Chicago Racing (track info inside)

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Rookie: You are making a compelling argument. Can i look at a .15 big block and know that its a big block and not a small block? or do i have to do surgery to figure it out.

I think there is only 1 thing I don't understand..........why even BOTHER to bring the word ".15 small block" into this specific race, don't use the HPI spec and drop into this race, the reason I asked is because I seen so many BIG BLOCK .15 engine mounted a small heat sink and CLAIMED that a small block .15 (you can ask WALT that on the last Chicago HPI challenge on Tony's Super Nitro), that is NOT TRUE, BIG block is always big block..........You just created one thing that ppl will argue OVER and OVER, and just ONE MORE thing to worry and argue about........

Just simply put........ Elect cars with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING are acceptable.

And Nitro cars.......200mm TC with TC body (no lola), regular 75cc tank and .12 small block engine (Turbo or non-turbo, your call).

Don't over writing the rules, you need ppl to WORK with your rules, not argue and benting the rules.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Nexus
Just sending a pic of my new TC3 body....hope to see everyone at the races.

now you know what i look like :P


http://users.rcn.com/nexus1.enteract/images/teampic_nexus.jpg

Dude.......welcome to Chicago, and nice nice POST of your ride...let me guess, you do OWN a Honda Civic with Jackson blower, Cam gears, coilovers, DC rear strut bars, big carbon wings, 18" rims and Wing west body kits, right...? The pics of your TC3 and yourself does look like the post card I saw on HOT IMPORT NIGHT every year.....so I just take a wild guess about your real ride...

Anyhow, see you in HTOP and start charging your 3300 mah batteries.........cause you will need that to race us Nitro ppl.

[Nexus]

rookie:

thanks...buuuut you guessed big time wrong. i drive a pick-up :) Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD woo hoo...no rice rockets for me. only rc rice rockets.

as far as nitro goes....i'm already planning on what size Peak mod motor i want to race with against the slow..i mean nitros.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Nexus
rookie:

thanks...buuuut you guessed big time wrong. i drive a pick-up :) Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD woo hoo...no rice rockets for me. only rc rice rockets.

as far as nitro goes....i'm already planning on what size Peak mod motor i want to race with against the slow..i mean nitros. .


Nitro' guys r not mean we are cool and good looking people.

Anyway ur last name is so familiar. We had a freind in grade school name Eugene Isla. We were all in a basketball team and and same club (Milo best). Unfortunately, Eugene past away when were in the sixth grade. We all went to Saint Joseph's College in Manila.

[Nexus]

kakolitoy: i was born here and don't know all of my relatives in the Filipines....most live in and around Taal.


as far as Nitros...you guys have big heavy mean cars that us electric guys have to try and avoid or face the breakage :eek:

what was the final result from last years challenge?

any results w/ car info?

[Rookie Solara]

Just watch my car.........I reinforced my car a little so I can T_BONE anything in front of me................HEE HEE

Just kidding.........again, nice prop on your body, make sure take alot of pictures of that body before any race, cause it will never be the same again.

I don't know much about ELECT anymore, so Mab_man20 is the man that you need to hang with, also Hauntedmyst is the other ELECT guy running X-ray or something.....(but I've got a feeling he is jumping the boat BACK to Nitro TC3...don't know why..)

No matter what, HTOP is not a SPEEDY track, lots of tight turns and low-end torque is what you need to have......OK, I better stop giving out all the GOODIES to the enemy (elect guy that is).

Nitro ppl to watch?......kakolitoy and his gang with Serpent 705, if you don't know anything about 705, take a look at the Serpent website.

[kakolitoy]

Rookie is the guy to watch @ Oak Park. His NTC3 has the record of the highest and best lap times @ Oak Park. U will see in this summer. We will try to catch up as fast as we can. I want to make a pic of my bro's pro before we race again this summer :)

[HauntedMyst]

The guys to watch are Mab Man and Mikey (not on the board in electric, and Howard and Evan (not on the board) in nitro at OP. Howard was the walk away winner last year. As for the nitro electric challenge, I don't remember the exact numbers but the race pretty much proved neither is better. Howard was so on fire last year, he would have won if he was driving a dialed electric car. The rest of you nitro guys didn't get to see him race much since you were racing against him but he was racing his lines with near pin point accuracy. Even if no one can keep up with him, at least people should enjoy the driving lesson he provides.

Which brings up another topic, when will Howard change his nick to Pro Solara? Rookie Solara is just deceiving at this point!

Evan, the younger Chakonis brother only was in 1 or 2 races last year and last year he was able to hang with Walt in the one race they raced together and if you've seen Walt race, that is no small feat. He's coming back to race this year with a new 705 and OS TR engine.

Chris Chakonis, the race director ran electric last year but is coming back to nitro. I believe he will have a new ride as well but I am not sure what it will be. If he is able to focus on racing and not as distracted by running the races, he has the natural talent to give the fast guys a run for their money.

Mikey wasn't there in electric last year beyond the first race but he has said he's coming back this year so hopefully he will give Mab some challenge. Mikey is a more naturally very talented driver, but mab is by far a smarter driver and thinks strategically so we're both hoping Mikey will display his usual weaknesses and Mab can show him some humiliation.

I'll be running electric this year, both the TC3 (I just can't get into the Xray, and this is the second time I've tried) and the Delphi spec clas. I'm slowly going to build an NTC3 again just in case electric only has 3 drivers this year.

[Nexus]

it seems nitro is the most popular there...

but you can count 2 electric TC guys in whenever my teammate and i go to your track.

[mab_man20]

Walt: Thanks for the idea, it never would have crossed my mind. I like it a lot because many drivers (me) hate pulling them in out and it makes things easier for racers (read me and chris) between heats. :p
I also like the idea of banning Lola/gtp bodies in TC. and they are definately out for the challenge.

Rookie: I still think that the track is to small for anyone (with the exception of maybe yourself) to handle a big block at WOT. For that reason all .15's and .12's will be allowed. If someone uses one this year and clearly blows away the competition and its obvious it was the engine then we will make a change.

With chris moving over to nitro and mikey back in it (if he doesnt we are planning to hang him by his underwear from the team chakonas tent) we will have 3 guys every single race. If Nexus and company show that is 5, if joker and his gang come around again we will have 7-8. That does not include a few people who made it out last year and newbies.

Mikey is a little better driver than I am, but im really working on the set up this year, and i hope that will give me the advantage that i need.

ELECTRIC GUYS NEED TO COME OUT! WE ARE SLOWLY FORMING A GREAT CORE GROUP, BUT WE NEED THE NUMBERS!!!

[Walt]

Alright... there has been a little too much talk about HTOP lately... time to push my track a little too...

The Chicagoland R/C Raceway (at Tinley Park Bowl, www.chicagolandrc.com) has announced their racing schedule for the 2003 season.

MicroRS4: Year round on Wednesday evenings, track opens by 6pm, racing starts at 7pm and usually goes until about 9:30pm. The cost is $5 per person. We race in the banquet room during the winter, but might move outside when the weather is nice. Pit tables, chairs and electricity provided. Food and full bar service available just a few feet away from the banquet room.

Outdoor Off Road: Season starts on Saturday May 17th and runs every Saturday through October. Track opens at 9am, racing starts at 11am. Cost is $10/person for the first class, $5 extra for additional classes. We'll run all off road classes 1/8th scale or smaller, 3 of the same type required to get their own heat.

Outdoor On Road: Season starts on Sunday May 4th and runs every Sunday through October. Track opens at 9am, racing starts at 11am. Cost is also $10/person for the first class, $5 extra for additional classes. We'll run any cars 1/8th scale or smaller, 3 required to get their own heat.

RCNASCAR: (200mm nitro touring car oval racing with NASCAR bodies, etc.) Season starts on Friday May 9th and runs every Friday evening, except the 4th of July, through August 22nd. See our website for more details and to sign up.

Food, drinks (including alcohol) available at all of our races. AMBrc scoring supporting personal transponders (personal transponders can be purchased for about $60 each right now, but we hear the price is going up... we resell them at our cost). Both tracks are well lit, so we can race at night. The off road track will be open for practice daily from 9am until about 3am (normal bowling alley hours), however, the current off road track is located inside the beer garden, so it's 21 and over only when beer is being served (evenings, usually after 6pm).

The on road track measures 185 feet by 100 feet, and the off road track measures about 110 feet by 40 feet.

If there aren't enough electric guys showing up to HTOP, or if you feel the need to let your cars unwind on our 185 foot straightaway, plan on coming to our track. In our first 4 races ran at the end of last season, we consistently got a full field of dedicated electric touring cars, so you can be sure we'll have a full field of them again this year. Plus, we run on road on Sundays and HTOP runs on Saturdays, so you can do both if you want, and we'll be running every week, so come on out to our track on HTOP's off weeks.

We also have plans in the works to expand both the on road and off road tracks. If all goes well, by the end of this season we'll have two all new, permanent tracks capable of hosting Regional, National and even World Championship caliber R/C events on our 2+ acre dedicated R/C facility.

You can all go back to talking about HTOP now :)

[kakolitoy]

I keep telling u pls. pls.

make ur on road on a Sat. I promise u I will bring a lot of 8th scale drivers on that day. Not just 8th scale there will be more drivers that i know that can race on a Sat.

There are a lot of 8th scale drivers that race in the North side of Chicago. Bigger track is always great in all the scale. we can really pull our throttle. I sold about 3 8th scale from ur racers in Tinley. Now it will be more fun and great practice for the big block drivers.

Tinley is awesome in running races and great transponders. We hope that we can race Sundays. That sucks I have to call in for or leave early from work Like what I did last time.

[Walt]

Sorry, the schedule is what it is... off road Saturday, on road Sunday. But we have lots of opportunity to open up the schedule (add more races) if there is demand.

If you're so confident that you can get a full heat of 1/8th scale guys out to the track, tell me what day and time (other than when we already have racing scheduled), and we'll set up the track and run a 1/8th only race. If it works out, we'll do it every week. We'll even supply the marshals so it will be all racing for you. We'll run 1/8th like it's supposed to be run... 1 hour mains. We'll also set up the track wider for you guys then we would normally on Sundays when we have to tailor slightly more toward the high volume, touring car guys.

If you like Saturday so much, how about Saturday evenings? Maybe Sunday evenings after the normal Sunday races are over (and after you guys get off of work). How about Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening under the lights?

We just can't change what we know works based on a promise that you guys will make up for all the people we'd lose by not running on Sunday.

Get your group together, pick a day to race, and we'll accommodate you. Get in touch with the Midwest Series guys. See if they'll join you.

[kakolitoy]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Walt
[B]Sorry, the schedule is what it is... off road Saturday, on road Sunday. But we have lots of opportunity to open up the schedule (add more races) if there is demand.

If you're so confident that you can get a full heat of 1/8th scale guys out to the track, tell me what day and time (other than when we already have racing scheduled), and we'll set up the track and run a 1/8th only race. If it works out, we'll do it every week. We'll even supply the marshals so it will be all racing for you. We'll run 1/8th like it's supposed to be run... 1 hour mains. We'll also set up the track wider for you guys then we would normally on Sundays when we have to tailor slightly more toward the high volume, touring car guys.

If you like Saturday so much, how about Saturday evenings? Maybe Sunday evenings after the normal Sunday races are over (and after you guys get off of work). How about Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening under the lights?

I know there are @ least six consistent guys that will race 8th scale. I am not sure about Sat. nights. We can try it and if it works out and that will be great. I will call Mr. Jones to convince a lot of racers from the midwest series. However, I know they might complain about the floor. Espo did complianed already. He said that the track is too bumpy. Anyway, I heard Tony said that u will refurb the lot. If that is true. I will put posters in a big hobby shop like Al's and Venture. It will be strictly 8th scale and impact. There are some 8th scale costumers @ Al's. Now if they know there is a 8th scale track @ Tinley they might not race in AJ anymore because Tinley is closer. Pls. give me @ least a copy how will u make a ads for 8th scale, and I will probably put a pic of a 8th scale and a pic of ur track.

I really wanted to go to Racine and Bradley this year for the Midwest series, but there is no place to practice 8th scale and 1/10 235. Ur track is the best to practice this kind of cars. I hope it will work out.

thanks

[Walt]

We no longer have plans to resurface the parking lot for on road racing because instead we have plans to build an all new, permanent, paved on road track in back. That track will be silky smooth, and banked in some of the corners.

No idea yet when the new track will be completed though. We're still seeking approval from the Village of Tinley Park to actually get going on the project.

Also, once the new track is open, it will be available for open practice every day, 9am until 3am, so you'll be able to get plenty of practice in, even if we don't hold a race when you want one.

I'll keep you informed of our progress.

[Rookie Solara]

I second the SUNDAY race, cause we have HTOP race on SAT, that is more then enough. Then when HTOP is off every other week, I can race at Tinley (even though I cannot race every single Sunday), but that makes me a FULL racing season on every single week.........just can't be better then this.

Don't forget, there are MORE ppl that want to race and cannot race SAT, I am sure the crowd will be more on SUNDAY and Sat.....just make sure those PIZZA and POPS (BEERS.....shhhh) are ready.........:D

[kakolitoy]

Great day to start breaking in some fresh motors!!!!!!!!! I will make sure I will break in @ least 2 today.

:)

[Rookie Solara]

July 19 & 20 - Jackson, Michigan
at the Jackson County Airport in conjunction with the Hot Air Jubilee

Come to this forum (see link below)and there are several HPI representative there answering questions. Apparently, HOTEL is the biggest problem cause this one sounds like drawing a lot of ppl compare to the rest of the challenge (according from this forum, so read thru them all).....and we are planning to race there, we have to settle the time and date and HOTEL ROOM.

HPI Michigan Challenge information forum (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?threadid=43116)

Lets start planning................

[xxx mike]

I am going up on the morning of the 18th to get in some practice on the track before race day. If you and brian, walt or whoever else is coming wants to share a room, you can sleep on my floor free or pay half of the hotel cost to get a second bed in the room. I am bringing one table like from Tinley bowl that I can share with 1 other racer.. I'll have 1 chair with me also, unless someone really needs one and lets me know in advance. I bring a video camera and tripod also.

HONG KONG SKILLZ!!!

[xxx mike]

What hotel are you guys staying at howard? Comfort Inn? Motel 6? Holiday Inn?

I am going to book my room this week, probably tomorrow if I hear from you by then... I would like to stay at the same place if possible, so I can learn some HONG KONG SKILLZ for car set up and racing on Saturday and Sunday. heh

[Rookie Solara]

I am just bringing up the HOTEL issue on this race, still not decide to race or not..........too far away to talk about.

At the worst case........I can still sleep in the back of my car. Thanks for the offer Mike, and we can talk about that more later.

[T-Racer]

Hi Guys

Time for me to stir some action on this site( all in fun). Thurs I was working at Al's Hobby in walks in a follow racer none to the guys on this site as K------------- or real name A------------. By the readings with is new Serpines (spell wrong on purpose Howard) he will kick butt this year. At first i suggested a Challenge to him. Which was Rookie and Walt and myself T-racer against him and two other racers of his choice for any amount . Well well he said in regest "rookie and walt are to tuff" ( the first nice thing he said all year. He suggest - Him and I and I said yes to the challenge. Stay tune for time and place. Bring it on Bro" LOL

T-Racer

[mab_man20]

T-racer: Sounds like quite a challenge. Let us know where and when so we can catch te action.

If any electric guys care, i will be at venture this sunday.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by T-Racer
Hi Guys

Time for me to stir some action on this site( all in fun). Thurs I was working at Al's Hobby in walks in a follow racer none to the guys on this site as K------------- or real name A------------. By the readings with is new Serpines (spell wrong on purpose Howard) he will kick butt this year. At first i suggested a Challenge to him. Which was Rookie and Walt and myself T-racer against him and two other racers of his choice for any amount . Well well he said in regest "rookie and walt are to tuff" ( the first nice thing he said all year. He suggest - Him and I and I said yes to the challenge. Stay tune for time and place. Bring it on Bro" LOL

T-Racer


T-Racer as in T_ _ _ the tiger, just to be clear in any readers in this forum u r the one who propose to race w/ Rookie and Walt. U r the one that brought it up. Anyway, I wanted to talk to Don Jones just tell him that we exist in the world of rc competition. Don Jones and Brian Berry are very cool person so far. I know u mentioned that some of them are A.. so I decided just to stop emaling and calling them. However, Berry is a cool guy he shared a lot of set up tips for my 950, and Vector


I did accept ur challenge w/ 1/10 200mm. I will also challenge u w. Super N and impact challenge and 8th scale as well.

I know u r a novice racer and I am a rookie racer, but I like challenges that makes me stronger and more competitive (Its Like lifting more weight on my bench AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! HHHH!!! I will prepare my car like how I prepare my body on street football HuHuHuHuHuH!!!).

BTW: I do not need anyone to back me up not like someone out there.

I know my capabilities and limitations. This day on I will be preparing for u T Racer Hhahahhahahahhahaah!!!!!

The heat is on bring it on ( NO Offense , I do not want to say Bro to u, I always respect my elders) Sir T-Racer.

[Nexus]

mab_man20:

good seeing you at Venture....looks like your body #2 took a beating :P

Superstock class was a bit open with a couple of the top drivers at Trackside for the Tamiya race....overall it was fun and nice to sneak into the Superstock A Main!!

:eek:


ah haaa people taking challenges and talking it up...that's what i like to hear.

any electric challengers?

hmmm i'll throw one out.....my teammate and I vs. any other 2 in electric TC stock....winner judge by the 2 higher finishing positions.

