Topic: NASTE Annual Halloween Race 2023!
I know some people wonder what this whole Halloween Race thing is about. It is kinda hard to describe, and unless you have actually participated, it is pretty hard to fully understand...... In a nutshell it's about fun and food and challenge! In THAT order!
Attendees and participants will experience lots of laughter for sure, as racers attempt to negotiate the track with non-standard racing equipment!
Attendees and participants will not go away hungry! This year thanks to Monte, Victoria, Mitch, Chris, and Rico we had Pizzas, chicken, and potato salad. Dorothy supplied us with the overabundance of her delicious homemade candies (trick or treat!). Thanks to all of you for the food and treats! And a great big thanks to Howie for letting us use Rapid Raceway again this year!
Participants experience the challenge of first building a suitable racing vehicle. A slot car capable of negotiating the track, but expressing a Halloween based theme. You know, something scary, something silly, something appropriate for the occasion. This is one race where the builder decides what is appropriate for the occasion!....Oh, and your creation will need lights! Incorporating lights into your "build" can sometimes be quite a challenge in itself!
The race consists of one round of racing (four heats, one on each lane) in full light. The second round is run in darkness, hence the need for lighting onboard your race vehicle. You probably noticed I use the term race "vehicle" as opposed to "car". That is not unintentional, and there is an obvious reason!
This year we were again a little light on entries, but we did have two new first timers. As first timers Douglas and Hersch experienced some new challenges during the race. Douglas had to make some adjustments with torso amputation of one of his race vehicles occupants. Hersch experienced the loss of partial and complete skeletal remains from his vehicle. In his first attempt Hersch finished third overall and posted the fastest lap of the race. This year all the entries were still running at the end of the event (that alone can sometimes be a challenge!).
This is an event I think everyone should experience. The challenge of "the Build" brought me to the starting grid many times throughout the years! This race has been a NASTE cornerstone race since 1995! Mark your calendars for this race next year! I guarantee you will laugh and eat some excellent candy for sure!
Race results:
Round 1 - under light
Round 2 - darkness