Chicago Racing (track info inside)

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Man, I didn't look at this forum for a day or two and fell way behind... the Brian Louis go-cart event was a lot of fun. I entered with two of my friends, and none of us had ever done this before. We got our butts kicked by all of Brian's friends, but we still had a good time. We're already talking about heading back out there to try it again. The place is a lot of fun, you should try it if you get a chance: www.chicagoindoorracing.com

Yeah, I was thinking about that cart racing and planning to team up with you and jim.........but when I look at the schedule and realized that the date was on my daughter's 1 month old welcome party............so there is no chance. If there is a next time....count me in, unless you are planning to team up with others then I will find 2 more guys.........you said you were butt kicked...how bad? Those are real good drivers out there or go-cart is just something new for you?

Originally posted by Walt
And someone had asked when we'll run a 30 minute main at Tinley Park... my guess would be some time this year. I'm hoping to come up with an actual racing schedule for this year, and we'll have a few Sundays designated at 'trophy' days or something, and on those days we'll run a longer main. 15 minute mains will still be the norm though for nitro touring, and double 5-minute A-mains for the electric guys.

For real? Then please post the schedule so I can reserve my spot and get my day off from the wife/daughter........trophy is good, and 30 minutes race is even better.............1 thing I know is different then before....foam tires are much cheaper now ($20-$22 a set)...so spend $22 for one 1/2 hour long race is worth it.

Like RSJ, trophy should be awarded to each class top 3 finishes (at least from A to C main), and the major event, probably a little bigger trophies........About the cost of those trophy, I think we can all raise the special event racing FEE (of that day) a little to cover the cost of those trophy (like that 2.4 hour race, that work out great)...........I don't think ppl will against that.

I think all TP was missing last year was trophy races.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Of course, I can only say that ONLY if I can show up to the race on SUNDAY....but last week, wife just brought me a new 710 because she realized that I sold my NTC3 and had no car to race this season...........so that is probably a good sign that I might be able to race once every 2 weeks at TINLEY...again, that is a good sign.

WALT...that 15 engine from SIRIO is off road turbo plug engine....why would you like that..?



It's got to be a good sign when your wife buys you an RC car as a gift.

As for the Sirio engine, I don't care if it's intended for on-road, off-road or whatever, that engine made 1.57 actual dyno HP on the RC Nitro Dyno, and even better than that, it made over 70 oz*in of torque at 21,000 rpm. Now I don't have the article on the NS5 with me, but I don't think it came close to that torque. The Picco 7-port only made 43 oz*in of torque, and it did that at over 30,000 rpm. I like an engine with a lot of torque. As big as our track is compared to RSJ and Hobby Town, it's still a pretty small track, and good torque numbers at low rpms make for good engines.

I've always thought that the first generation Novarossi .12 was better than the 2nd generation... in the second generation they gave up torque for higher HP numbers. The very first Novarossi engine I ever bought, which was a 1st generation Novarossi engine, was the best engine I've ever had... that engine seemed like it was going to lift the front tires off the ground coming out of the turns. It was the only engine I've ever had that would snap the dog-bones on my Super nitro, and it's the only engine that would strip the wheels out where the hex drive hub engages them... that engine was awsome. I'm hoping the Sirio, with all it's torque, will be similar to that one.

[Walt]

Cart racing:

Our cart team came in 9th out of 11 teams overall, so that's pretty bad. Lack of experience accounts for part of it I'm sure.. but I'm also too much of a chicken. Driving those carts fast is a little scary, but just as I was starting to get used to it I was also getting too tired and sore to drive fast any more. I want to do it again.. I know I can pick up some speed my second time.

My fast lap was 17.20 seconds... the best done by any of the other guys was 15.66... that's a big difference. My best lap of 17.20 seconds put me about middle of the pack in terms of best laps out there by individuals, but every other team had at least one guy that ran faster than that. My average lap time was good though because I didn't get turned around or stuck even once (again, I'm too cautious probably).

I'd be interested in running again next time Brian does an enduro event, but in the mean time, I'm thinking of just getting my friends and family together one Sunday morning and just racing against each other normally. A normal race is 20 laps, and costs $25. Additional 20 lap races the same day are $10 each, so for $45 we can run three races and approximately 60 laps... at Brian's enduro, it was $42 per person and each driver was in the car for about 20 minutes, and in 20 minutes you ran just over 60 laps, so it's about the same deal either way.

I'll let you know next time me and some friends are planning on going.. I might just pick a day and see who shows up... that's the nice thing about doing it this way... even if just I show up, I still race, just with all strangers. Brian's way is too much work with people having to sign up early and reserve the track just for them... it's probably not worth all the trouble Brian has to go through, but he likes doing that sort of thing, right Brian?

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
I'll let you know next time me and some friends are planning on going.. I might just pick a day and see who shows up... that's the nice thing about doing it this way... even if just I show up, I still race, just with all strangers. Brian's way is too much work with people having to sign up early and reserve the track just for them... it's probably not worth all the trouble Brian has to go through, but he likes doing that sort of thing, right Brian?

Haha.....I think driving 100 mph at I-90 is much safer then driving 40 mph when your whole body is totally opened (like motorcycle) at the track......

I really want to try it....last time I did are those 20 mph "GO-CART" with my little cousin.....

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Haha.....I think driving 100 mph at I-90 is much safer then driving 40 mph when your whole body is totally opened (like motorcycle) at the track......

I really want to try it....last time I did are those 20 mph "GO-CART" with my little cousin.....

They did a really good job with these carts of making it seem like you are going much faster than you actually are going. They feel like they are going 45+, but they claim they are going 30-35 mph tops, but I bet they are barely hitting 30.

Actually, it was a disadvantage for me to go first, not ever seeing the carts from the side-lines. I was the first to drive on my team, so I had not seen the carts going before I was actually driving one. I felt I was going very fast and was a little scared. After I got out and saw just how slow they are really going, I wanted to get back in and try it again, a little more aggressively this time.

Like I said, they did a good job of making these carts exciting and challenging to drive, while not being fast enough to be easily hurt on them. They are a lot of fun.

[Nexus]

like that 2.4 hour race

what trophies...i ran the 2.4 hour race at Venture last summer with 3 guys....we won the race but no trophies were handed out

:( :P

Walt.

What would it take to organize a trophy race at Tinley...somethng along the lines of what chicagorc did...email or post.

thanks..

nexus_tc3@comcast.net

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
what trophies...i ran the 2.4 hour race at Venture last summer with 3 guys....we won the race but no trophies were handed out

:( :P

Walt.

What would it take to organize a trophy race at Tinley...somethng along the lines of what chicagorc did...email or post.

thanks..

nexus_tc3@comcast.net

E-mail sent.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Nexus
what trophies...i ran the 2.4 hour race at Venture last summer with 3 guys....we won the race but no trophies were handed out


No, that was the first ever chicago 2.4 hours endurance race hosted by www.chicagorc.com @ harper college back 4 years ago....top 3 teams have trophy for each member.

That work out great..........each team must have 3-4 drivers, min. 3 driver on each teams.....each person $20.......

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
No, that was the first ever chicago 2.4 hours endurance race hosted by www.chicagorc.com @ harper college back 4 years ago....top 3 teams have trophy for each member.

That work out great..........each team must have 3-4 drivers, min. 3 driver on each teams.....each person $20.......

Wasn't that the race where it was about 20 degrees F all day long? There should have been hot chocholate and coffee handed out as prizes for that one.

[xxx mike]

I just read the sirio .15 review on rcnitro.com that you were talking about... They rave about it, but why would they only do std crank and rotary carb? They don't want it going in TC's perhaps?

[Walt]

Originally posted by xxx mike
I just read the sirio .15 review on rcnitro.com that you were talking about... They rave about it, but why would they only do std crank and rotary carb? They don't want it going in TC's perhaps?

Probably has something to do with Trinity importing the engines. I heard that Sirio offers that engine in Europe with a slide carb and different crank configurations, but I never confirmed that.

I would probably replace the carb with a slide carb, and the TC3 will accept the threaded crank, so that's not a problem. I think it would make a nice touring car engine, and at a decent price.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Wasn't that the race where it was about 20 degrees F all day long? There should have been hot chocholate and coffee handed out as prizes for that one.

Yupe, that was the SNOW BOWL of RC...not really 20s but I might say 30s...........I have to start the heat in my car to warm the ENGINE so the engine will start.

That was the last time and the first time I ran a 25 shore foams....yes, 25. not 35.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Probably has something to do with Trinity importing the engines. I heard that Sirio offers that engine in Europe with a slide carb and different crank configurations, but I never confirmed that.

I would probably replace the carb with a slide carb, and the TC3 will accept the threaded crank, so that's not a problem. I think it would make a nice touring car engine, and at a decent price.

From those who tried the SB15 engines, they are all faster but also, use more gas....kinda like those who were in Winternational that can only ran a 4;30 qualifier instead of 5 minutes.......but I think there is a advantage for NTC3 driver cause they have a little bigger tank then others.

And yes, SIRIO does have the 15 with SG and Slide carb.......just no one here in USA carry that.

After reading that article from rcnitro.........this engine look like a powerhouse even thought it rank 1.52HP.........I think the off-road TORQUE does make the different in 200mm.

[xxx mike]

I'm glad you noticed it and posted it about it. My MT-12 is just about shot. I was looking to get a novamega or a S5 Novarossi, but it looks like this will be a better buy (if I can find the proper version). If I have to, and the necks are compatible I suppose I could use the slide off my MT-12.. I just hope I can find the SG crank version. I think with the nova carb the fuel economy could be brought up, but also the power decreased.. who knows by how much? I have just grown to love the reliability of slide carbs.

[Walt]

Originally posted by xxx mike
I'm glad you noticed it and posted it about it. My MT-12 is just about shot. I was looking to get a novamega or a S5 Novarossi, but it looks like this will be a better buy (if I can find the proper version). If I have to, and the necks are compatible I suppose I could use the slide off my MT-12.. I just hope I can find the SG crank version. I think with the nova carb the fuel economy could be brought up, but also the power decreased.. who knows by how much? I have just grown to love the reliability of slide carbs.

I figured that some other slide carb would fit on the thing, but who knows. Maybe none will. The best bet would be to find the right one, which we know exists. So, why aren't the 'importer' guys working on this?

If I can't find the slide carb version, and can't fit any of my existing slide carbs on, I'll just use the rotary carb... if my guess is right, this is probably the type of rotary carb that really is more like a slide carb anyways, where as it rotates it also slides out, so you still have that 'third needle' effect.

Mike: why is it so important to get the SG shaft? Aren't you still running the NTC3? Won't it take either type of crank? I think I have a standard shaft engine in my NTC3 right now.

[xxx mike]

Walt: I just prefer the SG crank because it's one less joint that can fail on me. The pilot nut can come off, and running the SG crank takes away the possibility of one extra problem.. my days are normally problem filled anyway, so the less possibilities for failure - the better.

You are right, they do make a SG crank with slide carb S.15. I looked up the star engines website yesterday.. I even emailed them to see if they could recommend another place to buy from within the US. Hopefully there is another option besides Trinity. If needed, I suppose you could always order them from MIGHTY Hong Kong.

[Walt]

Originally posted by xxx mike
Walt: I just prefer the SG crank because it's one less joint that can fail on me. The pilot nut can come off, and running the SG crank takes away the possibility of one extra problem.. my days are normally problem filled anyway, so the less possibilities for failure - the better.

You are right, they do make a SG crank with slide carb S.15. I looked up the star engines website yesterday.. I even emailed them to see if they could recommend another place to buy from within the US. Hopefully there is another option besides Trinity. If needed, I suppose you could always order them from MIGHTY Hong Kong.

OK... just wanted to make sure that there wasn't some reason I wasn't aware of that would keep that engine from going in at all. I agree that the SG is better, but after having the normal type come loose once on me, now I locktight and tighten the crap out of that connection, and I haven't had one come loose on me since. I have had considerable trouble taking them apart however.

If you do end up getting one from HK or Europe or wherever, let me know first. I might join in with you to save some shipping. I'd really like to give that engine a try, and if the slide/SG version from 'wherever' is clost in price to the one available here, I'll take it. You know what... I'd also like a non-turbo plug head insert... I don't think that the extra power from the turbo plug is worth the extra cost of the turbo plugs.

[lou diamonds]

hey... has anyone driven that yoke gt-4? that thing is nuts. uncontrolably fast. i was thinhin of adding the traxxas 4tec to my colection but i think that yoke is the way to go.

can u guys tell me your thoughts on creating downforce. i run a lambo body on my rs4 with a special wing i fabricated. it sticks pretty good. any thoughts?

[Walt]

Originally posted by lou diamonds
hey... has anyone driven that yoke gt-4? that thing is nuts. uncontrolably fast. i was thinhin of adding the traxxas 4tec to my colection but i think that yoke is the way to go.

can u guys tell me your thoughts on creating downforce. i run a lambo body on my rs4 with a special wing i fabricated. it sticks pretty good. any thoughts?

I had really, really bad luck with the HPI Lambo body on my Super Nitro... don't know if the 200mm version is any better, but I bet that body is terrible without your custom wing.

The best downforce body I've ever driven is the HPI Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak rally body... that thing is just a huge wedge. Since that body was allowed at the HPI Challenge races, everyone ran it. I don't know how to post pictures, but here's a link to a picture: http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/bodies/7464.jpg

[Walt]

Miike: did you happen to notice that Sirio also makes a non-Tmaxx version of their .18 small block? If bigger is better, then I bet that engine is a real stump puller. If you find a place that will import the SG/slide version of the .15, also check if they carry the SG/slide/non-pull start version of the .18. I might have to give that one a try.

Why oh why does Trinity only import some of Sirio's engines?

[xxx mike]

KAKOLITOY OR HOWARD:

Can you check your HK connections and see if the Sirio is available?

[Nexus]

back to some electric talk... :)

Hurricane Motorsports Stock Challange.

This is a one day event running only stock motors. The following classes will be run...

SPORTSMAN RUBBER TC
RUBBER TC
FOAM TC
1/12TH SCALE

All classes running ROAR approved stock motors...so no Epic Binary's.

The Den raceway is a nice 90x60 track that uses personal transponders. It's flat as can be since they lay the carpet over a roller rink floor.

http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34323

[Rookie Solara]

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDRB9&P=7

That 18 Sirio T-maxxx replacement engine might fit you guys....however, I still thing that engine is a little bit bigger and longer then the typical 12 engine.

For those NTC3 owner.........1 think I know is, NTC3 does not like HIGH TORQUE engine....due to the fine pitch of their gearbox, it can handle high speed top end engine....but I really don't know about the high torque buggy engine like S15.......now you guys are even want to run the S18.....I am concern.

Not to mention............3.0cc vs 2.1cc

If we keep talking about this engine and that engine (all the outlaw type), where are we going to stop? 21 conversion for everyone....LOL

It is SLIDE carb and SG crank...........even come with a useless HEADER that no on-road can use............no, actually, NTC3 can use that header, just need to cut it a little shorter.....wow, free header.

P.S...another thing that might need to think about, the back plate of that engine...it was designed for pull starter, now, that might not be able to fit onto the 12 chassis.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDRB9&P=7

That 18 Sirio T-maxxx replacement engine might fit you guys....however, I still thing that engine is a little bit bigger and longer then the typical 12 engine.

It is SLIDE carb and SG crank...........even come with a useless HEADER that no on-road can use............no, actually, NTC3 can use that header, just need to cut it a little shorter.....wow, free header.

P.S...another thing that might need to think about, the back plate of that engine...it was designed for pull starter, now, that might not be able to fit onto the 12 chassis.

The only Sirio .18 that Trinity sells in the U.S. is that one specifically designed to fit in the T-maxx... I don't want that one.. it's got a goofy T-maxx only super short crank, goofy exhaust header, provisions for the T-maxx electric starter... no good.

Sirio makes at least two other versions of that engine. Both appear to be slide carb, one is SG shaft and one is standard threaded shaft... one of those is what I'd like to try. The size appears to be normal small block size.

And I'm not worried about the NTC3 drivetrain. It seems to be pretty robust to me.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by xxx mike
KAKOLITOY OR HOWARD:

Can you check your HK connections and see if the Sirio is available?


Mike

I did not check the forum for a day. I just saw you question right now. I just called him and left a message. I am not sure about this specific Sirio. PLs. give me a part number (Or the description, such as port, carb etc.) so I can tell him exactly which .15 to get. If you get one might as well get 2 more to save shipping and bank to bank tranfer fee.

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
I am not sure about this specific Sirio. PLs. give me a part number (Or the description, such as port, carb etc.) so I can tell him exactly which .15 to get. If you get one might as well get 2 more to save shipping and bank to bank tranfer fee.

I am interested in getting one of these Sirio engines as well. I couldn't find a part number though. Even on Siro's web site (non-English by the way), there don't appear to be any part numbers, just descriptions. Also, different engines are shown based on whether you choose the Italian version of the site or the English version (British?).

These are the ones I might be interested in (only one of them for now, just not sure which one... will base that on the costs, etc.):

Sirio S.15 2.5cc, 5 ports, slide Carb, AAC, SG shaft http://www.star-motor.com/motoridettagliouk.asp?SubCategoria=Sirio+S%2E15+++ 2%2C5+cc&Id=154

Sirio S.15, 2.5cc, 5 ports, Slide Carb, ABC, TH shaft http://www.star-motor.com/motoridettagliouk.asp?SubCategoria=Sirio+S%2E15+++ 2%2C5+cc&Id=153

Sirio S.18, 3.0cc, 8 ports, slide carb, ABC, TH shaft http://www.star-motor.com/motoridettaglio.asp?SubCategoria=Sirio+S%2E18+++3+ cc&Id=156

Sirio S.18, 3.0cc, 8 ports, slide carb, ABC, SG shaft shaft http://www.star-motor.com/motoridettaglio.asp?SubCategoria=Sirio+S%2E18+++3+ cc&Id=157

[xxx mike]

Kakolitoy:

If they are available, I'd be in for

S.15 5port
ABC
SG Crank
Slide Carb

I think those are all the options. I can live with turbo or non-turbo.. non if available would be prefered. I'm guessing walt is probably looking for the same exact thing.

(I've heard nothing good about AAC)

[xxx mike]

An 18 does seem a bit overboard. Even worse fuel economy, and proabably even less RPM capability... heavier moving parts, ect.... Biggest thing I would worry about though is fuel. It will be tight even with a 15 at tinley.

[Walt]

I couldn't find a link to a .15 ABC SG crank, but there probably is one there that I just didn't see. That would be a possibility for me too. I don't want the AAC one either.

I do like the idea of the .18's though.

[kakolitoy]

I will try my best to translate!!



Salut! Antonio,

Attente pour 2.1 Sir`io le quinze. Libre Nova`rossi NS quinze. Pour deux cent.

Merci!!

Ran out of stock, for the Sirio 2.cc 15. However, he have a Novarossi NS15 in stock. If you still insist for the Si`rio call me back in two weeks. Is there something special about this S.15? He also mentioned that Sirio did a lot of Locally in France and International wins for 2003.

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
Is there something special about this S.15? He also mentioned that Sirio did a lot of Locally in France and International wins for 2003.

What's special about the Sirio is that it costs about half what the Novarossi costs. I don't doubt that the Novarossi is probably the more powerful engine (seeing as how the Novarossi .12 NS12T5 makes almost as much power as the larger .15 Sirio), but either engine makes enough power for me, so I'd like to try the cheaper Sirio to see if it will be good enough for TP this season.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
What's special about the Sirio is that it costs about half what the Novarossi costs. I don't doubt that the Novarossi is probably the more powerful engine (seeing as how the Novarossi .12 NS12T5 makes almost as much power as the larger .15 Sirio), but either engine makes enough power for me, so I'd like to try the cheaper Sirio to see if it will be good enough for TP this season.

