6th Annual Scaleracing National Finals.

[NJSLOT1_32]

Tire cleaner is available to use at the tech table, as it's been in past races I've been in like this. Car owners do not have to purchase it, here's references in the rules:

BRM RULES:

"1. LIQUIDS, OILS AND GREASES

1.1 May use oil or grease to lubricate motor, gears and axles.
1.2 You may lightly sand tires - no other chemicals or additives allowed.
1.3 No tire treatment of any kind is allowed. If running BRM -021S tires or Scaleauto SC-2426BRM tires Scaleauto tire cleaner may be used, tire bite or grip may not be used. This will only be at the tech table; no work at all can be done trackside. (Scaleauto tire cleaner will be supplied by the Race organizer.)"

SCALE AUTO RULES:

"Rear tires may not under any circumstances be treated with any kind of tire dressing, compound or product.

They may be cleaned with Scaleauto tire cleaner SC-5300 at the Technical Table only.
Once Rear tires have been handed out the car and all tires are under Race Control, tires must be fitted at the Technical table then handed in to Race Control. Anyone removing their car from race control after fitting their motor or tires will be disqualified.
Removing dirt, dust and loose rubber particles from the tires may only be performed with a tape roll provided by the Race Director, or by using the Scaleauto SC-5300 Tire cleaner."

[slotbutton]

This tire cleaner rule has to be one of the most ridiculous I have ever seen listed on a slot car competition; specially since there is only one product allowed, .....

I have raced in many Scaleracing events with this rule and the only people that think it is ridiculous are those people who are always looking for a "hidden advantage".


By using this rule you are making sure no-one can introduce glue or substances that can change the characteristics or performance of the foam tyres.

it reads as a desperate attempt of selling/promoting a brand.

That's a cheap and unnecessary comment, instead of supporting someone who travels to support slotcar racing and try and grow the hobby. You pull that cr*p! Considering the tyre cleaner is provided free at the tech table, I fail to see what is desperate about it? It helps provide as even a playing field as possible, creating a drivers series and not a builders series.

[ElSecundo]

Makes good sense to have a single tire cleaner for a national event. Who would want a national event decided by chemical grip? One guy with a bottle of 'secret sauce' can make everybody else's efforts futile, and that's basically pointless.

Once racers accept a standard tire for a race, then everything to ensure equal grip makes sense.

[Mark]

Jason and I will not be making the trip. Work has gotten in the way.

We were really looking forward to it. Alan, go ahead and relieve the spot that was reserved for us.

[Autorama]

There are way too many prima donnas around here ..

Originally Posted by slotbutton

I have raced in many Scaleracing events with this rule and the only people that think it is ridiulous are those people who are always looking for a "hidden advantage".
By using this rule you are making sure no-one can introduce glue or substances that can change the characteristics or performance of the foam tyres.

If you had raced anywhere else, you would know that the standard for cleaning tires is lighter fluid; it is readily available in any corner store and it is the same all around the world. No hidden advantage here, just industry standard ... I would be skeptical of using the Scaleauto (or any other) cleaner at an event, for the first time, not knowing how it affects the tires.
Now do I REALLY need the $20 Scaleauto tire cleaner in my box? or the $2 bottle of lighter fluid would work just as well (if not better)?

Originally Posted by slotbutton

That's a cheap and unnecessary comment, instead of supporting someone who travels to support slotcar racing and try and grow the hobby. You pull that cr*p! Considering the tyre cleaner is provided free at the tech table, I fail to see what is desperate about it? It helps provide as even a playing field as possible, creating a drivers series and not a builders series.

It seems that you are taking this to the personal side --- again. I support Alan, this website and his store the best way I can.
Can I have an opinion? If I think the rule is ridiculous ... what the hell ... that's how I fell about it. There are a few other rules that are just as bad; from the top of my head I remember laughing at something under the BRM rules which said that you were only supposed to use BRM o-rings --- WTF, really?? BRM o-rings? Is BRM manufacturing o-rings now? or are they repackaging the same Chinese o-ring I can buy for 1/5 of the price at Home Depot?? In my opinion, those types of rules do not help the popularity of a competition.

Your last comment about "creating a drivers series and not a builders series"; are you serious? Last time I checked all the competitors were racing their cars on all lanes ....

[slotbutton]

Your last comment about "creating a drivers series and not a builders series"; are you serious? Last time I checked all the competitors were racing their cars on all lanes ....

Who said they aren't driving their own cars?

For clarification a drivers series IMHO is when drivers get to race within a set standard of rules without exception for what might be ridiculous stupid etc.
A builders series is where you can use pretty much anything to make the car faster as well as imposing the well used "hidden advantage". e.g A Scaleauto 1/24 builders sereis would allow you to use all the available tuning parts for 1/24 Scale cars and not limit it to what the cars are sold as.

Now do I REALLY need the $20 Scaleauto tire cleaner in my box?

