17 replies to this topic

[Howie Ursaner]

Michael is a gifted builder and works for GM in Germany designing lighting for GM concept cars. He built all of the cars for the hand-out Battle race IMCA championship and won the whole thing. He is also a great racer.The BMW won the concours but he raced a different body as per the rules.

Check out the videos I posted in the Battle with the Gods thread!

[TSR]

Yep, a very different concept from what we generally race in commercial tracks in the US. It is nice to see that precise model cars can also be race winners.

[Noose]

Gorgeous work.

[Horsepower]

Yep, a very different concept from what we generally race in commercial tracks in the US. It is nice to see that precise model cars can also be race winners.

Yes, incredible modeling talent, but who would risk all that work and detailing only to have it wiped out in one sharp turn? I'm not taking anything away from this guy, as these cars are JAW-DROPPING, but I'd jump out the window if it was mine and got smashed.

[Tex]

Amazing.

[NDW]

Switchblade,

I know Michael pretty well, as he's A friend of mine. I can say, it hurts when it hits the wall. But it doesn't hit it that often!

And, I think I can speak for him here as well as for others... the group of racers racing these cars really like to call their cars CARS. We love the detail, we love seeing the helmet in the split second that it flashes by us. We love to see the detail even when at high speed.

Absolutely not disrespecting any other class, but we race racecars scaled down.

[olderracer]

Very nice indeed. Hope the plastic parts don't fall off or the mirror must be cut.

Regards,

[TSR]

I can say, it hurts when it hits the wall. But it doesn't hit it that often!

Those things are so heavy that it is hard for them to de-slot.

[68Caddy]

Love those German Modelers they do great work and if you go on German slot sits you will find they make a lot of parts for interiors and lots of photo etched parts.
They take this hard body slot cars seriously and they sure no how to execute their models.
I will search for some sites that shows what work they put out, amazing stuff.
Thanks Howie

Nesta

[68Caddy]

Here is a link for you, they are really serious in Germany about their cars as you can tell. Click here So this is what they are doing with hard body racing.
Maybe you need to translate it and there is ways to do that.

Nesta

[marco]

If you check out the cars at the end of a model car race you will probably have a pretty good idea of where they placed. The back markers show their wounds . . . and the podium finishers are rarely missing a mirror. Very impressive and very addictive.

[Horsepower]

Switchblade,

I know Michael pretty well, as he's A friend of mine. I can say, it hurts when it hits the wall. But it doesn't hit it that often!

Hi Nick! See, that's the difference in my type of racing. The wall and I are on a first name basis all the time!

[Chris Radisich]

Michael actually races the Alfa, it's not just a show car. Just amazing to see it for real and look at all the detail.

[Michael Rigsby]

That Alfa is just stunning. If i wrecked something that beautiful and tore it up, I'd be PO'd at myself for months.

Michael Rigsby

[nomad2race]

Beautiful work!

From my limited personal experience with running detailed hardbodies, I can say that they are mild and stable enough to rarely crash and tougher than one might think.

Like racing a real car, the potential for a catastrophic wreck is rare but the possibility puts an edge on the experience.

Finally, if you can build it, you can repair it.

[Mr. Frank]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUPER JOB.... Mr. Frank

[sportblazer350]

Wow, fantastic SCALE cars! I can really appreciate the workmanship to build them, and then to race them as well. I can only assume that such dedicated builders take pride and respect when racing against one another, i know i would. I have built many a 1/32 and 1/24-1/25 scale slot car from a plastic model kit. It is very enjoyable, and i only wish i could get others to do the same and then begin to race.

With all of the D3, Retro, and similar groups around the USA scratchbuilding chassis to start new race series, why not do the same with the bodies (that is: SCALE racing), slow down the cars a bit, and enjoy some SCALE racing? I like to race as much as anyone else, don't take it seriously anymore, and enjoy this type of building. There are plenty of available chassis to choose from to build these types of cars. Oh, a fella can only dream.........

As for this race, and the generous offer to fly racers overseas- all i can say is WOW! Now that's dedication to this hobby. I wish well to all involved.

[marco]

Hey Guys,

I picked this up off the Dutch site and thought it might add a little extra insanity to the model car racing discussion. That's right, brakes that glow . . . and under braking!




These top model car racers build with a passion and what makes it even more amazing, the cars are fast! The wheels are part of a Maserati MC12 build by Andre Kaczmarek of Düsseldorf, Germany. Here's a link to a short video of the brakes under power, and a link to the complete build on Picasa. Enjoy.