I see!

I will call him again in 2 weeks. He said hopefully about 2nd week of March. Pls. if you found and purchased one, post it. At least I know how many I will get.

thanks

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
I see!

I will call him again in 2 weeks. He said hopefully about 2nd week of March. Pls. if you found and purchased one, post it. At least I know how many I will get.

thanks

Thanks, but is it possible for him to quote the cost now, even though he doesn't have availability yet? That way, we don't wait for another 2 weeks just to learn that they cost to much once we import them. Remember, I am pretty content just to get the threaded shaft, rotary carb version that Trinity imports... I'd rather have the SG shaft version, and I'd rather have a slide carb, and I'd rather have the .18, but not if it's going to be much more expensive.

I can't speak for Mike though... he may only want those options, and may be willing to pay a higher premium to get them.

I haven't gotten an exact quote yet on the .15 Sirio available here, but I'm thinking it's going to be right around $160 total with tax and everything. I'd probably only be willing to pay $20-$30 more to get the exact options I want.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
Thanks, but is it possible for him to quote the cost now, even though he doesn't have availability yet? That way, we don't wait for another 2 weeks just to learn that they cost to much once we import them. Remember, I am pretty content just to get the threaded shaft, rotary carb version that Trinity imports... I'd rather have the SG shaft version, and I'd rather have a slide carb, and I'd rather have the .18, but not if it's going to be much more expensive.

I can't speak for Mike though... he may only want those options, and may be willing to pay a higher premium to get them.

I haven't gotten an exact quote yet on the .15 Sirio available here, but I'm thinking it's going to be right around $160 total with tax and everything. I'd probably only be willing to pay $20-$30 more to get the exact options I want.

Walt,

Anyway,how much is the Sirio .15 in the US(slide,ABC, 5 port)? Pls. give me a site where I can show him in case he might qoute the wrong price. So far, in all of my orders this specific person were the cheapest for tires, engines, servo etc.( Except from Serpent, Novamega, and Hudy products. For some reason, Serpent made a standard price of all of their products around the world and that really sucks. European price is almost the same in the US). I saved on my stuff from shipping and racers from TP and HTOP saved as well from their engines and tires. This person was very reliable on shipping and pricing. I will ask him tommorrow because I am not sure what time is it now over there. I will try to get the quote back to you right away, so that way we are not waisting time.

thanks

[xxx mike]

Kakolitoy: check your PM!

I have seen the sirio US .15 on ebay for $150 buy it now. I haven't been into any hobby shops in a long time, but I am guessing they are probably going to be 175'ish on the LHS shelves.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by xxx mike
Kakolitoy: check your PM!

I have seen the sirio US .15 on ebay for $150 buy it now. I haven't been into any hobby shops in a long time, but I am guessing they are probably going to be 175'ish on the LHS shelves.

Mike

you got PM. I do not have much knowledge about Sirio motors and price. I ordered 1 Sirio Collari .12 (gold head) for a costumer. At al's it was $280, I bought for $250 for everything including shipping from my source. Oh! he has stock of those .12 Sirio modified collari as well.

About 8th scale: do not pay above $600

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
Walt,

Anyway,how much is the Sirio .15 in the US(slide,ABC, 5 port)? Pls. give me a site where I can show him in case he might qoute the wrong price...
thanks

The Sirio .15 is not available with a slide carb in the U.S. through normal retailer methods (I don't know about E-bay or other methods), that's why we're talking to you about this. The only Sirio .15 available here comes with a threaded crank and a rotary carb. It's imported by Trinity and Great Planes distributes it. Great Planes sells it direct for $169.99, but usually Al's can beat Tower prices:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDRC0&P=7

Horizon also distributes it, and will sell it directly for $172.99:

http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=TRIS15TUPAF

That engine would suit me fine, but I'd rather have the slide carb, SG shaft version of the .15, or maybe the slide carb, SG shaft version of their .18, but only if the prices stays close to what the .15 rotary carb, threaded shaft sells for ($170). Neither of those engines are available in the U.S. through normal retail supply chains.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
The Sirio .15 is not available with a slide carb in the U.S. through normal retailer methods (I don't know about E-bay or other methods), that's why we're talking to you about this. The only Sirio .15 available here comes with a threaded crank and a rotary carb. It's imported by Trinity and Great Planes distributes it. Great Planes sells it direct for $169.99, but usually Al's can beat Tower prices:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDRC0&P=7

Horizon also distributes it, and will sell it directly for $172.99:

http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=TRIS15TUPAF

That engine would suit me fine, but I'd rather have the slide carb, SG shaft version of the .15, or maybe the slide carb, SG shaft version of their .18, but only if the prices stays close to what the .15 rotary carb, threaded shaft sells for ($170). Neither of those engines are available in the U.S. through normal retail supply chains.


Walt,

He cannot qoute without availabilty. The arrival of the motors will be on the last week of this month. He will not carry a standard crank, rotary carb. etc. He will carry the modified Sirio modifeid Collari .12 , .21 , and S.15 (ABC, slide, and 5 port). He said more racers demand on SG crank and slide carb for Mugen, and Kyosho consumers. Just let me know if you purchase one from somewhere.

thanks

[xxx mike]

Just to be clear, I don't want anything ordered right now either. I just want to know how much it costs and if it can be had.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by xxx mike
Just to be clear, I don't want anything ordered right now either. I just want to know how much it costs and if it can be had.


I will not order without confirmation from the buyer!!


BTW: GO! William Hung (She bangs!!, she bangs!! represent !!). :D

[lou diamonds]

hey kids i have a question. its a little off the subject of motors, but stay with me. i asked about bodys and downforce before and i personally like to run my lambo body. my question is, "is there a restriction on what type of bodys you can run?"
on-road cars are "touring cars" and have a certain look. in mags i always see the BMW, BENZ, STRATUS etc. where are the sleek super car bodys?

[Walt]

Originally posted by lou diamonds
hey kids i have a question. its a little off the subject of motors, but stay with me. i asked about bodys and downforce before and i personally like to run my lambo body. my question is, "is there a restriction on what type of bodys you can run?"
on-road cars are "touring cars" and have a certain look. in mags i always see the BMW, BENZ, STRATUS etc. where are the sleek super car bodys?

Most of the races you see covered in the major RC magazines follow ROAR rules (our RC racing sanctioning body, Radio Operated Auto Racing... sort of like NASCAR for real cars). ROAR has a VERY specific list of approved bodies for touring cars. It's a short list, so you don't see much variety at the major races.

You can check out the ROAR rules and the list of ROAR approved bodies on their web site: www.roarracing.com

Around here though, we don't follow ROAR rules necessarily. At the track I run (Tinley Park), we'll probably keep the same rule as last year: any body for touring cars as long as it's not an open-cockpit, 'Lola-style' body, like the kind you'd see on a 1/8th scale car or a 1/12th car.

A lot of our better drivers will stick to the ROAR approved bodies though, because the body makes a big difference in the handling of the car, and whenever they are racing locally, they are practicing for the next 'big' race where ROAR rules will be enforced.

In case you're currious, there are only 17 ROAR approved touring car bodies right now. Four of those are 'Stratus' bodies (from different manufacturers), another four are Alfa Romeo's, so that's about half the approved body list right there... two cars.

[Nexus]

Originally posted by lou diamonds
hey kids i have a question. its a little off the subject of motors, but stay with me. i asked about bodys and downforce before and i personally like to run my lambo body. my question is, "is there a restriction on what type of bodys you can run?"
on-road cars are "touring cars" and have a certain look. in mags i always see the BMW, BENZ, STRATUS etc. where are the sleek super car bodys?

walt is correct.......those other 'sleek super car bodies' look nice but as you get better you do start to notice that only certain bodies will give you the proper balance, downforce, and steering. plus like walt mentioned...if you plan to hit any major races or a track that follows ROAR rules it better just to run one of the allowed bodies.

this is what most are running:

Protoform Stratus 1.0 and 2.0
Protoform Alfa 2.0
Protoform Mazda 6
Parma Alfa
Losi Skoda

All of these bodies work very well and have different handling characteristics.

----------------------------------------------------------------

brian from chicago r/c club - great to see you out at RSJ running TC. shoot me an email if you want a nice rubber tire set-up for that track. the springs you have on are way to stiff...those purples are what foam guys run.....let me know....you car looked pretty good other then that rear end sliding out.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
this is what most are running:

Protoform Stratus 1.0 and 2.0
Protoform Alfa 2.0
Protoform Mazda 6
Parma Alfa
Losi Skoda

All of these bodies work very well and have different handling characteristics.

I think this guy said he's going to run Nitro... those are electric TC bodies. Protoform has one legal Nitro Stratus (#1433) and a legal Alfa (#1442). They don't have a legal Mazda 6 for nitro TC. The only legal Losi body for nitro TC is their Alfa body (#LOSA8080), but that one's approval is set to expire in July of this year. Parma has no legal nitro TC bodies.

I think that ROAR rules require that legal bodies meet some sort of 'scale realism' requirement or something. Nitro touring cars are wider than electric TC's (200mm verses 190mm... don't ask me why... I think it's so they can sell more stuff). It seems like there are fewer 'real' cars that match the dimensions of the wider nitro touring cars... either that or there is just some marketing forces at work here, but that would seem odd to me, as I think that nitro touring cars are equally as popular as electrics at this point. Something has to explain why there are only 17 legal nitro touring car bodies, but over 40 legal electric touring car bodies.

[Walt]

A few weeks ago Brian (of Chicago R/C) organized a go-kart racing event that was a lot of fun. His was an 11-team, 3 person per team, 1 hour enduro... great, but a lot of effort to organize.

Myself and the 2 guys I was running with want to try this again, but I'm not about to try to organize something like Brian did, so here's our plan. We just picked a Sunday morning to meet at the go-kart track, and if any of our friends or family or co-workers want to join us, that's great. If not, we'll just race with the other 'normal' people (people that we don't know) that happen to show up that morning.

I'm thinking though that if we have a group of at least 10 guys, we can race together and maybe negotiate a longer than normal race for ourselves, if we want to... normal races are 20 laps, but if we have a 'full field' that all want to run for 40 laps, we can probably just pay for two 20 lap races and they'd let us run 'back to back'... I'm not sure about that, but it makes sense. If they didn't let us do that, no big deal... we'd just run our 20 lap race, then sit out for another group's 20 lap race, and then run another one.

So, we're going to meet up at the Chicago Indoor Racing go-kart track on Sunday, March 21st when they open (10am). If any of you guys have been wanting to try this out, that might be a good day to do it because you can race with a group of friends. No pre-registration or confirmation is required... I'm just letting you know that we'll be there, in case you'd like to join us.

The track's web site is: www.chicagoindoorracing.com

See you there.

[Nexus]

walt not sure if they are officially approved but protoform does make several nice race bodies for nitro's...200mm that meet roar specs.


MG ZS
Mazda6
Alfa Romeo 2.1
Stratus

Do they have to be listed in a roar page or just meet their specs...if so the above 4 meet roar specs.

see you guys at AJs in a couple weeks!

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
I think this guy said he's going to run Nitro... those are electric TC bodies. Protoform has one legal Nitro Stratus (#1433) and a legal Alfa (#1442). They don't have a legal Mazda 6 for nitro TC. The only legal Losi body for nitro TC is their Alfa body (#LOSA8080), but that one's approval is set to expire in July of this year. Parma has no legal nitro TC bodies.


Protoform Mazda 6 is LEGAL under ROAR..........because there are quite a lot of MAZDA 6 at the most recent WINTER NATIONAL......most of the ppl using the MAZDA 6 are those who running S710. ROAR website probably haven't update for a little while.

Electric TC are 10mm narrower compare to NITRO is because (I think) most elect track are in-door, smaller and narrower....if each TC are narrower, it will fit more car in 1 track.

But I bet the main reason is......they can make more money by selling 2 different set of bodies of the same kind.

[Walt]

I was just going off the ROAR website. I do know that bodies must be approved, not just meet certain specs.

And I'm with Rookie... I think they made the cars slightly different width just to make more money.

[xxx mike]

Anyone know what ever happened to Tony? I don't see him posting anymore. Does he still work at Al's?

[Walt]

Originally posted by xxx mike
Anyone know what ever happened to Tony? I don't see him posting anymore. Does he still work at Al's?

He doesn't post much anymore, but I think he still reads this forum often (he sometimes mentions things that are going on in this forum when I see him on Sunday to race). He still runs the Wednesday night micro races, and he's planning on running our off road track this summer.

He does not still work at Al's, but he goes in there a lot and sometimes when he's in there, if they are busy, they'll ask him to go behind the counter to help out a little, so it's almost like he still works there.

[lou diamonds]

stratus it is... its just that when i here "stratus" i dont think of blistering speed. ill get over it.

[lou diamonds]

you know ive been on the hunt for a new motor for my savage and it seems that nobody stocks engines. i know its the "off" season but i would think 'HOBBY SHOPS" would stock some parts. is this just me? granted i only when to two shops(PATS HOBBIES/HOBBYTOWN) but i guess i have to plunk down the credit card and order parts i need.

[Walt]

Originally posted by lou diamonds
you know ive been on the hunt for a new motor for my savage and it seems that nobody stocks engines. i know its the "off" season but i would think 'HOBBY SHOPS" would stock some parts. is this just me? granted i only when to two shops(PATS HOBBIES/HOBBYTOWN) but i guess i have to plunk down the credit card and order parts i need.

Go to Al's or Leisure Hours... they'll have an engine for you. Don't buy from Tower... both Al's and Leisure can beat Tower's prices, and when you buy from Tower you are buying directly from the distributer (Great Planes), which really hurts the local hobby shops.

[lou diamonds]

not sure about elmhurst, thats northwest.....

[Nexus]

mabman...

this is the type of stand i was talking about that a lot of the cali parking lot tracks use...

http://www.racingrccars.com/DSC00426.JPG

looks easy to assemble and disassemble.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone on this board going to make it out to the Hurricane Stock Challenge at The Den next Sat?

12th scale and TC classes.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
mabman...

this is the type of stand i was talking about that a lot of the cali parking lot tracks use...

http://www.racingrccars.com/DSC00426.JPG

looks easy to assemble and disassemble.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone on this board going to make it out to the Hurricane Stock Challenge at The Den next Sat?

12th scale and TC classes.

I especially like the one the guy on the far right is using... that's my kind of driver's stand. But seriously, that type of stand would be perfect for Hobby Town's track. Find a store that is going out of business and you can get some of that industrial shelving stuff really cheap.

And I'm not planning on going to that Hurricane race, but I did have a few questions for you (Nexus) about RSJ. I've got a lot of busy Sundays coming up here on my personal schedule, but I still want to do some racing. That means either 'practice' on Saturday at AJ's, or racing at RSJ either on Wednesday or Saturday. My question is, what time do I have to get to RSJ for normal Wednesday and Saturday races, and what time can I expect to get out of there on normal Wednesday and Saturday races?

Thanks.

[T-Racer]

Mikee i'm still here. Have you miss me? I read every post on this forum every Morning, and laugh my A off on some of the topics. The best was that folding chair pic for a driver stand wow. I have been racing at AJ's with Frank and Walt been fun. But can not wait for NITRO SEASON. Dieing to see board banger with there new big 92 mil port head turbo engines bang the boards. Lol Just kidding.

Oh yeah the micro racing on weds night been a blast. The New
MINI T Class has really taken off. we have jumps and we are getting more racers every week. I even sold my micro and buying a Mini T. These guys are having a ball.


T-Racer

[Rkmori]

Originally posted by lou diamonds
not sure about elmhurst, thats northwest.....

Try Stanton Hobbies.

[xxx mike]

Al's is not very far for anyone. If you've been going to Pat's then you surely will not mind a little extra time driving to get to Al's. Al's has the more modern RC car parts that people actually want to buy. Quite a bit of good engines, kits, parts, electronics.. It's probably the best shop around to get car parts. It's not really NW either.. it's more like just West.. I'm sure sfter you visit once, you'll probably never even bother going to pats again.

BTW: I heard Stanton closed down. Not sure if that is true or not?? :confused:

[g12314]

Originally posted by Walt
My question is, what time do I have to get to RSJ for normal Wednesday and Saturday races, and what time can I expect to get out of there on normal Wednesday and Saturday races?

I usually race @ RSJ on Wednesday nights. Normal nights you are done at 10pm. On crowded nights your looking at around 10:20pm. I believe registration is open till about 6:30pm, with races starting at 7pm. Would be great if you could make it out on a Wednesday. I traded one of my micro's for a 12L3 and need some pointers :).

Jimmy

[Walt]

Originally posted by g12314
I usually race @ RSJ on Wednesday nights. Normal nights you are done at 10pm. On crowded nights your looking at around 10:20pm. I believe registration is open till about 6:30pm, with races starting at 7pm. Would be great if you could make it out on a Wednesday. I traded one of my micro's for a 12L3 and need some pointers :).

Jimmy

Thanks for the info. Not sure how many pointers I can give you for that track... my one run out there didn't go too well... made the A, but got my rear kicked. What I need are some 'stock motor' pointers. I've been running an 8-turn single at AJ's (man is that fun!).

So, it sounds like there are some guys there on Wednesday running 1/12th? That's good, because although I've got a TC3 now, I'd still rather run the 1/12th car.

I'm going to try to make it out there next Wednesday, but Wednesdays are tough for me because it's one of my days to pick up my son from Day-Care, but I'll try. If I can't race on Wednesday, I'll probably come out on Saturday instead.

Oh, and in case I can go there on Wednesday straight from work, what time do they open their doors on Wednesday?

[g12314]

I'll take any setup pointers I can get.. Never ran a 1/12th scale before.

Wednesday 1/12th scale turnout is just about 0. I've seen a couple guys show every once in a great while to just practice during the 3 months I've been racing there. Main classes that run on Wednesday are Novice, 1/0th TC stock rubber (usually a good turnout), and run what you brung 1/10th scale.

Doors open at 5pm on Wednesday nights.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by T-Racer
Mikee i'm still here. Have you miss me? I read every post on this forum every Morning, and laugh my A off on some of the topics. The best was that folding chair pic for a driver stand wow. I have been racing at AJ's with Frank and Walt been fun. But can not wait for NITRO SEASON. Dieing to see board banger with there new big 92 mil port head turbo engines bang the boards. Lol Just kidding.

Oh yeah the micro racing on weds night been a blast. The New
MINI T Class has really taken off. we have jumps and we are getting more racers every week. I even sold my micro and buying a Mini T. These guys are having a ball.


T-Racer

Sir T racer (Tony),

How you doing? It has been a while. I heard you been doing great for the Micro.

Just a quick tip: Stay away from Sugar and salt, to decrease water retention!!!

[Walt]

Originally posted by g12314
I'll take any setup pointers I can get.. Never ran a 1/12th scale before.

Wednesday 1/12th scale turnout is just about 0. I've seen a couple guys show every once in a great while to just practice during the 3 months I've been racing there. Main classes that run on Wednesday are Novice, 1/0th TC stock rubber (usually a good turnout), and run what you brung 1/10th scale.

Doors open at 5pm on Wednesday nights.

So, no one is going to race me with my 1/12th on Wednesday, so I've either got to get some rubber tires for my TC, or just run in the 'run what you brung' class... I'm guessing that means mod/foam. I've got a couple mod motors now for running mod 1/12th at AJ's, so I guess I can do that.