(stirring the pot) helolol

or how about 1st to break? ... oh wait... :P

[xxx mike]

Good picks on team mates T Racer.... hahaha

Going along with your theme... also challenge you (T-racer) to a game of basketball...

Rules are:

My friend Shaq and I vs. you and any one of your friends. :P

[Rookie Solara]

Hmmmmmmm, what can I say now?.......................(still thinking).

Hmmmmmmmmm, what should I say now..........?

Damn, winter is almost over..........and temperature is raising, and that means the BASHING and "TRUST" Talking need to go away.....and please bring those TC and 235mm on the road and see who's the man, and who's the shame..........

For those NTC3 racers, I think I should have some Titaninum UNIVERSAL drive shafts (not CVD) coming from Hong Kong......please let me know if any one is interested, they came in PAIRS and you need 2 sets.

[wrxdan]

I was looking at the pics on www.chicagorc.com. What track is this?

http://www.chicagorc.com/photos/2002/large/9%20(4).jpg

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Hmmmmmmm, what can I say now?.......................(still thinking).

Hmmmmmmmmm, what should I say now..........?

Damn, winter is almost over..........and temperature is raising, and that means the BASHING and "TRUST" Talking need to go away.....and please bring those TC and 235mm on the road and see who's the man, and who's the shame..........

For those NTC3 racers, I think I should have some Titaninum UNIVERSAL drive shafts (not CVD) coming from Hong Kong......please let me know if any one is interested, they came in PAIRS and you need 2 sets.

How much?

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
I was looking at the pics on www.chicagorc.com. What track is this?

http://www.chicagorc.com/photos/2002/large/9%20(4).jpg

That was the original Chicago RC track located at HARPER COLLEGE near Hoffman Estate........we raced there for the first 2 years (99 and 2000?) and ended after that.......

Great track, and great ppl, but way too much work and too much for insurance.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
How much?

Depends on whether we can get group discount or not........but should be like $18-$25 per pairs (again, you need 2 sets).....but again, I am not sure when and where and how to get them over here yet, so, stay tune.........

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Great track, and great ppl, but way too much work and too much for insurance.

Funny, I was reading this on lunch and found out ten minutes later that the company I work for insures Serpent USA. I think I need to take a business trip:)

[mab_man20]

Nexus: Good job on making the main! While my second body kept me out of it (got a nice crack that kept getting hung up on the wheel), my winning time in the B-main would have but me fourth in the A main, behind some very seasoned racers. I hope to make it out again soon and do a little better in qualifying (oh and I will be sure to have a bottle of Paragon traction compound)


If anyone wants to know, I improved my time by 2 laps simply by changing the traction compound from trinity red dot to the paragon.

Must race......must race.........must race.......must race.........



Oh yeah, Nexus if you guys come out to HT, Team Mike will take the two of you on (mikey and myself). hehehe

[Nexus]

mab...

not sure about other tracks but at Venture...Paragon traction compound is the best. i had a few problems in the A Main that i wasn't happy with.

you left early...afterwards when we were all practicing i was going faster then i did all day...doh!

just keep stopping your car by my while i watch and i'll fix the body again :P heleol




Hope to see more of you out there....or at Oak Park.

[dreamer_1uk]

Hi all,

Just to let you all know that there will be 3 day race event at Leisure Hours Raceway called the Chi-Town Shoot Out which will be held at the end of March for Electric and a week later for the gas. Its located in Joliet.

Thanks,

Dale

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Funny, I was reading this on lunch and found out ten minutes later that the company I work for insures Serpent USA. I think I need to take a business trip:)

Request a FACE TO FACE client visit from your boss and fly yourself down there and pick up some 705 for free, just tell them you WILL take good care of them (Just say whatever you have to say to get some FREE 705, 835 or 950.......OK?):D

[Walt]

dreamer_1uk: Do you happen to know if Leisure Hours Raceway will be running outdoors this summer? I heard a rumor that they would not be running outdoors due to noise concerns (or at least not running nitro).

[dreamer_1uk]

Hi,

I'm not too sure about that one. I assume they will run the gas outside on the weekends but as for Electric racing on a Friday, well I'm not sure if Bernie will be purchasing outdoor lighting so we can see the track when it gets dark. I will keep you posted though.

Dale

[xxx mike]

Last time I was in there (probably november) Bernie confirmed that no nitros would be run outside because of complaining neighbors. I haven't been back since then, maybe somthing has changed... but that was the last I heard.

[Euge]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Nexus: Good job on making the main! While my second body kept me out of it (got a nice crack that kept getting hung up on the wheel), my winning time in the B-main would have but me fourth in the A main, behind some very seasoned racers.

good to see you at Venture, mab_man. I am Nexus' team partner. Yeah, you seemed a LOT quicker in your main than you were in your qualifiers. Crazy that just changing traction compound would have that big of an effect.

Remember this sunday is oval at Venture, then we'll probably be back the following sunday. There's a chance we may go there this saturday.

[mab_man20]

Hey Euge, I was pritty suprised also. You finished third in the A right? Good job!

I will make it out as soon as i can.

(Next time i see you i will top off your almost empty Paragon)

[Rookie Solara]

I am not sure you guys (elect indoor ppl) want to do this, we used to use lighter to fire up those "JUICE" once you apply them onto the foams/rubber and immediately shut them down to increase the drying time of those juice............definitely don't let the track owner realized that, and defintiely don't let the fire stay on the tire too long.........

Last time I did that was like 10 years ago when I still racing 1/12th scale on carpet, not sure you guys are ready for the "Dare Devil" move on your TC.:D

[Euge]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Hey Euge, I was pritty suprised also. You finished third in the A right? Good job!

thanks mab_man. but those top two guys were pretty good. I think there was a decent gap between #2 and myself. I think I need to play around with my ride height and suspension.

Originally posted by mab_man20
(Next time i see you i will top off your almost empty Paragon)

don't worry about it. It's all good. you hardly used any. I lost most of the paragon from my tipping it over in the pits! hehehehh man, that sucked. I was afraid of getting it on my controller because I heard that stuff attacks plastic like there's no tomorrow.

[mab_man20]

Euge: Im filling your bottle up and thats final!! :p

I was just looking at the snowbirds results (thats the biggest race ever for, in case you nitro guys didnt know) and that Timmy Heiser kid that was racing foam on sunday finished 10th in foam stock and 4th in 19T rubber. Man was he fast!

[Nexus]

anyone else here going to go to Venture this Saturday?

[Euge]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Euge: Im filling your bottle up and thats final!! :p

alright, alright....... twist my arm.... :) thanks, I appreciate it.

Originally posted by mab_man20
I was just looking at the snowbirds results (thats the biggest race ever for, in case you nitro guys didnt know) and that Timmy Heiser kid that was racing foam on sunday finished 10th in foam stock and 4th in 19T rubber. Man was he fast!

wow...I knew Timmy was fast (from marshalling his foam race), but to do that well at snowbirds.........I think the kid is a cyborg or something underneath!

[Euge]

Originally posted by Nexus
anyone else here going to go to Venture this Saturday?

I'll be there. :P

[wrxdan]

Hey guys ever hear of Timbes racing club official track out in St. Charles? I found it on RCCA's site. Is this a track or club?

Dan

[wolver1ne]

I was looking at there website and I'm leaded to believe they are running nitro indoor. If so are they allowing 1/8 scale MT like the dominator in the track? Basically Is the track now open for nitro MT racing or do I have to wait till spring? I really don't care too much for racing but I defintly want to get some practice and dial in my truck :)

[xxx mike]

Leisure does run indoor nitro. I've seen 1/8th buggies and monster trucks on the track, so I'm sure you'll have no problem running whatever you got.

[T-Racer]

XXx Mikeee

Send me what you want cut on vinyl machine. Graphic or Lettering?

T-Racer

[xxx mike]

Tony, I don't know for sure what I need yet. I am going to shoot for a 5 assed monkey body and not sure what the other will be. I painted two GTP bodies a few nights ago and both look bad. :( I am still going to run them but I know I am going to take a lot of harrasment about them. They are seriously ugly.. I'm actually starting to get really down about this whole painting thing.. I spent a fair amount of money on the air brush and required accessories (hoses, dryer, regular) and almost all the createx paints they make and I am still painting like crap. I need to learn what I am doing before I waste any more bodies with bad paint jobs. I guess I just got lucky on terrance & phillip... I think that is the best body I have painted so far, but the others just look bad.

Hauntedmyst was supposed to be doing some kind of educational course to teach people how to paint bodies, but I haven't heard anything about it in a few months. I don't know if I missed it, or it's been forgotten about or what. I just know I don't want to paint any more crap bodies.

[Rookie Solara]

Guys (Tony and Walt) just got myself in the deep hole of HPI Micro, found a deal here (RCzone) and got a used Micro with big block, 2 ARM chassis, 1-way, this and that, 4 batteries pack and lots of foams for $100......now, I need to get them together and start racing with you guys....

I will stop by this Wednesday and get a grip of the MICRO, can you guys loan me a micro for some test run....?

BTW, Hauntedmist still own me a body paint.....now, what should I get from him...?

[mab_man20]

mike: haunted and i both got pritty busy around the time we had planned to do the class. You did not miss it and when things slow down a little we will schedule something and let everyone know.

Euge: We need an EMP do disable Timmy (to bad it will also take out our cars :() !!

[Walt]

Originally posted by wolver1ne
I was looking at there website and I'm leaded to believe they are running nitro indoor. If so are they allowing 1/8 scale MT like the dominator in the track? Basically Is the track now open for nitro MT racing or do I have to wait till spring? I really don't care too much for racing but I defintly want to get some practice and dial in my truck :)

I just wanted to make sure that you know about the Monster Jam event we'll be having at the Chicagoland R/C Raceway on May 10th. It will be a 'monster truck only' event, with racing, killer jumps, freestyle 'car crushing' events, sled pulls, swap meet, etc. If you're into monster trucks, this is an event to make it to.

[kakolitoy]

I suck on painting too, I cannot paint. I really want to learn how to paint.

I do not want anyone to make my bodies because I really want to learn. But I found a solution. This is going to be my body this season.

I painted my bodies w/ soap and water and dry them that is it. Paintless lexan is always great so I can see the internal parts of my cars all the time hehehheheeh!!! Its cheaper too, no need to buy paints, no need extra time to mask and put decals on, and most important thing, no more frustration of making a mistake body (HHMMM).

[wrxdan]

Going to try a trip to HTOP sometime this week or weekend, Yahoo maps says it's 18 miles from me. I am out in Wheaton. Should I take 88/290 to Lake street? or stick to Butterfield to St. Charles road to Lake street?

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Going to try a trip to HTOP sometime this week or weekend, Yahoo maps says it's 18 miles from me. I am out in Wheaton. Should I take 88/290 to Lake street? or stick to Butterfield to St. Charles road to Lake street?

If you are early enough (9:00 to 10:00am) 290 section should be OK.....anytime after 10:00, from 88/290 merge to HARLEM ave are a MESS.......if you must take I-88 toward City, I think it really doesn't matter to take 290 or take Lake street, but for me, I can take North Ave(from Al's hobby shop) exit on Manhime Road then go to LAKE all the way down HTOP.........the local has plenty of lights and stop sign, not to mention the COPS for speeding ticket, but I am average 40-45mph the whole way take me like 25 minutes from Elmhurst to HTOP......sometime fhe 290 to Harlem can take you 30-45 minutes for just traffic, not to mention accident or road construction if there is any.

[T-Racer]

Hay kakolitoy

I do not want to bust your clear bubble but clear boddies will not be allowed at Chicagoland R/C Raceway. Learn or i will paint them for you for a small fee LOL.

[mab_man20]

Dan: If you head down mid day (week or weekend), traffic on 290 wont be as bad as lake. Yes the traffic will be bad as you get off, but it is a small price to pay. HT doesnt open until 10 every day, and 12 on sundays.

kakolitoy: more bad news, you cant race at HTOP with a clear body either. Just get a single can and spray it, or we can work something out, for a small fee. LOL

[wolver1ne]

Cool, thanks :)

By the way, do they do nitro practice on saturdays and from what time?

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Dan: If you head down mid day (week or weekend), traffic on 290 wont be as bad as lake. Yes the traffic will be bad as you get off, but it is a small price to pay. HT doesnt open until 10 every day, and 12 on sundays.

kakolitoy: more bad news, you cant race at HTOP with a clear body either. Just get a single can and spray it, or we can work something out, for a small fee. LOL .


Thanks Mab and Sir T racer,

I am just kidding off course I need to paint so I can see better.

Mab I don't think I will race my 8th scale in HTOP. I really want to focus on my TC and impact if I race in HTOP.

Sir T racer, The plastic pics above are not TC. Its a 8th scale so I think any GTP or any LOla bodies are allowed. I know there are some rules now using Lola bodies for the TC.

This is a sample of the body I painted. It might not be attractive to some other people, but it will work for me.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Going to try a trip to HTOP sometime this week or weekend, Yahoo maps says it's 18 miles from me. I am out in Wheaton. Should I take 88/290 to Lake street? or stick to Butterfield to St. Charles road to Lake street? .


I used to go to Wheaton everyday. I still have some freinds from

C.O.D. and Wheaton College.

I think the best way is to just take 22nd (Butterfield) all the way East, or North Ave. all the way east. If u take 88 I feel like ur going around also 290 might slow u down.

Hope this helps.

[MikeLyday]

Yes, Leisure Hours will have outdoor racing this summer. If there is a problem with the neighbors the track will be moved to the other side of the building. As for what you can run indoors, on practice days it's just about anything. Last Sat. there was a guy there with a 12 wheel T-Maxx with to engines. Somebody has too much money and time. For you electric offroaders there is a big race coming at the end of March. For the gas guys it will be 2 weeks later. For more info go to leisurehours.com.

[T-Racer]

Mr k

awsome looking body Anthony. See I new you could do it. Hat Guys don't forget Micro racing on Wednesday night at Tinley.
yes Howard i have a car for you just bring a 75m transmitter and you will be set


T-Racer

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by T-Racer
Mr k

awsome looking body Anthony. See I new you could do it. Hat Guys don't forget Micro racing on Wednesday night at Tinley.
yes Howard i have a car for you just bring a 75m transmitter and you will be set


T-Racer

Damn, I don't have a 75........do you think WALT (or you)has an extra one that I can share.......? My car will be here Firday, and hopefull I can race with my car next week. I don't really need to race tomorrow, I can just borrow your car or Walt's car and bash around (to the wall full throttle..........hee hee)

Btw, what is the best route to come to Tinley from O'hare airport...? (Please consider traffic around 5:00pm)
I think I will take 294 down south and exit on 80......(like the usual way I come from my house at Al's)

Let me know...........

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by T-Racer
Mr k

awsome looking body Anthony. See I new you could do it. Hat Guys don't forget Micro racing on Wednesday night at Tinley.
yes Howard i have a car for you just bring a 75m transmitter and you will be set


T-Racer


Do u have more cars that we can try. I will pay parts if I crash :)

[Walt]

I'll bring an extra radio with tomorrow, so we'll be able to get Tony's extra car working.

The best way to get to Tinley at that hour is a tough question. 294 to I-80 might be the best way, and probably is the best way. You can also exit 294 much earlier onto Rt45 (LaGrange Rd) and take that all the way south to 167th street or so, then cut over to 80th ave and take that a little further south to 183rd street. Both ways can be very good or very bad depending on the particular traffic that day... but I think I'd stick with your original route for now. If it turns out that you hit really bad 294 traffic in the last several miles before getting onto I-80, then we'll think of a way to avoid that part of 294, which is basically just taking you too far East anyway.

Oh, and if we can't get Tony's car to work right, you can try out mine between races. I think he might still have the front one-way in his, which makes the car handle terrible. Maybe Tony can get the original differential from Chip and we can spend 10 minutes tomorrow and put it back in.

[Rookie Solara]

Walt/Tony G, that is great, if you do have extra trans for me, perfect, if not, I can be marshall or the human ABT system (count extra laps for you Tony G...hee hee), or trash talking around....(that will be fun)

Yeah, my Micro came with 1-way and rear ball diff, but still have original gear diffs, but seems like everyone like the 1-way front......may be we are different, I presonally like the gear diff as well, but the guy who sold me the car said the HPI front gear diff is horrible in design, very easy get over heat or melt or whatever, he replace the gear 3 times before he drop the 1-way.

I will test drive yours between qualifier (if I cannot race) and I can ask you about the battery issue and my ESC issue, I've got 2 Futaba receiver/esc combo which is 30% smaller then the SPY and those smaller receiver, the best thing is, that unit is in 1 piece (not ESC and receiver seperate).......if I equip with 800mAh 6 or 7 cells AAA, do you think that can be the lightest setting....?
That ESC can provide 30amps constant and 100amps launch power.......I am not sure that is powerfull enough to push the Big block 300 motor, but I will try.

Just want to see if that flies or not, otherwise, I still have a small receiver, small servo and a Novak 410 ESC.

[T-Racer]

Rookie the guys that come are all trash talkers. You will feel right at home with the guys that race. I just set back and listen and split a gut laughing so hard with all the trach talking going on. See you tommorrow night and any body that would like to join us. I get there at 4:00 to set up the track. I come down 284 to 80 and have no problem with traffic.

Later

Time-Racer

[Nexus]

Just wondering...

at HTOP's track what kind of facilities do they set-up?

tables?
electrical outlets?
light?
chairs?

or is everything bring your own?

[mab_man20]

Nexus:

Tables= ground (or bring your own)
Electrical outlets = bring an extension cord and a power strip
Light = Sun
Chairs = gound (if you bring a table i would suggest a chair)

As much as we want all these great things we are running on a parking lot and its tough to supply everything. We do our best though.

hehe :p


rookie: better watch out!