No you don't.
As stated before you don't have to buy the cleaner, it is provided free and everyone uses it. The advantages/disadvantages are the same for everyone?

or the $2 bottle of lighter fluid would work just as well (if not better)?

who's to say you only have lighter fluid in your bottle?

If you had raced anywhere else, you would know that the standard for cleaning tires is lighter fluid

I have and it hasn't been! But I have to admit I didn't know there was a standard for cleaning tyres?

[maxspeed]

My bad...I did not see the referance to the tire cleaner being made available for to use at the tech table. That certainly relives the issue of having to purchase a specialized product to do something as simple as cleaning a tire. I have been racing slot cars at the national and regional level for over 30 years and have never participated in an event which had this restriction, so it was unheard of to me. This is my first BRM/Scale Auto race as the program is very new to our area so forgive my not knowing.

Of course I understand restricting anything being put on the tires to increase grip and certainly controlling the cleaning substance eliminates a variable. And certainly there are people who will try to gain an advantage any way they can. Of course there are others of us who believe anyone who cheats is the first loser in any competition, be it slot cars or anything else.

So...restricted tire cleaner it is...I am looking forward to the races and will read the rules again, beginning to end tonight to assure I don't miss anything else.

Thanks to those who clarified this rule.

Joseph

[maxspeed]

Hi Alan...I was speaking with my partner for the Endurance Races (Sam) this evening on the telephone and we were both not sure about what is included in the full weekend race fee. We have both read the multiple postings on the subject and here is our understanding:

If you paid the full weekend pass and you are racing all the 1/32 and 1/24 scale cars you get the pit passes for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and entry to all races. However, you must pay extra for any handout tires. Any handout motors are included in the full weekend pass. If you paid before Aug 11th you get all races in the Full Weekend Pass. You get hand out tires for all but the added 1/24th Sprints, you have to present your car into Tech with New tires you supply.
If you enter and pay after Aug 11th you would need to pay extra ($25.00 per class ) for the BRM and Scaleauto Sprints but you then get free handout tires.

If you paid the full weekend pass and are only racing the 1/32 classes OR only racing the 1/24 scale classes (not both) then all races in that class are included in the fee and you also receive handout tires for the sprint races and endurance races. The handout motor for the endurance races are included. That is correct.

Said more simply...if you paid the full weekend pass you either get the pit passes and all classes and pay for handout tires....or you choose 1/32, or 1/24th and get free tires. Handout motors are included in those races where handout motors are required. No this is wrong, if you now buy the full weekend pass it does not include the BRM and Scaleauto Sprints, those were added in later. They are $25.00 each race and get hand out tires.
For those who entered early you get All the Races, but in the 2 added races you have to supply New Tires. If you did not enter early you can still enter those 2 added races for $25.00 each class, so the saving for early entry was about $6.00 a class.

However if you only want to run either 1/32 or 1/24th on Saturday all this is included in the Full Pass including hand out tires, and motors where applicable.

Please let us know if we are understanding correctly, or if we are not. If not please clariify for us.

Also...do we keep the handout motors, or are they loaners? They are yours as part of the Entry Fee for the race, if you deduct the tires and motors and $30.00 Pit Pass you are actually racing for free. Motors are aprox $40.00, tires about $64.00 and Pit Pass is $30.00 so for $134.00 worth of goods and Entry into the Track you pay $105.00. That is about to change, as published it would on Aug 18th. Still at the lower prices right now. So tell a friend is is an amazing Deal when you add it all up.

We need to make sure we have enough parts, if they are not included in the fees. We are also assuming you are supplying a full supply of tires and other parts to The Race Place and will also have parts with you in supply. I will have parts, but I recommend you getting parts you may need now, I cannot bring everything and without knowing what people want/need I do not even know what to bring.

Wrote in red to clarify


Thanks, Joseph

[Scaleracing]

First I advise anyone entering to get parts before the Event, this way you are sure to have what you need. Plus I can only bring so much with me

Regarding what you get.

If you entered and paid before Aug 11th you got all races entry plus all hand out parts listed for all races except the added 1/24th sprints ( you get entry but need to supply NEW tires for those races )
You also get the Pit Pass for all days included.

Please remember this only covers 1/2 of an Endurance team entry and you need a minimum of 2 entrants.
If someone enters only the Endurance Races you will need to pay the Pit Pass for that day it is not included in ANY Single Race Entry fee.

You only get 1 set of tires and 1 motor in the Endurance races, if you think you need more you need to buy them IN TECH no motors or tires will be added into your Pit Box from any other source.

If you enter and pay after Aug 11th you for a Full Pass you get all races except the 1/24th Sprints. You can switch and get those instead of the 1/32 scale races. The added Sprints are $25.00 per race. that is BRM and Scaleauto 1/24th.

All the races on Saturday you are on the honor system regarding motors HOWEVER, if any motor has marks, scratches, damaged case in any way you will need to BUY from Tech a new unopened motor and fit it in your car, so please no opened cans FOR ANY REASON.

