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Racing at Tom’s is always a challenge for me! His track, both in the short course and full course configurations, are difficult and challenging! Add to that challenge some of the state’s best slot car racers in attendance, and it may be a long day, as it was for me! But that story for later. 

Racing at Tom’s begins with the practice session on Friday evening before Saturday’s race. Racers attendance for practice was light, which gave everyone plenty of on track time. Tom has plenty of pit space available for racers, as well as tools for them to use if needed. In addition to all that he has an excellent inventory of parts for sale including tires and motors. Practice is available pretty much until the last racer has had enough, which as our field of racers has aged significantly over the years, has lowered the lights out time to something well before midnight!

Saturday morning and many of the racers met at Elmer’s Restaurant for breakfast before heading over to the track. The track officially opened at 9:00 am. When the full stomach crowd showed up there were already racers on the track getting in some last-minute practice. At 9:30 am technical inspection opened up. Most of the racers passed tech without any issues. Some didn’t, we struggled a bit but finally got through. Before the racing started, Tom conducted a quick driver’s meeting. For this race we would have a total of 12 racers representing Roseburg, Eugene, Troutdale, Clackamas, Beaverton, and Vancouver Washington as well as Bend. Because the field was less than 16, the field would not be divided into “A” and “B” fields of racers. All the racers would rotate through “Round Robin” style. To set the starting lineup and lane choice, Qualifying was modified to a “distance over time measurement” instead of the normal “fastest lap” to set the order. The reasoning behind this Qualifying format is to prevent any racer from becoming top qualifier with just one lucky lap.

The race format was set for four rounds of racing, with each round consisting of four, 4 minute heat races. When the green flag dropped it became obvious this was going to be a fast race! The first two rounds of racing were completed without a lot of commotion. Racers worked their craft ticking off laps. After those first two rounds we broke for lunch. Tom’s wife Susan made us a fantastic lunch with deli sandwich options and soups and salad to go with it. I chose the chili and it was delicious! Thank you Susan!

After that great lunch we regrouped and were back at it on the track. By this time fast laps times were in the low 5 second range, and the de-slots were few! Breakage and mechanical problems are not unknown factors at the races at Tom’s World. Broken bodies and gear problems are expected sometime during the race. However, running the short course ensured there were no total motor failures, leaving some of us longing for that familiar burnt armature fragrance in the air. Going into the last round of racing, it looked like Curt and Shaun were the guys to beat. Those two had gained a bit of a lead on the rest of the field. Tom and Chris had suffered mechanical problems which had them drop back from the top four. Third through fifth was a tight battle, as was sixth through eleventh. Then there was me. At the end it was Shaun out front for the win followed closely by Curt just nine laps back. John placed third behind Curt. Bob Nak filled the last podium spot in fourth, with Steven just four laps short of knocking Bob off.

Chris won the Concours award with his beautifully painted and detailed Pontiac Fiero. Curt was the Top Qualifier. Tom and Chris fought over the “Not My Day” award, or something to that effect....All said it was an exciting and fun day of racing! The OSCAR races are not just a slot racing event, they are a piece of the Northwest’s hardbody racing history. A history of tradition in the classes of cars we race, as well as the way the races are conducted. It is a place where friends with similar interests gather and share a unique experience. I go first for the friendships I have made. Second, to challenge myself against a track I have yet to conquer. And third to just plain, have a good time, which is what it is all about! 

Thank you Tom, and all you Bend guys! And a super big thanks to Doug who attended the entire race working as a turn marshal!