[Nexus]

mab...sounds good...just was wondering about that.

as long as we can hook up to a power source everything is cool.



mab..or anyone else..racing at Venture Raceways this Sunday?

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mab_man20
rookie: better watch out!

Since Walt most likely will not race on SAT at HTOP, then you can be my wing man versus those Impact/835.........but I've got a feeling there will be more SNRS4 then last year, as long as we have 5-6 SNRS4, we can form our own SNRS4 class without impact (cause that will be 8-10 cars in one class, talking about traffic jam in HTOP)........

But racing without IMPACT just isn't fun at all.........

Good luck on the deal (try $120 shipped cause that one is very much stock and that 2-speed look kinda old...)

[Euge]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Electrical outlets = bring an extension cord and a power strip


sup mab,

How long of an extension cord do we need? and where is the source? are we going to have like 20 guys all tied into the one power outlet closest to the door?

I suppose I could break down and buy a 12V battery, but I only have an AC soldering iron....

[HauntedMyst]

You generally don't need a super long cord since people snake off the main line pretty effectively. I usually can plug in with in 10 feet.

[Euge]

cool. thanks....

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
You generally don't need a super long cord since people snake off the main line pretty effectively. I usually can plug in with in 10 feet. .

Haunted pls. reply.

I am trying to paint a 8th scale Lola body for my 8th scale.

I decided to paint it w/ 3 colors Silver, Neon green, and black. Logically, I want the silver first then Neon and last is the black. PLs. tell me if this order is right. This is the first time I will paint a 3 color body so I need any kind of assistance.

Also, can I fade even if I use a paint from the can.

thanks

[HauntedMyst]

Ideally you want to paint the black first so it doesn't foul the other colors. If that isn't possible or easy, just back the silver and neon with a coat of white, then silver again so the black can't bleed through.

Yes you can do a fade with a can, though it will be less precise then with an airbrush. For more info on painting, just go here (http://www.rctech.net/articles/painting_hauntedmyst.shtml) , it has just about all you need to know!

[SixVi6-Camaro]

well I'm not hauntedMyst but I've done all my paintjobs with cans. my tip is to heat the cans up in some warm to hot water before you spray the paint. the warm paint has a nice smooth spray pattern which is what you need for a good fade. if you don't the paint will tend to splatter. other than that just apray it on and fade the colors any way you like. ohh try to spray the black first because it does bleed through some lighter colors.

Here are some some bodies I've done with cans with fades in teh flames and on the body. :)

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
Ideally you want to paint the black first so it doesn't foul the other colors. If that isn't possible or easy, just back the silver and neon with a coat of white, then silver again so the black can't bleed through.

Yes you can do a fade with a can, though it will be less precise then with an airbrush. For more info on painting, just go here (http://www.rctech.net/articles/painting_hauntedmyst.shtml) , it has just about all you need to know!


thanks,


Too much info to remember, I will probably focus on canned paints because that's what I am going to use.

[mab_man20]

SixVi6-Camaro: you should enter those in next month's Cans only paint competition!

Rookie: I got more pics of that super and its kinda dirty, i want a brand new one.

If anyone sees a super nitro for sale let me know! Thanks.

Nexus/euge: we have yet to run out of plugs for people to use. If it becomes a problem we will just run more extension cords from the shop.

[Nexus]

mab...thanks for the info.

just wanted to make sure we would be set when we come out to race at HTOP...can't wait!


we're also racing this sunday if you are going to venture.

[Rookie Solara]

Walt/T-race, how was the race last night.......? I just convered JIM C and Neal G to get a Micro to race with me, so we will be there next wednesday with our cars. (I will get mine tomorrow vai UPS hopefully)

Mab_man20............unless you want to spend more money, getting a new one is kinda waste......at least the engine is a waste already, and you need new set of tires, stock one is for DRIFTING use only. I would find one as cheap as possible........and why worry about the DIRTY thing.......no matter how dirty of the Super Nitro, you still can't beat Walt's SNRS4.......his car is almost like lipped in the MUD bucket and rolled with sand and dirt........but he still managed to win races.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Walt/T-race, how was the race last night.......? I just convered JIM C and Neal G to get a Micro to race with me, so we will be there next wednesday with our cars. (I will get mine tomorrow vai UPS hopefully)

Mab_man20............unless you want to spend more money, getting a new one is kinda waste......at least the engine is a waste already, and you need new set of tires, stock one is for DRIFTING use only. I would find one as cheap as possible........and why worry about the DIRTY thing.......no matter how dirty of the Super Nitro, you still can't beat Walt's SNRS4.......his car is almost like lipped in the MUD bucket and rolled with sand and dirt........but he still managed to win races.

Hey! I think I'm offended... nope, I'm not.

Last night's micro RS4 race was a lot of fun, just like they have all been. Unfortunately, due to the weather, three of the fastest guys couldn't make it yesterday, so it was a little boring for me (my car was on a rail!... I won the main by 6+ laps, and I was taking it easy). I can't wait until you guys are coming on out too, plus my brother just purchased a car, so we should have plenty of 'fast guys' very soon. We can make the winner of each qualifier drink a beer between heats to act as a handicap.

These little cars are a ton of fun, and I have yet to break or wear out anything, so they're cheap to opperate, and since it's NOT nitro, even my car still looks clean.

Oh, and don't throw away those HPI 15FE engines just yet... I think they are going to REQUIRE the 15FE engine ONLY at the World Finals in Vegas... and just after I gave all three of mine away... anyone got a new 15FE for sale cheap?

[SixVi6-Camaro]

Mab.. cool.. next month is a rattle can comp huh? There is no way to compete with some of the air brushed paint jobs using cans. hmm.. I'll have to enter them. I also have a new body in the works too. I just need a new paint mask and make a final desision on the colors.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Oh, and don't throw away those HPI 15FE engines just yet... I think they are going to REQUIRE the 15FE engine ONLY at the World Finals in Vegas... and just after I gave all three of mine away... anyone got a new 15FE for sale cheap?

Oh WHAT...........?:eek:

Ebay......keyword HPI 15FE........................damn

[wrxdan]

Well guys I have a 15FE I would love to give away......

oh wait I'm confusing 15FE and GA16DE which is in my wife Sentra.

It's easy to confuse them, both are dogs, and both are equally reliable:)

And no I'm not giving away my wifes engine....

[T-Racer]

I just recieve a brand new in the box Serpent 705. I decieded to stay with my NTC3. So if any body want it you can buy for $380. before i put on E-bay. Rookie glad can make it next week at Chicagoland RC Micro Raceway in Tinley Park Bowl. Walt needs some competition. He gets bored easy. So come out and try and beat him if you can LOL::D :) Or come just to have Fun you can always beat me :p :rolleyes:


Painters alway paint dark colors first except with chrome because
you have to back the chrome with black.


T-Racer

[mab_man20]

Rookie: I want a new one. I have a few secret plans fr it(if you know dont give it away!).

Nexus: Ill be out there this sunday and a lot more in the future. Oh and no prob. :) I look forward to seeing you on my home turf!!

SixVi6: Yup next month, give it a try it should be a good competition.

Walt: When I get mine Ill cut you a good deal on the engine.

[Walt]

Originally posted by mab_man20


Walt: When I get mine Ill cut you a good deal on the engine.

Thanks Mab... I'm going to need a brand new, carefully broken in 15FE if I'm going to win the HPI World Championship this year:D

I just hope you get a good one... when I bought my car and 4 of my friends bought them at the same time, one of us (my brother) got a clearly better engine than the rest of us. I have a feeling that the quality control on those 15FE's is terrible, so there are terrible engines and not quite so terrible engines out there.

Oh, and check out my 'Super Nitro' page on Chicagorc.com... I put down everything I know about the car there. http://www.chicagorc.com/cartruck/supernitro/supernitro.htm

[Rookie Solara]

When everyone thinks those SUPER class are dying, we at CHICAGO area is just starting........that is weird. :confused:

Mad....you can't convert a 12T motor and ESC onto the SNRS4 and race at HPI challenge........that is considered unfair-DISadvantage......

Also, no SNRS4 will be allow to race if using Micro bodies or Micros rubber tires......that is just not fair.........:D

[mab_man20]

Walt: No Prob, hopefully it will be a good one. :) Thanks for the info

Rookie: I have absolutely no intention of putting a 12T motor in a super. Thats crazy! Battery changes would be a nightmare.

Lets just say i will need to take advantage of the 3 (or 6) second mandatory pit stop. :D

[xxx mike]

Walt, I will have another brand new one for you in a few days when my kit arrives. I have no intentions on racing in the stock class, so if you want the motor it's yours.

What are you allowed to do to them? Is any port angling or tuning allowed? Head shims I imagine are allowed right? Just bring 3 or 4 motors and run em on 40 percent fuel... if the rod dosn't break, it will probably run okay. If you melt down 1 per round, who cares.. you can have mine.

[kakolitoy]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SixVi6-Camaro
[B]well I'm not hauntedMyst but I've done all my paintjobs with cans. my tip is to heat the cans up in some warm to hot water before you spray the paint. the warm paint has a nice smooth spray pattern which is what you need for a good fade.

Camaro and Haunted,

thank u so much for the tip. This body was a Xmass present from my girlfreind. This body was on backorder from Serpent USA for 2 months since Dec. She bought them last week. My girlfreind did all the masking and painting. I told her about warming up the paint, but something happened. The paint are easily splatter in a higher temp. She kind of not liking it, but the results were great. I also told her what color has to go first, she did the Black last. I was really happy about the results. Becuase she did this w/o me @ her side I just told her all the info. u guys told me. Then, when I came back from school. WALLLAAHHH !!! the body was done. The only thing I did was to put the decals on, off course cut the body too!!

thanks Again :)

[kakolitoy]

Another angle sometimes its better when I lift the camera

[HauntedMyst]

Any one figured out how to get a Lola/GTP on an NTC3?

[Rookie Solara]

What is the problem mounting LOLA on NTC3 beside shaving the front shock tower 2 holes (down to the lowest setting)

[HauntedMyst]

Last time I tried it, both the front and rear seemed to high and the body just sat funky. If you have one with it on, post it up, I'd love to see it.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
What is the problem mounting LOLA on NTC3 beside shaving the front shock tower 2 holes (down to the lowest setting)

The other 'problem' is that we're not going to allow LOLA bodies in the touring car class anymore, so if you race at Chicagoland R/C Raceway, you'd have to put your LOLA-body NTC3 into the SuperNitro class, and since you've already got a SuperNitro, you'd have to drive each car with just one hand.

Mike: At the HPI race in Michigan, there will only be one class for the SuperNitro, and it will be modified (any small block engine allowed). Where it will be different is at the HPI World Finals race in Vegas, which I'm planning on attending (in October). At that race, although they have not posted the official rules yet, they have indicated that it will be 15FE engines only in ALL the nitro classes. That's where I'll need to borrow some 15FEs. Once they post the official rules, we'll know if they'll allow any modifications to the engine at all, and if they'll require certain fuel be used, or whatever.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
Last time I tried it, both the front and rear seemed to high and the body just sat funky. If you have one with it on, post it up, I'd love to see it.

If I remember correctly, I still have that red/white LOLA body that you had....but all the opening of that body is nothing but WRONG....(sorry)

Only thing you have to do is shave the front shock tower down to the lowest position (see pic) and the rest are all standard, also, you cannot use the provided WHEEL opening marked on the lola body, cause they are all different. I am strongly recommand you to CUT the wheel opening first (and all other opening as well) before painting, cause that is really the WORST thing to do on NTC3, the engine/filter and gas tank location is just pain compare to belt chassis (like Serpent V1RR and MTX3)

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/ntc3/pipe/P0003737.JPG

Also, LOLA on NTC3 does not have that much of advantage compare to IMPULSE/V1RR/MTX3 that has the special butterfly rear GTP mounting system..........on NTC3, it is just LOLA body on NTC3, does not have the downforce effect like those on Impulse/V1RR/MTX3 with GTP conversion rear mounting system. I am planning to run the LOLA on HTOP only, however, the track is not big enough and I don't see that has any major advantage over TC body.

Walt........letting Lola w/200mm chassis join the Super CLASS is the last thing that I want to see if you are planning to race only 5 minutes/10main.........if you read the WORLD report at Ohio....TC are good 5 seconds faster then those 235 with 15 engine per heat......with ppl like JOHN or those at Venture running NTC3/V1RR with lola, I am really concern about the chances that our .12 powered SNRS4 can catch up with them. I cannot beat you with my NTC3 last time becuase I am not as good of a driver like you are.....but if someone are good, I don't think SNRS4 can catch those TC unless we are running bigger tank and bigger engine (like 15).

Just simply ban the LOLA body or create a LOLA touring class.......mixing IMPACT with SNRS4 is the only other option (in my opinion).

[Walt]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara


Walt........letting Lola w/200mm chassis join the Super CLASS is the last thing that I want to see if you are planning to race only 5 minutes/10main.........if you read the WORLD report at Ohio....TC are good 5 seconds faster then those 235 with 15 engine per heat......with ppl like JOHN or those at Venture running NTC3/V1RR with lola, I am really concern about the chances that our .12 powered SNRS4 can catch up with them. I cannot beat you with my NTC3 last time becuase I am not as good of a driver like you are.....but if someone are good, I don't think SNRS4 can catch those TC unless we are running bigger tank and bigger engine (like 15).


You're forgetting a MAJOR difference... at the Worlds, the 235mm cars were NOT 4-wheel drive... they were REAR WHEEL DRIVE ONLY. That's where the big disadvantage came from.

I pretty firmly believe that a Super Nitro does not give up any performance to a NTC3... sure, the HPI Super Nitro is not a 'full race' car, like the NTC3, but it makes up for that by being significantly wider and longer, without adding much, if any, weight, and it's got much bigger foam tires in contact with the ground. I raced with John several times, me with my Super and him with his NTC3, and I NEVER felt at a disadvantage, and although I admit that I didn't keep score, I'm pretty confident that I won more times than I lost against him.

Just wait until you've raced your Super a few times... you won't be the least bit afraid of the 200mm touring cars either.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Just wait until you've raced your Super a few times... you won't be the least bit afraid of the 200mm touring cars either.

I think I really have to INCREASE the faith of the SNRS4 then what I expected.....can't wait untill MAY

[mab_man20]

Haunted and Rookie: You guys are going to need some very stiff springs to keep all the weight from shifting forward. With the loss of tuning options I dont think the lola will be that big of an advantage.

[Walt]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Haunted and Rookie: You guys are going to need some very stiff springs to keep all the weight from shifting forward. With the loss of tuning options I dont think the lola will be that big of an advantage.

Don't underestimate the affect of a good aerodynamic body. I can pretty much guarentee that you'll benifit much more from the increased downforce and reduced drag than you'll be hurt by having the shocks laid down. We figure that the Lola bodies on our track, in the hands of a competent driver, are worth a lap or two in a 5 minute race... it's a huge advantage.

I'd love to build a simple RC car sized wind tunnel to test bodies out... maybe I can build one and sell it to RC Car Action Magazine... it would make for some interesting articles.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
Don't underestimate the affect of a good aerodynamic body. I can pretty much guarentee that you'll benifit much more from the increased downforce and reduced drag than you'll be hurt by having the shocks laid down. We figure that the Lola bodies on our track, in the hands of a competent driver, are worth a lap or two in a 5 minute race... it's a huge advantage.

I'd love to build a simple RC car sized wind tunnel to test bodies out... maybe I can build one and sell it to RC Car Action Magazine... it would make for some interesting articles. .

I agree on the aerodynamic have a great effect on handling capability. It does increase about 30% more in driving control. We have a practice area where I live (A huge straight asphalt parking lot). I can really pull the throttle, big differnce in my impacts. I use both a touring car body and Lola body for my impact. Almost no air drag on the Lola bodies. In HTOP, there would be no differnce using a Tc and LOla body because there's not much air pushing around. Those buildings block the way, most of all, its a smaller track. Eventually, u will slow down or else hit the board. The only advantage of Lola bodies in HTOP is traffic Jam. Lola bodies can push Tc bodies easily on the board.


Walt, its 60 degrees on Sat. and sunny. Do u want to have a pre-season practice race on Sat. (On road). I am kind of bored racing online and local network (Real Race G2). I want to test my new motors on the track!!

[Walt]

Sorry, no racing this weekend... I'll probably be building our new driver's stand (we're not going to be standing on scaffold this year). The new driver's stand will be 20 feet wide and 6 feet off the ground... should be really nice.

[Rookie Solara]

ha ha.........it is Wednesday, and it is sunny, and it is 45 degree and it is....................

Ah, the WAIT is finally over.................can't wait untill 4:00pm

[HauntedMyst]

SSScccchhhhhWWWWiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnGGGGGG! Its nice out today!

Time to charge some batts!

Going to Boise next week and have nothing to do at night but sit in the hotel and build my NTC3!

[Walt]

Jim, Howard: how did you like our micro racing? Anything you'd do different? I'm thinking that if our turnout gets any better, I'll need to make more room for pits (probably by removing the hundreds of folding chairs that are against that one wall). Will you guys be coming back next week?

BTW: results are up on our web site already, and we should have pictures up there soon.

[Walt]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
SSScccchhhhhWWWWiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnGGGGGG! Its nice out today!


Only in Chicago is 4 degrees above freezing considered 'nice!' and something to get excited about.

[JIM C.]

Walt, I had a lot of fun last night, I dont think I would do anything different, the way you run your races are great, everything ran really smooth, I will be back next week and many more weeks.
Plus they have really good pizza.

