• wb0s
  • wb0s
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Topic: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

The age old and ever popular Econo Car chassis originally designed and built by Bob Hanna, are still being raced regularly at Rapid Raceway. These cars are a blast to race, and I know many local racers still have one, or even two. If you'd like to dust yours off and get it back on the track, now is the time! Howie has modified his schedule to include his Sportsman Class cars, which use Econo Car type chassis. At his last race I ran my Econo Car which I have had for approximately 10 years (give or take). I have had some time to get my car sorted out, which amounted to adding some lead weight up front. I am running a Parma motor I bought right off the shelf at Rapid Raceway. Although I did not win the race, to my delight my car was right in the hunt, and very competitive! Now if I could just improve my driving skill.......................But then, that's a whole 'nother story!!!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/econo1.jpg

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  • wb0s
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

She's been broke, blown up, and just plain run hard over the years. BUT, she is now faster than ever! There was a time I thought one of these old original Econo Car chassis was not competitive against the racers with newer more refined builds........Evidently I was wrong! There is nothing super-trick about this car, but yet I ran some laps within .07 seconds of the race winner!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/econo2.jpg

An original Spare Time Raceway Econo Car by Bob Hanna, number 142. Thanks Bob for giving us less skilled builders a great chassis to race with!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/econo3.jpg

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  • howie
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Yes these chassis are simple and almost indestructible.  Bob Hanna came up with an easy to build and a fun car to run.
Some of the "purists" chassis builders do not like it as it is a spec. chassis. In my opinion and other racers, the "purists" are missing out on a lot of fun racing. I have #104 and #108 and I built one of my own.

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/Sportsman001.jpg

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  • howie
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

The Hanna chassis fits many body styles without any modifications!

http://www.naste.org/members/bill/Sportsman004.jpg

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5 Reply by howie (edited by howie June 8, 2016 8:49 pm)

  • howie
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Yes, the Sportsman class is very alive and well at Rapid. The Sportsman class was voted in to be a points class for the first half of the upcoming 2017 season.

  • wb0s
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

YES!

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  • From: Hillsboro, OR
  • Registered: June 15, 2008
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Nice, I've got one of those chassis.  What bodies and motors will you be running?

"Big Smooth"

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  • reek455
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Any body have spare?

Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win.
  • wb0s
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

I may have somewhere Rico. I'll take a look tonight.

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  • reek455
  • reek455
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Thanks Bill.

Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win.

11 Reply by howie (edited by howie June 12, 2016 8:03 am)

  • howie
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

The bodies are restricted to '49 to '57 for the 2017 season. No chop tops and no convertibles, bodies must remain stock out of the box. You can cut the front for guide flag clearance. You may cut the wheel wells for tire clearance. Motors can be the Parma S16D #502 sealed or not, the Pro Slot PS2003 or PS2001. Pro Slot is the faster motor! I usually have one extra car that I will loan out if Dayle is not here, he is a trucker and only makes one or two races a yr.

  • Registered: February 18, 2014
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

Howie, do you have these Pro Slot motors for sale? I'm still running a stock 16D.

13 Reply by howie (edited by howie June 15, 2016 6:53 am)

  • howie
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Re: Econo Cars are Alive and Well at Rapid Raceway!

I have 4 motors right now and can get more as needed. They are $12.00.
Another rule on the Sportsman class is that you have to run a screen in place  of the windshield, I have PLENTY of screen that I will donate to those who don't have any. The rules are posted on the www.northwesttruescaleracers.com site under Sportsman on the Classes/rules page. Keep in mind that you can go 3.250" tracking front and back.
Also keep in mind that if someone needed a chassis, Beau will build you one, he is VERY reasonable on the price to those who want to race at Rapid.