me with the performance of the cars! Doc, Mike, and Bob currently have these cars out performing the Womps! Which makes me wonder if we need to open up the Womp Class rules a bit (a little personal bias)?

Anyway, I hope everybody has a great summer! Don't forget, there is always NASTE racing at Al's Rippin' Ridin' Raceway located in Al's awesomely cool, cool basement hang out through the summer! Also, keep an eye out for possible "special" summer events!

Results from the May 5th race:

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRR06052025a.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRR06052025b.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRR06052025c.jpg

I will be at the race tomorrow and I am bringing some stuff to sell. I'll have with me the new releases of Team Bluegroove bodies, new Pro Track Indy Car kits, a custom trackside car cooler, and a used Difalco controller (plug-in network style).

Congratulations to Dan "Doc" Fritz the 2025 NASTE Point Series Champion!

This was the 30th consectutive running of the NASTE Point Series Championship!

NASTE 2025 Point Series Championship Race No.14 @ Rippin' Ridin' Raceway May 29, 2025

Race Results - GT 3 Class:

1. Al - 5 pts.
2. Doc - 4 pts.
3. Rico - 3 pts.
4. David - 2 pts.
5. Doug - 1 pt.

Final Standings for the 2025 NASTE Point Series Championship After 14 Races:

1 Daniel - 79 pts.
2 Al - 77 points.
3 Rico - 68 pts.
4 Greg - 35 pts.
5 David - 31 pts.
6 Douglas - 27 pts.
7 Mitch - 23 pts.
8 Zack - 10 pts.
9 Elliot - 5 pts.
10 -tie- Fernando - 4 pts.
10 -tie- Hersche - 4 pts.
12 Stan - 3 pts.
13 Monte - 2 pts.
14 Neil - 1 pt.

Results from the May 29th race:

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay302025a.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay302025b.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay302025c.jpg

NASTE 2025 Point Series Championship Race No.13 @ Rippin' Ridin' Raceway May 15, 2025

Race Results - Slot.it Group C Class:

1. Doc - 7 pts.
2. Rico - 6 pts.
3. Greg - 5 pts.
4. Al - 4 pts.
5. David - 3 pts.
6. Elliot - 2 pts.
7. Doug - 1 pt.

Current Standings for the 2025 NASTE Point Series Championship After 13 Races:

1 Daniel - 75 pts.
2 Al - 72 points.
3 Rico - 65 pts.
4 Greg - 35 pts.
5 David - 29 pts.
6 Douglas - 26 pts.
7 Mitch - 23 pts.
8 Zack - 10 pts.
9 Elliot - 5 pts.
10 -tie- Fernando - 4 pts.
10 -tie- Hersche - 4 pts.
12 Stan - 3 pts.
13 Monte - 2 pts.
14 Neil - 1 pt.

May 15 race results:

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay2025a.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay2025b.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/RRRMay2025c.jpg

The newest TBG bodies showed up in today's mail. There are 32 new body styles that have been added to their catalog. What I have will be available June 1st.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/TBGApr302025.jpg

21

(16 replies, posted in OSCAR)

Starting grid:
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2103.jpg

Racers ready for start:
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2104.jpg

Bob N. reading race results:
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2101.jpg

Bob's winning car also won the Racer's Choice Award!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2105.jpg

22

(16 replies, posted in OSCAR)

Bend was fully represented!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA293.jpg

The illusive Bill H. on the left:
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA295.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA298.jpg

Tom's F50 did not fare well during the race! Post race damage....
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA299.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2100.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA2106.jpg

23

(16 replies, posted in OSCAR)

The field:
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA259.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA260.jpg

Tom' F50 was beautiful!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA265.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA272.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA279.jpg

What it looks like when you crash!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA281.jpg

24

(16 replies, posted in OSCAR)

Here are some more photos I captured at the race:

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA251.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA252.jpg

A big thanks to Kirk Smith for coming up to fill the Tech Inspector position!
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA254.jpg

HO Mike's Ferrari suffered a little damage.
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA255.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA257.jpg

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA258.jpg

25

(16 replies, posted in OSCAR)

Al (Meat) was the eighteenth qualifier with a time of 6.091 seconds. Al owns Rippin' Ridin' Raceway in Portland where he holds the NASTE Point Series Championship races for 1/32 cars. He just happens to be the current point leader in that series!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA297.jpg
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA266.jpg

Jim M. rounded out the qualifying list at nineteenth posting a 6.412 second lap. Jim builds beautiful brass chassis! He will be the first to state he builds them and his son Michael drives them! Together they are a formidable team!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA280.jpg
http://www.naste.org/members/bill/SH2OOscarA278.jpg