[HauntedMyst]

Originally posted by Walt
Only in Chicago is 4 degrees above freezing considered 'nice!' and something to get excited about.


and tomorrow it's 50 and Saturday 63! Oh yeah!

[Hanibel]

Racing yesterday was fun. Not that what I was doing could be called racing. I already have adjusted some things on the car and radio, and next week should be much better.

Thanks again for the good time

Dennis "Hanibel" Matl
TC3
RS4 Micro

[mab_man20]

Anyone want to bash on saturday?

It going to be really really nice out!! (i.e. 8 degrees above freezing)

:D

[HauntedMyst]

What shore foams are you guys running front and rear at HTOP?

[SixVi6-Camaro]

where and what do you guys bash with?

I'll be out bashing my .247 powered T-maxx (http://home.attbi.com/~exsells/maxx_59.jpg) and my Landmax 2 (also XTM 247 powered) (http://home.attbi.com/~exsells/tarmac_04.jpg). Also trying to get my buddy with his New Ofna LX RTR to bring his out. He was too scared to run his 1/10 Nitro TC around my monstrous Landmax 2. so he just picked up a 1/8 buggy. lol.. I guess it is rather large compared to a 1/10 TC....

my Landmax 2 with its new Medial Pro tarmac II tires and my cute little TC3.. :)

[Walt]

I'm glad you guys liked the micro races (and the pizza... I agree, that pizza is pretty good... my dinner every Wednesday now).

Tony pretty much runs the Wednesday races, and I like the way it's been going so far. Of course (in case you hadn't noticed), I'm a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to running these races, so I like to see a more rigid schedule to keep things moving along. It seems to me like we never know when the next round is going to start, and I'd like to see that change, but it goes pretty smoothly.

As we get more and more people, we'll need to pay more attention to sticking with a schedule or we'll be there all night. I still prefer to run the races on 'auto pilot' with the computer doing a countdown to the next race, but Tony doesn't like it that way. I admit, it's a little hard to do with electric because people need time to recharge, but I'd still rather figure out how much time everyone needs, and just set the countdown timer for that amount of time. Maybe I'll talk Tony into trying that one of these weeks to see how it goes.

On the subject of 'bashing', I did take a look at the Tinley Park Bowl parking lot where we hold our on road races, just to see if there was a possibility of setting up a 'cabin fever' race for this weekend, and the problem is that all the snow piled up along the edges of the parking lot is still melting, and the run-off goes right across the parking lot on the way to the drains. So, no way we could host an on-road race this weekend. Besides, like I said many posts ago, I really need to get to work on the driver's stand for this year.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Anyone want to bash on saturday?

It going to be really really nice out!! (i.e. 8 degrees above freezing)

:D

yeah,


Can we do it @ Oak Park?

Also, before we bash around can we pls. state our frequency in this window. @ least we know what or who has the same frequency so we r not going to have interferrence problems.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by SixVi6-Camaro
where and what do you guys bash with?

I'll be out bashing my .247 powered T-maxx (http://home.attbi.com/~exsells/maxx_59.jpg) and my Landmax 2 (also XTM 247 powered) (http://home.attbi.com/~exsells/tarmac_04.jpg). Also trying to get my buddy with his New Ofna LX RTR to bring his out. He was too scared to run his 1/10 Nitro TC around my monstrous Landmax 2. so he just picked up a 1/8 buggy. lol.. I guess it is rather large compared to a 1/10 TC....

my Landmax 2 with its new Medial Pro tarmac II tires and my cute little TC3.. :) .


Bring whatever u got !!!!

We might have a lot of drag racing !!! :)

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Walt
Jim, Howard: how did you like our micro racing? Anything you'd do different? I'm thinking that if our turnout gets any better, I'll need to make more room for pits (probably by removing the hundreds of folding chairs that are against that one wall). Will you guys be coming back next week?

BTW: results are up on our web site already, and we should have pictures up there soon.

Yes, I had a great time over there, with the help of Tony G's rear hub (Tony, thanks, what a life saver), I can finally get my 4WD back (instead of 3WD).......but I think I need to fix the steering problem, may be that is exactly like you said, my hand need NOT to turn too fast and too much on turns, and that is no radio can fix problem, it is the driver problem....

But all and all, with someone like you (WALT) racing with us, only thing we can do is WATHC AND LEARN.....you bastard, you should give us 10 laps handicape on the A-main........or run 2 cells only.:D

P.S. your main is the high light of the race, just cannot believe a small car like that can be as fast and zipping as those 1/12th scale pan car.........and your driving skill, just perfect.

[xxx mike]

I got to go bash a little bit today with one of the NTC3. It just made me see how much I miss asphalt. The NTC3 with a MT-12 really is fast! As far as acceleration and top speed, it totally dusts the RS4-3.. even with a TR in it. I suppose that is mostly due to the smoother drive line. I can't wait until chicagolandrc raceway opens back up again.. I really want to get going again with the onroad racing.

[T-Racer]

Well guys it about 46 days to the opening day -On Road racing at Chicagoland RC Raceway. I can see by the writings in this forum that all you racer are chopping at the bit to get out there. I myself feel the same way. Micro Racing on Wednesday night have help. Rookie and Jim came out and had a great time. I hear there are a couple more Gas racer coming out this week to satisfy there need to race. Pizza good and lot of help if your new to micro racing. Rookie and Jim I'm glad you had a good time. That what its all about.
Even if you do not have a car I might let you drive my car in one of races.

Winter BLues
T-Racer

[HauntedMyst]

What shore foams are you guys running front and rear on your nitros at HTOP?

Thanks for the help!

[mab_man20]

I guess I was the only one who saw that message the last time. lol.


Saturday at 1:30 I will be at the HTOP parking lot (call the store at (708) 848-2968 if you dont know where that is). I wont really have anything set up, but it will be a chance to get together and bash.

Hope this message gets seen by a few people in time to make it.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
What shore foams are you guys running front and rear on your nitros at HTOP?

Thanks for the help!

Hi! Haunted,

I hope my info will help. I run


front : 40 or 42 shore

Rear: 40 or 42 shore


Running 40 is awesome in traction, but more friction. It sticks on the ground very well, but u might change tires every other race day. It really depends on the driver, if u brake a lot then u really have to change tires often. Especially in HTOP its stop and go.

Running 42 is good on traction also and u don't have to change tires as much as 40's. Again, it depends on the driver. Even if u have 42, then stop and go and pull the throttle in HTOP. U might change tires often too.


On some of my cars, I have 35 shore and 30 shore. Awesome traction but is not advisable in HTOP. Just do a little experiment and stick on what u feel satisfactory to u.

Hope this helps, thanks for the tip for body painting.

[HauntedMyst]

Thanks Kakolitoy! And you are welcome!

[Dropkicked]

I wish I would have seen that some of you guys were getting together this past wekend. The weather was great, and all I could do is tear around my street by myself mostly.

[xxx mike]

I stopped by the bowling alley on sunday at about 3'ish to see if you were building the driver stand, but nobody outside doing anything :( did you guys do it on saturday?

[Walt]

Mike: I spent this past weekend finishing the design of the driver's stand and I started to gather all the parts we'll need, so we didn't actually start construction. Also, the driver's stand is at Anthony's garage where we can work on it indoors, not at the bowling alley where we'd be stuck outside since his garage is always full of junk.

I'll make sure to let you know when we'll start construction to see if you're interested in helping out. It might be this weekend.

[Rookie Solara]

After the construction of the driver stand, you can have TONY G get up there jump up and down to see that met the standard capacity load before anyone get up there..............:D

[wrxdan]

Are the micros running at Tinley tomorrow night? I don't own a micro, but wanted to bring the dig video cam to catch some action. Maybe make some cool mpegs. My work schedule looks heavy, so it's too early to tell.

Is Burr Ridge near Tinley? I worked in Burr Ridge before, it took 45 min from my house by ripping down 75th.

[Walt]

Yeah, we run every Wednesday night. Racing starts at 7pm (track opens usually by 6pm). We wrap up around 9:30-10pm. Come on by and videotape if you'd like. Remember you can also check out a lot of pictures from our micro races on our web site: www.chicagolandrc.com Also, we post all our results there.

I tried to do an MPEG video of one of our race starts with my digital camera, but it was too dark and therefore didn't turn out. I might try again.

Oh, and once you see these cars in action, you'll probably be buying one soon... they are a blast.

From Burr Ridge, hop onto 294 south (also labeled East, as I'm sure you know) and take that to I-80 West. Exit Harlem Ave North, take the first left at the stoplight onto 183rd street (traveling West again now). The Tinley Park Bowling alley is on the South side of the street, about a quarter mile down. We race micros in the banquet/meeting room until the weather gets nice, then we might move outside.

We have additional directions and maps on our web site also.

[T-Racer]

Rookie:
Nice remark you seam to forget that I'm truely bigger than you. and it would not be hard to squish the car you run. or may take a few laps of your score. or when you need a part i would have a laps in memory where i could find them. UMM what else maybe somebody in this forum can help me think of what i can do to Howard.

T-Racer

[chicago rc]

Did I hear someone ask for help making fun of Howard? Sorry, I got nothin' right now.

But I can remind all of you to get your teams toegther for the 2.4 hour enduro at the Chicagoland R/C Raceway on May 25th and sign up ASAP.

OK, I got one, the unofficail name of the 2.4 hour race wil be "The .3 hour race" in honor of how long before Howard's team is completely sidelined with broken serpents & TC3's.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[xxx mike]

Originally posted by chicago rc


OK, I got one, the unofficail name of the 2.4 hour race wil be "The .3 hour race" in honor of how long before Howard's team is completely sidelined with broken serpents & TC3's.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com


HAHA good one! And so true!


Walt, Brian... if either you guys want to be on the same team again, I am all for it. I know I was a little bit of a slow poke in the last one, but now atleast I have some more competetive gear and understand that you need FOAM tires to go fast hehe.. I'd be honored to team with either/both of you again... the last one was a great time for me, and this one should be even better!

[chicago rc]

Well, Walt being the crazy guy that he is will probably end up running the race by himself. But I think the rule is 4 man teams or at least should be 4 man teams. There is some added challenge to finding 3 other people to race with that you think can hold their own. We need to see 4 drivers all with some track time to make it the most fun. Sorry to jump around here, I am asking a question, what are the pro's / con's to less than a 4 man team if any? Should I require 4 man teams or not?

And I will be filming the race and taking photos, so no driving for me the way it looks right now.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Walt]

I'll be on someone's team (mainly because I want to share the entry fee). I don't think you need to mandate the 4 person teams though... just keep the entry fee 'per team' and let people do what they want. Running one car is risky when multi-car teams are allowed, because you get zero laps during a repair if you're the only car.

Anyway, I'll join in on someone's team, but I don't know who yet. I've got so many friends now (isn't life great!). I'd be happy to run with Brian, or Mike, or Howard, or Tony, or Jim, or Neal, or John or just about any of the guys I've raced with in the last several years... not a jerk among us. How about this to help me make my decision... first person to approach me with a 3 person team already put together, I'll join in with.. no favorites that way, just the first to ask me to join in.

If no one asks me, I'll either run by myself, or just help run the race (the computer should do most of the work anyway).

Also, I wanted to remind everyone (including Brian) that we will not necessarily be limited to only 10 teams for the enduro. Our AMBrc scoring system has no limit for the number of cars in a race, and neither does our scoring software. As long as we can work out frequency conflicts and borrow some transponders from Cory, we can have as many teams as we want (although 20 is probably the practical limit due to frequency limitations). But it will be important to register early so we can work out the frequency issues. If you sign up at the track that day, we might not be able to get the frequency issues worked out, and the teams that signed up first will get priority (maybe I'm speaking too much for Brian here... I only assume this is the way Brian will work it out... correct me if I'm wrong Brian).

And we've got a nice big track, so if 10 cars could fit at Venture, I'm sure more than 20 can fit on our track. You can put Venture's entire outdoor track on our back straightaway!... maybe I shouldn't start anything like that... I like racing at Venture, and I'd give my big toe to have their indoor track... maybe next year...

[chicago rc]

Right on Walt. Basically pre-registering is mandatory for the most part but you and I think the same way, if on race day there are people that want to be in the race and we can make it happen, we will.

But for even the little bit of planning I think that needs to take place for this long of a race people should be signed up ahead of time. It's a matter of awareness. If people know about the race ahead of time they will know if they are going to try and run in it.

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[mab_man20]

Finally got the race dates!

April 19, (fun race day, no points, some prizes)
May 3, (first points race)
May 17,
May 31,
June 14,
June 28, (First annual Mark Kovalik Oval, its a blast!)
July 12, (last race of first points series)
July 26, (first race of Second points series)
August 9,
August 23,
August 6,
August 20,
September 4, (last race of second points series)
October 18

I will be in contact with brian working out the dates for the Formula RC series. We will have the nitro electric challange some time in the second series (let me know what dates are bad). On July 12, we will have a concourse event with several catagories including best paint, most detailed and most outragous.


For the endurance race:
I dont think teams must be a certain number of people, but i do think that each member must run at least 30 minutes. In a four man team that leaves another 40 odd minutes as open running for anyone. Obviously if a car is beyond repair or something major happens then that car doesn't have to make the 30 minute mark.

[Rookie Solara]

Since you guys barely SAW my car on the last 2.4 hour race (my car was WAY WAY too fast.........) this year, I will run my big block 300 HPI micro instead of nitro touring car with 12V gel cell battery on it.......I think that is fair to everyone.......but I must run LOLA body to gain the extra downforce, that is my only request.

I would love to join WALT and whoever that are not in the TEAM yet, however, my decision is not made yet due to the TIME SCHEDULE........Sunday race is hard enough for me already, and running after the typical TINLEY race at 5:00 make it almost impossible......

I have to think hard about that, basicly, need to think hard about what excuse I can pull to tell my wife.......study late at the Tinley Park Library? I need ideas guys.........

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mab_man20
For the endurance race:
I dont think teams must be a certain number of people, but i do think that each member must run at least 30 minutes. In a four man team that leaves another 40 odd minutes as open running for anyone. Obviously if a car is beyond repair or something major happens then that car doesn't have to make the 30 minute mark.

Great to know the schedule, but no matter what, I will NOT racing at HTOP parking lot if there are ICE still melting over there, no way.

I agree about the miniumum run time requirement, however, does AMB software can track how long does each driver raced on the total 2.4 hour race...? Like it will say Howard ran 42.7 minutes total (ha ha, who and I kidding....?) and Walt ran 48 minutes and so on......? I think with the PERSONAL transponder like Walt has, that might be possible, however, if we are using the HAND OUT unit, that is just ONE signal.........will that be possible to tell the time even though 3 drivers are using/sharing the same transponder...?

[Rookie Solara]

I think we should go back to HARPER college counting system.....

PEN and PAPER..................

[Walt]

You're right Howard, our scoring system will NOT be able to tell who is driving since each team will share the same transponder. If EVERYONE had their own personal transponder, it would be possible to have the computer keep track of how many laps each driver ran, but even that would require a software change that our race management software provider (Alycat) might not be willing to do for us. It really doesn't matter though, because I don't see Brian requireing everyone to have a personal tranponder as a condition to be involved in this race.

So, if Brian decides to enforce an 'everyone must drive for a certain amount of time' rule, it will have to be done manually. I don't see any other way, but again, I really don't see a reason for it. Is it really an advantage to have a smaller team? I don't think so, because you have less 'back up cars' to take over. Does it really matter to the other teams if one person on someone else's team did the majority of the driving? Probably not. The only ones that might care are that driver's team mates, since they paid the same money to be involved and will want to drive too. Since I don't see an advantage either way (more or less drivers), and since this is really just for fun anyway, I don't see a reason to enforce a minimum seat time rule. It will work itself out fine in the end.

And I'm hoping to hold some 'one person' enduro's this year, so for those of us that want to run that type of race, we'll have an opportunity. Remember, at major nitro R/C races, the A-mains are usually 1 hour long... that's not considered an 'enduro', that's just normal. We hope to have at least some 1 hour long races this year, probably after our normal races for people who want to stick around a little longer.

[Rookie Solara]

Yeah, I think enforcing that specific rule will have some technical difficulty on it.......like we need to have someone standing next to each team and CLOCK their time sheet, remember, it can be 4 person on each team, 10 teams if possible, that will be 40 ppl standing, clocking, logging and reporting in 2.4 hours - I think that is close to impossible. I can't even think that can be done in real life, at least, not in my own office..........

On the other hand, if there is a team formed with a super fast guy, and 3 "HOWARD lookalike" super slow/DNS or DHF team member.........and that team WON the race because that specific super driver ran almost 99% of the time..........you can only say - HE IS GOOD - period. You just got beaten by a ONE MAN TEAM.......and there is nothing wrong with that, imagine a 200mm TC running 90% of the 2.4 hours race and that car still in one piece and running strong, he deserve the trophy.

About the 1 hour race.........I really don't know, I think we should take it one step at a time.....running 15 minutes is something I want to see on the main, after a while, if ppl are comfortable with that, run a 30 minutes main, then 45 main like NATIONAL........suddenly jumping to 1 hour main is just pushing ppl away from racing, racing for 45 minutes need a good setting, good planning and the most importantly - a good MECHANIC to refuel and adjust the car for you while you are 25'-0" above ground........