Friday we have practise and FUN Races.

Saturday we have:

Slot.it your orange end-bell motor ( unmodified in any way ) and hand out tires inserts do not need to be fitted to rear wheels.

Scaleracing Manufacturers Challenge your motor configuration same as stock car any of your Manufacturers motor same type ( can be higher RPM but unmodified in any way ) gears are open to the Brands included in the Challenge. Hand out tires, no inserts needed.

BRM Sprints your S-033 motor ( black ) ( unmodified in any way, including the label, no cans with the window opened will be allowed for any reason ) Hand out tires (( if you paid an entry fee after Aug 11th )) , you must fit inserts. Pre Entry before Aug 11th will bring into Tech a NEW set of tires to fit to the car, no profiling or modifying of tires allowed. BRM Challenge Rules will be followed completely. Please assemble the car as per a BRM example no glued in motors, no modified chassis ( other than to allow guide rotation on Porsche. ) Minimum weight must be complied to with STOCK BRM weights only, fitted in their designed place. No lead or other weight. No taped on bodies no exceptions!!!

Scaleauto Sprints your SC-0025 motor ( unmodified in any way ) Hand out tires (( if you paid an entry fee after Aug 11th )) , you must fit inserts. Pre Entry before Aug 11th will bring into Tech a NEW set of tires to fit to the car, no profiling or modifying of tires allowed. 12:44 gear ration only allowed. STOCK set up of the chassis is Compulsory no modifying of the set up allowed. No loose screws, no added weight. no tape on the chassis top surface or controlling boy/chassis movement. ONLY stock chassis components allowed, MSC lead wire o rings are allowed to control lead wires tape is not!!

BRM Megane FUN RACE:

Your Megane, stock motor, BRM or Scaleauto tires ( correct size please ) no entry fee if you entered 2 Classes already on Saturday. If no races entered $10.00 to race.

If I have entries I am happy to supply Rent A Rides but I need to know who is racing, I cannot bring cars if I do not have Entries!!!

Sunday:

BRM Endurance race a $50.00 entry fee ( 2 drivers entered at $25.00 each ) gets you one hand out motor and one pair of tires. If you need more tires or motors you have to buy them in tech. Wheel inserts must be fitted.

Scaleauto Endurance race a $50.00 entry fee ( 2 drivers entered at $25.00 each ) gets you one hand out motor and one pair of tires. If you need more tires or motors you have to buy them in tech. Wheel inserts must be fitted.

Entry fee for races does not include the Pit Pass entry into the track, and practise. Everyone must purchase a Pit pass ( each driver on Endurance Teams please ) unless you bought a Full Ticket for the Event.

Prices have not changed yet ( I announced they would go up on August 18th ), but will as soon as I get time to update so buy your Entry now!!!

[Scaleracing]

Please get your entries in.

The Endurance Race is still open, if you have entered and I have not updated that please let me know.

I will be raising the prices as soon as I get time

I do not want to charge more, I want entries to set a schedule.

If you have questions please ask them here. Asking on the day will get an answer, but with pressure and forced into a corner it may not be the one you want. Please ask now so I can answer properly.

Also the rules are not written for Racers to look for loopholes, I hope people will not do this. If it is not mentioned it means you cannot do it.

If your not sure ask!!! please.

See you at the Races.

I am booked into the Holiday Inn Express, I will arrive on Thursday flying red eye

[maxspeed]

Alan...I truly appreciate you taking the time to clarify the entry fee and parts supplied. You are definatley giving us a great deal and it is apprecaited.

Looking forward to finally meeting you in person at the big race.

Joseph

[Scaleracing]

OK I see a few more entries coming in. But we are not full on the Endurance Grid.

I hope more will step up.

See you next week

[SouthernSlotter]

Alan, I want to take a minute and thank you for putting on a national race and promoting the slot car hobby. For years I've read on the board that someone needs to have some kind of National Championship here in the US and in North America. I hope this grows into something special for you and the hobby. Our group enjoyed coming up to Chicago the past several years and supporting you. Unfortunately, no one can make it this year.
I want to encourage racers that are thinking about going to N.J. to pull the trigger (pun intented) and try it. Alan puts on a great show and you'll enjoy it and meet new friends.

George

[sacesta]

I wish I could make it but I'm still recovering from surgery. Maybe next time...

[Reegs]

Some clarification requested .....

Scaleauto Sprints your SC-0025 motor ( unmodified in any way ) Hand out tires (( if you paid an entry fee after Aug 11th )) , you must fit inserts. Pre Entry before Aug 11th will bring into Tech a NEW set of tires to fit to the car, no profiling or modifying of tires allowed.

I registered for the sprint race on Aug. 15. Does the phrase "hand out tires" mean that I won't be able to use a brand new pair of tires that I bought specifically for this race?