Actually, we'd make a good pair... you've never run 1/12th before and I've never run 1/10th electric touring (well, about 4 minutes of practice at AJ's last week, until I broke something... those things sure are fragile compared to 1/12th scale).

[Nexus]

yea.....most of the 12th scale racers show up on sat. this sat. there was a good turnout because of guys getting ready for the carpet nats.

weds. if you can get 2-3 people i'm sure they'll run the class.

open/mod is fun on weds but most of us run a 19T.....at rsj that's plenty fast. some of us will be at AJs in two weeks to run 19T Foam...i think that's the 21st.

[Rookie Solara]

So, what do you guys think.......TC3 (used from someone or ebay) or brand new HPI Pro 4.....
It is not the money thing.....just want to know which one should I get.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
So, what do you guys think.......TC3 (used from someone or ebay) or brand new HPI Pro 4.....
It is not the money thing.....just want to know which one should I get.

I think I'd get the Pro-4... it's a TC3 look-alike, but with all the latest gadgets. HPI has reasonable prices on spare parts (as does AE), but HPI uses screws that are actually intended to screw into plastic, AE does not... that's a BIG advantage for HPI, in my opinion.

There were at least 6 or 7 stripped screws on the used TC3 I just bought (fixed by replacing them with HPI screws), and I had a screw fall out during one of my races yesterday. I don't understand why AE keeps using 4-40's into plastic, and I don't understand why more people aren't complaining about it.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
yea.....most of the 12th scale racers show up on sat. this sat. there was a good turnout because of guys getting ready for the carpet nats.

weds. if you can get 2-3 people i'm sure they'll run the class.

open/mod is fun on weds but most of us run a 19T.....at rsj that's plenty fast. some of us will be at AJs in two weeks to run 19T Foam...i think that's the 21st.

I still have not decided if I'll go to RSJ on Wednesday or Saturday this week, or just not race at all (I really need to change the head gasket on my 'real' car... leaking about a quart a day now). I'm leaning towards running 1/12th on Saturday.

And sure, you plan on running at AJ's on one of the few Sundays I can't make it.... I'm planning on going to the go-cart track on the 21st.

[Nexus]

There were at least 6 or 7 stripped screws on the used TC3 I just bought (fixed by replacing them with HPI screws), and I had a screw fall out during one of my races yesterday. I don't understand why AE keeps using 4-40's into plastic, and I don't understand why more people aren't complaining about it.

A properly built TC3 will not have any screws fall out....you also should know many of us run a few losi parts on the TC3 that solve some things. I have not had one problem with screws.

Pro4 or TC3....I still think they are working a few kinks out of the Pro4 but it is a great car. One reason not to buy a TC3 is because many of the drivers i know are telling us that a new car is indeed in the works.

For carpet/foams the Pro4 needs to be upgraded to a 3mm chassis and/or top deck. but for rubber tires it's perfect


If you run the Pro4 you just need to be sure you carry a decent amount of spares in that most hobby stores do not stock any parts for them...yet. Hard to choose against the TC3 when it's won a ton of championships again this year.

http://home.comcast.net/~anthony.isla/Khemical_Kustoms/102_0227.JPG

walt if you want a stock motor tip....run Hurricane Motorsport Gold brushes and a heavier spring on the positive side. that combo has been proven at many of the national races like Novak, Snowbirds, Winterfest, ect.

http://www.teamhurricane.net/


also not sure what the turnout will be like this week for foam and 12th at rsj since some of us are headed out to the hurricane challenge....c'mon go there :P

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
A properly built TC3 will not have any screws fall out....you also should know many of us run a few losi parts on the TC3 that solve some things. I have not had one problem with screws.



I don't really want to get into the whole screw thing again, but it does irritate me a little when people defend AE's decision to use machine screws instead of proper self-taping plastic screws. As long as people tell AE that their screws are fine (which they are not), they won't change to better screws.

Sure, a properly built TC3 won't have the screws just fall out (I guess by properly built you mean you don't tighten the screws down very much, because if you do they will strip the very first time). But a lot of the screws on an RC car need to be removed and replaced often, like every time you change your spur gear, or ever time you service your diff. A 4-40 screw may hold well enough the first time you screw it in, but the 10th time? or the 30th time? At that point, a 4-40 has practically no grip left in plastic. I guarentee that a properly designed screw will grab better at the 50th time it is screwed in than the first time a 4-40 is screwed in, and how hard is it to just design the kit with proper screws?

Let's put it this way... if a registered professional engineer designed a product that had machine screws used as self-taping screws into plastic, that would be enough to loose their liscense, not to mention getting sued if any of those improper screws ever failed. Proper screw selection is 'design 101'.

Machine screws are for taped metal, wood screws are for wood, sheet metal screws are for sheet metal, and platic screws are for plastic... sure you can use any of those screws in any of the other materials, and it might 'kinda' work, but that doesn't make it right and it certainly doesn't make it the best solution.

How many people that own the NTC3 have had to get 'the fix'? Pretty much everyone. Why? Because the stock AE screws just strip out... maybe not on day one, but they will eventually, guarenteed.

[Nexus]

i see you point walt...just saying for electric tc3s i don't think it's a big deal and i've never really heard any of the guys running them complain...

oh yea...the 12L4 is coming out and may be seen at the Carpet Nats this month.

[lou diamonds]

the other day i went to my local shop is search of a new motor for my savage. i had that .46 from hot bodies in mind(truckzilla). they told me they could order the kit but i want the engine only.you cats seem to have the inside scoop on this stuff so tell me, can i order only the engine? im tryin not to get hustled:D

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
i see you point walt...just saying for electric tc3s i don't think it's a big deal and i've never really heard any of the guys running them complain...

oh yea...the 12L4 is coming out and may be seen at the Carpet Nats this month.

Hey Nexus... I re-read my last post (from yesterday) this morning and it seemed a little 'testy'. I didn't mean it that way... I do think that AE's screws suck, and I think I can prove it in a court of law if I had too, but I don't mean to rip on my fellow racers. You guys didn't design the car, and neither did I (if I did, it would have the right screws :D )

I heard about the 12L4 coming out, but not a thing about what might be different on it. I'd bet almost anything that they won't change the front suspension. My guess is that they will change the battery layout specifically for 4-cell racing (front to back layout instead of side to side, so that way they can get the cells just a little bit closer to the center of the car). They will probably also lower the rear pod just a tad, like the new Reflex 12. I don't think any of the changes will be big enough to render the 12L3 obsolete though.

Man did I have my 12L3 running good at AJ's on Sunday... that car is just a pleasure to drive there, and with an 8-turn mod motor, it was flying. I heard a bunch of guys are planning on going back to 1/12th next season at AJ's. They ran 1/12th last year, but wanted to try 19 turn sedans this year, and now they've had enough of those fragile, more expensive, slower cars and want to go back to 1/12th next year.

I've got stuff to do this Sunday, so I just might have to take out that 8-turn and put in a 27 turn stocker and run at RSJ on Saturday this weekend. Either that or race at RSJ tomorrow night, but that would mean the touring car, and I don't think I'm ready for that just yet... I guess I should decide soon, shouldn't I...

If I did run the touring car at RSJ, what class do you and Euge run in? And what tires do you guys use for that class? If I can get the right tires before then, I might just try the touring car out at RSJ.

[Rookie Solara]

Walt....wow, MOD class on 12th scale now...? What motor are you using and how much/hard to maintain those 8 turns motor...
I don't think I have problem running with MOD motor, but I defintiely don't have the tools and knowledge to keep those motor running......do you have motor lath and stuff that you can hook me up to maintain those mod motor...?

If you do (or FRANK do...) I am in............planning to get back to race 1 more time before the nitro season......but my nitro season might be a little late, HPI will release a R40 2004 spec and it will be release late APRIL and early MAY, that car is loaded with stuff that Serpent 710 and Mugen has..........it will be a great car.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Walt....wow, MOD class on 12th scale now...? What motor are you using and how much/hard to maintain those 8 turns motor...
I don't think I have problem running with MOD motor, but I defintiely don't have the tools and knowledge to keep those motor running......do you have motor lath and stuff that you can hook me up to maintain those mod motor...?

If you do (or FRANK do...) I am in............planning to get back to race 1 more time before the nitro season......but my nitro season might be a little late, HPI will release a R40 2004 spec and it will be release late APRIL and early MAY, that car is loaded with stuff that Serpent 710 and Mugen has..........it will be a great car.

I've run that 8-turn, Reedy Kr motor for 3 weeks now, 18 runs total, and I haven't had to do anything to it yet except clean it. The commutator is still shiny and looking brand new. The brushes don't look burned or anything. The thing is barely warm after each race is over. You've got to love 4-cell 1/12th scale for how easy it is on equipment... 2 days after racing I bet that stock motor I ran in my sedan is still hot.

I do own a motor lathe now (bought a cheap used one from someone at the track). I have not used it yet on the Kr motor. I'm sure Frank or I can turn down the comm on any of your motors for you if/when you need it done. I don't bring my lathe with to the track, but I can start, and I'm sure others bring theirs.

Oh, and if I buy another mod motor for 1/12th at AJ's, I think I'll try a 7-turn Kr... I've still got about 500 - 700 mAh left in my pack after each race, so I think I can run it just a little bit faster.

When you figure out what day you're going to run at AJ's let me know so I can make a special effort to make it that day. I'm having a lot of trouble now making every Sunday, with summer coming up where I (and my wife) know I'll be racing every Sunday for sure... I've got some 'weekend long' projects I've got to finish up around the house.

Also, Frank and I are thinking about trying RSJ again this Saturday... are you interested in joining us?

I was considering getting the R40 for this season, but if there will be no HPI Challenge, then I'll probably just stick with the NTC3 for now. I did like that R40 I borrowed last year from Rex for the HPI Finals... it's a really nice car.

[Rookie Solara]

OK....this SAT is bad, cause I have cable modem coming in, and I have to set up network in my house, beside, I still have to get some parts for the damage I made at the last RSJ meeting....I really want to run the car cause I am worry about the battery will die soon if I am not using it. I will let you know before hand....and glad that you and Frank can still hook me up about the maintainence of the motor.....I still remember the different that Frank made on my 19T then it shown on your dyno.

About the R40, yes, it won't be HPI challenge this year, it is confirmed.........however, HPI said it will be 1 (yes, only 1) challenge this year located at MIDDLE of US for only 200 entry....that really pissed a lot of ppl off.

But for me, I decided to run the R40 2004 Spec (much much lighter, stronger, and with the 0.8 pitch gear box like Serpent 710) because the parts support are better and much cheaper then Serpent 710.

The 2004 spec is not even out yet, but HPI japan released the car and should be release in Japan later this month, then probabaly mid April will be in Tower Hobby....for like $330 each.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
OK....this SAT is bad, cause I have cable modem coming in, and I have to set up network in my house, beside, I still have to get some parts for the damage I made at the last RSJ meeting....I really want to run the car cause I am worry about the battery will die soon if I am not using it. I will let you know before hand....and glad that you and Frank can still hook me up about the maintainence of the motor.....I still remember the different that Frank made on my 19T then it shown on your dyno.

About the R40, yes, it won't be HPI challenge this year, it is confirmed.........however, HPI said it will be 1 (yes, only 1) challenge this year located at MIDDLE of US for only 200 entry....that really pissed a lot of ppl off.

But for me, I decided to run the R40 2004 Spec (much much lighter, stronger, and with the 0.8 pitch gear box like Serpent 710) because the parts support are better and much cheaper then Serpent 710.

The 2004 spec is not even out yet, but HPI japan released the car and should be release in Japan later this month, then probabaly mid April will be in Tower Hobby....for like $330 each.

You don't need to be there for the modem install... just kidding, actually, you should be there.

Just let me know in advance, if possible, when you are planning on making it to AJ's or even when you can make it to RSJ on a Saturday (or Wednesday?) and I'll try to make it too.

And I did hear about the HPI Challenge thing... I just saw it today and responded on the RC Tech thread about it. I don't see it as that big of a deal. I liked those HPI Challenge races, but I can live without them. I might just try extra hard to go to the ROAR Sedan Fuel nationals this year... September 3-5th (Labor Day weekend), in Ohio... that would be fun.

But I probably won't bother with the Super Nitro any more if there is no HPI Challenge... end of an era for me there. I probably won't sell the car since the resale value I'm sure is next to nothing, but I don't see me running it any more.

[Nexus]

rookie....if you haven't used your batts in a few weeks i would be sure to atleast cycle them one time each. keeping them stored for long periods of time without cycling them or use will degrade their performance.


walt....on weds euge and i normally run open class tc ....it's basically anything you want...mod, brushless, 19T, stock using rubber or foams....run whatcha brung.

i'm not sure about euge but i will not be there on weds night.


also not sure of the turnout for rsj on sat....stock/rubber and novice will probably be filled pretty good....the stock/foam and 12th class may be a little thin with most of us going to the Hurricane Stock Challange.

[Rookie Solara]

Cycle it....how many times? And what is the proper way to do it....? You guys are the elect guru....I need help.

I can't wait to see 3.5mbps download speed in my house this SAT........I think I had enough 3.2kbps 56k dialup crap.:mad:

[Nexus]

rook...

do you have a Quasar Pro charger....i forgot.

if so...or this would work with any other charger....

set it to cycle 1 time...charge at 5amp...then discharge at 20 amps or whatever your max discharger rate is. if you have a charger like the quasar pro it will discharge it to the proper level.... basically .9v/cell.

[xxx mike]

I have not been an electric guy for a loong time, so I am definitly not up on batteries anymore... but.. I do remember some of the hype of NIMH batteries. Aside from longer run times and higher voltage, aren't they supposed to retain no memory? Therefore, they do not ever need to be fully discharged - just run, charge, run charge and store with atleast 50% charge?

I just want to learn. If NIMH is now supposed to be discharged fully, please do inform us. ( I haven't had an RCCA subscription in years.. just RC Nitro most recently)

[mightypyro]

new indoor off road dirt track in chicagoland.

My name is Andre and I am one of the owners of the new indoor track in Villa Park. IL. Qualifying tournaments to start on Friday, March 19, 2004. these will be on every Friday for 6 weeks, with the top drivers of the three classes moving to the semifinals on week 7. Week 8 will be Finals, And it looks like the Final purse will be $500.00 split between the three classes. More prizes to be added.

The classes are as follows:

1/18 scale off road trucks (mini T's, etc.).
1/10 scale stadium trucks and buggies
1/10 scale monsters

A Large pit area with elec. and tables provided.
Cantina and food on site.

Volunteers are welcome for marshals and general help.

Note: all classes have to be electric! No nitro will be raced. (village ordnance).

There are no other restrictions!!!
racing is open to all skills and set ups.
The track is on the small side, so racing is based on driving skills. This is the first of the tracks built and if we have a good turn out, the new track will be approx. 8000 sq. ft.
this track will then be used for 1/18 racing, which it is perfect for.

Track opens at noon on Fridays for practice. All registered racers will get a discounted rate.
racing will start at 5:00 PM and go tell 7:30 PM

Sat & Sun we supply the trucks to race with for a minimal fee, this is the main way the track is supported.

We are allowed to have demonstrations of nitros, limited to 5 minutes at a time. I also give discounts for R/C's brought for display.


contact info:

Andre Pristach
K&M Motorsports
Villa Park, IL.
630-625-2956
kmmotorsports@aol.com

[lou diamonds]

no nitros? just doesnt seem right.....

[mightypyro]

village wont let me race the nitros inside. im lucky i get to do demos..hopefully if the numbers keep going up then ill get the new building and then we'll race everything indoors year round. im looking at about 150,000 sq ft. to play with so we need the suport now. im hopeing to have that done by next fall...

[mightypyro]

i need a lap counting system for the track. its al thats left to get before the quilifiers start. willing to trade for too

[xxx mike]

What are you planning to do with 150,000 square feet? Open a R/C equipment distribution facility?

I can't see any other way that size of a building (not in the heart of the ghetto) could be supported by the income that a R/C track makes.

Do you have any idea how big 150k is? Trade for a transponder set???? Big budget or no budget.. which one is it? :confused:

[Nexus]

this indoor track sounds interesting...any pictures or dimensions of the track layout....it's a little concerning that there is no lap counting system installed and the races are to start this friday the 19th.


I have not been an electric guy for a loong time, so I am definitly not up on batteries anymore... but.. I do remember some of the hype of NIMH batteries. Aside from longer run times and higher voltage, aren't they supposed to retain no memory? Therefore, they do not ever need to be fully discharged - just run, charge, run charge and store with atleast 50% charge?

NIMH - yes technically they do not develop a memory but if you want top performance out of them on a weekly basis there are a few things you can do with them.

you can just charge, run and store them but if you are looking for the most out of the battery and to keep their longevity.....on a race day i do some things different. again....this is more if you are looking for the little edge in the A Main.

rookie...you don't have to cycle your packs....but since you haven't used them for sometime when you do charge them up that first weekend they will feel flat for the first run.

[Walt]

Originally posted by mightypyro
i need a lap counting system for the track. its al thats left to get before the quilifiers start. willing to trade for too

Just go to the AMB-IT web site (www.amb-it.com)... they are more than willing to trade for a scoring system... your $4500 for their excellent scoring system.

Seriously, I looked all over for a 'used' system, and couldn't find one. I also looked at the competition, and none were even close.

My advice for running an RC track: do it right from the beginning, or don't do it at all. Get the AMBrc scoring system.

Also, we have been using the Alycat software for running our races, and I highly recommend it (www.alycat.com).

Good luck.

And to the 'regulars' here... my company decided today to block access to 'forums' from work, so this is no longer a fast way to get in touch with me. You can e-mail me from our web page (www.chicagolandrc.com) and I'll still get that fast, or post here and I'll try to check every night, but no promises.

[mightypyro]

all that space is for a full r/c center so that all classes can race in one place . im also want a hop up shop and a custum paint shop. with a hobby training center for kids interested in our sport. i thought it would be great to have 1 place that everyone could enjoy all aspects of the hobby. as for the lap counter not being installed yet . that is do to funding and the fact that the track opened a month ago. the track is on the small side . its ment to be this way. i for one belive that driveing skills r important not how fast you made it go. the tourny is based on this. thats why no restrictions. if and i mean if you can laston my track thenu will win on bigger tracks. the semis and finals will be a great show of skill and definitly a sight to see.
...ps since when is Villa park a getto? or addison for that matter? i want this area cause its easy to get to for every one.....plus i like haveing a reusturant and bar there.. oh yeah shopping on sight to so there is some thing for everyone. includeing live entertainment on sat and sun....so bring the fam too.....weather is NOT a factor here. why wait tell summer for off road or take a two hour drive to dekalb?

[xxx mike]

Originally posted by mightypyro
all that space is for a full r/c center so that all classes can race in one place . im also want a hop up shop and a custum paint shop. with a hobby training center for kids interested in our sport. i thought it would be great to have 1 place that everyone could enjoy all aspects of the hobby. as for the lap counter not being installed yet . that is do to funding and the fact that the track opened a month ago. the track is on the small side . its ment to be this way. i for one belive that driveing skills r important not how fast you made it go. the tourny is based on this. thats why no restrictions. if and i mean if you can laston my track thenu will win on bigger tracks. the semis and finals will be a great show of skill and definitly a sight to see.
...ps since when is Villa park a getto? or addison for that matter? i want this area cause its easy to get to for every one.....plus i like haveing a reusturant and bar there.. oh yeah shopping on sight to so there is some thing for everyone. includeing live entertainment on sat and sun....so bring the fam too.....weather is NOT a factor here. why wait tell summer for off road or take a two hour drive to dekalb?