[Walt]

Those 1 hour mini-enduro's we hope to run would be after the normal race day, where there would still be a 'normal' length main. We do hope to increase the length of the 'normal' main, first to 10 minutes, and maybe more if people want it, but only if people want it, and we'll ease into it, like you said.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
Those 1 hour mini-enduro's we hope to run would be after the normal race day, where there would still be a 'normal' length main. We do hope to increase the length of the 'normal' main, first to 10 minutes, and maybe more if people want it, but only if people want it, and we'll ease into it, like you said.


An hour race alone is really a beat up in the 1/10 200 mm w/.12 and the driver. This kind of races needs have a team (Driver and pit crew). One man show in hour main is alot of work. How about if my car need ro be reset, or I have to go to the bathroom :confused:

Anyway! If Walt will do the race for an hour. So be it, Walt we are on ur side. We will support u and race for an hour. I am going to make sure I have 4 brand new motors or 4 new set of P/S for me and My younger brother. Those motors would be just the endurance races this year. Unfortunately, the dates on Oak Park or the week before the endurance race. We will not be racing for @ least a week and half for any tracks. Preparation is the key on all endurance race. I also have to make sure that I have every single things and small things to rebuild my car in case of a collision. So shopping and preparation for @ least 2 weeks. Walt, PLs. give us a advance notice for this race. This would be a great experience for us.

We do not need to go to the Midwest series to get more experience and challenge because Chicagolandraceway will bring all the challenges for us. GREAT!!!

[Walt]

Originally posted by kakolitoy
An hour race alone is really a beat up in the 1/10 200 mm w/.12 and the driver. How about if my car need ro be reset, or I have to go to the bathroom :confused:

Walt, PLs. give us a advance notice for this race. This would be a great experience for us.

Does everyone feel this way? Is a one hour long race really that big of a deal? I thought that one hour A-mains were pretty common. I never thought that a one hour race was that big of a deal. I often grab my Mini-z and set up a track in my basement and run for an hour non-stop. Before I started racing at Harper College, me and several of my friends were getting together on weekends and racing our Super Nitros for several hours straight... it's not that big of a deal. We didn't run special engines, we didn't stock up parts, and we certainly didn't prepare for weeks in advance. I haven't touched any of my nitro cars in months, but I'm sure I could fill any one of them up with fuel tonight and run it for an hour.

Anyway, the 1-hour long 'special' races we plan to run this summer probably won't be scheduled, but maybe they will be. What we had planned on doing was reducing our normal race schedule down to 2 qualifiers and the main so that people that need to leave can still get in their main and participate in track points (down from last year's 3 qualifiers plus main). Then, for those that want to (and can) stay longer, we'll keep on going.

Maybe we'll run another round of normal 'mains' for those that can stay, or maybe we'll run a 'mini-enduro', or maybe we'll run just one or two final races backwards on the track... something extra for those that can spend the entire day out at the track, similar to Brian's 2.4 hour enduro after our normal day of racing on May 25th, except not quite that involved (and no extra charge). It's just an idea we have to allow a full day of racing for those that can spend the entire day there, but also allow those that can only stay until 3 or 4pm to feel that they got in a full day's racing.

The problem with just planning on long enduro's after the normal racing is over is that the electric guys can't participate (can they?). We'll also have to see how many drivers we get in each class of car to decide what we'll do, and how many of them want to stick around. We might just round up all the people that want to stay and take a vote each week.

[kakolitoy]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Walt
[B]Does everyone feel this way? Is a one hour long race really that big of a deal? I thought that one hour A-mains were pretty common. I never thought that a one hour race was that big of a deal. I often grab my Mini-z and set up a track in my basement and run for an hour non-stop. Before I started racing at Harper College, me and several of my friends were getting together on weekends and racing our Super Nitros for several hours straight... it's not that big of a deal. We didn't run special engines, we didn't stock up parts, and we certainly didn't prepare for weeks in advance. I haven't touched any of my nitro cars in months, but I'm sure I could fill any one of them up with fuel tonight and run it for an hour.

Honestly, we have not done a a half hour main or heat on a tc. We tried on the 8th scale and it was great. Probably because we have not experience it. I know as we move along we will get use to this and an hour main would be normal for us.

Walt, u have done it, so an hour is nothing. This would be the right time for u to share ur experience w/ us in an hour main. WE came from a 5 min. heat and 5 min. main. Now, its a hour main. That's a change, like what I said we will support this race.

[Walt]

I think you're right. Once you've tried a one-hour main, you'll see that it's not that big of a deal. The time flies by. We should get plenty of opportunities to try it this year, and I think everyone will have a good time.

[chicago rc]

OK. Here is the decision. 1 to 4 drivers allowed and as many team helpers - not drivers - as you want (time keepers, pit people, mechanics). There is no minimum time enforced for teams, we tried it at Harper & it does not work. The entry fee is $40 per team, club member, $60 non-member whether you have 1,2,3, or 4 drivers.

Each driver enters 1 car. You can drive any of the entered cars you want. If someone really wants to enter 4 people and be the only driver on their cars to try and win then go for it. Not that this is a winning strategy though. The prizes here are trophies and some R/C Car Action stuff (just added in the mix) so try to have fun with this race, bottom line. Those of you who have run in the 2.4 hour before know the ruch of adrenaline you get for the entire 2+ hours, who wants to miss out on that? Everyone on the team should be fighting for drive time & not just letting a "better driver" run longer to win. And if a 1 man team can make it alone, I agree with Howard, he deserves the trophy!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[wrxdan]

Not to thread highjack.... but at Tinley are the micros broken out by class? stock/mod?

Sorry... back to the subject.

[Nexus]

mab_man...

just wondering what classes will be run during those points series at HTOP.

also it seems your dates are basically every other weekend....what if anything is going on the dates inbetween?

thanks.

[Alycat]

Walt, you have 2 sets of "club" transponders don't you? That's 20, and with 10 teams of 4=40, you're half way there already

I need to think the rest through a bit more, maybe you could enter all 40 drivers in one race but then there's the possibility of 2 drivers from the one team running at once :D

But since there should ever be one driver on the track at once, and one about to go on, you could get by with 2 transponders per team, or 20 which is what you have, you hand one set to the first drivers, then a bit before when they want to change drivers, they come and ask for other transponder and then bring the other one back. And you could just enter 2 drivers per team, 20 drivers all in one race

[Walt]

Lots for me to respond to this morning.

wrxdan: We are not breaking the Micros down into classes for now. We are getting enough guys now to run three heats (A, B and C-mains), so we just try our best to sort by speed (fastest guys in the A, slowest in the C). So, although there are not classes per se, the guys in the A tend to all be running 'pan' chassis, big block or coreless modified motors, and 6 cell packs (there are exceptions).

People in the C are guys that just started out. Some have bone-stock Micros still running 4 AA alkalines. Some have upgraded their equipment but have not improved in skill level enough yet to make the B or A. We run 5 minute qualifiers and 8 minute mains (for all heats). We've started to bounce around the idea of splitting into 'stock' and 'mod', but it would only be with regards to the motor/battery combination. We have not talked at all about requiring a truely stock chassis, or making any chassis rules. If we did make two different motor/battery classes, the idea would be to have the 'stock' class be a little more cost controlled, and make it so that people entered in the stock class can enjoy longer heats and mains. For now, we're keeping it as it is. Come on out and watch, I think you'll like it.

Nexus: On Hobbytowns off weeks (or any Sunday if you can't race with them on Saturday, or even if you can), you can race with us in Tinley Park (www.chicagolandrc.com)

Alycat: Actually, we only have one set of 'club' transponders (10 of them). At $860/set of ten, we couldn't justify buying a second set to start off. We still can't justify it because we're hoping most people will opt to buy their own personal transponder, rendering our club transponders largely unused. Even if we did get more transponders, enough for everyone, the software doesn't have a way to recognize several transponders as one team. We'd have to manually add up all the laps of the team members at the end to get the winner, and we wouldn't be able to give positions durring the race very easily. In the end, we'd figure it out just fine, but I think it's nice to be able to give results during the race. Perhaps a software change could be made to recognize several people as being on one team, but the software isn't there now to do that. But, like I said before, if we get more than 10 teams signed up, I'd like to try to borrow some transponders and allow as many teams as we can sort out frequency problems for. By the way, I'm assuming that you are 'the' Alycat, as in the software we use (aka: Ken)? You never know with these darn computers, and it's difficult to pick up the Austrailian accent. I guess your ears were burning (American saying that means you had a feeling someone was talking about you).

[wrxdan]

Thanks Walt. I couldn't make it out there last night. I have too much to do at work. I will try next week. I like the idea of the mirco, looks like a lot of fun. Plus I can chase the cat around with it:)

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Thanks Walt. I couldn't make it out there last night. I have too much to do at work. I will try next week. I like the idea of the mirco, looks like a lot of fun. Plus I can chase the cat around with it:)

Look like I will try my best to convince someone to spend his money on micro...........DAN, you will love that.........Jim and I had a blast 2 weeks in a row, and we are improvment......from hitting the track wall left and right last week, to hitting the marshell left and right this week, so we are IMPROVEMENT..........

And the best part is.....they are cheap, parts CAN BE cheap, depends on how crazy you want this thing to be........but they are not necessary SLOW if you don't spend the money......that is the fun part.

You need to be there next week, we need some digital movie online......especially when the rookie driver WALT, you need to see the way he drive, one word - UNREAL.

[mab_man20]

Nexus: The point series will include all the classes we run. Electric TC, Nitro TC, Super Nitro/Impact, Delphi spec, and gas/electric truck. We are only able to get the parking lot every other weekend (blame the owner of the lot) so there will be nothing going on at HTOP on the off weeks. I do suggest heading out the tinley on the off weeks as they have a great program.

[Alycat]

By the way, I'm assuming that you are 'the' Alycat, as in the software we use (aka: Ken)? You never know with these darn computers, and it's difficult to pick up the Austrailian accent.
Ya' bloody drongo, cos it is -- there you go, is that better?:D :D

I guess your ears were burning (American saying that means you had a feeling someone was talking about you).
This forum is monitored, if you use "alycat" or "lap counting" or "software" we find it :D

Alycat:Even if we did get more transponders, enough for everyone, the software doesn't have a way to recognize several transponders as one team...
yes, I thought of that later on .:confused: so I started planning an enhancement, I will "spec" it out and post it on the alycat forum for you to look at and comment on, but please note that this will be for 8.3, not 8.2

[mab_man20]

Im not sure how many of you looked past the first few dates that i posted, but near the end of the summer they got a little wierd (4 races in august and 1 in september?? :confused: :p )

Here are the correct dates.

April 19, (fun race day, no points, some prizes)
May 3, (first points race)
May 17,
May 31,
June 14,
June 28, (First annual Mark Kovalik Oval, its a blast!)
July 12, (last race of first points series)
July 26, (first race of Second points series)
August 9,
August 23,
September 6,
September 20,
October 4, (last race of second points series)
October 18

[Walt]

Originally posted by Alycat
yes, I thought of that later on .:confused: so I started planning an enhancement, I will "spec" it out and post it on the alycat forum for you to look at and comment on, but please note that this will be for 8.3, not 8.2

To anyone on this forum considering an upgrade in their race software (Hobbytown?), is this service or what? All I do is mention in the Chicago Racing forum that it's possible to ask for custom software to allow teams of transponders to be counted together (didn't even ask the software provider directly yet), and they are already working on it! I bet you don't get that with J-lap or Autoscore! Ken (at Alycat) has been great with responding to questions and enhancement ideas, and the software has performed nearly flawlessly for us so far, plus it's bargain priced compared to the others out there (the only real problems so far have been Windows 'exception' faults, but all have been recoverable and no big deal... same kind of errors I get using Excel). Remember that fiasco at the Elmhurst HPI Challenge last year... wouldn't of happened if they were using Alycat instead.

Alycat: if you did put this functionality into the software, it would get used by us quite a bit. We're planning a RCNASCAR series this summer (you might have seen it on our web site), and we plan to allow teams of cars to run in that too, but one at a time, much like this enduro we're talking about. Until now, we figured we'd have to let each team share a club transponder (which also limits us to 10 teams unless we purchase more rechargable transponders), but if the ability was there to recognize team mates, we'd let them run their personal transponders, so we'd be using this functionality every Friday night.

[Nexus]

2.4 Hour Endurance Race Questions:

Just to clarify the Nitro TC rules....

the only Nitros NOT allowed are Impacts and Supers.

Electric TC rules...

What are the rules governing electric cars as far as motors & tires?

I think we may have a team for the race but need to clarify the rules before we decide to enter.

So far I believe these are the cars that we will enter:

2 FT TC3s
1 V One S
1 V One R

We just need to know what motors/tires we can run with the electrics...

thanks.

[Alycat]

Walt (and anyone else who is interested), a preliminary "spec" has been posted on the Alycat forum, "Enduro Support" under "Request Enhancements", for discussion and feedback.

[wrxdan]

Well guys I guess I'm committed. I picked up a micro rs4 off ebay. No idea if it was a good deal. It's basically stock with a JR servo, LRP micro ESC, and a battery. Hopefully it's as good as the guy says. I got to for $100. I just need a receiver. Anybody got a cheap 27mHz FM receiver?

Edit: Howard what was that site where you can buy loose cells with tabs?

What upgrades are suggested? Tires? Rear ball diff?

[T-Racer]

Wrxdan:

Foam tires: Soft Rears--med fronts

rear diff ok for now

Maybe a $13.00 american racer chassis. Walt and I use..
works great

and a body from them to (GTP Body)

And you will be fine

T-Racer

I have a ton of 27 AM recievers sorry

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Well guys I guess I'm committed. I picked up a micro rs4 off ebay. No idea if it was a good deal. It's basically stock with a JR servo, LRP micro ESC, and a battery. Hopefully it's as good as the guy says. I got to for $100. I just need a receiver. Anybody got a cheap 27mHz FM receiver?

Edit: Howard what was that site where you can buy loose cells with tabs?

What upgrades are suggested? Tires? Rear ball diff?

Dan:....Come by this WEDNESDAY, I just received my package of those loose 2/3A batteries, and I have plenty for sale........same price as the online store but you don't have to pay shipping.....I sold almost 75% of those batteries and I have only small amount of them left, so you must act now...

They are 2/3A 1100mah batteries with tabs........all you have to do is CA them together, solder them and heat tubbing them and ...done.

Try to keep them 6 cells 7.2V, anything more will smoke your motor.

See ya Wednesday, and yes, you can follow T-racer's spec, our micros are all like a TEAM (Tinley Park) spec......same chassis, diff, batteries, motors.........etc, the differences are on the driver himself.

This is my ride.........

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/micro/P0003826.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/micro/P0003827.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/micro/P0003829.jpg

[wrxdan]

I'm ready for HTOP!! Just need some foams.

http://home.earthlink.net/~wrxdan/

[Serpent Impact]

Dan, I want ur car.






The real one....................I take the little bro too.

[kakolitoy]

The rc did not really get my attention.

I was really looking @ ur small block .4 cylinder. Is that a intercooler on top of the heat sink?

one of the pics where the hood is open, I really wanted to see behind the rc car.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
I'm ready for HTOP!! Just need some foams.

http://home.earthlink.net/~wrxdan/

Nice work DAN, now, you will be my exact double on the track, I wish they made B4 body for 200mm, or 22B for 200mm.........

Anyhow, when are you going to meet my friends at Schuamburg WRX group....? They do have the fastest WRX wagon in the mid-west from Drivers-Image, remember the yellow wagon with 150 shot and 40 psi booster..........10.15 (1/4 mile) 7 months ago, it may be even faster now.

By the way, PLEASE PLEASE put that wings on the WRX, you MUST have that............or you are not allow to race.

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Nice work DAN, now, you will be my exact double on the track, I wish they made B4 body for 200mm, or 22B for 200mm.........

Anyhow, when are you going to meet my friends at Schuamburg WRX group....? They do have the fastest WRX wagon in the mid-west from Drivers-Image, remember the yellow wagon with 150 shot and 40 psi booster..........10.15 (1/4 mile) 7 months ago, it may be even faster now.

By the way, PLEASE PLEASE put that wings on the WRX, you MUST have that............or you are not allow to race.

Your running a subie body? Are cars may look alike, but mine will be the one nosed into the boards:)

I get on NASIOC once and a while, never met anyone from there. A guy I knew in highschool has a quick WRX wagon I think. I haven't seen him in years but it sounds as if he has replaced the entire drivetrain. He most likely has the 2.5 motor, 6 speed, and other non USA bound parts. I should look him up. his name is Dylan (downshift1) on NASIOC.


Are you going to Tinley tonight?

Dan

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by wrxdan
I'm ready for HTOP!! Just need some foams.

http://home.earthlink.net/~wrxdan/


I really wanted to see it because we have this project since last winter.

This is a losi xxxnt w/ a 4 cylinder VW golf gti carburator motor.

[kakolitoy]

U can see its running w/ compressed gas, Its better combustion because its already a vapor, but the tank is heavy. The design is almost an rc stadium truck w/ roll bar. The motor is a 4 cylinder, but it has a lot of torque power. VW Golf GTI is for rally that is why we picked that motor. I know there is a way to convert a FI. motor to a carb. In racing, we always use carburator for a better consistent fuel flow. Only 4 cylinder can fit on this chassi. We wanted to get more torque power because this vehicle will be competing OFF road. Set up is almost like a stduim truck in transmission, and suspension (caster, camber etc.).

[Rookie Solara]

Yes DAN, Jim and I are going tonight, we will be there like 5:30ish.

I do have a 22B body, but it is a 190mm, so I have to run narrow tires, it is from TAMIYA, you know that is the best body for RC cars....

But I do like the look of the new STi WRX that will coming out this November, if the price is right, I will jump the boat.......295 BHP stock is not a joke, and not to mention the 4-wheel drive function.

