27 replies to this topic

[sidejobjon]

I could not find the video. But the two Ferrari drivers were pedaling bikes that powered a slot car track. Pedal faster on straightaways, slower on turns.

Great way to keep in shape.

Can someone find video?

Thanks,

SJJ

[Cheater]

John, I can't locate a video and in fact, there may not be one.

Here's the news item from SlotCar Today:

 

 
F1 Season Starts With Slot Racing
 
Raikkonen and Alonso slot bike race in Australia

 

This weekend kicks off the 2014 Formula 1 season, full of unknowns and full of doubts in the majority of the teams.

 

Meanwhile, at Albert Park, the Australian circuit where this weekend takes place the first round of the Formula 1 World Championship season, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari drivers, were facing questions from the press fighting in a slot race. A Carrera track with two Ferrari F1 at 1/32 scale moved with the energy that provided Kimi and Fernando pedaling on a bike connected to a dynamo. A system already seen but the most important thing is that slot racing is still a major media appeal and from SlotCar Today we welcome the broadcast that Ferrari makes from slot racing, logically leveraging the agreement reached in his day with Carrera.

 

[Samiam]

Looks like something Ed Begley would do.

 

If we did this at our races we'd need an ambulance standing by.

[Michael Jr.]

This is the only past thread I found about powering a track with pedal pushers. But, I saw where Teaneck has a small track with bike power and that looks like a fun challenge. Where do these bikes come from? Do they have to be custom modified or can you get them set up for a 12V push?

[Michael Jr.]

I actually think this would be a draw for some younger racers AND.... maybe even a morning fitness thing (believe it or not).  I think it's a workable concept.

[Alchemist]

Hi John,

 

Here is a whole list of videos of people using bicycle pedaling power to provide power to slot car tracks!

 

Hope this helps!

 

https://www.youtube....edaling bicycle

 

Ernie

 

 

Here is one video from the search list:

 

[Phil Smith]

Nothing like exercise to ruin an otherwise enjoyable activity.

 

Joking aside, I think the novelty of that would wear off very quickly.

[Bill from NH]

Phil, the bikes could be used to power his king. Offer 15 min. free track time if you first peddled for 15 min.

[Michael Jr.]

Anyone have any idea where these bikes come from? Who sells bikes like this or are they custom made?

[Tim Neja]

Anyone have any idea where these bikes come from? Who sells bikes like this or are they custom made?

I remember as a kid--my Schwinn bike was equipped with a small clamp on generator that leaned onto the side of the tire with a small wheel and powered my head lamp!!  I'm sure this could be found again--- and use it to power a lane on your track!! 

Google "bike generator"-- it comes up with a variety of options!!

 

https://www.amazon.c...la-910863246857

This was on my bike!

[Half Fast]

Never confuse an expensive publicity stunt with a good idea or good business practice for a local slotcar raceway!

 

Cheers

[Michael Jr.]

Never confuse an expensive publicity stunt with a good idea or good business practice for a local slotcar raceway!

 

Cheers

 

Granted, but in addition to the normal racing this can be a nice add on for occasional use.

[Phil Smith]

I remember as a kid--my Schwinn bike was equipped with a small clamp on generator that leaned onto the side of the tire with a small wheel and powered my head lamp!!  I'm sure this could be found again--- and use it to power a lane on your track!! 

Google "bike generator"-- it comes up with a variety of options!!

 

https://www.amazon.c...la-910863246857

This was on my bike!

 

I haven't thought of those in years! Thanks for the memory jog.

[Phil Hackett]

Used stationary exercise bikes are very available. Look for the Stairmaster, Life Fitness, Precor bikes with the electronic display. These usually have automotive alternators as the physical resistive element. There are many places to lease the bikes from.

 

I highly doubt most slot car racers could put out a consistant 250-300 watts for 5 minutes at a time but it would be entertaining to watch: your level of cardio fitness would determine the speed and duration of the cars competitiveness.

 

I guess this would be one way to burn off the Imperial Burger pastrami sandwich or burrito.

[Michael Jr.]

I think this would go well with a portable track. One that is set up at the fair or in the mall around Christmas time.  Younger racers doing it for fun rather than seeing this as a staple in the track with a regular race.  Although....I think the challenge of powering your own car is a cool prospect.

[MSwiss]

I tried this about 3-4 years ago, using cheap hand crank generators, and a 1/32 home set style car, on my flat track.

 

Of the 3 adults who tried it, the big guy with the big arms definitely turned the fastest race laps.

 

IIRC, he even had to "slow down" in one turn.

 

Anyway, the point of the experiment was to see if it would a good side event at a kids birthday party.

 

I had a 7(?) year old try it......... once.

 

It became apparent immediately it was not going to be a doable thing for young kids.

 

I'm just glad he didn't die. LOL

[Michael Jr.]

I think the track in Teaneck is having some regular use, the temporary set ups I've seen in pictures that look like fair or mall settings seem to also have some folks on the bikes.

I don't think this is the wave of the future for Slot Car racing by any stretch. Just wondering about using this as a feature for a travel track primarily.  Just an idea and conversation.  Not a new age of slot car racing.

[Phil Hackett]

Here's an Indy Car team doing it:

 

(Twitter Link)

 

http://twitter.com/M...8520902656?s=20

[NSwanberg]

spINDY 500!

[Paul Menkens]

this would be really cool for drag racing with identical cars!

[MSwiss]

The guy with the strongest legs would win.
 
I'm glad I got this out of my system(see post #16)
 
With the demographics for your average slot racer, this concept seems like a recipe for disaster.
 
And regardless, I doubt my existing insurance would cover this kind of activity.

[Bill from NH]

Something to go with "heart attack on a plate." If one doesn't get you, the other one will. 

[old & gray]

Something to go with "heart attack on a plate." If one doesn't get you, the other one will. 

 

Just the thing for a county fair; along with all the fried food.

 

And yes there is a county fair 20 miles from my house. We have gone to eat the food, hear the school band, and watch the tractor pulls. It was a great way to spend the day.

[Michael Jr.]

 

Just the thing for a county fair; along with all the fried food.

 

And yes there is a county fair 20 miles from my house. We have gone to eat the food, hear the school band, and watch the tractor pulls. It was a great way to spend the day.

 

Ironically, I just signed the contract yesterday with our county fair to get the space in the center of the main building for two tracks to be set up.  Planning to have my racers do an exhibition race each night and then open the tracks for quick low cost races for fair patrons.  Planning to set up in the mall as a kiosk track in December as well.  But alas....I have no bikes.

[Bill from NH]

 

Just the thing for a county fair; along with all the fried food.

 

Bob, I live a mile & half from the county fairgrounds, a 4H facility. It's a small country fair with even tractor & truck pulling added recently.

 

It's a Phoenix area restaurant that offers a 10", 3-pattie burger with bacon & lots of other stuff, called "Heart Attack on a Plate." They sell normal size burgers too.