I do not think that Villa Park is ghetto. The meaning of what I posted was basically suggesting that property value in that area is big $$$. Property value for an equal amount of land in the 'ghetto' should be much less expensive. In either location I don't think the track income will support a building of that size. (probably will barely support the utilities).

Hey, we all need to have a dream! It's definitly possible, but you'd need a big-ballin' budget to make it happen and not want to make money off of the place.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Nexus
rook...

do you have a Quasar Pro charger....i forgot.

if so...or this would work with any other charger....

set it to cycle 1 time...charge at 5amp...then discharge at 20 amps or whatever your max discharger rate is. if you have a charger like the quasar pro it will discharge it to the proper level.... basically .9v/cell.

Got it...thanks, I have the same CHARGER as yours...the AE one, but only 1 fans is always ON without turning off.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mightypyro
...ps since when is Villa park a getto? or addison for that matter? i want this area cause its easy to get to for every one.....plus i like haveing a reusturant and bar there.. oh yeah shopping on sight to so there is some thing for everyone. includeing live entertainment on sat and sun....so bring the fam too.....weather is NOT a factor here. why wait tell summer for off road or take a two hour drive to dekalb?

Welcome aboard, even though I am not an OFF ROAD guy or will never be one, I am still supporting your idea...........if you need any help from me (about building and especially ZONING and VILLAGE ORDIENCE)....I can give you a lot of help.
I do have a floor plan and building idea of a 150,000 SF RC complex building in my mind that ChicagolandRC and I were planning several years ago...but of course, FUNDING is the key....and 150,000 SF is a good and perfect size for a RC complex, but it also come with a good price tag.

Think about this....RC store, indoor MINI/MICRO track with TV around........Indoor OFF ROAD elect track or possible Indoor on-road elect track.........

If you want to be INDOOR NITRO, that is possible.....Super sized HVAC system with Super sized POCKET................

[mightypyro]

heres the scoop,
the building is existing all ready. the owner of which is very interested in this concept and being my partner. his part is to be the sports bar located in the center, which by the way in already being done. the ventalation is existing already also. funding for the project is his also. His figuring it a better idea to another dance club. as far as utilitys he already has that expence. what im tring to do is show him that chicago has enough people into this hobby to keep his place full of racers. so if i can pack my little track with racers doing off road then shows the possiblilty if we make his place to include all types of tracks including boats.

but you know its just a thought...
i belive chicago has that kind of r/c following, but who knows...i've been wrong before...lol

[Rookie Solara]

That sounds like a great idea......too bad, it is only ready for elect.

Early this year while I was doing a interior alteration of this plant, I talked to the owner of this warehouse.........this part of the warehouse is only 5% of the entire plant, and I found the layout is ALMOST ready to be a RC track if there is anohter $2000-5000 invested for driver stands and outlet and stuff....

Of course, I also talked to him about how about leasing it to me on SAT and SUN only..........and his answer is the whole plant worth $255 million..........at this point, I don't even bother to ask the RENT of that part of the warehouse...

But I still imagine I can convert that UNUSED space for RC racing...

Oh.....this warehouse is in CHICAGO....10 minutes from Downtown, and the picture below shown only 1/3 of that specific unused space....

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/01.jpg

[Nexus]

mightypyro

if you could provide pictures of the track itself that would be good....to draw a lot of racers from areas where they have other tracks....you'll need to entice them a bit more.


most guys who run relatively seriously will not come to a small track that does not have a lap counting system.


i hope you can work it out and make an indoor electric roadcourse :P

[mightypyro]

an indoor road course is in the works. oh and u would think a 500.00 dollar purse would be pretty enticing...huuuummmm.

im still working on the lap counter and dont see us not having it in time. the great thing is its a work in progress and its proving to me that there are great people in my prefered hobby.....

[Euge]

mightypyro,

if you don't have a lap counting system, how do you know who wins? let alone who comes in 2nd, 3rd and fourth.

Seems like kind of a neccessity. It's like opening a car dealership without any mechanics in the service area.

yeah, I agree with Nexus. You have to post pictures to entice racers. There's not going to come out unless you can show that you can have great racing. (yes, with transponders).

$500 is great, but that's split amongst all the winners. and I don't think any of us are really in it for the $$. We're in it for the racing. After all, most of us have 2 to 3 times that much invested in our cars.

[mightypyro]

i already have alycat software, so we r ready to do places and im dealing on an amb system. and ill work on the pics. as for the track its a crazy 8 conf. skill track. perfect for mini-t's but we r running rusters for the time being.it has i high bank, jumps, bridge, among other hidden elevations. ive had alot of racers in from al's, hobbytown, and venture hobby's. all have really enjoyed it, so imhappy with it......for the time being anyway. its modular so i can change it at any time.

[Nexus]

mighty.

i'd be open to checking the track out after seeing pictures and if i knew there was a transponder system.

the purse money doesn't really matter to me...like euge was saying most of us are looking for some fun and good competition on a nice track.

[mightypyro]

nexes - im goning to take pics today and try to post them tonight. ill tell u what, ill email u a password, u come out and check it out and race for free. youll have full access. then u tell me what u think.

deal?

everyone else,

this is a work in progress. im not argueing that things need to get done. the track is a small one and requires a lot of skill. the racers i've had out have enjoyed themselves and have come back and raced several times.I've listened to them and made changes.
it is what it is, im happy with it so far and theres a lot of excitement with it. thats what i like the fun aspect. im thinking now that i kind of aproched this post in the wrong way, the track was built to have fun on and teach the hobby to newbies which is going nicely. i just want to do more and a tournament is a good start. so take it for what it is. the point is to invite everyone to enjoy the fun we r having............

[Nexus]

Originally posted by mightypyro
nexes - im goning to take pics today and try to post them tonight. ill tell u what, ill email u a password, u come out and check it out and race for free. youll have full access. then u tell me what u think.

deal?


sounds like a good offer....there are a lot of people who are going to be running offroad and are always looking for fun and challenging tracks locally to visit.

hopefully this endeavor works out well....and the onroad carpet course comes about :P

[Walt]

One thing you can do to save some money on a scoring system is to require personal transponders. Half the money you spend on an AMB system is that set of 10 (or 20!) rechargable 'handout' transponders and AMB's rediculously expensive charging rack. If you require personals, all you really need is the AMB decoder, under $2000. Sure, some won't want to buy the personal, or maybe just not right away... so what. Those guys aren't 'serious' yet, so they run but don't get scored (or you score them by hand).

Don't get me wrong here... I think it's 'better' to have the hand out transponders available, but if you want to ease into this a little bit, get the decoder first, and most of the guys who will only come out if you have scoring also have a personal transponder already.

And I do think that with big number stickers on the cars and a little practice, you can use the Alycat software and hit the number pad on your keyboard to score the cars and do pretty well.

And I highly recommend that your next endevor be a good sized (AJ's sized) indoor, carpet track. It's a very popular car type. RSJ is pretty small, yet they get a pretty good turnout. AJ's is a wonderful facility, but way the heck out in DeKalb.

[mightypyro]

thanks for the info . we tried out the alycat soft ware today and it works great. its a good start and very much appreciated. and ill tell you what, if you decide to come see the track you get free racing. hopefully u get a chance to come by. i would like to have your opinion on what we have and would like to meet you. im always there and my cell is on my original post. again thanks tons.

[mab_man20]

Who would have guessed that 15 hours of technical classes would cut into my RC time? lol

Im gonna pack up the electric stuff for the summer (unless euge and nexus want to get some mod racing going!) and start getting the NTC3 up to race speed for early may when classes get out.

mightypyro: Thats awesome that you are getting a track going! How are you planning to get new racers in there? Is the track entrance visible from a major street? You said something that the owner wanted to do a sports bar. May i suggest that the track be VERY VERY visible from the sports bar? Maybe even have a TV tuned to the track at all times.

Im rather against racing for money because i believe it brings out the worst in everyone. Ive seen people get mad with no award, so i can only imagine what people will resort to with that kinda money on the line. Also i dont think having only the best racers coming for 2 (or 3??) weeks is a wise business decision. Your track will rely on getting as many racers as possible so knowingly sending people off will not help.

I dont mean to be pessimistic, please take this as advice and not criticism. Good luck.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Who would have guessed that 15 hours of technical classes would cut into my RC time? lol

Im gonna pack up the electric stuff for the summer (unless euge and nexus want to get some mod racing going!) and start getting the NTC3 up to race speed for early may when classes get out.

mightypyro: Thats awesome that you are getting a track going! How are you planning to get new racers in there? Is the track entrance visible from a major street? You said something that the owner wanted to do a sports bar. May i suggest that the track be VERY VERY visible from the sports bar? Maybe even have a TV tuned to the track at all times.

Im rather against racing for money because i believe it brings out the worst in everyone. Ive seen people get mad with no award, so i can only imagine what people will resort to with that kinda money on the line. Also i dont think having only the best racers coming for 2 (or 3??) weeks is a wise business decision. Your track will rely on getting as many racers as possible so knowingly sending people off will not help.

I dont mean to be pessimistic, please take this as advice and not criticism. Good luck.


MAB: I know your busy, and all of us in this forum are busy too (I suppose). However, schedules in HTOP would be really helpful so I can set my schedules.

Walt: Thanks for sending us the first day of race @ TP. I already got a day off for that day.

Just missed racing :D

[Nexus]

mightypyro.

walts idea is a good one....i just returned from racing at The Den in Monroe, WI for the Hurricane Stock Challenge...The Den is a new carpet track built weekly on top of a rollerrink...

anyway...they require everyone to have personal transponders if they want to race. to this point they have had zero problems with that and the racers love personals.

[mightypyro]

nexes = i agree and have more space to do a carpet track if funds come in. track had a great weekend had a lot of people in for the forums. every one had a blast.

walt= ygm

[mightypyro]

i have a track going and we r hitting everything we can to get the word out . im a security specialist so cameras on all the tracks is part of the plans. the place that im in now is cool but i hate the restrictions. the great thing is i have portable set ups to so will be doing festivals and things this summer to. im working on other prizes to and venture hobbies is considering helping out with this. everyone is invited out to see what i aready have. everyone this weekend had a blast...

[Euge]

MP,

Who do you know from Venture Hobbies? Nexus and I know a few of those guys and race at Venture Raceway (now RSJ raceways a lot).

[mab_man20]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
MAB: I know your busy, and all of us in this forum are busy too (I suppose). However, schedules in HTOP would be really helpful so I can set my schedules.

Walt: Thanks for sending us the first day of race @ TP. I already got a day off for that day.

Just missed racing :D

Due to various reasons i do not wish to go into, I will not be running the track this year. If Fred gets things going I will not hesitate to run there, plus i will be hitting Tinley park when i can.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Due to various reasons i do not wish to go into, I will not be running the track this year. If Fred gets things going I will not hesitate to run there, plus i will be hitting Tinley park when i can.


OoHH!!

I'm sorry I did not know the situations. Who will run the race @ HTOP? Hopefully, HTOP will have a person that have an idea how to run the race. Without you on the computer who else would be there? Chris is good, I just think he will need another person to assist him. HTOP does not have Allycat, hopefully Fred purchase the program and let the program run the race with Chri's supervision.

[Euge]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Due to various reasons i do not wish to go into, I will not be running the track this year. If Fred gets things going I will not hesitate to run there, plus i will be hitting Tinley park when i can.

Mike, I'm sure you've got good reasons. On behalf of all that have raced there, thanks for your hard work and effort to bring racing to HTOP.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Due to various reasons i do not wish to go into, I will not be running the track this year. If Fred gets things going I will not hesitate to run there, plus i will be hitting Tinley park when i can.

Come on Mike, you knew the real race is at TINLEY...........and you knew I raced there, thats why you go there.........if you want to pick up some real skill, go to TINELY. At least I will give you a chance to beat my HPI.....I can't believe I will degrade myself to a HPI.

[mab_man20]

kakolitoy: Dont worry about it, no one but those directly involved knew. :)

Thanks Euge

Rookie, i will be were the competition is ;)

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by mab_man20
kakolitoy: Dont worry about it, no one but those directly involved knew. :)

Thanks Euge

Rookie, i will be were the competition is ;)

I would like to see HTOP run races this year. Its just more relax and good practice over there. TP would be an awesome practice before 2004 MWS. We have to get use to pulling the throttle @ least 3 sec. At HTOP we cannot really pull the throttle or else we hit the board.

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
I would like to see HTOP run races this year. Its just more relax and good practice over there. TP would be an awesome practice before 2004 MWS. We have to get use to pulling the throttle @ least 3 sec. At HTOP we cannot really pull the throttle or else we hit the board.

Are you saying our hobby is not relaxing at my track... thanks a lot.

Just kidding.

I too have the upmost respect for anyone who runs RC races... it's a tough job, and usually thankless. But if no one ran races, we'd all be farting around our back yards with monster trucks... now what fun would that be?

Mike: I hope you do make it out to Tinley a lot this summer. Nitro or electric, we should have some good racing this summer.

[Euge]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
I would like to see HTOP run races this year. Its just more relax and good practice over there. TP would be an awesome practice before 2004 MWS. We have to get use to pulling the throttle @ least 3 sec. At HTOP we cannot really pull the throttle or else we hit the board.

racing isn't about pulling the throttle. It's about knowing when to let go. :P

[kakolitoy]

Walt: You know what I meant!!! TP have some of the greatest drivers in this business such as Espo and you. Just racing with you and Espo in a heat is a pleasure. That means we have to work with our driving skills, and logical thinking to set up our cars to hook up right @ the track. That takes out the relaxation because we need to do something to hang with you guys.

Euge: That really proves that everyone have different driving skills. Some racers might let go the throttle, some racers is holding the throttle slightly to roll on the turn, some might drag brake then pull it. Everyone have different feeling on the car and transmitter. In my opinoin, that is the reason why there is a faster guy @ the track even if we use the same car, motor, servo, fuel, tires etc :)

[Euge]

I was just joking around...... :D
I was referring to some of the novice guys who don't know the throttle from the brake and go full speed into the barrier, turn around and go full speed into the other side of the lane (10 feet away, I might add), then come back full speed into the opposite side of the barrier....

[mightypyro]

practice starts at noon on fridays at the villa park race track. i know its a small track but it sure is fun....pics avalible via email if requested

[xxx mike]

Could you just post them in forum so everyone can see?

DIFFERENT TOPIC:

Had any of you ever gone to the carpet indoor track that was built on 159th street right by South Suburban college? I went in there a few times, but it was during the summer and racing was basically dead. The place appears to have closed down since I was last there. The owner had big hopes of building a offroad track nearby, and using a section of the school parking lot for nitro touring cars - but I guess none of that ever happened. Not that the location was all that great, but it was close to home.. so I was hoping it would take off (just never did).

This was before Tinley opened for racing.

[Walt]

Originally posted by xxx mike
Could you just post them in forum so everyone can see?

DIFFERENT TOPIC:

Had any of you ever gone to the carpet indoor track that was built on 159th street right by South Suburban college? I went in there a few times, but it was during the summer and racing was basically dead. The place appears to have closed down since I was last there. The owner had big hopes of building a offroad track nearby, and using a section of the school parking lot for nitro touring cars - but I guess none of that ever happened. Not that the location was all that great, but it was close to home.. so I was hoping it would take off (just never did).

This was before Tinley opened for racing.

Never heard of that one. But Leisure had an indoor carpet track near my house (on archer, near the Lockport Bowling alley) when I first moved in. They closed that one and opened their indoor dirt track, which they still opperate.

[mightypyro]

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=bc0618fa-2be0-66f6-24be-4217415e61f8&size=lg http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=bc0618fa-2be0-66f6-24be-4217415e61f8&size=lg

[Euge]

mp,

can you take pictures from the driver's stand? kind of hard to see the track.
there is a driver's stand, right?

[mightypyro]

part of the drivers stand is in the pics. its not high as the track is not large and does not need a high stand. anyway we reconfigured the track today. and made it faster and added more jumps and a bigger bridge. we had a blast on it afterward, till they kicked us out..lol. oh well i got all weekend to play.

[Nexus]

mighty..

thanks for posting the pics but it's really hard to tell what we're looking at...i know we should probably just take the drive up there but with most new tracks we like to know what to expect.


Does anyone have the address to AL's Hobbyshop...is that the one in Elmhurst...and do they have a website.

thanks.

See you guys at AJ's this sunday if you can make it out.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
mighty..

thanks for posting the pics but it's really hard to tell what we're looking at...i know we should probably just take the drive up there but with most new tracks we like to know what to expect.


Does anyone have the address to AL's Hobbyshop...is that the one in Elmhurst...and do they have a website.

thanks.

See you guys at AJ's this sunday if you can make it out.

No AJ's for me this Sunday... busy. I'll be at RSJ tomorrow instead.

As for Al's, their web site is: www.alshobbyshop.com They are in Elmhurst... best hobby shop around, in my opinion.

Talk to Chip at the RC car counter... tell him Walt sent you and you'll get a discount (I've been sending him a lot of business lately... people who want to race at our track this summer and ask me where to go to get set up).

[Euge]

Yeah, Al's hobby shop is pretty nice. I have been there a few times now.

yeah, Mightypyro, I understand that the track is small, but can you take a picture FROM the driver's stand? Like what would we see if we were racing?
Just post pics of what you would see if you were driving.....
that would probably be more helpful than those pics you sent.

also, what's the news with the transponder system? will you have it in a few days, weeks, months.........

Also, I know the track is small, but the pictures do not have to be.

for real dude....I'm not trying to pick on you, but if you want to attract racers, you need nice clear pictures.........and a transponder system:D

[mightypyro]

ill post new ones tomorrow. i changed the configuration around and made it faster. everyone that showed up for the qualifier tonight had a great time. even without the full lap counting system. we used the alley cat and it worked well enough. im still working on the full set up. ill make the other pics larger for you guys even though they are not the new set up but the layout is simular the overpas is running the other way now and i built a new bridge and added more jumps and bumps..........im hopeing you all will take the time to come by. what would it hurt?


http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=71a17dd8-60c2-387c-15c6-48ba69177af4&size=

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=bc0618fa-2be0-66f6-24be-4217415e61f8&size=

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=7ccb7614-109f-7b73-676e-19ef5b057f8c&size=

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=7ccb7614-109f-7b73-676e-19ef5b057f8c&size=

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

i got some questions for you boys that race up at aj's

i was thinking about coming up there tomorrow(the 20th) but when i went to the store to get soem tires, i was totally lost, it seems theres alot more choices now than there were a few yrs ago when i was racing touring cars.

ill be running a xxxs, and ill be running stock cause i dont have a 19t motor and i also havent dirving a touring car in yrs so slower would be better.

what tires are you guys running? ive heard there arnt many losi fans up there in dekalb but if anyone knows, what sorta set up is working there? does aj stock any losi parts? what time does racing start? and about what time are you guys getting out of there?about how many heats of stock and 19t are ther on sundays?

well thanks in advance, if i can get some qucik anwsers and find what i need i may still make it up there tomorrow.

[Nexus]

primus...

my buddy ran a losi xxxg at AJs and just about every track around here.....Sorex 28Rs and CS27s are the best rubber tires to run.

doors open at 9am racing at noon.

maybe i'll see you up there....today

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

well i went up there today, got there around 9:15 or so. i left around 10 or so, i didnt see anyone i knew and was kind of intimidated lol, i hadnt seen a carpet track in a fw yrs and i figured i didnt bring enough spare parts to be racing since he didnt have a single losi part that i could see in the shop. but i think im gonna head up there next sunday with a small hobby shop in my pit box lol. i bidding on some 28r's right now on ebay all i need now is a better body. and some driver skill in a can, non- aeresol preferably.