[mab_man20]

Dan: Look forward to meeting you!!!

kakolitoy: you sure its not more like a B4 or an XXX with a gas engine??

Cool project though.

[wrxdan]

Cool buggy, super cool garage:) I didn't think the GTIs were air cooled? Drop a turbod EJ20 and roast those BF's all day long!

[Rookie Solara]

Dan, I thought you are suppose to be racing with us last night....where were you?

You missed a great race yesterday.......

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Dan, I thought you are suppose to be racing with us last night....where were you?

You missed a great race yesterday.......

I know. Late meeting ran to 5:45. Plus is wasn't going to race, just film. I should have my mirco by next Wed, so I planing on making that one.

Let me tell ya, talking to IT people can be a long process when trying to get a project completed! I swear every sentence at that meeting ended in "well that will take ** IT hours to complete". Give me a frickin break and do your job!!! Okay done ranting, time to fight traffic soon.

[Walt]

Kakolitoy: I used to be heavily involved with CNG (compressed natural gas) engines. I worked for a company developing an electronically controlled CNG conversion system for years through college and after college. Anyway, I was wondering where you get your CNG from these days? Back when I was involved, many Amoco stations had CNG, but I thought they removed all of them. We had a CNG compressor where I used to work, but when I would test drive one of our dedicated CNG vehicles, I had to be really careful that I didn't run out of fuel on the road.

Wherever you are refueling, do they refuel to 3000psi or 3600psi (or some other pressure)?

Looks like you're running an Impco carb. system? You've also got a pretty nice carbon fiber fuel tank there. We used to have a couple like that (from Brunswick)... a lot nicer than the fiberglass or steel tanks we also had. Your tank looks like it would have a gasoline equivilant of about 6 gallons... am I close?

If you ever have any questions about the CNG fuel system, let me know. I know a lot about those systems (even though Impco was our competitor... we had to study the competition). And if you don't already know, CNG has a very high resistance to knock (commonly referred to as the 'octane' rating). If you could test CNG for it's 'octane' rating the same way you test gasoline, it would be up in the 130's (compared to 'pump' gas at 87-93 octane usually, and even racing gas at 115ish). That means that you can run really outrageous compression and still not get detonation/pre-ignition/pinging with CNG. You can easily run 14 or 15:1 compression non-boosted, and even boosted to 14 or 15 psi, you can probably still have 9 or 10:1 compression. Just something to consider... it's a way to get back the power you lose by running a gaseous fuel in the first place.

[wrxdan]

Walt... Are the micros running indoor or outdoor tomorrow?

[Walt]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Walt... Are the micros running indoor or outdoor tomorrow?

Indoors for now. The weather is still a little questionable this time of year, plus we have not completed our lighting improvements needed to run in total darkness out there. Oh, and another thing... until the winter bowling leagues are done, the parking lot is pretty full in the evenings... that's why our outdoor, on-road racing season really can't start until the first weekend of May.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by Walt
Kakolitoy: I used to be heavily involved with CNG (compressed natural gas) engines. I worked for a company developing an electronically controlled CNG conversion system for years through college and after college. Anyway, I was wondering where you get your CNG from these days? Back when I was involved, many Amoco stations had CNG, but I thought they removed all of them. We had a CNG compressor where I used to work, but when I would test drive one of our dedicated CNG vehicles, I had to be really careful that I didn't run out of fuel on the road.

Wherever you are refueling, do they refuel to 3000psi or 3600psi (or some other pressure)?

Looks like you're running an Impco carb. system? You've also got a pretty nice carbon fiber fuel tank there. We used to have a couple like that (from Brunswick)... a lot nicer than the fiberglass or steel tanks we also had. Your tank looks like it would have a gasoline equivilant of about 6 gallons... am I close?

If you ever have any questions about the CNG fuel system, let me know. I know a lot about those systems (even though Impco was our competitor... we had to study the competition). And if you don't already know, CNG has a very high resistance to knock (commonly referred to as the 'octane' rating). If you could test CNG for it's 'octane' rating the same way you test gasoline, it would be up in the 130's (compared to 'pump' gas at 87-93 octane usually, and even racing gas at 115ish). That means that you can run really outrageous compression and still not get detonation/pre-ignition/pinging with CNG. You can easily run 14 or 15:1 compression non-boosted, and even boosted to 14 or 15 psi, you can probably still have 9 or 10:1 compression. Just something to consider... it's a way to get back the power you lose by running a gaseous fuel in the first place.


HI! Walt,

Seems like u know a lot about CNG Fuel systems. This is what I am studying now and this vehicle is a part of the club project. We will be competing probably this year or next year.

Our school gives us the supplies. 4 of our school vehicles including the basketball varsity van run CNG. Its very very good on fuel and economy and engine performance. The only problem is the tank is freaking heavy. Micro motors and this carb are about the same. We literally have to change setting according to the ambient temp especially when we were running it. This vehicle had been stock all winter long. I think its about time to take it out for a ride. I am just not sure how much equal gallon is this tank. However, I am sure that the Basketball team van goes to Wisconsin and Indiana back and fort and make it in a full tank.
I will be studying a lot about motors and engine performance. Thanks for the offer Walt, If I have question I will ask u at the track and do the rest of my homework when I get home after race. :)

Anthony

[Rookie Solara]

I cannot imagine the condition of the OUTDOOR micro race will be....running on those rough surface with the ARM chassis is like running the Micro on sandpaper.....I am worry that would be more damage then FUN on the outdoor.

I am happy about the size of the track, and the condition of the carpet, not to mention the FOAMS can last forever while running on carpet....that is $$$$ saver.

[Walt]

If we make the move to outside with the micros we'll only stay there if it's more fun than being inside. I have a feeling that outside we'll be able to switch to rubber tires, and those will last nearly forever out there. Basically, we'll try it, and if it's a nice, fun change of pace, we'll do it once in a while when it's nice out. If it's not good, or if it's hard on tires or the cars, we'll stop doing it. I have a feeling that it will be a nice change of pace to run a large, sweeping turn, outdoor micro track once in a while.

On a related note, it's getting a little difficult for me to come up with new micro tracks every week. If there is anyone else that wants to come up with some micro track layouts, please let me know. You can either get there a little early and help me set up (around 5pm) or you can just jot down your idea on paper and I'll use it in the coming weeks. It's just hard for me to come up with so many different designs given the space limitations we have in there.

[wrxdan]

I'm packing up for the micro race tonight. Packing VERY light. Any must have items? Extension cords? Stuff like that.

[Walt]

Originally posted by wrxdan
I'm packing up for the micro race tonight. Packing VERY light. Any must have items? Extension cords? Stuff like that.

We supply tables and chairs, so you can save a lot of room by NOT having to pack those items. A short extension cord is probably all you need, but an outlet strip is the best thing to bring along. Not too many high power items out there, but a lot of little stuff needing to be plugged in.

It's always a good idea to bring extra crystals if you've got'em. So far, we've been able to get everyone there on a different frequency, so that's been really nice.

Bring along $5 for the entry fee, and a few bucks in case you want to buy some pizza or other snack or enjoy a beer or two.

The lighting isn't the greatest in there to see the tiny parts on these micros, so if you've got some sort of bench light that can be easily set up over your work space, you might be glad you had it.

As long as you have your car, transmitter, at least one battery pack and a charger, you'll be racing and having a good time. We look forward to seeing you there tonight.

[Rookie Solara]

Great race last night....and DAN, you did great on the main afterall, now, you ahve to spend some bucks on the smaller equipment on the micro to reduce the CG of the chassis.

The A last night was real clean, and if JJ is watching, my appology on the bad hit I did on his car.....and what goes around, comes around, I ended up tagging with WALT and lost my position at the end.....but overall, I learned something and hope I can do better next week...

BTW, who took the 2nd last night Walt...? Is that the guy with the DTS T-shirt...?

[wrxdan]

Thanks Howard!!! It was a fun time! Thanks again for letting me run with your steering knuckle. I have the parts on order. The pan chassis is back ordered and may take 10 days to get. If I knew how to cut fiberglass cleanly I would just make one.

About tires. Rubber tires up front seem to work okay. I wish the micro has some kinda camber adjustment, negative camber would have been nice with the foam tires. Is it a stupid idea to cut some negative camber into the foam tire itself? Maybe 1 -2 degrees? It seems most cars out there were either traction rolling or had some kinda rear end hop due to the bite.

I hope to have a lower CG car soon. I ordered a gear set for my old Futaba servo (S132H). I'm going to break open my packs and maybe reconfigure them. Nasty body is going in the trash.

I want to bring my dig video cam next week to catch some of the action. The A main was really clean, some smooth passes and some not so smooth out the door crashes:)

All and all it was a great time. Reminds me of my pan car days, just less frustrating and less work because you don't have to rebuild your motor after every run.

[chicago rc]

Off the subejct - In the May Issue of R/C Car Action, Page 204, Mab_Man makes it into the magazine with a sweet paint job he did. Way to go Mike!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Nermin]

Hey guys,

First of all, my name is Nermin, and i live in Skokie. I am intreasted in joining the Chicago rc club. I would like to know where you guys meet, and how far it is from me.

I am a beginer, and i am intreasted what car you would sugest to me.I am intreasted in on road cars. I was told that i should talk to the guys at the club first to see what they race with and then make my decision based on that. Today i went to Staint (i think thats what its called) hobby shop, and they had a nice car i liked. It was a Yokomo GT 4 nitro RTR. Also they had a TC3 nitro RTR, both of the cars locked wery nice, but i like the body on the TC3 better. So these are the two cars i am considering right now, but i am open to your suggestion.

My goal is to race if i can find few guys around.

Thank you.

Nermin

[mab_man20]

Brian, thanks for the shout out!!!! hehe, a lot more bodies like that will be on the prowl for mashalls' feet this year. (evil grin)

Nermin: I would suggest the Nitro TC3. More of the hobby shops in the area sell associated parts and most of the fast guys drive them so you can get help no problem.

As for where me meet, we meet up at all the tracks listed on the chicagorc website. The easiest track for you to get to from skokie is HobbyTown in Oak Park (completely unbiased advice!! I promise!) Take 94 into the city and then 290 out to Harlem. See the directions on chicagorc for a map and directions. Myself and Chris run the races over there. If you are interested, our first race is April 19th. Registration starts at 10 (get there as close to 10 as you can so you can practice a little and make sure everything is working ok) and racing starts at 11.

Let me or anyone else know if you have any other questions regarding our track or any other track in the area.

[Nexus]

Nermin: welcome to the money pit...i mean...world of RC car racing!! :cool:

i don't run Nitro but i would recommend the Nitro TC3. from a racing standpoint there is more support and parts availability at all the local stores and racetracks.

now if you like electrics....Factory Team TC3 :)

there are several racetracks around the area.

Venture Raceway - Libertyville
Hobbytown - Oak Park
Chicagoland RC - Tinley Park

even farther...

Trackside - **
AJ's - Dekalb, IL

I've only raced at Venture so far since they are the closest indoor racetrack....pretty soon a lot of these places will be opening up when the weather permits for outdoor racing....and Nitro.

[chicago rc]

Off the subject again, my screen name for Xbox live is DOHC Racer if any of you play MotoGP or Mech Assault Live- Seriously cool stuff!!! Add me to your friends list and let's race.

Nermin, like these guys said, the club holds races at the various tracks listed on the web site. Plus, if you see other members from Skokie or nearby I can get you all in touch by e-mail so you can race or bash together on your own. Get your car, the Nitro TC3 is by far the most popular these days, and come out to any race at any of the tracks mentioned above. Club member or not you will get as much help as you need at the track from any of us.

You will benefit from the club though (see our web site for list of benefits) so join when you can, it's $10 for the year. Watch for the race clinic dates coming soon, one will be for you new guys on how to get into racing & racing basics. I still need volunteers to teach that one so you veterans let me know.

Brian (Chicago R/C Club President)
www.chicagorc.com

[Nermin]

I am locking forward to meet you all, and race with you. I would love to get in touch as many people as posible especialy that live near me, so we can race.

I have decided to get the TC3 RTR, i think this is more car then i can handel right now and when i improve, i will add some upgrades. I like electric cars, may get one later, but for now i realy want a nitro car, i just love that sound they make.

I have one question, as much as i like the body on the TC3, i realy would like to get this one http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/bodies/7452m3.jpg but i dont know if its going to fit on TC3? How do i find out?

I apprichiate the help

Nermin

[Serpent Impact]

Any 200mm body will fit.

[wrxdan]

Yes, any 200MM body will fit. Be sure to check out the wheelbase on the bodies. Some companies like HPI use different wheelbases on some of their 200 MM. Not a big deal, you would just need to cut the wheel wells different then whats marked on the body.

[Rookie Solara]

Yeah, welcome aboard new guy, and welcome to the Chicagoland onroad SNOW MOBILE sceen.....I don't know why you want to know that much about RC CAR....? Because we only race RC SNOW MOBILE now...... especially in APRIL. The most popular RC snow mobile are like NSB3 (Nitro Snow mobile) from AE and NSB RS4 from HPI are the hottest item right now, and they have RTR version for all of a sudden APRIL 4" of snow special event...

Don't forget, we race only RC SNOW MOBILE here in Chicago, no onroad RC CAR HERE cause we just started our SNOW SEASON now......besides, RC snow mobile are way more fun the onroad espeically when you see someone's receiver got fried with water and suddenly ran away and never be seen again....that is PRICELESS.

:mad: Damn, I hate snow, and in APRIL, that is NUTS......come on guys, we knew this is the end of the world......

Mab_man, still want to start the season on 19th? I've got a feeling it will be 3-5" of snow that weekend.....our summer RC season should start on November, just like Australia.....:mad:

[HauntedMyst]

Freakin snow. I just finished a ground up rebuild of my TC3 last night. I woke up ready to test it out and find all this snow. I say we start on the 19th and run a Baggie Class. Every one puts their cars in a Glad Freezer Bag and pokes the wheels out and races them that way.

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Yeah, welcome aboard new guy, and welcome to the Chicagoland onroad SNOW MOBILE sceen.....I don't know why you want to know that much about RC CAR....? Because we only race RC SNOW MOBILE now...... especially in APRIL. The most popular RC snow mobile are like NSB3 (Nitro Snow mobile) from AE and NSB RS4 from HPI are the hottest item right now, and they have RTR version for all of a sudden APRIL 4" of snow special event...

Don't forget, we race only RC SNOW MOBILE here in Chicago, no onroad RC CAR HERE cause we just started our SNOW SEASON now......besides, RC snow mobile are way more fun the onroad espeically when you see someone's receiver got fried with water and suddenly ran away and never be seen again....that is PRICELESS.

:mad: Damn, I hate snow, and in APRIL, that is NUTS......come on guys, we knew this is the end of the world......

Mab_man, still want to start the season on 19th? I've got a feeling it will be 3-5" of snow that weekend.....our summer RC season should start on November, just like Australia.....:mad:

Your just mad because you swaped out your winter tires for your summer (no traction in the snow tires:) How low is your Solara with the summer rubber? Are you running Tinley this Wed? I have few sled dogs if you need a way to get there:)

Just messin around!!!

Do you have any 2/3 1100 mAh loose batteries left? I need 6 or more.

Later

Dan

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
Your just mad because you swaped out your winter tires for your summer (no traction in the snow tires:) How low is your Solara with the summer rubber? Are you running Tinley this Wed? I have few sled dogs if you need a way to get there:)

Just messin around!!!

Do you have any 2/3 1100 mAh loose batteries left? I need 6 or more.

Later

Dan

I have 12 cells left, and I hope you can buy them all, I will give you a better deal.....(that is two 7.2V packs and good enough for 8 minutes main with 10T or lower)

Snow....and RC..? That should be fun, I will use my Solara springs as the THROTTLE reture springs incase my receiver fried by water...

That bag idea still crack me up.......imagine my NTC3 with a black bag and only 4 wheels are expose.....

Yeah, it took me 1 full hour to get to work this morning.....lowered 3" front and rear is not fun......riding Z rated performance tires on SNOW/ICE is totally a challenge........just like Nissan Commercial......DRIFT (not shift)

[mab_man20]

stupid #($Q#&$Q)(#$#(&#() #_)(%$#Q$ _)(#& # #($ #($#Q&$ weather!!

Its supposed to get nice by the end of the week.

the 19th is going to be a "race" day but there will be no points. It is more of a warm up race than anything else.
On May 5 is when the real racing gets started!

If its snowing in May we are all going to move to florida!

[Nermin]

I just came back from school, the weather today is sick, after that one warm week we had not to long ago i honestly thought there wont be no snow for this year, i cant belive this. Anyways i am saving up my $$$ to get that TC3 RTR, next paychack should be able to cover the costs. I just hope it gets warm so we can start racing. I am going to try to make it on 19th, so i can practic a bit. The track in oak park is realy not that far from me, i just checked the directions about 17min. from me.

Thanks for all the help...

Nermin

[mab_man20]

We are making a few changes this year at HTOP to make the racing experience more enjoyable for all.

1) Racing starts at 11 instead of 12.
2) There will be 2 points series, each 6 races long. There will be one throwout and the winners in each class will get some cool stuff (trophies!!!!)
3) We will be selling KO personal transponders for $15 (our cost) due to some issues last year. Transponders will also be available if you do not wish to buy one. To rent a transponder the first time is free, after that it will be $5. We are doing this to encourage people to buy them.
4) We will be offering a Club membership this year. Members will get a Free personal transponder, entree fees will be $5 per class instead of $10 for non members, and members will receive 20% off everything in the store. The membership fee is $50. Before you yell at me about how expensive that is do some of the math.

