A suggestion for everyone's consideration

[gordon]

Guys,

When we started the Trinidad Karting Club (now the T&T Karting Association) back in 1979 with a rule that all engines had to be stock, in order to keep things on an even footing and not cause drivers to lose interest, we introduced an "engine claiming" rule. This allowed any competitor to "claim" another competitor's engine for himself on payment of the equivalent of purchasing a new engine plus a percentage of this value.

This was not a new idea at the time and in fact it is still used in many motor sport organisations. Here's a current karting club's claiming rules:

http://www.tckc.net/rules/2013_Rules/20 ... 20rule.pdf

In order to keep/build interest in our racing I propose that we adopt a similar rule for classes with motor restrictions. These will include HS, VS, SC, F1, RGT, MP, G5SC and RC. In other words, all but our open classes, AM, GT and LMP.

If we adopt this rule, the claim fee can be something like twice the current online retail cost of the motor multiplied by the current exchange rate (6.45 at this writing). Eg: if the motor retails for US$10, the claimant must pay 10 x 2 x 6.45 = TT$129 (a factor of 12.9).

I think this will achieve several positive things:

• It can clear any doubt about the legality or a particular motor.
• It may help even out the playing field.
• It will encourage drivers to continue to race, knowing that they have an option to obtain a proven fast motor.
• It may allow drivers to realise that a winning car is not just dependent on a faster motor.

If we decide to adopt this rule, we can work out the details, probably along the lines of the document referenced above.

Let's hear everyone's thoughts on this idea.

Gordon

[Luke]

GG - This powerful suggestion of your's... making my own (for IROC events - One Car Practise) look so pointless now.

No hard feelings though & I remembered you telling me (a good while now) about this happening in the real racing world... and found it was sounding like some serious busniess between racers. That being said, I think this seriousness may take the fun out of slot car racing for some of us, even though the idea does sound interesting for 132 scale...

On another take - I noticed how serious guys are playing now because heard Ramesh telling you about a wobble on a slot car front wheel is the same effect as a real car. I thought to myself, that it make a lot of sense and also found that racing levels are getting so high.

Suppose this is the point where to know - Thats life and just have to deal with it

My thoughts on idea,

Luke

[arden100]

WOW!

That will be great in real competition, where there is prize money etc.

Gordon if you buy 4 motors for racing, break them in and find the best of the lot will you sell it?

Quoted
I think this will achieve several positive things:

•It can clear any doubt about the legality or a particular motor.
•It may help even out the playing field.
•It will encourage drivers to continue to race, knowing that they have an option to obtain a proven fast motor.
•It may allow drivers to realise that a winning car is not just dependent on a faster motor.

These points to me are very disturbing, especially since I spend a lot of time on the hobby/sport we all love. I take time working on my cars hence the reason for me having issues with rule changes and rules instituted. Building cars takes time, focus and engineering.
We all put in time, some more than others.

These points lead me to a road which I don't particular find appealing.

1. Clear any doubt on the legality of motors. This leads me to think competitors are running illegal motors! If this is the case I feel sorry for them.
2. Even playing field.[i]This is why we have rules to adhere too. IROC CLASS IS WHERE WE HAVE AN EVEN PLAYING FIELD, EVERYONE DRIVING EVERY CAR.[/i]
3. Proven faster motors. I buy 3 or 4 motors to get the fastest of the lot. I also clean my motors after every event how many of us do this. I will not sell my motor for what the selling price is worth.
4. A winning car is not just dependent on a faster motor. [i]I am sure we all know their is more to getting a car fast other than motor. I believe this is why we introduced TUNING NIGHT, so we can all help one another to get their cars up to speed and learn little tricks of the trade.[/i]

All points leads to the motors we choose to run.

If this is the case I believe we should buy 10 motors for each class. Have each motor numbered and we draw for a motor. You can then place your gear on your motor and run. After the race extract your gear and return your motor. Motors are then locked in a box until next meeting.
This will definitely solve the problem.


Arden

[gordon]

All points taken Arden (and Luke). Sometimes I'm a bit too quick to post suggestions before properly thinking them through. I guess this is why we have the forum. After reading Luke's comments I already had begun to re-think this. After all, as he mentioned, we're in it for fun and not racing for prize money as you pointed out. I didn't mean to upset anyone, I was just trying to suggest a way which may have been able to mix up the winners table a bit, but this is clearly not the right direction to go so I hereby retract the suggestion.

Hope no one takes any offence as none was intended.

Gordon

[arden100]

Gordon,

I agree with you in mixing up the winners table. Those Bhola Boys are too dominant.
The way to this is by using the tuning nights. PROFESSOR Ramesh is one of the best tuners in the Country, however that does not mean they cannot be beaten.

You need to get everyone to understand the real meaning and use of the tuning night. This is where everyone will be able to learn the way to modify and improve their slot cars. I did some work on my vintage car tuning night and achieve good results. I did break the VS Lap time, even though it was only for one or two minutes. Next time I will not be so easy on Mr. Luke B. I am serious Luke B! LOL.
Even though I did not get pole or win the event I know Professor knows he has his work cut out.

If we all take one car and work on it during tuning night we will be pleased at the end of the night. I am sure Ramesh will assist anyone who comes to him to get advice. He will not tell you exactly what to do, bit will guide you in the right direction. From his advice you will learn more and understand what to look for the next time around.

Guys this is the way forward not to try to bring the ceiling lower, but by bringing everyone up. This way the knowledge will be passed on to the newcomers.

Imagine if we all get our cars up to speed as the IROC classes how difficult it will be for the Bhola's too pass, not to mention how competitive the racing will be.

Arden

[gordon]

Well said Arden. I certainly will take your advise and I hope others do as well. I've come to realise that tuning the car WILL bring results. Building of the car is just the beginning.

[Luke]

GG,

That was a very sincere reply but I am wondering (not sure if I missed something) if the engine is legal - what happens then?

[gordon]

Not sure what you mean by that Luke. Can you elaborate?

[RameshB]

Hi guys , i really like the way Arden explained things he made a good contribution, about how helpful the tuning night can be, but he said i will not show you every thing or tell every thing but i beg to differ i have been showing and i have been telling ,from day one, you just need to listen.Gordon your last statement is so profound , building the car is just the beginning, tuning its where the precision comes in , the right alignment and balance , friction and lubrication must be spot on small tuning improvements makes a difference when added together, good advice , special tip, the power band in a motor must come into its highest point of rpm when your gearing is about to run out, all motors have different peak ranges so ratios can vary based on power,NOTE knowledge is available to all but what you learn its up to the individual. I have always tried to share this passion with others, so the sport of slot car racing can be enjoyed as a racing hobby, bye Ramesh

[Luke]

GG - Its with the (pdf file) Real World rules...