[Nexus]

Originally posted by Walt
As for Al's, their web site is: www.alshobbyshop.com They are in Elmhurst... best hobby shop around, in my opinion.

Talk to Chip at the RC car counter... tell him Walt sent you and you'll get a discount (I've been sending him a lot of business lately... people who want to race at our track this summer and ask me where to go to get set up).

stopped by AL's Hobbyshop today....nice store...it's a little cramped but they seem to carry a lot of r/c, slotcar, planes, ect...especially seemed to carry a lot of nitro engines.

met Chip....nice guy.

The prices are decent and for me it's only a 20 minute drive....I still the Venture Hobbies on Dundee up north is the best hobby store in the area....but i might frequent AL's because their location is closer for me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walt - just wondering...any updates on new asphault, offroad, permanently keeping track up, ect...

thanks.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
stopped by AL's Hobbyshop today....nice store...it's a little cramped but they seem to carry a lot of r/c, slotcar, planes, ect...especially seemed to carry a lot of nitro engines.

met Chip....nice guy.

The prices are decent and for me it's only a 20 minute drive....I still the Venture Hobbies on Dundee up north is the best hobby store in the area....but i might frequent AL's because their location is closer for me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walt - just wondering...any updates on new asphault, offroad, permanently keeping track up, ect...

thanks.

I don't want to get hopes up too high, but the new asphalt is looking good right now. Not sure yet if I'll be buying the asphalt or if the bowling alley owner will be buying it, but I think someone will (hopefully him).

The off road track is still in the works. I need to talk to Tony this week about his track building schedule, but as far as I know, he's gonna do it.

And if we do get the new asphalt, the track will be set up all summer for practice every day. Of course, the off road track will be permanent, so practice will be available every day for off road as well. Should be a good year... maybe next year we can bid on a Regionals race, and then maybe get a nationals in the future... wouldn't that be cool? A big race on the local track... I like to think big :D

[Rookie Solara]

Setting the track up 365 days per year is the best wish that I can hope for...........since not every SUNDAY I can be up there to setup the car and race, I can still setup the car after work someday and get the SUNDAY race ready....

If I have to setup the car on SUNDAY and RACE on SUNDAY, that is almost impossible.

In case you have to pay for the asphalt.........let me know (if you need a someone to split up a little of the $$$$....)

[Nexus]

sounds great walt...

as far as a regional/nationals....i would run your own race without ROAR sanctioning...to many other factors come into play when you run a ROAR nat or NORRCA nat. some of the best races don't involve either...

Novak Touring Car Champs
Snowbird Nationals
Triple Crown Series.

I'm still kind of interested in talking to you about a one day event...i lost your email that you sent if you could contact me at nexus_tc3@comcast.net

[Walt]

Originally posted by Nexus
sounds great walt...

as far as a regional/nationals....i would run your own race without ROAR sanctioning...to many other factors come into play when you run a ROAR nat or NORRCA nat. some of the best races don't involve either...

Novak Touring Car Champs
Snowbird Nationals
Triple Crown Series.

I'm still kind of interested in talking to you about a one day event...i lost your email that you sent if you could contact me at nexus_tc3@comcast.net

If you ever loose my e-mail, just go to our web page (www.chicagolandrc.com) and click on my face. That e-mail addresss is: walt@chicagolandrc.com

Remember, this forum is no longer a reliable way to contact me because it is now blocked from work... I have to remember to check at home, but there I have a baby and wife and other things taking my time... at work, when everyone else takes a coffee break or smoke break, I used to be able to check the forum (since I don't drink coffee or smoke).

[Rookie Solara]

I hate this new forum layout.....absolutely the worst.

[chicago rc]

Hey guys, long time no post for me. I read back a few pages and seem to be caught up. So is HTOP racing this year w/o Mike in charge or not?

I have no nitro touring car right now, is the FT TC3 the way to go? Howard should I get another Mugen, you know how much I like Mugen :-)

The go-kart racing was so much fun, like Walt said, I don't think anyone realizes how intense it really is. These karts are fast and you will realize quickly that the 1st time out there you have a lot to learn. I helped one of the owners there last week get his Yokomo RTR nitro car going. We ran it on the track inside and all of the sudden this huge track with 20 foot wide lanes became tiny with a 50mph car zipping around on it! And to think that RSJ's gets down to 4 or 5 foot wide lanes in most spots! It took about 30 seconds for the owner to put the Yoke into the wall at about 40mph, the front end took on some damage. Luckily the track is minutes from VH! That was fun.

The next Chciago R/C newsletter should be going out this week. It was titled the March newsletter but I guess I missed the deadline for that!

- Brian

[Rookie Solara]

How much it cost for the owner of the indoor cart track to SPARE the extra track (It said there are 2 tracks there) for indoor RC use...? $1000 a day...? Are we talking about the 1 and only indoor RC track there..?

Just a thought....

P.S.....Brian, yes, I still remember that MUGEN I always dreamed about and want to get (also the team drivers polo T shirt).....Go get the FT NTC3, that is probably the best value of RC car that comes with a lot of options (almost all you need on NTC3) but still below $350. If you want the stock team kit, I have a brand new NTC3 (still in box) and brand new SIRIO engine for sale...I will cut you a deal if you want both.

[chicago rc]

Rookie, I may take you up on the offer, I don't really need a FT kit for the few times I am able to get out and race on Sundays so your would be good for me. So no MTX-3, so sad.

I spent some time today driving a Cayenne Turbo. Holy Crap! This is the most fun you can have in an SUV, period. A little more turbo lag than I was expecting but after that we are talking about some tire roaching power to the front and rear wheels. I could go on and on but this an R/C car forum not a Porsche car forum. And it was only $98,000, what a bargain.

Anyone have a Monster GT or Savage 21 or other 1/8th scale monster truck? I only have my E-maxx right now and the buggy (yes, it's a Mugen Howard), and would like a big power monster truck. Anyone have a favorite? Any of you street guys ever go in the dirt?

- Brian

[g12314]

Brian,

I've got a Savage the a picco .26 that I bash around, as well as a couple Mini-T's. Can't wait for the new dirt track at RSJ to be built. I plan on picking up a 1/8th buggy to race as well.

Jimmy (slime green TC3 at RSJ on Weds. nights)

[chicago rc]

That seems to be a popular combo, the Savage/Picco 26, I remember at the Monster Jams last year anyone with that set-up would usually finish in the top of almost every event. I heard RSJ's is running the dirt track this Sunday at 12pm. Time to crack open a fresh gallon of nitro!

[chicago rc]

Howard we are out of luck on renting the go-kart track for r/c use. You may not even beleive me when I tell you how much it is:

Track #1 (Larger of the 2 tracks) - $1600 for 1 hour

Track #2 - $1400 for one hour

That's 1 hour not one day. I have talked to the owner about this several times. The good news is that they have a scoring system already and the owner is really getting in to R/C cars. But Sunday is their busiest day and they can not afford to close off either track for r/c use. A slow time might be a weekday morning but how many of us can race at that time, not many I am sure.

[space_doc]

Chicago RC are you brian? I am wondering because I can't find an email to reach you at to renew my membership. I'm not sure when I need to, but I haven't been getting nay emails lately, so I was just wondering. Thanks.

[chicago rc]

Yep, that's me. My e-mail is brian@chicagorc.com. I will be sending out a message to remind everyone to renew their club memberships for 2004 along with instructions on how to do that. It will still only be $10, except for Howard, then it's $20 :p

I have not sent out any e-mails for a while now but with the warm weather on its way the info will be coming on a regualr basis. Send me you name & e-mail and I will make sure you are on the mail list.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Rookie Solara]

Rookie, I may take you up on the offer, I don't really need a FT kit for the few times I am able to get out and race on Sundays so your would be good for me. So no MTX-3, so sad.

I spent some time today driving a Cayenne Turbo. Holy Crap! This is the most fun you can have in an SUV, period. A little more turbo lag than I was expecting but after that we are talking about some tire roaching power to the front and rear wheels. I could go on and on but this an R/C car forum not a Porsche car forum. And it was only $98,000, what a bargain.

Anyone have a Monster GT or Savage 21 or other 1/8th scale monster truck? I only have my E-maxx right now and the buggy (yes, it's a Mugen Howard), and would like a big power monster truck. Anyone have a favorite? Any of you street guys ever go in the dirt?

- Brian

yes, BRIAN, if you remember NEAL Gannon....he actually is the one selling the NTC3, SIRIO and NTC3 starter box....he thought he can get back to RC, but with the baby (like me) he decided not to do it anymore, so he got all those stuff in his basement without even opening them at all, so they are all brand new and will let them go with a lot of $$$ off...........you can always come over, I have them in my house, I tried to sell them on the track, but if you want them all, I rather sells them to you...

Also, my ohter friend has a T-maxx (1st gen) with Picco 15 engine (90% new) and he want to sell it as well..........I also know a place can get a 21/26 engine upgrade kits for $90 (come with 1 piece pipe, 8 pairs of universal, intake, engine mount, chassis and the ribs and lots of things..) that you can upgrade to 21 or 26 motor....he will sell the whole car cheap too....only if you are interested...

[Nexus]

Hopefully some of you guys can make it out for this event....

several of the top local guys are already confirming they are coming out.


http://home.comcast.net/~anthony.isla/RSJ_Raceway/RSJ_spring_challenge.jpg

[lou diamonds]

i just wanted to share my discovering with the board. being new to the hobby i was fooled by my local hobby shop into thinking that parts had to be ordered and nothing was ever in stock. then i took a trip to leisure hours in joliet il. in comparison to where i normally go it was a warehouse, not a standard hobby shop. ill tell ya right now i bought the store out. ill be swappin out parts on my vehicles for days.
now im sure you boys already new about this but i am newly awakened. ive found my new shop.

[TRF Drive Hard]

Hey Rookie, got any race info for HTOP? its hard to find Mike :p

[Nexus]

last i spoke with mike no one has stepped up to run the HTOP races.


lou - leisure, venture, and al's are the biggest and best hobbystores in the area.

[TRF Drive Hard]

I been waiting all year and now no one wants to do it? the race tracks are too far for me... htop is the closest... this sucks...

[Rookie Solara]

I been waiting all year and now no one wants to do it? the race tracks are too far for me... htop is the closest... this sucks...

Well, from the information I got from someone, CHRIS from HTOP will be able running the race this year, but the schedule will be much less then last year....and so far there is no schedule on opening day or schedule whatsover.

This year summer season will be all around AJ's, RSJ and Tinley Park Racing (for ONROAD race)....Aj and RSJ are all indoor electric (probably much better for your TRF) and Tinley Park will be more NITRO outdoor (AJ has outdoor Nitro as well), but this year, they will have a large group of electric ppl coming out to race electric in 19T and MOD/brushless classs........the track is too big for stock motor, and for more info, please check out www.chicagolandrc.com

If you want to get more info about Chicago racing, please join the Chicago RC racing club www.chicagorc.com.

Well, about driving distance.........please, for the love of RC racing, driving for an hour each way is NOTHING.

[Nexus]

I been waiting all year and now no one wants to do it? the race tracks are too far for me... htop is the closest... this sucks...

rookies right TRF...if you start to get into this R/C racing....a one hour drive is probably about the average you'll have to travel for some decent competition.

less racing at HTOP then before...man that is going to almost be like once a month...

[Walt]

Remember, this summer in Tinley (www.chicagolandrc.com) we'll be racing outdoor on-road AND off-road. Frank has stepped up to the job of running the off road track, and he is serious about it. It should be great. And it's looking really good for getting new asphalt for this season. We may miss opening day, but not by much... it's looking really good.

My NTC3 is almost all back together and ready to go, with a brand new Sirio .15 in it (I gave up on trying to find an 'import' with slide carb and SG shaft, so I'm just going to try the US version: threaded with rotary). Should be a great season of racing in Tinley Park.

[Kenji]

i took a trip to leisure hours in joliet il. in comparison to where i normally go it was a warehouse, ive found my new shop.

Leisurehours is a great LHS. I live in the city and travel there a coupla times a month to stock up on parts.

I miss Stanton. I only lived two minutes away.

[Kenji]

I'd guess most of you folk here know about the track:

www.leisurehoursraceway.com

But I thought I'd give a shameless plug to the newer discussion forum they have up and running.

Go to the website and click on the racing flags to get to the forum.

In case you haven't seen the schedule recently:

Friday nights All electric racing, buggies, trucks, and lots of guys have been showing up with 4WD buggies

Saturdays, gas racing

Sundays, gas and electric racing

Open everyday except Mondays.

[Hanibel]

Will be running electric again this summer and have never run modified before. What motors were being run last year?
What brands , turns ,winds, etc.

Thanks for the info
Dennis "Hanibel" Matl

[Rookie Solara]

Walt: Just finished reading your newsletter, this year schedule sounds like fun...without running races at 2 track, I am sure I can schedule myself at most of the races at TP...espeically those special point series races...and can't wait to hit the new floor finish track...that extra $5 is well worth it.

One thing I would like you to follow up.....with the 30 minutes or any longer main....I think the 5 minutes REFUEL warning sound does help a lot, I remembered the last race of last season you tried to do that, but on the main, it somehow skipped the first two 5 minutes and ended up having that warning sound at the LAST 5 mintues.....did you have a chance to fix that hickup..?

Last....on your website, are you guys still doing the RAIN OUT notice? Like if we don't see any CANCELATION notice before 8am...the race is ON?

Thats all I am asking.....when I am racing, I can't really stop the car and look at my watch, or expect BRIAN to keep the time for me, he will tell me to pit every 5 seconds instead of 5 minutes....LOL

[wrxdan]

Wow a lot has changed since I last check in? Limited HTOP this year? That sucks. I'm running autox this year, I will have to stop by Tinley when we run Rt. 66.

[Walt]

I'd guess most of you folk here know about the track:

www.leisurehoursraceway.com

But I thought I'd give a shameless plug to the newer discussion forum they have up and running.

Go to the website and click on the racing flags to get to the forum.

In case you haven't seen the schedule recently:

Friday nights All electric racing, buggies, trucks, and lots of guys have been showing up with 4WD buggies

Saturdays, gas racing

Sundays, gas and electric racing

Open everyday except Mondays.

The Leisure off road track is fine for the winter, but in the summer, you want to be outside. You off road guys need to check out Tinley Park's new off road track. It's at the Tinley Park bowl in the beer garden, so there's electricity, water, pit tables, lights, food, and of course, beer.

[Walt]

Walt: Just finished reading your newsletter, this year schedule sounds like fun...without running races at 2 track, I am sure I can schedule myself at most of the races at TP...espeically those special point series races...and can't wait to hit the new floor finish track...that extra $5 is well worth it.

One thing I would like you to follow up.....with the 30 minutes or any longer main....I think the 5 minutes REFUEL warning sound does help a lot, I remembered the last race of last season you tried to do that, but on the main, it somehow skipped the first two 5 minutes and ended up having that warning sound at the LAST 5 mintues.....did you have a chance to fix that hickup..?

Last....on your website, are you guys still doing the RAIN OUT notice? Like if we don't see any CANCELATION notice before 8am...the race is ON?

Thats all I am asking.....when I am racing, I can't really stop the car and look at my watch, or expect BRIAN to keep the time for me, he will tell me to pit every 5 seconds instead of 5 minutes....LOL

I promiss that I will perfect the 'refuel sound'... shouldn't be any problem really. And, as you might have noticed in the newsletter, I'm not going to 'tech' fuel tanks, but we are going to require that everyone make a pit stop every 5 mintues of race duration, so there will be no incentive to run the bigger fuel tank anyways... seemed like the easiest way to do it.

BTW: did anyone else notice that ROAR just changed one of it's rules... turbo plugs are now allowed in any nitro engines, not just big blocks. At our track this year, it will be any small block engine for the nitro cars, and any motor (including brushless) for the electric guys, but 6-cells max.

New asphalt is looking really good... we'll probably miss opening day, but not by much (I hope).

And we are going to have some nice trophies and plaques on the 'trophy race' days (which are also the points series race days), and even nicer trophies at the end of the season for the points leaders, plus a nice banquet in the bowling alley at the end of the season for all that were in the points series. And how about those 30 minute nitro A-mains and triple 5-minute electric A-mains on points series day?

Those of you that race electric sedans at RSJ, make sure you let those guys know about our track, especially the points series days. I think most of them put away their cars for the summer up there since RSJ doesn't have an outdoor track... tell them to at least take out their electric cars for our points races... it will be worth the trip to Tinley.

[chicago rc]

Can I get added to your newsletter list Walt? My e-mail is brian@chicagorc.com, thanks!

And Howard, I'm the best pit guy you will ever have, I can't keep you fueled up when you have a cracked tank after driving into the wall. Please keep practicing to prevent this from happening this season.

Did anyone have a suggestion for what mod motor to run, I have been all stock over the winter, no point to run mod at RSJ's track.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

Will be running electric again this summer and have never run modified before. What motors were being run last year?
What brands , turns ,winds, etc.

Thanks for the info
Dennis "Hanibel" Matl I WOULD GET A GOOD MOD NOT A 23.00 DOLLAR ONE I HAVE USED REEDYS AND EPIC/TRINITY I LIKE THE FLAT LINER ABOUT 50.00 TO 60.00 BUCKS AND HOLDS UP NICE AS FAR AS A WIND GET AN 8 TO A 12 SINGLE I PLAN ON USING THE NOVAK BRUSHLESS HOPE THIS HELPS

[Rookie Solara]

.....
BTW: did anyone else notice that ROAR just changed one of it's rules... turbo plugs are now allowed in any nitro engines, not just big blocks. At our track this year, it will be any small block engine for the nitro cars, and any motor (including brushless) for the electric guys, but 6-cells max.
........

Well, I don't know exactly when did they changed that, but I knew that a long while ago...actually, SMALL BLOCK 15 is still NOT LEGAL under ROAR, but the word is, they are planning to get it LEGAL when more mfr are releasing the small block engine....and TURBO plug is alone, but ONLY on 3 port TURBO engine....MOD or not, that does not matter.

But again, no 5 port or more....so our little 15 SIRIO is considered ILLEGAL....just to let you know.

[Rookie Solara]

Can I get added to your newsletter list Walt? My e-mail is brian@chicagorc.com, thanks!

And Howard, I'm the best pit guy you will ever have, I can't keep you fueled up when you have a cracked tank after driving into the wall. Please keep practicing to prevent this from happening this season.

Did anyone have a suggestion for what mod motor to run, I have been all stock over the winter, no point to run mod at RSJ's track.

Hee hee.....I thought that will take several months for you to respond....good to hear from you, are you going to join us for the NITRO season? Or you are sticking INDOOR for the micro racing....?

[Euge]

Did anyone have a suggestion for what mod motor to run, I have been all stock over the winter, no point to run mod at RSJ's track.

I'm going to run an 8 turn Kr or D6 at Tinley Park and AJs. I hope the new asphault at TP turns out as good as AJ's. So far his outdoor track is the smoothest I've ever seen. It's nice having a dedicated rc track and not have to worry about oil drippings from cars!

I know a few of the guys who are going to run mod TC at AJs and they plan on running 6-8 turn motors.

Keep in mind that if you want to run a modified motor, you should be rebuilding/cutting your comm/replacing brushes much more frequently than stock motors. I'll probably have a fresh motor every 2 or 3 runs (max).

If you're not interested in the maintainence, then brushless motors (or nitro) is probably your thing.