$50 (for membership) - $15 (for free transponder) =$35
$35 - $5 (for every class you race) means that if you race 1 class you will make your money back after 7 races and if you run 2 classes you will make your money back after 3.5 races. That still does not include the 20% off in the store.

5) We will ensure that each race starts less than 5 minutes after the previous race.
6) We will also deduct laps from previous race if you do not marshall. If you are running two classes one right after the other, you will be expected to marshall the next TWO races. As a racer it is your duty to marshall. If you feel that being forced to mashall is completely unfair, we will let you run a race without anyone mashalling your car and then you will appreciate them.

What do people think about having a radio impound? In the past we have had very little problems with people turning their radios on in the pits, but as a precautionary messure??

Any input on these or any other rules is greatly appreciated.

thanks

Nermin: we will be glad to have you!

[Rookie Solara]

Sounds fair enough........you know I am in, and for sure, I am start making more "FLY LIES" (Fry rices in chinese accent) to earn that extra $50 for the membership......but since I will be most likely racing every SAT race at HTOP, I think I should get the money worth...

I totally forgot about racing 2 race means I have to marshell 2 times.........wow, I better start working out now....

Besides.....what is the schedule of each race for this year...? If we start on 11:00 and between race are only 5 minutes, are we talking about 3 qualifier and one 10 minutes main?

Come on.....we all pay big bucks for this.....and we need to get more after we paid you.....

Let us know.......

[Nexus]

nermin...good choice with the TC3! :)

mab:

everything sounds good with the exception of the radio impound. the only problem i have with that is how safe would they be from theft...and...what if someone else broke your controller?


also you haven't convinced me that enough electrics are going to show up for racing :P

[mab_man20]

Rookie: on may 5th we will run 3 heats and a main and see how smooth things go. I see no reason why we cant, as long as people start their cars as soon as the previous race ends and the marshalls put their cars away and return to the track quickly.

Nexus: Thanks for your input on the radio impound. My thinking has been that if someone proves to me that they are not responsible enough to keep their radio off while in the pits, I will impound THEIR radio and only their radio.

I guarentee you that there will be at least 5 people racing electric TC. That number is based on people who have personally told me they will come, it does not include people who i have not talked to since last season. Im sending off a few more emails hoping to get another group of 3 who came out last year.
If people come we will have a great class, if everyone sits back and waits for everyone to come then it may be kinda sad. :( So come on out!!!

[Nermin]

What’s up guys, just came back from school and what a day. I was working there and when i finished with work, my friend gave me a present. He gave me a small rc car, after we had lunch, we went to library and set up a track, i tell you we had a blast. The funny thing is, his car was fester then my, but mine car was handling the curves much better then his, so at the start he would live me by a good half lap, but soon he would hit something and i would catch up to him. Tomorrow we decided to meet again and race :) My friend is also a beginner he didn’t know anything about the rc cars, but after i showed him the electrics and nitro 1/10 scale cars, he was very impressed and is thinking of getting a nitro car like me. I might bring him with me on 19th if he has time.

Nexus: Thanks, i will have to do some upgrading before i can race with you, but for a beginner like me is more then enough. You guys are going to leave me in the dust on the track, i can see it now, everybody is finishing and i have one more leap to go :) but that’s ok with me.

mab_man20: Thank you.

Later guys!

[Nexus]

nermin...just realized your RTR was going to be the Nitro TC3 RTR....i run electric.

still a TC3 though!! :)

[Rookie Solara]

http://users.rcn.com/arsa/fire705.jpg

Picture better then thousand words............if you don't want to see this happen to your RC car.....double check your wires connection and never let that hang to the ground.

I think NTC3 has one very good feature over MTX3,V1RR and 705.....wires are all enclosed.

I've seen Serpent fly out the road, but this one got caught on fire due to the 30% blend race fuel with cracked tank.....he can think about NTC3 now......

Believe it or not, that bottle of chinese tea saved his almost totalled 705.....

Check out the rest of the damage pictures here, and don't worry about those chinese word....

705 is HOT action (http://groups.msn.com/RacingCar/forum1.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=2870&LastModified=4675416654837272090)

[T-Racer]

On that note I have a brand new in the box 705

If Interested E-mail me

T-racer

[Walt]

And I thought this thread was dead... turns out they just stopped e-mailing us when there is a new post... now I had lots to read.

A long time ago (like yesterday), someone said that if you buy a 190mm body for your 200mm car you'll have to cut the wheel wells out differently. Now I'm not 100% positive about this, but I thought that the 200mm/190mm thing in touring cars refers to the 'width' of the body, not the 'wheel base'... please correct me if I'm wrong.

And I didn't get to put in my $0.02 regarding Nermin's purchase. So here it goes. Nermin: seriously consider getting the kit NTC3 instead of the RTR. A lot of people will disagree with me, but I've found that when people intend on racing, like you appear to be doing, they quickly 'out grow' their RTR cars, and end up buying a better radio, better servos, better engine, etc. pretty quickly anyway. If you really want to save money to start out, get a kit and simply ask on this forum if anyone has an old RTR radio sitting around that you can have... I bet a lot of us do (since we were all 'suckered' into an RTR car at one time and pulled out the crappy radio in short order).

However, the Associated NTC3-RTR is one of the better RTR's out there, but I'd still get the kit and the better radio (FM, 75mHz) and maybe a better engine with a starter box instead of the frustrating pull starter... you'd be glad you did if you end up racing all summer with us.

Again, just my opinion, and it probably differs from a lot of other people's opinions.

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Walt
And I thought this thread was dead... turns out they just stopped e-mailing us when there is a new post... now I had lots to read.

A long time ago (like yesterday), someone said that if you buy a 190mm body for your 200mm car you'll have to cut the wheel wells out differently. Now I'm not 100% positive about this, but I thought that the 200mm/190mm thing in touring cars refers to the 'width' of the body, not the 'wheel base'... please correct me if I'm wrong.

And I didn't get to put in my $0.02 regarding Nermin's purchase. So here it goes. Nermin: seriously consider getting the kit NTC3 instead of the RTR. A lot of people will disagree with me, but I've found that when people intend on racing, like you appear to be doing, they quickly 'out grow' their RTR cars, and end up buying a better radio, better servos, better engine, etc. pretty quickly anyway. If you really want to save money to start out, get a kit and simply ask on this forum if anyone has an old RTR radio sitting around that you can have... I bet a lot of us do (since we were all 'suckered' into an RTR car at one time and pulled out the crappy radio in short order).

However, the Associated NTC3-RTR is one of the better RTR's out there, but I'd still get the kit and the better radio (FM, 75mHz) and maybe a better engine with a starter box instead of the frustrating pull starter... you'd be glad you did if you end up racing all summer with us.

Again, just my opinion, and it probably differs from a lot of other people's opinions.

I think the post regarding the body size was mine. I said to be careful with picking out a 200MM HPI body because the wheelbases vary between bodies. But not a big deal because you can just cut the wheel well to match your chassis. Not sure about 190MM bodies.

Dan

[Rookie Solara]

Yes...190mm refers to the WIDTH........unlike Micro, 140/150 is the wheelbase (Length).....that always drives ppl nuts.

I do have a 22B 190mm from Tamiya on my Impulse 3- years ago....not a perfect fit, cause all the wheels sticking out by 5-8mm each side....look like those Mexican/Chinese low-rider....:D

Whos race micro tonight...? I am leaving in 30 minutes....

[HauntedMyst]

the 190/200mm thing does refer to the width of the car, not its wheel base. Each car's wheel base varies slightly. For example, an NTC3 doesn't have the same wheel base as an HPI, so sometimes mounting an HPI body on an NTC3 means the wheel wells are off slightly. Generally, Proline/Protoform don't mark the rear wheels so you can mount them up according to the front wheel wells and then cut the rear wells and have it look natural.

[Rookie Solara]

John, still want the alum. shock towers...?

[HauntedMyst]

Yes!

[TC3PO]

Hey Rookie, is that the Serpent that almost killed that dog by HobbyTown a couple of weeks ago,I heard it got banged up real bad too:rolleyes:

[Nermin]

You really got me thinking now, i agree with you at the end of the day i will save money if i buy the kit, but the price is not that easy to swolow. If the kit had already engine in the car, that would be an easy choice for me, but now i have to loock into what engine should i buy, and which one should fit and the cost of the engine etc. I checked out the transmiter that comes with RTR and you are right its a very cheap, but for the start it should do just fine.

Now can you give me some info on a good engine thats has a reasonable price, for NTC3? And what else i may need, if i buy the kit.

Thank you

[xxx mike]

kit = 250?
servos = 30-250 depending how cheap/expensive you want
radio + reciever 80-400
5 cell rx pack 20-30
rx charger 10-50
glow igniter + charger 15
engine.. probably MT-12 or somthing novarossi.. 150'ish
bump starter box. 120 with a gel battery, + 15 for a wall charger
some good tools to start off with couple allen drivers, and nutdrivers for wheels and glow plug.. $50
spare glow plugs (2) 7-10
Fuel - 1 gal = 20-25
Fuel bottle = 8-10

After being into it for a while you start to see that buying the bare minimum really is a waste. You will end up buying the better stuff later if you stick to the hobby, so spend the money once for the good stuff rather then twice for cheap, then the good. I'd atleast get some midrange servos with metal gears (longer life) and some good tools. Working on a car with cheap tools sucks. It's easy to mess up hex heads and get screws stuck in the car or stripped with junk tools. It makes the whole R/C experience more frustrating.. Tools are one of the most important things to invest with IMO. Nutdrivers are cheap at sears/craftsman and my prefered allen drivers are the ones from Ofna.. very strong and precise tips. I think I covered most of the costs you will run into with R/C startup... it's not very cheap, even when you try to be cheap.

I agree with Walt 100 percent! Pullstarters are frustrating. Get a bump box if at all possible.

[mab_man20]

Nermin: Ill leave the engine Q's to the nitro geeks...umm gurus.

:D

TC3PO: Nope, same brand/kit, different person, same result (ill bet that one didnt hit a moving car, almost kill a dog, and went under another moving car)

[Walt]

I've been working for a while on my 'getting started in RC' manifesto for publication on our web site. Here's a short excerpt from it regarding what I think someone needs to be ready, happy and competitive in this sport. On the left are the items you'll need/want. In the middle is any specific recommendation I make (for most items I don't have a specific recommendation), and on the right is the 'typical' price range for each item. The price range covers only 'acceptable' parts, so you can spend the minimum in the range for each item and be just fine, in my opinion (for instance, you can get servos for $10, and the RTR will have $10 servos in it, but my servo 'range' is from $45-$90 because I feel you can't get a quality servo for under $45).

Nitro touring car:

Car kit Associated NTC3 $270
Engine Mugen MT-12 (Novarossi) $160
FM Radio Hitec Lynx FM $75-$200
Steering servo* Hitec HS-645MG $45-$90
Throttle servo Hitec HS-605BB $40-$55
Receiver battery pack* $15-$25
Transmitter batteries*NiMH’s from Home Depot $40
Transmitter charger* $20
Extra crystal sets (2 recommended) $25/set
Starter box* Ofna ‘narrow’ box $80
Starter box batteries* $20-$40
Glow igniter w/gauge* $30
Spare glow plugs* (5 recommended) $2-$6 each
1 gallon fuel* O’Donnel 20% $20-$25
500cc fuel bottle* $7
spare air filters* $10
Body $20
Body paint $5/color
Tool box $25
RC tools $60
Throttle return spring* $2
Extra tires/wheels* $50/set
Spare parts* $50

Please don't take this as something that will convince you NOT to join our hobby/sport. I've just seen too many people who think they can get into this for $350 or $400 and end up being very disappointed with what they get, and then leave the hobby forever. I'd rather have people know what it's really going to take to be competitive and reliable before hand. It's little things like a pull start engine that you can't start at the track that will make you just throw your hands in the air and quit... we don't want to see that. I'd rather see you get the starter box and have a good time. I really feel that it takes about $1000 to get into this hobby from scratch (additional cars are less expensive because you've already got a lot of the 'infrastructure' from the first car), but it's well worth that money.

If you still feel like you need to 'ease' into the hobby due to money limitations, AT THE VERY LEAST you've got to plan on getting the items above marked with a '*' for your RTR. You can upgrade the radio (transmitter and receiver and throttle servo) later, and get a better engine later, etc., but if you don't get the rest of the items, you pretty much won't be able to run. Well, one exception. If you are OK with messing around with the pull starter at home, I'm sure you can find someone at the track with a starter box set up for the popular NTC3 that you can use during races, but I think you'll want the starter box to use at home too.

Although I think it's implied, these are just my opinions. Others may disagree, but I feel that the 'RTR' craze is doing a dis-service to our hobby. The RTR's seem intended to 'sucker' people into thinking that the hobby is less expensive than it really is, and then once they've got you hooked, they hope you spend a lot more money to upgrade your car. And you'll never see an RC magazine say anything bad about an RTR, but remember how those magazines make their money: advertisements from the companies that sell the RTRs. I'm not on the take from anyone, and I'm willing to help out the new guys as much as possible. Ask as many questions as you want, and we will help you out. And like I said before, if you want to get the kit but need a cheap radio and engine for now to get started, I but there are people on this forum that have old AM radios and pull start engines collecting dust that you could borrow or just have. I think I have at least one AM radio in my basement somewhere.

[Walt]

On a separate note, did you guys have fun racing Micros yesterday? I really wish I could have been there, but I had no baby-sitter yesterday. I'll be back next week.

[SixVi6-Camaro]

whow.. somebody with the same opinion as me on Nitro racing! I have to agree with Walt. to be competitive in any Nitro racing is just so expensive. Lets put it this way. I recently told this to a friend of mine that is just getting into the hobby. He has a savage and bashes that but he wanted to actually race a 1/10 TC. I quit racing Nitro RC's a few years back. Electrics are not as bad so I still ocasionally take a trip to the track with my electric just for fun. anyways... here's my hypothetical situation..

You buy an RTR NTC3. For $350 you can't go wrong! its cheap right? You break it in and run it around the house and you are GOD to the kids and neighbors with this "super performance" racing car. Then you take it to the track and your jaw drops. you realize your slow. You think its bceause of the lack of a 2 speed. Also channel conflicts on the AM 27 band are also a Pain. So you buy an FM radio some crystals and a 2 speed. still not there so you then buy some good wheels becaue the RTR tires are soo hard you just slide everywhere. great now it grips but its slow on the corners and doesn't hold a straight line well. So in goes a digital steering servo and the LHS tells you to buy a 5 cell rechargeable pack and charger to keep plenty of power on tap for that hungry digital servo. you then start to get into the smaller, setup tools, hop ups and tuning parts, buying good factory team parts as other parts break (and trust me when racing 1/10 nitro, RTR parts break fast). you end up with aluminum CVD's, IRS aluminum outdrives, sway bars, threaded shocks ..blah.. blah. basically you just buy the factory team parts parts and a few aftermarket hop up parts and some seemingly inexpensive set up tools and heck you try out some other wheels. Now it runs nice and handles but its still not as fast as the "other guys" you look for an engine and find a nice race .12 but race engines don't have a pull start so you buy a starter box. Now finally you can hang but you also have almost the entire RTR, engine, radio gear, servos, stock RTR parts, wheels and more, just sitting there in a spare parts box colecting dust.

I know this because I went through it several years back with my Nitro RS4 RTR. Now I don't ever grab for RTR's unless I have no choice at all because I already have enough junk RTR engines, servos, and radio gear littering my parts box. Now days I go for broke when looking for a new RC because either way you'll end up there eventually and buying the good stuff from the begining is a lot cheaper in the long run.

My 2c..
John

[Walt]

Originally posted by SixVi6-Camaro
whow.. somebody with the same opinion as me on Nitro racing...
John

Just want to make something more clear... I feel the same way about 'electric' racing as I do about Nitro. In fact, I really believe that in the long run, electric will be more expensive than Nitro because the batteries and electric motors don't last nearly as long as nitro engines do, and if you want your electric motor to last even a decent amount of time, you need to invest in a com-cutter, which is pretty expensive.

Basically, I wouldn't recommend going to electric to save money. There are other reasons to go to electric, like if you don't want the 'hassle' of nitro engines, or because you want to race indoors, or you like the way the cars stay cleaner, etc. I don't think you'll save money with electric verses nitro if you plan to race competitively.

Otherwise, thanks for backing me up John. Anyone want to disagree with the 'avoid RTRs' suggestion? Anyone out there racing competitively and having a great time with their RTR and wouldn't have done it any other way if they could do it again? Just currious. I won't flame you... I'd like to hear other opinions.

[wrxdan]

I look at it this way. Yes RC in any form is expensive. But my real interest is full scale road/drag racing. $1000 bucks in RC gets you a good racing setup. $1000 bucks in full scale gets you a set of tires that wear out in one season. New racing engine = $4000 +. So for me RC is the lesser of 2 evils. Don't get me wrong, I like RC racing. Plus it's easier on the family running a rc car, back in the day I ran a full scale formula ford at blackhawk farms and a bunch of SOLOII events. It's really cool how some of the chassis adjustments convert over to rc. A NTC3 is no LOLA chassis, but still have similar adjustments with similar effects. But being gone weekends at a time is not good on the family front. So I just hit the drags once and a while. I think the WRX may see some SOLO or drag racing this year:) We still have the formula ford, someday I may get back in it. You know...when I'm rich.


Micro race was fun. I learn a bunch more. I forgot the dig video cam once again. Micro people, what are your names on this forum? Tony is T-racer....who is who???

