Don't let the rules for our new American Pony Car (APC) class befuddle you into thinking that its difficult to prepare a competitive car for it. It is not at all daunting as some of you may think. APC has been formulated to allow close to stock, inexpensive cars to compete at relatively slow speeds, slide realistically round corners when pushed too hard and generally behave like the real cars of the era they represent, Trans Am racing from 1966 to 1972.
First, the class rules:
American Pony Car (APC)
For slot models of American "Pony Cars" that took place in the Trans-Am series between 1966 and 1972 - see Eligible Cars below. (Standard and rules-compliant modified Scalextric, Pioneer, Carrera and other manufacturer Pony Cars are legal for this class, but must meet the magnet requirements below.)
- Period: 1966-1972.
- Body: Must be modeled after American "Pony Cars" that took place in the Trans-Am series 1966-1972 (see eligible cars below). Fender modifications not allowed. Wheels and tyres must not be visible when viewing body from above. Must comply with General item 2. Windows may not be tinted - interior must be visible.
- Chassis: Original for the particular model, but may be modified provided guide flag position and axle positions remain unaltered.
- Interior: Full interior as standard for the particular model, however this may be altered if necessary, but only to the extent required to install digital chip. Must comply with General item 3.
- Digital Chip: Free.
- Motor: Any non-high-downforce motor not exceeding 21,500 RPM, based on manufacturer's specifications.
- Gearing: Standard axle gear for the particular model. Pinion gear may be changed.
- Motor Pod (where applicable): Standard for the particular model.
- Magnets: USD rule. All magnets must be positioned ahead of centreline of the distance between guide flag pivot point and rear axle (see diagram under Historic Saloon above).
- Wheels: Standard for the particular model.
- Axles: Standard for the particular model.
- Tyres: Type of tyre is free. Front tyre minimum diameter: 17mm on wheel. Rear tyre minimum diameter: 19mm on wheel. Rear tyre maximum tread width: 8mm (excluding sidewall).
- Guide Flag: Free.
Commercially available slot car models of the following Trans Am cars (1966 to 1972 models only):
- Ford Mustang
- Chevorlet Camaro
- AMC Javelin
- Mercury Cougar
- Plymouth Barracuda
- Pontiac Firebird
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Dart
- Chevrolet Nova
Right. Lots of words, but don't let the technical jargon fool you.
Here are the five basic steps to set up an American Pony car:
- Acquire one of the cars on the list above.
- Remove the body (just a few screws to remove), interior and any installed magnets.
- Measure the distance from the rear axle to the guide flag pivot point (let's say it is 4.5 inches). Divide this number by two (2.25 inches), then measure this distance (2.25 inches) from the rear axle forward (or measure from the guide flag pivot point backwards). Use a marker to draw a line across the width of chassis at that spot. That line represents the furthest back from the front of the chassis that any traction magnet installed in the car can be located.
- Install a relatively large magnet anywhere forward of that line. The closer you can get it to the line the better the car will handle. If the chassis does not have a built-in magnet location in that vicinity ahead of the line, you can use hot glue to stick one in the best location closest to the line as possible. Remember, the whole of the magnet must be ahead of the line. Once done, you've just completed the most complex part of setting up a car for the class. Wasn't that hard, was it? Later on you can fine-tune the magnet(s) so that the car obeys FRC's "upside-down" (USD) rule by stacking more magnets on top the base one. The USD rule simply means that the car should not stick to a piece of Scalextric Sport track when held upside down.
- Prepare the rest of the car as you would any other car for any other FRC class. Key points for APC include using the original full interior, wheels, axles and axle gear; ensuring that front and rear tyres comply with the rules above (stock tyres are approximately 19mm front and 21mm rear); ensuring that the manufacturer's specs of the motor does not exceed 21,500 RPM (stock motor is usually 18,000 RPM, so its legal). Don't forget to install a digital chip!
Its gonna be a blast!