[Euge]

I WOULD GET A GOOD MOD NOT A 23.00 DOLLAR ONE I HAVE USED REEDYS AND EPIC/TRINITY I LIKE THE FLAT LINER ABOUT 50.00 TO 60.00 BUCKS AND HOLDS UP NICE AS FAR AS A WIND GET AN 8 TO A 12 SINGLE I PLAN ON USING THE NOVAK BRUSHLESS HOPE THIS HELPS

The Novak brushless is slow compared to 6-8T brushed motors even in the unlimited mode. I've heard that the Hacker brushless systems are much faster.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

The Novak brushless is slow compared to 6-8T brushed motors even in the unlimited mode. I've heard that the Hacker brushless systems are much faster. YES THE 6-8T MOTORS ARE FASTER THE NOVAK IS ABOUT A 10-11T( OR EQUAL TO ) I THINK BUT THEY ARE MORE EFFICIENT AND YOU DONT NEED TO REBUILD EVERY FEW RUNS PLUS AS YOU HAVE SAID IT IS A PARKING LOT NOT A REAL TRACK SO TRACTION MAY PLAY INTO IT AT TIMES. I NEVER RAN ELECTRIC OUTSIDE ONLY NITRO BUT LAST YEAR THERE WAS A FEW GUYS OUT WITH THE NOVAK AND THEY DID WELL. AS FAR AS THE HACKER THE ONE I SAW WAS A 6T BUT IT WAS NON SENSOR THIS WILL NOT BE GOOD FOR A LOOSE TRACK, IT WOULD BE TO ABRUPT ON THE TRIGGER AT LEAST THATS MY 2 CENTS AS WE ALL KNOW ITS MORE HOW YOU USE WHAT YOU HAVE RATHER THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

[kakolitoy]

Don Jones is planning to use this track for this season. This was the track from the 2003 MWS Chicago series. I think its about 30 min. drive from downtown. For info for the exact address just go to www.Midwestseries.com I believe he wants races every week. Hopefully, it will be on a Saturday so it will not conflict @ TP. I have a pic of the track from the MWS site. Its a technical full speed track with a hairpin in a straightaway. It's great practice for all of the on road class especially bigger class than 200 mm!! This is good, so if we cannot race on a Sunday we can race on a Saturday!! ;)

[kakolitoy]

From the Veteq concept!! Serpent's prototype with both front and rear push rod suspension!!

[kakolitoy]

3 more pics

[kakolitoy]

more. From here it looks like a 2wd. Not sure if this would be really out for the market. It just look intersting. This might not be a poduction car @ all.

[kakolitoy]

Serpent is always looking to make more money. The more they invent the more money they make. Serpent wants to be a dealership like the real production cars such as GM or Ford :D However, it is still true that what wins on Sunday will have a better sales on Monday :rolleyes:

[Euge]

YES THE 6-8T MOTORS ARE FASTER THE NOVAK IS ABOUT A 10-11T( OR EQUAL TO ) I THINK BUT THEY ARE MORE EFFICIENT AND YOU DONT NEED TO REBUILD EVERY FEW RUNS PLUS
True. And there are runtime issues if you don't gear the 6-8T properly and don't have decent cells.

AS WE ALL KNOW ITS MORE HOW YOU USE WHAT YOU HAVE RATHER THAN WHAT YOU HAVE
Now if only we all knew how to turn off the 'Caps Lock' key so that we don't type in all capital letters. I know we all have the 'Caps Lock' key......

SEE HOW ANNOYING THIS CAN BE? IT'S LIKE I'M YELLING.
hehehehe :)

[Rookie Solara]

Cap Does Not Bother Me But Try To Say Something Without Any Stop That Really Bothers Me Since I Speak And Write Very Good Very English Everyday And Seeing Something Like That Just Make Me Thing I Am Not Annoying Enough So I Will Try To Keep Saying Without Putting Any Stop And Let You Guys Figure Out What I Am Trying To Do Today Is A Good Day To Fire Up My Car And Break In The New Engine And Realized That I Didn't Charger The Starter Box Battery And Glow Plug Lighter That Really Blows.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

sorry about the caps. i dont know why i do that, also im guilty of the no stop thing. notice im not do either one . (this time) i did want to let you all know the offroad track will be ready for racing on the 24th, this comming sat. i was out there for the last two days, with some help from friends we made great progress. i have two spots that need love and i need a few more jumps, then im ready to roll it. this is where i could realy use some help from a offroad guy, its been years since i have done offroad and the layout i have may be lame. tghe track turned out 120' x 40' and is fouir lanes deep. please understand im a road guy so i like to see a ton of turns and a big striaght. so iwould like some who knows good layout to come out and give it the thumbs up or tell me im way off. i dont want the first race day to blow. you can reach me on my cell at 708/ 473-1929 thanks and i hope to see you out there.

[Rookie Solara]

If possible, I can probably invest $200 to option my T-maxx to a .26 powered T-maxx....but still, I hate to see my car dirty and still not sure OFF ROAD is my cup of tea...
But I would give that a try.....

[Euge]

hehehehheheheh man you guys are too much with those run on sentences....
:)

[Walt]

Can I get added to your newsletter list Walt? My e-mail is brian@chicagorc.com, thanks!

And Howard, I'm the best pit guy you will ever have, I can't keep you fueled up when you have a cracked tank after driving into the wall. Please keep practicing to prevent this from happening this season.

Did anyone have a suggestion for what mod motor to run, I have been all stock over the winter, no point to run mod at RSJ's track.

How in the world are you not on my list? I'll have to check... sorry about that.

I checked out the off road track in Tinley that Frank's been working on... it's really nice. For anyone that saw the off road track in the past, what Frank did was to move the driver's stand from where it was to the other side of the track. That makes the track about 12 feet wider, and that's were we were hurting before. He also removed a bunch of trees that were in the way. The track is now the perfect size for an off road track, including 1/8th buggies and monster trucks. Maybe those of you with off road cars can check it out next Saturday and let Frank know what you think so he can make improvements. I'm no off road guy, but I have raced off road a few times, and I think the track looks pretty darn good. I'll be out there Saturday with one of my off road cars.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

I have some pics of the off road track in tinley on the other post (NEW OFFROAD TRACK IN TINLEY PARK)

[Rkmori]

[QUOTE=Nexus]last i spoke with mike no one has stepped up to run the HTOP races.
QUOTE]

Ok, HTOP is not totaly dead or washed up, I have donated my time to help set up and tear down and help as much as I can. Chris will be running the track, the first race date will be May 8th. This has yet to be confirmed due to the fact that the land/parking lot owner has not given the OK to run. What Fred and Chris is looking for is ppl to help set-up and teardown. Set-up is the would mean getting there at 8:30 (a far cry from Walt's 6:00 am alarm) and start chucking boards as far as the rest Chris will be running the show, occasionally a person to run the computer and start the heats would be nice. I think if we all pitch in and help we can get at least one more season out of HTOP as far as next year well we'll see.....umm if anybody knows the right ppl there is a dead Go Kart track next to Kiddyland....... ;) .........So HTOP is not dead yet.

Rookie, I spent all day Sunday breaking in the Sirio.....nice motor....you could have used the battery in your Solara to run the starter box.....I prepared for break-in just like race day every thing on a charge the night before............. :D .........I hope nobody will look at my ENGLISH........hee hee hee

[space_doc]

I am buying a condo in Forest Park and was hoping to race at HTOP. I would be willing to come help set up, but I don't know my work schedule yet. I work 6 days a week. Ughh. Anyone know if we can approack the Park District about putting a track into that park they're renovating? I think its called barrie (sp?) park. I mean, parks put in skate parks for boarders all the time, why not a track or two for RC'ers? Or maybe using a public park parking lot to set up in. Just wondering.

[Rkmori]

I am buying a condo in Forest Park and was hoping to race at HTOP. I would be willing to come help set up, but I don't know my work schedule yet. I work 6 days a week. Ughh. Anyone know if we can approack the Park District about putting a track into that park they're renovating? I think its called barrie (sp?) park. I mean, parks put in skate parks for boarders all the time, why not a track or two for RC'ers? Or maybe using a public park parking lot to set up in. Just wondering.

HTOP is not looking for ppl to work for the track, but more ppl to just help in tear down and set-up. As far approaching the PD,I think the popularity of kids with skate parks is more than R/C, lets face it average kid could not invest such money to R/C, I have thousands invested into the sport for myself and my son (and the wife shakers her head every time I spend)....I think a way to go about this would be to form a local club and see if a private owner or the city would be willing to allow the club to use an area for racing. That would mean that the club would still need to make the initial investment. Lap Counter, boards, storage of all the track needs etc.....

[Rookie Solara]

In Hong Kong (or Japan)....Government actually create TRACK (not state of the art, but at least nice concrete/asphate pathed with track layout) for FREE by using the tax money....that is called PUBLIC SERVICE.........

Now in USA.....what the hell we have....? Designer bus stop, custom design trash can, designer light posts and street sign............wow, thats where our tax money goes...

Not to mention, send the young american to middle east and get killed by others every day.....hey, I don't see our GAS PRICE going any lower...isn't it we boom these country because we want cheaper gas...?

I don't want to jump to politics here....but if we have BUSH here for 1 more term, I cannot expect anything good here in the next 4 years. :mad:

[Rkmori]

Not to mention, send the young american to middle east and get killed by others every day.....hey, I don't see our GAS PRICE going any lower...isn't it we boom these country because we want cheaper gas...?

I don't want to jump to politics here....but if we have BUSH here for 1 more term, I cannot expect anything good here in the next 4 years. :mad:


Don't tell me about gas, my worst vehicle gets 10 MPG city and 14 HWY if Im lucky. Re: track, I would imgine that if there was enough interest in R/C cars, just like Airplanes there could be a track built or an area set aside. In Wheeling and Lombard there is a Model Boat Pond, In Schiller Park and Schaumburg there is the Airplane flying fields, in Addison there is the Heli field but all these are in the Forest Preserves, maybe that is the ppl that we would need to speak with.

[Rookie Solara]

Just saw this from the Kyosho World Championship race from Debui....the track is actually a soccer field (yes, not all the country can afford a GRASS soccer field...).........it looks like a permenant track, but only thing I don't know is those red/white barrier.....don't really know what material are those...

But definitely look beautifull and I think that is possilbe to be done in Tinley after the asphate is done....

http://www.rcracer.com/images/or_112.jpg

[Nexus]

walt.

just wondering if everything was still on schedule to open on May 2nd?

[kakolitoy]

HTOP is in 50/50 condition @ this moment. I heard something happened @ the track with the owner of the lot, an employee, and costumer. They sent 10 mails already and still no reply from the owner. In two weeks we will know if they will run or not. Usually, they send flyers 3 weeks before the opening day. This might be it for HTOP!!! It's time to drive to Des plains :)

[Nexus]

is the des plaines track smooth?

and are they only running nitro classes up there.

[Rookie Solara]

is the des plaines track smooth?

and are they only running nitro classes up there.

Just another parking lot like TINLEY........but I believed they are all NITRO racing that is hosted by CRCC.
And come on Nexus, you know you guys need to come to TINLEY and support the Chicagolandrc track first like we came all the way to RSJ and support you guys for the indoor elect races (well, not me necessary, but walt, tony G and Frank does...)....... :D

[kakolitoy]

DP is also running on Sundays but not sure when is the opening day. TP is a awesome track because we pretty much know everyone especially the organizers. Also, for most of us that live in the west, Des Plaines is closer than TP. However, I still support Chicagolandrc because of the great personality of Walt and the rest of the organizers.

[Rkmori]

DP is also running on Sundays but not sure when is the opening day. TP is a awesome track because we pretty much know everyone especially the organizers. Also, for most of us that live in the west, Des Plaines is closer than TP. However, I still support Chicagolandrc because of the great personality of Walt and the rest of the organizers.


Is there a website for the track in Desplaines, Actually Desplaines is closer to me than HTOP.

[kakolitoy]

Is there a website for the track in Desplaines, Actually Desplaines is closer to me than HTOP.


Des plaines does not have a site yet, but you can see it @ www.midwestseries.com (Chicago). You can email Donwho@aol.com for more info. I did not email him yet. I am just waiting for his flyers. DP is closer to me too, but still want to race @ TP this season.

[Walt]

walt.

just wondering if everything was still on schedule to open on May 2nd?

Yes, on-road racing will start next Sunday at Tinley. Off-road racing starts tomorrow on the brand new off road track. If you've got an off road car, you've got to check out what Frank has built... it is really nice.

Our on-road opener will be in the same lot as last year. We don't have the new asphalt track yet, but with the bowling season ending this week, the owner will finally have the time to get to work on the new track (I hope). In the mean time, the old parking lot is not bad... 185' by 100', a few rough spots, but it's the same for everyone.

I've spent the last few weeks repainting the driver's stand, repainting most of the boards, and, more importantly, I'm going to spend next week making about 25 more 'inner' boards, so I can set up some more 'technical' tracks once in a while... last year we were really limited in what we could do because we'd run out of inner track boards. Last year I had 80 inner boards (at 8 foot long each)... this year I'll have at least 105 of them.

One other change we are going to try out this season is in regards to the frequency board. Instead of doing a 'subtract' board, where you pull the frequency clip off that you want to use, this year we will do a 'add' board, where you put your name on the frequency you want to use. RC plane flying fields have worked this way forever. The bennifit is that when you want a frequency and it's taken, you know exactly who has it because their name is hanging there on the board.

I can't wait for opening day. I'm also really looking forward to our first points/trophy race on May 16th. Tell the electric guys from RSJ to come on out... we usually didn't get a huge turnout of electric guys last year, and I want that to change this year...

See you guys at the track!

[chicago rc]

Walt, assuming i get a mod motor in my TC3 by opening day, I will be there to race. Even if I don't I will be there to take some photos.

As for these other tracks popping up from time to time, you guys have to understand this by now, going to the closest track to your house does a lot of good for one person - you. Choose your track based on the track, not the distance to get to it. We all know the time, effort, and money Walt has put into this track and it is truly a 1st class operation. Don't take that for granted! Now with the off-road track TP has it all. Support him 100% to ensure that we get things like new asphalt, and that the track stays around year after year.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Walt]

Walt, assuming i get a mod motor in my TC3 by opening day, I will be there to race. Even if I don't I will be there to take some photos.

As for these other tracks popping up from time to time, you guys have to understand this by now, going to the closest track to your house does a lot of good for one person - you. Choose your track based on the track, not the distance to get to it. We all know the time, effort, and money Walt has put into this track and it is truly a 1st class operation. Don't take that for granted! Now with the off-road track TP has it all. Support him 100% to ensure that we get things like new asphalt, and that the track stays around year after year.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

I'm glad to hear that you'll be out at the track next Sunday... bring your car even if you don't have a motor... I've got a couple mod motors now, and so does Frank. I'm sure that between the two of us we can set you up with something.

And while I appreciate the kind words from Howard and Brian encouraging people to stick with my track, here's my feelings about it. Everyone should race at whatever track is best for them. If the drive to Tinley is killing you, and the new track is well run, fun, and closer, I can't expect you to keep coming to my track, and I don't expect anyone to come to my track just because they don't want to upset me.

Don't get me wrong though... I WANT everyone around Chicagoland to race at my track, but I want them to race at my track because they feel my track is the best. And although I can't promiss that my track will be the best in every catagory possible (biggest, smoothest, cheapest, closest, best run, etc.), I'm going to just continue to do what I've been doing, which is run the best races I can given what I've got to work with, and continue to improve whenever I can.

I do put a lot of work and money into it, but you can say that about anyone running a track. This thread is the 'Chicago Racing' thread, not the 'Chicagoland RC Raceway' thread, so feel free to talk about other tracks, and I won't have any hard feelings if you guys try out the new track. But I also wouldn't mind if you tell me where you need me to improve so that I can keep you coming back to my track (besides the new asphalt.. you all know I'm working on that already).

We do have a good thing going here though. We are in a very good position to grow this track year after year, and to be around for a good long time.

Next Sunday is opening day. I can't wait to see all my on-road racing friends again.

[kakolitoy]

Walt, assuming i get a mod motor in my TC3 by opening day, I will be there to race. Even if I don't I will be there to take some photos.

As for these other tracks popping up from time to time, you guys have to understand this by now, going to the closest track to your house does a lot of good for one person - you. Choose your track based on the track, not the distance to get to it. We all know the time, effort, and money Walt has put into this track and it is truly a 1st class operation. Don't take that for granted! Now with the off-road track TP has it all. Support him 100% to ensure that we get things like new asphalt, and that the track stays around year after year.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

I think we should support all of the track in Chicagoland. We all know that Walt put a lot of time and effort so as the other track such as HTOP, AJ, RSJ, and the new Des Plaines track. I am pretty sure DP will run First class operation also, so as AJ and RSJ. Racing in all of the tracks will give us different challenges and support for the RC community in Chicago. Having few tracks will also help our LHS such as HTOP to enforce people to join the hobby and have fun @ the track. This hobby is all about fun, friendship, Networking, and challenges to our mechanical and driving skills. I remember Walt were telling us that he built the TP to have fun and closer to home. Walt is a great role model to all of us. He's Very helpful, understanding, and one of the greatest driver I have ever known. He speaks to us with a humble response even if I am a beginner. My point is just to help and support everyone that is helping us to build a track of our dream :) such as HTOP, AJ, RSJ, DP, and TP

[thunderbt3]

whats up walt, im dave, the guy u talked to over at AJ's over the winter. Do u guys race any other classes other than nitro and electric touring cars? i know theres an offroad track there but do u guys allow offroad trucks onto the asphalt track? i have a friend that has a savage and my little bro owns a rc10gt. I dont know if i can make it to opening race. that is the start of finals week, boo finals

[nitrothugg]

where is there a track at in des plaines?

[Walt]

whats up walt, im dave, the guy u talked to over at AJ's over the winter. Do u guys race any other classes other than nitro and electric touring cars? i know theres an offroad track there but do u guys allow offroad trucks onto the asphalt track? i have a friend that has a savage and my little bro owns a rc10gt. I dont know if i can make it to opening race. that is the start of finals week, boo finals

Hi Dave. Our general rule used to be that if three of more of the same type of car show up on race day, we will run a class for them. However, I'm beginning to rethink that rule. The proper place for a savage and an rc10gt is the off road track, and now that we have one, we probably won't allow trucks on the on-road track on Sundays.

I hate to turn away anyone (like Frank said in another thread, if guys come out with shopping carts we'd like to let them run). The main problem is during open practice time. The on-road cars are just getting around the track so much faster than the trucks (especially monster trucks) that it's a hazard. Monster trucks seem fast when they are all alone, but believe me, if you put them on an on-road track with some well tuned touring cars, not to mention Impacts and maybe some 1/8th on-road cars, they are getting run over so fast that the driver of the faster car never even had time to react before hitting the slow moving truck... but it's usually the touring car that gets broken.

A similar problem can happen between nitro and electric touring cars, which is one of the reasons why we decided to make the electric class an 'open' class this year... stock electric cars are too slow compared to the nitro cars during practice, but mod cars can hold their own pretty well against the nitro cars. And sure, the same problem can happen between the novice guys and the experts, but at least in that collision the cars the cars have an equal chance of surviving the wreck.

I'd say plan on making it out on Saturdays for the off road racing, where that Savage and RC10GT will be at home in the dirt. And, if you really want to do some other fun stuff with those off road cars (especially the monster truck), then don't miss Brian's 'Monster Jam' events (Chicago RC Club: www.chicagorc.com). He's planning on having one at our facility this summer (date to be announced soon). There you will get a combination of off road track time along with some cool events held on the pavement (speed runs, side by side drag races over obstacles, monster truck soccer, etc.)

If you want to run on Sundays with us on the paved track, I think you'll have way more fun with a touring car anyways.

I hope I see you at the track.