[wrxdan]

Here's a pic of the LOLO T440. This is not actual pic. Ours is red and in need of a restore. Hot slicks and grass don't mix. My dad spun it into the trees a few years about. Bent up some of the side pod aluminum. We fixed it enough for me to SOLO it.

[Walt]

Sorry I missed you at the micro race yesterday Dan. I heard everyone had a good time. I'll be back next week (and I go by 'Walt' both in person and on these forums... I kinda wish everyone did that... oh well)

Just yesterday I did a telephone interview with a Tribune reporter about R/C. She said she is doing an article about the R/C hobby in the Chicagoland area for the 'Tempo' section (I think) of the Tribune (article to run on Friday, April 25th, by the way). Anyway, when she asked me why I like this sport, I said basically what Dan just said: I like real racing, but I want to be more than a spectator, and participating in 'real' (let's call it 'full scale' instead) racing is too expensive, dangerous (for a middle aged family man at least) and takes up too much time as well as too much space in the garage. It's basically out of the question for me to race full scale cars in any competitive way, but with RC, you get 'most' of the fun of full scale racing for 1/100th the cost and practically no risk of injury.

In fact, in some ways I like RC better than full scale, for instance, I can be more agressive in RC because I'm not worried about killing myself or someone else or the cost of fixing the car. Any full scale racing I'd be involved in would require me to be very carefull while driving, and that takes a lot of the fun out of it. I love this sport, and it's definitely worth the cost for me. In fact, as most of you know, I've invested quite a bit of my own money to start up the Chicagoland R/C Raceway so we'd all have someplace nice to race... I thought, and still thing, that it's worth it, even when I count in all that cost that most racers will never encounter. Heck, I'm taking tomorrow off work to build us a better driver's stand... it's worth it.

By the way, is that the racing class that used to be called 'formula 440s', using snowmobile engines and solid rear axles? If so, that's funny, because I was so close to racing those instead of RC, but decided in the end to do RC instead... formula 440 was my second choice.

[Rookie Solara]

Dan.....talk about street racing, when I came up next to you on 294, then hit I slam on the gas.....did you realized that the BLACK CROWN VICTORIA in front of you is a COP car...?

Thats why I dropped back to 65, then on the shoulder right next to us, another Silver Chevy Impula pull over and tried to setup a speed trap.......MAN, just can't race a little on the street...(besides the point, I don't think I can catch up with your WRX anyhow.....:mad: )

Walt....how's baby sitting.....? The track was fun last night....but again, NO WALT, there is always MARK, and then, JJ...and me, always love to create stupid mistake, I well deserve the lose.....and the TOP guy, 5 laps over us, and somehow, his car is fast for full 8 minutes, and I just can't get 11T on my car....yes, I can, but not in 8 minutes....

But I actually didn't try that on my battery yet, may be I should try to push it next week.

Anyway, another fun week of racing....if time is possible, I really need to BREAK in the nitro engine.....for the upcoming REAL RC season.

TC3PO......no, it is not the same one, but like other said, same result.....this one is from Taiwan forum, but it is a very good leason for us to learn - clean cars win (well, almost, except Walt's SNRS4.....his is dirty as ****, but some how, no one can pass him)

[wrxdan]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
Dan.....talk about street racing, when I came up next to you on 294, then hit I slam on the gas.....did you realized that the BLACK CROWN VICTORIA in front of you is a COP car...?

Thats why I dropped back to 65, then on the shoulder right next to us, another Silver Chevy Impula pull over and tried to setup a speed trap.......MAN, just can't race a little on the street...(besides the point, I don't think I can catch up with your WRX anyhow.....:mad: )

We were racing???? j/k

I don't think that crown vic was a cop because it was an old guy with standard plates. It did look like an ex-POPO car. But who knows. I didn't see the Impala, DOH! I was going to call you and tell you about the crown vic when we came up on it, but you were slowing down.

The WRX is not a good highway speed demon. I bet it would be hard to pull on you. Now 0-60 is a different story.

[SixVi6-Camaro]

Very true walt.. electrics get expensive to race too. especially if you run mod motors. then you are talking a lathe, brushes, multiple motors, high end chargers, expensive batteries and still the same hop ups as nitros. I spent ungodly amounts back when I used to race pan cars. Its cheaper for electrics for me now simply because I'm not serious about it. I'm Never puting a mod motor in my TC3 because I don't want the maintence. my Racer kit TC3 has a $15 tower hobies stock motor, and some old 2000's and and one 3000 pack with AM radio gear and a couple hop ups. Its mostly just a fun thing to drive or in the winter at the track to get that RC fix.

John

[Walt]

Originally posted by SixVi6-Camaro
Very true walt.. electrics get expensive to race too. especially if you run mod motors. then you are talking a lathe, brushes, multiple motors, high end chargers, expensive batteries and still the same hop ups as nitros. I spent ungodly amounts back when I used to race pan cars
John

Right on, and don't even consider racing modified, off road electric if you are on a budget! I tried that back when I started in RC (mid 80's)... 7 cell, 4 minute races in the dirt basically ruined a brand new mod motor each race! Sure, the motors would still spin, but they could never win a race again, so it was costing $50-$75 PER HEAT if you wanted to be A-main competitive. That was nuts. At least in 1/12th scale we were running 8 minute, 4 cell races, which meant the mod motors would be good for about 10 runs before noticably droping off in performance. New motor ever 3 weeks or so instead of 3 motors per week was much better.

I think that's the main reason why nitro is getting so popular now. You really can get a very competitive engine for under $200, and if you take care of it, the thing will still be competitive after at least a full season of racing, and usually 2 seasons. Even if it does drop off in performance over those 2 years, they are so overpowered to begin with that you'll still have more power than you need after it drops off quite a bit.

[TC3PO]

That was one of the funniest things I ever saw:D

[Nermin]

Hey guys,

Locks like its geting nice again. I just went through the list, and i think i will need to get one more job :D I am thinking about geting the kit now, but if i chose to get the kit it will take some time before i get on the track. I am a student, and its not easy for me to get all the parts right now. Right now i am serously thinking of buying the kit, and then after that the engine. Why are some engines more expensive then others, when they provide same horse power and rpm rate? Is the quality realy that much better? And also will the start box fit on any engine or do diffrent engines require diffrent start boxes? Sorry for all of these questions, i just want to get out thare and have fun. Walt i apprichiat that post.

Is any of you planing to come on 19th, i would like to meet you all in person, and see how you guys race?

Nermin

[mab_man20]

Nermin: Im glad all this expensive talk hasnt turned you off from this awesome..... (we need a better word than hobby).

Myself and guy named chris run the races at the Oak Park Hobby Town. Chris will be at the racing on the 19th (look for the guy behind the computer). My name is Mike and Ill be out there for the rest of the races. While I dont know all of the most up to date nitro stuff to get (if you have a question about electric look no further! :p ), but i do know how to work on a nitro and trouble shoot one. I look forward to meeting you on may 5th and i hope you can get everything together by then.

Never feel bad about asking questions. It is the best way to learn and avoid the pit falls of our <insert new word for hobby>.

[xxx mike]

19th is too far away!!! How about a race on the 12th? I can be there! It's going to be nice outside too.

[HauntedMyst]

As for the RTR issue, I have to say I whole heartedly disagree about it being bad for the hobby. RTR's have brought tons of people into the hobby that other wise wouldn't have looked at it and more of them have stayed then left. The reality is, almost any hobby you get into is cheap at the beginning but gets quantumly more expensive the deeper you get into it.

Photography: We almost all start with a $150 SLR. 20 years later I have 10K worth of equipment. Do you absolutely need it all? For the most part, no but you buy it because you want it, either the convience of the item or the functionality it provides.

Computers: We probably all started with a budget system. For those people who catch the computer bug, you find yourself spending two grand on a system instead of buying the $899 off the sheld system that would give you 90% of the performance of the dream machine.

R/C: We all started some place in this hobby, some with a $100 Tamiya and a $100 worth of electronics and are happy running them. Think about it Walt, you race your (from what I can tell) primarily stock Super Nitro and win consistently with it. I could be wrong, but I doubt you spent $1000 on the hobby when you got into it. If you were like most, you got a good car in your price range, an AM radio and some stick pack batteries and upgraded as your joy for the hobby grew. It's hard enough to get people into this hobby for $400 since they view that as being very expensive for a toy car. I think you will positively scare them away by telling them it costs $1000 to be get into it.

The reality is racing is expensive in almost any of its forms but it doesn't have to be as expensive as it is for new r/cers. For example, how many tracks run an RTR only class? HTOP doesn't but it would probably be a very good idea. Over 50% of the racers there come out with RTR cars. Do they care if they win? Nope, they are just happy to do better then last time and have a good time. They race week after week with little more then what came in the box.

It would be great if there was an RTR only class to make it even more competative for them. Tracks such as HTOP and Chicagoland need to recognize that lots of people buy RTR's and embrace them into the hobby by offering them their own class to help them ease into the hobby. If they get into it, they will pony up the dough to get to the next level and not feel tricked into spending more money, they will spend more money because now its in their blood. It will be money they are happy to spend. If they leave and claim "too expensive" I would claim most of the time that is just an excuse and the reality is they probably didn't enjoy the hobby anyway.

We all know that 80% of rc racing is the driver. Walt, I would wager that either you or Howard could come to a club race with an Associated RTR, the right set of tires and gearing and still take home the gold or silver. Why? Because 99% of the time when you guys drive, you drive better then 99% of the people there. Your expensive equipment doesn't win you races, your driving skill and r/c knowledge do. Mikey, one of the better electric drivers at HT, races a TC3 Racer kit with a stock motor, a cheap charger, an AM radio and has (to my knowledge) one good set of batteries and he wins consistently (against my $1000 worth of stuff, the little SOB!) because he has great natural talent as a driver. Mark Kavoric did the same when he was at HT. He wanted to make a point that anyone can racer and win with less expensive equipment if they just focused on their driving and he proved the point every time he raced.

Make no mistake, I think buying better equipment upfront is ultimately more economical, but not very practical for most people. Take Nermin for example. He can spend $400 on an RTR NTC3 and see if he likes racing. He may hate it! If he hates it, he can sell it on ebay for $250 or so and be out $150. If he goes the $1000 route, he can sell it on ebay for maybe $700. Thats an expensive trial for $300.

[Nexus]

i think the NTC3 RTR is a great kit.

they just showed in a magazine an AE employee brought out a brand new RTR NTC3 at a national race in Cali....only tools he had were the one's it came with....it wasn't even broken in yet.

he did the break-ins during practice and a qualifier. the guy finished 5th in the B Main of a national event with a bone stock RTR...even the tires were stock.


i think that say it all. besides you can sell the electronics and motor later if you wanted to replace it if you decide you want to be more serious in the future.

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by TC3PO
Hey Rookie, is that the Serpent that almost killed that dog by HobbyTown a couple of weeks ago,I heard it got banged up real bad too:rolleyes:


Are talking about my Serpent?

[kakolitoy]

I broke a shock pin, left rear tire, and a upper bumper plate. Consedering I had full throttle straight to the gutter. the car is back on the road after couple days of the incident. That is why I stick w/ Serpent kits because they were proven built tough especially in my experience. I would never change kits because most parts of Serpent kits are interchangable. I have an 8th scale and impacts and I can use most of the parts in my Impact to my impulse. I even use my 8th scale parts in my 1/10 200 mm. I agree NTC3 is a great car. Its cheap I can buy this car right away if I want too. I am just more satisfied of Serpent kits on interchagable parts. My servos are more expensive than NTC3. 6 Ko propo 2143

The reason why my car ran out of control was the harnes fo the HTOP transponders. I cannot hide or wrap that harnes for safety due to the fact that I will need it for the up coming races @ Oak Park. The first thing in my mind, I was hoping nobody will get hurt when my car flew on the road. I can rebuild this car 3 times. I have enough parts to build 4 more kits. I can even rebuild my 8th scale and my 1/10 235 couple times. I was really hoping nobody will get injured becauase I cannot rebuild a scar or I cannot build an amputated leg. I cannot even pay the pain of his or her suffering w/ this kind of pain. Psychological pain is hard to accept espeically when some parts of ur body is gone.

U heard wrong TC3po , u can ask me striaght up my name is Anthony.


BTW: Stick to the facts u will get better news and great updates.

[Rookie Solara]

OK.....so are we getting together this SAT...? It is gonna be 50 degree......WOPPBE..... big 5 0.
It is anohter waste weekend to break in engine.....and if I cannot break in the engine this weekend, I don't think I can make it 19th, I might be there to watch and marshell, but definitely not going to race.......

I never take any risk to break in engine....I take it slow, like 1 full day for each engine.....never rush, I rather take my time instead of rushing to the race.

I take my car/engine a little bit more serious then others.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Nermin
Hey guys,

Locks like its geting nice again. I just went through the list, and i think i will need to get one more job :D I am thinking about geting the kit now, but if i chose to get the kit it will take some time before i get on the track. I am a student, and its not easy for me to get all the parts right now. Right now i am serously thinking of buying the kit, and then after that the engine. Why are some engines more expensive then others, when they provide same horse power and rpm rate? Is the quality realy that much better? And also will the start box fit on any engine or do diffrent engines require diffrent start boxes? Sorry for all of these questions, i just want to get out thare and have fun. Walt i apprichiat that post.

Is any of you planing to come on 19th, i would like to meet you all in person, and see how you guys race?

Nermin

Nermin.....SCHOOL and RC never mix, at least, not me, I dropped out the RC thing for 5 years due to college, that is well worth it, cause I just need to work at some chinese restaurant on thursday/friday and sat night to support my car and tuition......if I have to race RC car then, I think I have to sell blood, sperm or even my ASS to earn the extra money for the FOAMS, bodies and fuel.....not to mention the borken parts.....:D

About the quality between engines....well, YES, JP are expensive because they FINE TUNE the already powerfull engine to a better engine.....like AMG for Merc and Saleen for the Tang....FINE TUNE. But again, don't even bother about $$$ of the engine, ask around and find out what is GOOD enough for YOU.....I give you a $300 JP engine and I garantee you will BREAK the engine before you BREAK-IN the engine......

If you want NTC3 kits, get Sirio, or MT-12, or OS-TR.....those are very much like plug and play with minimum needle setting, and you are way fast enough to pull those SERPENT or Mugen....especially on HTOP, high speed means absolutely nothing there....(track is not big enough)

Starter box, get the AE one, they are not much more expensive then the other....

I will be there HTOP on 19th.....most likley, marshalling and trush talking around....if you pay me good enough, I can add couple more laps on the lap counting system just for you....:D

[HauntedMyst]

I will be at HT this sat breaking in an engine around noon.

[kakolitoy]

I have to find time to chat in this forum school is almost over for this semester.


Here some pics of my car after the incident!!

[kakolitoy]

2 more

[kakolitoy]

Last pic!!

thanks

[kakolitoy]

That day in HTOP really brought my attention. We cannot stop accidents. Accidents will happen, we can reduce the risk of accidents and still cannot stop from happening.


I asked my father what kind of insurance I can get for the safety of both parties (Victim and Accused). He said there is no such thing. If the victim is uninsured its ur responsibilty to take care of this person. I was kind of disappionted about his comments. However, he suggested that in case of an emergency. Call 911 and if it is close to the hospital drive the pateint and apply first aid. That means putting pressure to the wounded site w/ a cloth so the risk of having a Hypovalemic Shock will decrease. The most important thing he said was, if that happens and I am the accused. That patient will have the best care from some of the best Orthopeadic and Internal Surgeons from University Of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Loyola University. I was in Oak Brook when they were having their board Medical Association program. At least my Father and his colleuges from College supported me w/ my hobby especially concerning about injuries.

Hope it will not happen again and especially to animals or anybody's pet because I do not know any Veterinarian that will give me free service. :)

[Rookie Solara]

Can someone report the condition of HTOP parking lot TODAY or TOMORROW.....?

Don't forget, we've got 2" of snow 5 days ago......any snow left of the parking lot will turn water.....and water with RADIO never mix.

I've learn my lesson......and have fun tomorrow....

[TC3PO]

Anthony, I seen you almost kill that dog,and it was due your car going out of control "WET RECEIVER". Am I wrong ? What kind of meatball would risk there car as well as some inocent dogs health, by driving in puddles just to show off. You tell me Antonio!

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by TC3PO
Anthony, I seen you almost kill that dog,and it was due your car going out of control "WET RECEIVER". Am I wrong ? What kind of meatball would risk there car as well as some inocent dogs health, by driving in puddles just to show off. You tell me Antonio!


My receiver had a balloon, my Harnes was open the harnes got wet not the reciever. I felt bad about the dog, but it was not my receiver. My receiver was dry when I took if off the car, but my harnes for the transponder was wet. Felt like it took a shower. I was not showing off, I was testing my car on that track. At least I am not scared or cheap enough to run ur car on a wet track. I tried not to drive in the puddle, but the harnes just got wet. I know my servo and receiver are wateresistent

[kakolitoy]

Originally posted by TC3PO
Anthony, I seen you almost kill that dog,and it was due your car going out of control "WET RECEIVER". Am I wrong ? What kind of meatball would risk there car as well as some inocent dogs health, by driving in puddles just to show off. You tell me Antonio!


why don't u meet w/ me 3PO. If ur around in this area.

I will race u any time anywhere. U might beat me but I will race u till the end. After the race if u want to move to boxing or sparring I will do that too. Or any sports that u want to do, I will challenge u.


3PO do not be scared I will not run u over w/ my RCcar.


I will even meet u today, don't be scared set the time I will be there!!!!!!!!!!!