Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

wb0s · March 23, 2019 9:45 am

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Topic: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

I was invited by Bob McFarland and Stuart Wall, to join them in a trip down to Eugene Oregon to participate in some Wednesday night racing with the Racing Rebels gang at pelican Park. How could I say no? We arrived at approximately 5:00 pm, early enough to get in some practice, and it was obvious I needed some practice! The racers at Pelican Park use a heat race elimination style of racing, very similar to what is used at the local dirt tracks. 50 lap heat races are used to set up semi finals, consolation races, and main event races, as well as a unique to Pelican Park bracket for the less than fastest racers. This lowest bracket is what the Racing Rebels call the Hooligans. An aptly named and appropriate bracket of racers! The bracket I can claim as my own with a third place finish. Ultimately what Pelican Park offers a slot racer is some outrageously fun and exciting racing, with a group of friendly competitive guys, and some good food! The apple pie in particular was delicious! I had a great time and I'd like to thank everyone for the hospitality! A special thanks to Bob and Stuart for letting me tag along!

Here's some photos of Pelican Park:

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:02 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Doug Haynes was one of the founders of Pelican Park. As well as an accomplished slot car builder and racer, Doug was an outstanding modeller. Some of his slot car builds are on display at Pelican Park and pictured below.

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:04 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

More Doug Haynes built cars:

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:05 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Doug Haynes' cars:

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:26 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Here are some pictures of the racers that attended the Wednesday night race on March 20th:

I apologize for not remembering everyone's names. Maybe someone reading this post can help me out with those names I miss? And please correct me for any names I got in error or mixed up!

On the left is Stuart, Basil is seated at the podium.

Gary k. on the left, Gary T. in the center, and Tom on the right.

Todd Messinger in the center.

Bob McFarland left, Gary Tipton right.

I'm sorry but I don't remember this racer's name....Can somebody help me out?

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:29 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

I got these pictures making the rounds through the pits:

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:32 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

More of the racers:

Basil

Race winner Leo on left, Paul on the right.

A better photo of Paul.

Racers ready for the start of a heat race.

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:34 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

More racer's cars in the pits:

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:41 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Pelican Park is a challenging, fun track with beautiful diorama. You rarely see 1/24 routed tracks with this kind of detail! It makes the racing even more fun!

X rated, and just for the record, I did not do this!

I didn't do this one either!....but nicely detailed, stream and all!

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:52 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Back to the racers!

This is Dave Ferguson of HO fame. I first met Dave at the Western States HO Race in Kent Washington in 1988. Dave builds some of the most beautiful, concours winning HO slot cars to have ever lapped a track!

Tom (I sure hope that's correct).

Again I apologize, I do not recall this racer's name.

Gary raced with my son on a team at one of the Porsche 962 Enduro races at Rapid Raceway a few years ago. Great guy and an excellent racer!

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:55 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

More of the racer's cars:

This is the car Bob McFarland loaned me for the race. It was an awesome car!....my driving performance however was not.....

wb0s · March 23, 2019 10:59 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Pelican Park's Racing Rebels:

Left to right: Paul, Bob, Gary.

Cully

Leo on the right.

I'm sorry but I do not remember this racer's name.

wb0s · March 23, 2019 11:07 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Pelican Park diorama art:

There is humor incorporated into the tracks diorama. Can you see what is wrong with this picture?

A closer hint....

I think the guy with the hat in his hand is about to get sucker punched!

A tribute to the MESAC slot club of California. MESAC was THE slot car club in the 60's. They built and raced on a beautifully detailed, routed track that featured replaceable sections to alter the course/layout.

Every track should have carnival rides!

wb0s · March 23, 2019 11:11 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

Most of the crowd at halftime.

Here's more of the track diorama.

wb0s · March 23, 2019 11:13 am

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Re: Racing at Pelican Park on March 20, 2019

The walls of the Pelican Park facility are covered with posters and photos. Here's some pictures of photos I saw from earlier times:

I'm assuming this photo was taken not too long after the track was purchased and moved to Eugene from Portland. You can see Doug Haynes with the hat on, in the center of the crowd.