-Walt

[Walt]

I've got an opinion question for all of my on-road racing friends around here. I'm thinking ahead to when we get our new asphalt. What do all of you prefer: a track that changes every week (I call that a 'puzzle' track, where we set up a new 'puzzle' every week with the same movable boards we use now), or a 'fixed' track that we'd set up at the beginning of the summer and leave all summer long?

I was always a fan of the 'puzzle' style tracks, with a new track every week to have to learn, but maybe I'm alone in that attitude?

I've certainly noticed that many of the 'top' tracks are permanent, or at the most change once per year. And I've recently thought of some permanent track advantages. I could probably paint the surface to make the track look really cool and be easier to drive without hitting boards. I could use VHT or other really sticky, long lasting traction additives instead of putting down sugar water on the new layout ever week. Drivers could get used to the track and really dial in a setup over time, which might be nice.

Of course, the disadvantage is that you might get bored of the same track every single Sunday all summer long, especially if I happen to build a track that you don't like from the very beginning (I'm sure some would love it, but not everyone likes the same style of track).

And there might be a compromise solution, with a permanent-style track that allows a handfull of different layouts by moving just a couple of boards to block different sections.

I'm just currious what everyone thinks on the subject. Please don't just 'vote' one way or the other... this isn't a democracy.. I am looking for good, well thought out reasons to go one way or the other.

[Euge]

I'll be there for the 'open' electric class on sunday.
I'm in favor of a changing track, if only because I'd get bored with the same layout for the whole summer.

[chicago rc]

At RSJ's, they run the same track layout for a few weeks and then change it. That was nice. I could learn the track and get better and better at it, then a totally new layout to learn. A change every week would frustrate me. But you know I will never get to race every Sunday anyway so my 2 cents are just that.

I had a blast racing my T-Maxx last year on the pavement. Can you say "Body Roll"!!! But you are right, in practice the TC's were getting messed up by us truck guys. Maybe if 3 or more show up to race they just can't practice. What would we be practicing anyway? Trying to figure out the right springs to use or what ride height works best :D

Brian
www.chicagorc.com (check out the updated links page)

[Nexus]

I'll be there for the 'open' electric class on sunday.
I'm in favor of a changing track, if only because I'd get bored with the same layout for the whole summer.

i might be there...but leave early. still trying to find a mod motor :cool:

walt...you mentioned a trophy race...can you give more specific details at this time regarding what official classes will be run...this way i could pass the word.

i vote for electric TC mod...just need to decide rubber or foams tires. :)

thanks.

[Rookie Solara]

Part of the fun RC racing for me is to walk around the track and do all the "TRUST TALKING" and say HI to buddies like Tony G or Brian that I know (I found the ppl at MWS are too TEAM DRIVER attitude...not really TRUST talking friendly).....I would not trade that for a 30 minutes shorter drive from my home, if you know what I mean.

I prefer the FIXED track, but not 100% NO CHANGE, like you said, every 2-3 weeks, you can change several pieces on both end of the middle of the track and make couple turns different, longer or shorter, tighter or wider.....the concept is......QUICK CHANGE...............for those who didn't show up at the track at 6:30am and set up the track (including me)....it is not a easy job, and it is not a 1 person job....so simplfy is the key....beside, we are here to race, not to get some FUN RIDE...once we get used to the track, track time will be faster, and time between cars to cars will be closer.....that is equal to more competitalbe racing....

Beside, once the track is SET (permanent)....I could see myself come by on weekday and do some testing..........I think that is what a lot of RC ppl in Chicago is missing, testing or breaking in new engine on NORTH AVENUE is not that easy............AJ has the track laying there all year long, but I don't believe they are open on weekday nor they have LIGHTS for it....that leaves TP the only track that will be permanent all year long and have night lights on untill 2-3 am......after racing/practicing...I can go straight to work.

Also, whos up for the little PIZZA/BEER 30 minutes Night race on weekday?

[Rookie Solara]

i might be there...but leave early. still trying to find a mod motor :cool:

walt...you mentioned a trophy race...can you give more specific details at this time regarding what official classes will be run...this way i could pass the word.

i vote for electric TC mod...just need to decide rubber or foams tires. :)

thanks.

If you are all running MOD (all out) motor............isn't it that is CHEAPER to run FOAMS then rubber tires...? Beside...isn't it better (more control) to run foams then rubber on the paved track...?

[lou diamonds]

hey walt, i know you give this info daily, but, could you give me race days and times again. im eager time get out and see what i can do

and for anyone interested, im trying to get rid of a bb.21 with an aluminum one piece pipe and high flow filter. any takers???

[Nexus]

If you are all running MOD (all out) motor............isn't it that is CHEAPER to run FOAMS then rubber tires...? Beside...isn't it better (more control) to run foams then rubber on the paved track...?


not sure what would necessarily be cheaper....probably the cost would equal out to be the same. the reason alot of people vote for rubber tires outdoors around here is because of the national races. most of the big races for electric TC are on rubber tires. so to bring out more of the electric TC crowd who compete running rubber/mod would be more appealing.

[g12314]

I'm hoping to make the first race day at Tinley (re-assembling car now) and was wondering if someone could provide a baseline setup for a NTC3.

Thanks,
Jimmy

[Rookie Solara]

not sure what would necessarily be cheaper....probably the cost would equal out to be the same. the reason alot of people vote for rubber tires outdoors around here is because of the national races. most of the big races for electric TC are on rubber tires. so to bring out more of the electric TC crowd who compete running rubber/mod would be more appealing.


Well, I think the best time to address that is to make a call at the track on SUNDAY morning....if everyone are prefer to run rubber, then rubber it is....and the temp of MAY weather is not going to be anything like 70s, so running rubber is not a bad idea at all....but at the end, WHY RULES. if others want to run foam, let them run foams, after the 1 and 2 qualifier, you guys can tell whos is faster....rubber or foam, then the rest of the ppl will switch to the faster tires.....period.

I tried my NTC3 with rubber tires yesterday around 6.........the car is really hooked on a dusty dirty parking lot....it is much better then foam...but of course, I am still breaking in the engine, car is slow and I am babying it.

[Rookie Solara]

I'm hoping to make the first race day at Tinley (re-assembling car now) and was wondering if someone could provide a baseline setup for a NTC3.

Thanks,
Jimmy

Per your manaul...use the FOAM setup as the baseline.........the problem is, SUNDAY morining is not going to be 70s, I think that will be 50s.........so get some 35s foams or even 32s.....I am actually try the rubber tires, but rubber tires just cannot handle anything more then 1.5 horse.

[Euge]

I agree with rookie. it's an open electric class, so whatever you want to run, rubber or foam. up to the driver. I think the only rule (correct me if I'm wrong walt) is that it has to be a TC (no electric trucks or buggies) and must run 6 cells.

Foams will always be faster than rubber. But like Nexus says, most of the big outdoor mod races are run on rubber, not sure why.

anyway, I'll probably run mostly rubber, but I do have a few old foams that I wouldn't mind wearing out.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

As far as i know i was the only one to try rubber in the nitro touring class, i was able to run with walt neck and neck and i think i got him in one of the qualifiers. the tires i used were take off brand and they were cs 27 shore, they were fine for five minutes but i shredded two of them 11minutes into the main. this was late in the season where the track temp was high, but i think the electric class is more than likely to be just as fast or close to the nitro class. im not sure of the wieght between the two cars but im think its close, plus there was a big sweeper in the track and i did lose the outside two tires. with all of this said i think rubber would work but i dont think they will last as long as foam. a set of pre mounted take offs are $32.00 so the cost is the same as foams, and i was getting 3 weeks out of foams.i dont think i would get that out of rubber. i plan on runnig foam (nitro shoes 40 shore all the way around) also the offroad track is open and ready (shamless plug i know, but needed to be done)

[Euge]

voodoo,

nitro cars weigh way way more than electric cars, so I don't think any tires will last as long on a nitro car as they will on a electric car. Having said that, the Takeoffs CS27s are a bit soft for nitro touring cars especially when the asphault temperature is high late in the summer like you said.
You get the same amount of runtime using foam or rubber tires, but you have to pick the right compound. It's like if I compare a very hard rubber tire to a very very soft indoor carpet foam tire. In that case, the rubber tire will last a lot longer.

I don't really know anything about nitro, but I think you nitro guys use a firmer shore foam tire than electric cars use.

For the next few months, while it's not that hot, I'm going to run CS27's and maybe some leftover foams I have.

If your rubber nitro car was just as fast as Walt's foam nitro car, there were probably other reasons. Foams are always faster. More traction. Just look at the contact area, not to mention that they're usually softer.

[Rookie Solara]

Like I said earlier, using rubber tires (on nitro car) MIGHT work only at the early morning practice time when track temp is around 50-70 degree (on ground)....when Frank running those rubber last year, I bet it is way over 90 to 100 degree on ground...that is like wrapping $10 bills over those rubber tires and run.....

Beside...the weight of the TC, and don't forget about the TORQUE created by those nitro engine....that has a lot more meat then electric motor like those 7 or 8 turns....rubber tires will be a waste...

Also, running 15 minutes main on rubber....ah, only a dream.

I think most ppl running RUBBER on the outdoor track is because there are no reason for foam, take a look at those track like TAMIYA track in CA....the surface is top notch finish and prepared...smooth as silk, compare to the TP parking lot with full year of sand and rock, snow and mud or garbage....there is no comparison.......

And I believed that is the reason why all those big outdoor elect racing are using rubber...

[Euge]

you're probably right about that, rookie. now next time I see $10 bills on your tires, I'll have to swap them out with $1 bills when you're not looking

[chicago rc]

Does anyone know what pinion and spur tooth count to use in TP with a brushless set-up? I have only run my TC3 with the 27T Monster Stock motor and I know I can gear it way lower with the brushless motor. Anyone have any experience with this yet? Make sure your suggestions will make me go faster than Howard :-)

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Walt]

i might be there...but leave early. still trying to find a mod motor :cool:

walt...you mentioned a trophy race...can you give more specific details at this time regarding what official classes will be run...this way i could pass the word.

i vote for electric TC mod...just need to decide rubber or foams tires. :)

thanks.

The first trophy race (also the first of our 2004 points series) will be Sunday, September 16th (opening day is the 2nd, then we're off on the 9th for Mother's Day, then the points race on the 16th).

The two classes I'll have trophies for are: nitro open and electric open. Rules are pretty loose... touring car body, small block engine for the nitro guys, any tires for all (rubber or foam), mod or brushless for the electric guys, but only 6 cells max. Let's see... what else... oh, the nitro guys have to make a pit stop every 5 minutes whether they need it or not, to keep from running a big fuel tank. Uh.. electric qualifiers and mains are 5 minutes long. Nitro qualifiers are 5 minutes long.

And remember, the nitro A will run a 30 minute main (with lower nitro mains running 15 minutes), but I don't want to leave you electric guys out, so be prepared to run triple 5-minute A-mains, ROAR nationals style, best 2 out of three, with the third race (worst) used as a tie breaker... I'll need to study the exact rule, but it will be the way ROAR does it. I will spread out those electric races as best I can for you guys... you'll be the first to run, as well as the last, plus somewhere in the middle... and if you win the first two, you can sit out the third, but I won't require you sit out like ROAR does... I want people to race.

This is the way the 'big boys' do racing... in fact, 30 minute nitro A-mains are pretty short by 'big race' standards, but it's a starting point for us. On 'normal' race days, Nitro lower mains are 10 minutes, nitro A is 15 minutes, and we run double 5-minute electric mains (first to run and last to run).

I'm taking tomorrow off work to purchase the trophies and finish preparation for Sunday... like buying a new knit hat... they say it's going to be cold again! What's with that???

[Walt]

hey walt, i know you give this info daily, but, could you give me race days and times again. im eager time get out and see what i can do


No problem. But remember, I try pretty hard to keep our web site up to date, so you can check there if you ever forget our information: www.chicagolandrc.com

Now to answer your question, our on-road race day is Sunday. The track is ready for practice at about 9am, registration closes at 10:30am (and this year, if you register after 10:30, you miss the first qualifier... I had too many late starts last year because people entered late and I had to reprint everything, blah, blah, blah... register by 10:30 or miss the first of three qualifiers... no big deal). Racing will start at 11am. Cost is $10 for your first class, $5 to enter a second class, and $5 to rent one of our transponders (so get a personal.. easier for me and no $5 rental fee). No practice days for on-road for now, until we get new pavement and can leave the track set up permanently.

And don't forget off road. That track is ready and looking great. In fact, I just came from there. Frank is having an open practice night and the cars are flying out there. The surface is perfect (no RSJ mud pit)... anyways, off road racing is every Saturday. Frank is out there around 7am, and practice can start then, but you might have to run over the garden hose as Frank goes around wetting down the track. Racing is scheduled to start at 10:30. It's $15 for your first car, $7 extra to run in an additional class, but no charge to use the hand out transponders, but we still recommend everyone get a personal transponder. Practice days are Tuesday and Thursday, 5pm until late (we have lights!). And Frank sets up the computer and the scoring system (Alycat) so you can have your lap times called out (if you want). Practice costs $7 per person. And remember, it's a beer garden, so have a beer and run some practice... and if your girlfriend/wife likes volleyball, horseshoes or bean bags, she can do that while you race :D

And, of course, micro racing goes on year-round, Wednesday nights in the banquet room of the bowling alley. 5pm track opens. 7pm racing starts. $7/person to race micros (RS4-type cars, Koyosho Mini-z's, and the new most popular class, the Losi Mini-t class, complete with a couple of portable jumps put out onto the track.

[Walt]

It's hard to do all my 'replying' from home... wish they didn't block this forum from work...

Anyway, my opinions about tires:

I already stated that in both electric and nitro you can run whatever you want, foam or rubber. As for which is better, I'm a believer in foam. I do think that rubber can work just as well though, but in my experience (HPI Challenge races are all rubber), it's REALLY hard to get the rubber tires just right. You have to have the right compound for the track conditions and temperature, and you've got to have the right insert, and then you've really got to get them up to temperature before they'll work right.

Foam tires are probably not much better than well selected rubber tires that are up to temperature, etc., but man are foam tires consistent and easy to dial in. And they tend to run the very first lap just about as fast as the last lap... very little need to 'heat them up'. And I ran the same foam tires when it was 100 degrees out as when it was 40 degrees out, and I honestly didn't notice much of any difference. Rubber tires can never do that.

And I think foams are cheaper to run nowadays, UNLESS there is a specific rubber tire and insert everyone must run, simply because you've got to have a BIG box full of rubber tires with different compounds with different insert combinations available at your disposal if you want to have the best possible set up. You don't need nearly as many foam tires to cover all track conditions.

And someone asked about a NTC3 setup. I agree with Howard... start with the setup from the back of the manual, then adjust to your driving style. I ran 37's up front and 35's (Speed Mind foams) and loved them, but I'm told that many couldn't do that because they 'chunk' too easily... I tend to drive smooth (smoothly?), so I don't chunk many tires. Most run 40's. I also have my car sprung pretty soft, but that just tends to suit my driving style.

Man, cold or warm, I can't wait for Sunday.

[Euge]

Does anyone know what pinion and spur tooth count to use in TP with a brushless set-up? I have only run my TC3 with the 27T Monster Stock motor and I know I can gear it way lower with the brushless motor. Anyone have any experience with this yet? Make sure your suggestions will make me go faster than Howard :-)

I know nothing about gearing a brushless, but steve brandt at RSJ would run his brushless in our open class there and he would start out conservatively and then just gear up until either he thought it was fast enough or until the temperature cut off kicked in. I guess the motor doens't get hot, but the ESC does and it cuts out at a certain temperature......

[Euge]

one thing I like about rubber over foam is that you don't have to keep checking your ride height, droop and roll out when the tires start to wear.
I guess you nitro guys don't have to worry about roll out since the engine makes way more power then you really need.

Having said that, yeah, foams are way more consistent than rubber tires. I'll probably mess around with both.

[Walt]

one thing I like about rubber over foam is that you don't have to keep checking your ride height, droop and roll out when the tires start to wear.
I guess you nitro guys don't have to worry about roll out since the engine makes way more power then you really need.

Having said that, yeah, foams are way more consistent than rubber tires. I'll probably mess around with both.

And the last time I saw Rutt and Kit (at RSJ a month or two ago), they said they felt the traction last year with rubber tires was "perfect", and they seemed to be planning on sticking with rubber tires for now. Their cars did look really good last year.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

Ok i think i was misunderstood let me put it the way i see it, in order for rubber tires to work as good as foams they have to be soft. if you use a hard compound the foams will be faster. walt and i that day ran the #1 and #2 spots so it was'nt that walts car was off or somthing, 20 somthing other guys were running foams. but as i said the tires could not handle over ten minutes of run time, and it was hot that day. i assume the nitro car has more wieght to it but i dont know by how much, i will wiegh them tonite. so if you look at what happend to me last year, you can assume with a lighter car with less torque running five minutes you can get rubber to hook up as good as foam or close to it. i went to a large race this year and watched the stock rubber guys do what the 19 turn foam guys at aj's do. and the 19 turn class do three or four laps better. this may make some mad and i will be the first to say i dont know squat compaired to the guys i saw racing in WI it was a big thing to me, i went in there thinking i was a good driver. most anywhere i go i am in the a main 9 out of 10 times. all i can say is (this is where i get guys mad) most guys need the high bite of the foams because they dont know how to make the car work, they dont understand what each change will affect the car they only know what works at a given time. they keep changing things and lose sight of where they started. look at it this way you can get the same affect out of two seprate changes, but you will allmost allways lose something else in the change. the trick is getting what you want, but retaining what you have. guys i am no expert thats for sure but i do spend quite a bit of time watching waht other guys have done then trying to figure out why it was working, then i make the change. look at walt one of the best all around drivers that i know, he has a log of every thing he has done in the hobby since he started, dont let him ******** you when he say's "i just throw the car out there" he know exactly what he's doing, and his driving skills make up for alot of poor set up's. but be sure he will make the changes for the next week. I AM DOING THIS IN CAPS SO IT IS HERD. I SUCK I DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL IM TALKING ABOUT AND I AM NO BETTER THAN THE NEXT GUY please dont think anything else these are my veiws and are not of those of the network

[Euge]

you can assume with a lighter car with less torque running five minutes you can get rubber to hook up as good as foam or close to it. i went to a large race this year and watched the stock rubber guys do what the 19 turn foam guys at aj's do.

Were you talking about the Novak race or the Triple Crown race up at Trackside (you mentioned WI). I raced at both events and at each event, the top foam guy was always at least a lap up on the top rubber guy. The top rubber guy may be a lap up on the worst foam guy, but that's because the foam guy wasn't set up right. But anywhere you go, the foam cars are just faster.
I'm not sure how you can compare 19T foam guys at AJs to stock rubber guys at Trackside. What did you mean by they "do what the 19T guys at AJ's do"? do you mean the stock rubber guys did, say, 23 laps at Trackside when at AJs, the 19T foam guys also did 23 laps? Well, having raced at both places, AJs is bigger. I also race at RSJ's, and those of you that have been there know how small it is. Stock foam guys usually do around 27-29 laps in five minutes. Does it mean that I'm faster there than I am at AJs, where I might only do 23 or 24 laps running a 19T motor? no. it's because RSJ's is smaller. Maybe I just don't understand what you're saying. I just don't see how you can compare laptimes at one track versus laptimes at another track when they're different sizes. What you should do is compare laptimes at the same track on a given day with different cars. And I'd guarantee that at any big indoor carpet race this year, the top foam guy was always faster than the top rubber guy.
Have you ever set up a rubber electric car versus a foam electric car? The setup on the foam car is way stiffer. If you don't believe me, go to AE or Losi's website and download a rubber setup, then a foam setup, you'll see that the suspension settings for the foam setup are always stiffer. That's because the car doesn't have to roll as much with foams to get the same traction as with rubber. Now, I'm more of an indoor carpet guy, so I really don't know what works well outdoors. It could be that because of the bumpy surface, a softer suspension with rubber tires could work better because it absorbs the bumps better. I think it's like what Rookie said, at the big outdoor races with nice permanent tracks, maybe they can run foams because it's super smooth (so they can run stiffer suspension).

