PASER Club Reorganization

The Portland Area Scale Electric Racers Club was established in the early 1960’s by Bob McFarland, Lee Dundas, and Jerry (Gearloose) Palfenier. Throughout the 60+ years PASER has been active, the club has always had a goal of providing a well structured environment for scratchbuilding and racing custom slot cars.  Achieving this goal and combining it with a friendly club atmosphere has been key to the clubs success throughout those years. 

Recently a group of five racers that have been previously associated with the PASER Club, met to discuss the possibility of resurrecting the club. The decision was made to proceed with the reorganization of the club.

This is our mission statement:

To provide a high-quality racing environment for everyone, with a consistent and structured program developed from the input of all members.

To maintain the tradition of building and racing original design scratchbuilt slot cars, built in the spirit of Oregon hardbody racing.

Include in the racing program car classes designed for new racers, and provide help to get them started in the hobby. This will include further development of the existing Womp, Flexi, and 2NASTE production chassis classes. 

At the end of much discussion, it was decided we could accomplish much more as an organized club than as individual track owners. The club concept allows all racers the opportunity to participate in all aspects of their racing program. Getting everyone involved in everything from car classes to race formats and scheduling. With more participants in the actual organization we will be able to hold events in addition to just the usual races, such as classes for chassis building, body mounting, painting, and other subjects. Other events such as swap meets, lunches, dinners, and awards were discussed. 

So what does it mean to be a “member”, and why should you join? As previously stated, we feel it would benefit the entire group of racers to have more people involved in all aspects of our racing. With more people involved we can form committees to help perform some of the work required to put on a race. Committees are not limited to but will include: 

Working on promotion to attract new racers. 

Planning and assembling tools and parts for instructional classes. 

Planning and scheduling races for the upcoming racing seasons. 

Establishing rules and guidelines for racing. 

If you would be interested in participating at this level, something beyond just showing up for a race, please let us know. Just as it is now, anyone will be able to race with us. You will not need to be a “member” to attend the PASER races. This reorganization of the PASER Club does not affect Northwest True Scale or the racing program at Rapid Raceway. In short this is an attempt to maintain and boost the PASER and OSCAR clubs and programs.

Our next PASER meeting will be held after the Trans Am race at The Gorge on Saturday February 24th. If you are interested, please plan to attend. Topics for the meeting will include discussion of officer positions and initial committees. 

========Bill