[Rookie Solara]

Does anyone know what pinion and spur tooth count to use in TP with a brushless set-up? I have only run my TC3 with the 27T Monster Stock motor and I know I can gear it way lower with the brushless motor. Anyone have any experience with this yet? Make sure your suggestions will make me go faster than Howard :-)

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

Impossible, cause I have those hugh POWERED by MUGEN all over my Team Assiociated NTC3 and my TOYOTA Solara...at least extra 10hp per inch...LOL

Not to mention, my POWERED by MUGEN T-shirt.....extra downforce.

[Rookie Solara]

The first trophy race (also the first of our 2004 points series) will be Sunday, September 16th (opening day is the 2nd, then we're off on the 9th for Mother's Day, then the points race on the 16th).
..............

Walt.....please, I hope the first trophy race is MAY 16th instead of September 16th........otherwise, I will have good 4 months break before I head down to TP....

Chinese Calender does not work in USA.....but it works with BRIAN cause using Chinese calender, 15 minutes main equal to 1 minutes DNF...HA HA HA.....

[Rookie Solara]

Were you talking about the Novak race or the Triple Crown race up at Trackside (you mentioned WI). I raced at both events and at each event, the top foam guy was always at least a lap up on the top rubber guy. The top rubber guy may be a lap up on the worst foam guy, but that's because the foam guy wasn't set up right. But anywhere you go, the foam cars are just faster.
I'm not sure how you can compare 19T foam guys at AJs to stock rubber guys at Trackside. What did you mean by they "do what the 19T guys at AJ's do"? do you mean the stock rubber guys did, say, 23 laps at Trackside when at AJs, the 19T foam guys also did 23 laps? Well, having raced at both places, AJs is bigger. I also race at RSJ's, and those of you that have been there know how small it is. Stock foam guys usually do around 27-29 laps in five minutes. Does it mean that I'm faster there than I am at AJs, where I might only do 23 or 24 laps running a 19T motor? no. it's because RSJ's is smaller. Maybe I just don't understand what you're saying. I just don't see how you can compare laptimes at one track versus laptimes at another track when they're different sizes. What you should do is compare laptimes at the same track on a given day with different cars. And I'd guarantee that at any big indoor carpet race this year, the top foam guy was always faster than the top rubber guy.
Have you ever set up a rubber electric car versus a foam electric car? The setup on the foam car is way stiffer. If you don't believe me, go to AE or Losi's website and download a rubber setup, then a foam setup, you'll see that the suspension settings for the foam setup are always stiffer. That's because the car doesn't have to roll as much with foams to get the same traction as with rubber. Now, I'm more of an indoor carpet guy, so I really don't know what works well outdoors. It could be that because of the bumpy surface, a softer suspension with rubber tires could work better because it absorbs the bumps better. I think it's like what Rookie said, at the big outdoor races with nice permanent tracks, maybe they can run foams because it's super smooth (so they can run stiffer suspension).

I think....both elect and nitro can do a stiff setting..........but it must use FOAMS unless you really have a lot of rubber selection for you to choose from and you have a lot of time to test the track in differnet TIME and different GROUND Temperature...........

Indoor carpet has its own consistant temp, so that is easy....then using tire compound will help.

Outdoor track....dust and small rock, not good....differenet track temp thru out the whole day....that make it tought.
If there is a option of using FOAM, why not use it...........? But only reaosn you don't want to use foam is, you don't want to learn driving with foams when all the major event are only accept using RUBBER....

I think that need to address on SUNDAY, since you guys saying FOAMS are 1-2 laps faster then rubber.....to make it fair, you guys should either all run FOAMS or all RUBBERS...........but I personally don't like that idea, more rule, more trouble...and checking everyone by enforcing the rule is not fun, also, we don't pay enough for WALT or other to enforce the rule every single time..

I agree RUN whatever that you want....when you realized no matter how hard or how fast you tried when you are using rubber still cannot beat the TAMIYA GRASSHOPPER with foam tires, you will switch to foams on the main.

That is just part of the racing experience.......and don't get to serious about that.

[chicago rc]

I want to race in the nitro class so I can run with Howard. I will be entering my E-Maxx though, not my TC3, so I can run over his car like I did on the off-road track last year. That is always fun.

So do I want to gear towards top speed or acceleration for TP? I am so used to racing at RSJ’s tiny track over the winter (sharpening my mad driving skills to teach Howard not to mess with round eye), that top speed has not been on my mind for a while.

Also, will the brushless setup with 3300’s run a solid 5 minutes?

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Rookie Solara]

I want to race in the nitro class so I can run with Howard. I will be entering my E-Maxx though, not my TC3, so I can run over his car like I did on the off-road track last year. That is always fun.

So do I want to gear towards top speed or acceleration for TP? I am so used to racing at RSJ’s tiny track over the winter (sharpening my mad driving skills to teach Howard not to mess with round eye), that top speed has not been on my mind for a while.

Also, will the brushless setup with 3300’s run a solid 5 minutes?

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

Wow...you are comparing the RSJ track to TP now..?

Anyhow...I don't know if there is any different between NITRO gearing and elect gearing, but for my NTC3, even with the HIGHEST(tallest gear), I still think the NTC3 can go a little taller, except that is the tallest gear that AE is offering....so for your TC3, I will say go to the tallest or at least going TOWARD the tall area....TP track is much wider, and that long straight, you need to MAX your car up big time.

[Walt]

Walt.....please, I hope the first trophy race is MAY 16th instead of September 16th........otherwise, I will have good 4 months break before I head down to TP....

Chinese Calender does not work in USA.....but it works with BRIAN cause using Chinese calender, 15 minutes main equal to 1 minutes DNF...HA HA HA.....

Darn... and I actually proof read my posts... see what good that does. Nice catch Howard... MAY is the month we're going into, not September... don't know where my brain was.

And, in short, in my limited experience, rubber tires can be just about as good as foam, but it's MUCH harder to get them to perform at their peak, whether that be tire selection or car set up... foams are just more forgiving, but probably also a little better when at their best compared to rubbers at their best, but not by much.

Just spent way more than I should on trophies (four digits... ouch!).. everyone who comes out to our trophy races (5 of them) will go away with something (trophy or ribbon).

See you guys on Sunday (or Saturday if you race off road).

[Euge]

And, in short, in my limited experience, rubber tires can be just about as good as foam, but it's MUCH harder to get them to perform at their peak, whether that be tire selection or car set up... foams are just more forgiving, but probably also a little better when at their best compared to rubbers at their best, but not by much.

If you're talking outside on asphault, you may be right. I am mostly an indoor carpet guy. When you talk indoor carpet, foam is always faster.
When I raced at the Triple Crown race up at trackside, I won the E main in stock foam. However, my time was better than the ENTIRE stock rubber field (including the A main). Am I a better driver than the ENTIRE stock rubber class? nope. Keep in mind that these cars are IDENTICAL. Same motors, same track layout, same day. Look for 'Eugene Sia' in the results.

http://www.trackside.com/040229Mains.htm

What I describe is pretty typical of indoor carpet results. laptimes are always faster with foam tires. Click on any of the Trackside results and you'll see this is true. (they're the only track I know of that posts results where they race the same identical cars, but foam and rubber seperately)

Or just look at the laptimes of the stock foam guys versus the stock rubber guys. It's really not even close. I can't believe we're even debating this.
Now, I raced at the Novak race with a stock rubber car and was middle of the pack. My skills didn't automatically eclipse the whole stock rubber class at Trackside in about a month.

But like I said before, I don't know that much about running outdoors on a bumpy, dusty parking lot which may favor rubber tires.

[Nexus]

i probably won't make it out for the opening weekend at Tinley...

But I'm going to try and take the sunday off on the 16th for the Trophy race.


as for rubber vs. foams...on carpet...same car...same driver...same motor...ect....foams will hands down always be faster then rubber tires.


having said that i will be running a half rubber half foam combo! :P

[chicago rc]

Could this discussion on foams vs. rubber go on any longer?

Does anyone know the diameter of a foam tire for calculating rollout? I read 65mm is pretty common. The calculation based on the TC3 final drive of 2.5, 60000 RPM (is that what a brushless can do???) and a 25 pinion / 72 spur will net me 63mph! Take away some drag and mechanical loss but still. Any thoughts?

[Walt]

I can't believe we're even debating this.


Actually, I didn't think we were debating this, just talking about experiences.

I do have a question though about the Novak race and other races where you are comparing foam vs. rubber. In any of those races, was the rubber class a 'hand out tire' class verses an 'open' foam class (run whatever foam you want)? If so, that makes a HUGE difference. I seem to remember hearing that the rubber guys were having a problem at Trackside with too much traction leading to traction rolling (but maybe I'm just remembering that wrong), and they couldn't change to a different tire because of the rules.

My point, if I'm even making one, is that you really can't compare results of foam verses rubber if the foam guys could run any tire they want and the rubber guys were stuck with one particular tire, because like I had said before, from my experience, rubber tires are very touchy, and you need just the right rubber tire for a particular track on a particular day at a particular temperature. If you can't change rubber tires, and you don't just happen to have the perfect one, you're screwed.

At the HPI World finals last year we had to use one particular rubber HPI tire in the Super Nitro class. On the first day of qualifying, in the heat of the day, just after putting down traction compound (sugar water), those particular rubber tires were perfect, and we ran lap times just as fast in Super Nitro as in Nitro Pro (R40's) where we could use foams. But when the finals came around, on day two, at night, about 40 degrees cooler air temp and even more of a swing in track temp, those same rubber tires were absolute GARBAGE! We went from 15 second laps to 23 second laps... that's a HUGE difference. A 23 second lap time on day one of qualifying would put you in the C-main. But with the foams on our touring cars the lap times didn't drop off at all. And I think that if I could have put on a different set of rubber tires I could have been right back where I was on day one (in fact, I suspect some did do that, ie: cheat, because they were hooking up fairly well in the main, and there was NO WAY to get those 'hot track' tires to work in the cold, and there really is no way to tell what compound HPI tire you're running... it was pretty much an 'honor' system).

So anyways, just out of curriosity, at the Trackside race you mentioned, were the rubber guys stuck with one particular rubber tire, or could they run any rubber tire?

And just to clarify again, at Chicagoland R/C Raceway this year (Tinley), you can run any tire you want in both nitro and electric, rubber or foam.

[Euge]

So anyways, just out of curriosity, at the Trackside race you mentioned, were the rubber guys stuck with one particular rubber tire, or could they run any rubber tire?

yeah, usually at the big races, the rubber tire class is a handout class and the foam tire class is whatever you want. And I see what you're getting at with not being able to change rubber compounds. But even during the regular race days when you can use whatever rubber tire you want, the times are still slower in the rubber class. I'm not anti-rubber as much as it may sound. In fact, I somewhat recently switched over to foams. I ran strictly rubber until about Jan/Feb. When I switched to foams, my laptimes dropped significantly. But again this was on carpet.

But like you said, rubber is very temperature sensitive. Foams are much more consistent

[Walt]

yeah, usually at the big races, the rubber tire class is a handout class and the foam tire class is whatever you want. And I see what you're getting at with not being able to change rubber compounds. But even during the regular race days when you can use whatever rubber tire you want, the times are still slower in the rubber class. I'm not anti-rubber as much as it may sound. In fact, I somewhat recently switched over to foams. I ran strictly rubber until about Jan/Feb. When I switched to foams, my laptimes dropped significantly. But again this was on carpet.

But like you said, rubber is very temperature sensitive. Foams are much more consistent

Yep... I agree 100%. Rubbers 'can' work well (but probably not quite as well as foams), but it's really hard to get them there... I would show up to the HPI Challenge races with hundreds of dollars worth of HPI rubber tires ready to go for the race... I felt I needed just about every combination of compound and insert to make sure I'd have the right setup. With foams, I usually have at most three different compounds for front and rear and I'm confident I'll have something that will work. Heck, for 1/12th scale carpet I have just two compounds in my box, and one of those I never ended up using in a race... just tried them in practice... those foams are really forgiving.

Let the guys know up at RSJ about our track if they don't already know... I feel it's in bad taste to promote one track on another track's thread, so I don't like to do it, but I honestly think a lot of those electric guys just pack up their cars for the summer. I just want them to know that there is somewhere they can race outdoors, if they want (and if they don't want to run off road at RSJ).

[Euge]

yeah, I've already mentioned it to a bunch of racers at RSJ's. Seems like many of them do race offroad, but I'm still hoping some of them make it out to TP.

I hear what you're saying about not wanting to promote TP on RSJ's thread. Have you thought about creating your own Chicagoland RC Raceway thread on the same board that RSJ's on? (I'm not sure if it's taboo to mention another forum on this forum). I guess it would be two places to update and field questions, but then again it would double your exposure. and that other board is pretty huge too.

man, I really hope for racing on Sunday. (I don't want to be the first to jinx it and mention r-a-i-n. uh oh. I think I just did. yikes. )

[Nexus]

most big races with a rubber tire class does have a 'control tire'...but like euge said...even at club races when we were able to run any rubber compound....foams were always faster.

plus at most if not all carpet tracks around here....the 'fast' guys run foam. i've made the A and won the A in stock/rubber at RSJ, AJ's, and Trackside....in foams i have yet to break into the A. if everyone show's up in foams at RSJ and Trackside.....it's pretty much made up with racers who have either won those 'big races' or make the A or B main at those events.


i also mentioned the race to some of them....i'm hoping i can get some of the guys from Team Hurricane to make their way to Tinley for the trophy race.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

Were you talking about the Novak race or the Triple Crown race up at Trackside (you mentioned WI). I raced at both events and at each event, the top foam guy was always at least a lap up on the top rubber guy. The top rubber guy may be a lap up on the worst foam guy, but that's because the foam guy wasn't set up right. But anywhere you go, the foam cars are just faster.
I'm not sure how you can compare 19T foam guys at AJs to stock rubber guys at Trackside. What did you mean by they "do what the 19T guys at AJ's do"? do you mean the stock rubber guys did, say, 23 laps at Trackside when at AJs, the 19T foam guys also did 23 laps? Well, having raced at both places, AJs is bigger. I also race at RSJ's, and those of you that have been there know how small it is. Stock foam guys usually do around 27-29 laps in five minutes. Does it mean that I'm faster there than I am at AJs, where I might only do 23 or 24 laps running a 19T motor? no. it's because RSJ's is smaller. Maybe I just don't understand what you're saying. I just don't see how you can compare laptimes at one track versus laptimes at another track when they're different sizes. What you should do is compare laptimes at the same track on a given day with different cars. And I'd guarantee that at any big indoor carpet race this year, the top foam guy was always faster than the top rubber guy.
Have you ever set up a rubber electric car versus a foam electric car? The setup on the foam car is way stiffer. If you don't believe me, go to AE or Losi's website and download a rubber setup, then a foam setup, you'll see that the suspension settings for the foam setup are always stiffer. That's because the car doesn't have to roll as much with foams to get the same traction as with rubber. Now, I'm more of an indoor carpet guy, so I really don't know what works well outdoors. It could be that because of the bumpy surface, a softer suspension with rubber tires could work better because it absorbs the bumps better. I think it's like what Rookie said, at the big outdoor races with nice permanent tracks, maybe they can run foams because it's super smooth (so they can run stiffer suspension). i agree foam will be faster i think i said that in the post. and i compaired the two tracks because i was runing x lap times at ajs and i was runing about the same at trackside, yes two seprate tracks but i was runing the same times. at aj's the 19t class was about two or three laps ahead of the stock rubber. at trackside the stock rubber was two or three laps ahead of me. i did make changes and got within a lap of the top guys. but my point was how little i know or thought i knew i said im no expert by any stretch of the word, but i was blown away because i thought the way the car was set up was good, and found out i was way off. this is why i said a car with a good setup on rubber wil be just as fast or close to a car with foams runing a setup like i have seen at tinley.

[AKA_GEN_VOODOO]

i agree foam will be faster i think i said that in the post. and i compaired the two tracks because i was runing x lap times at ajs and i was runing about the same at trackside, yes two seprate tracks but i was runing the same times. at aj's the 19t class was about two or three laps ahead of the stock rubber. at trackside the stock rubber was two or three laps ahead of me. i did make changes and got within a lap of the top guys. but my point was how little i know or thought i knew i said im no expert by any stretch of the word, but i was blown away because i thought the way the car was set up was good, and found out i was way off. this is why i said a car with a good setup on rubber wil be just as fast or close to a car with foams runing a setup like i have seen at tinley. also i forgot to say you do not get the same bite out of foams outdoors as you do indoors

[Rookie Solara]

...........
man, I really hope for racing on Sunday. (I don't want to be the first to jinx it and mention r-a-i-n. uh oh. I think I just did. yikes. )

HEY HEY HEY....what are you THINKING...? Don't say that word...and don't event try to TYPE it...Don't Don't Don't Don't Don't..............

[Euge]

HEY HEY HEY....what are you THINKING...? Don't say that word...and don't event try to TYPE it...Don't Don't Don't Don't Don't..............

hehehehehheheheheheheh yeah, I should be docked 2 laps from the first race for just mentioning it.

[Rookie Solara]

A little off topic here, but I would like to help my friend to sell these before heading to ebay, I can bring them all to TINLEY PARK Raceway this SUNDAY if anyone are interested....

I also have a almost new INTEGY Setup station, 95% new HUDY board, HUDY drivers set for NTC3 (standard size), HUDY setup blocks for ride height....some NEW or USED foam tires....etc

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/ebay/sirio/Picture%20008.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/ebay/ntc3/Picture%20004.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/ebay/ntc3parts/Picture%20012.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/ebay/ntc3parts/Picture%20014.jpg

[Rookie Solara]

Thanks for looking...Sirio engine, Reedy charger, NTC3 spur and pinion gears are all SOLD (all within 4 hours...)

I should consider being a SALE person or something..........why the heck I want to be an architect.....?

[chicago rc]

Howard, please stick to drawing.

Looking forward to seeing all of you on Sunday!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Rookie Solara]

Howard, please stick to drawing.

Looking forward to seeing all of you on Sunday!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

Because of you, I kinda know that it will be RAIN OUT tomorrow.......can you stay home instead...? (Just kidding....see you tomorrow and we need to sit to each other cause no one really want to hang with the next WILLIAM HUNG....)

[chicago rc]

Who is william hung? Sounds like a porn star. I will have my explorer and will be there about 9:30am at the latest, save me a spot next to the Solara.

Brian

[Rookie Solara]

Who is william hung? Sounds like a porn star. I will have my explorer and will be there about 9:30am at the latest, save me a spot next to the Solara.

Brian

No....you SIT next to me, but don't Park next to my China TOWNCAR Solara...white ppl learned how to park from Chuck n' Cheese....LOL

Just spotted my neighbour is selling his 5000 miles EVO8 with $10,000 of MOD....selling for $25,000 only (I wish wife will let me buy a stick....and I am sure that car will be in my garage by now...) the last time he did a 1/4 mile at the strip was a 11.764 sec....N/A Turbo with lots of mod...but no spray and 30% nitro....LOL