15 replies to this topic

[Cheater]

From the February 2015 issue of Flat Out magazine, whch covers circle track dirt racing.

 

 

It seems like realistic circle track open wheel racing has quietly become one of the "types" of slot racing people practice, like drag racing and Retro racing. It is also interesting to see how the 1:1 circle track racing community is embracing the activity, not only with their participation but with sponsorship money.

[Alchemist]

Hi Greg and Happy New Year to you!

 

Thank you for sharing the article. It's exciting to see growth in slot cars no matter what type. 

 

Ernie

[slotcarone]

Interesting!! Nice track but the price seems kind of high.

[Eddie Fleming]

I just love the idea of a dirt slot track.

 

Even if it is only the color.

[Cheater]

It isn't always just the color, Eddie. See below.

 

[Samiam]

Does anyone know exactly what that was being sprayed on the track (:34)?

[Cheater]

Sprinkled, I think, Sam. It is some kind of powder.

 

The caption at YouTube says this: "They race on a painted on simulated dirt surface, a powder like substance is spread on the track for that dirty and dusty element..."

[John Streisguth]

Probaby talcum powder. 
 
There is a place near me that has dirt-track type go-karts, running on an indoor oval. They sprinkle the track every once in a while to keep the cars going sideways. You can tell when they need to sprinkle more as the cars start getting fast. Right after then put down a new batch of powder, it's ike driving on a skating rink. Loads of fun!
 
S&S Speedways

[Cheater]

Looks like this content was used both in a newsletter and a color magazine. Pretty much the same story, with more and color pics.

[Outback]

While I'm glad Guy has gotten exposure in the Media, I wish he would have been a little more informative on his track and not sure why he had to state the cost, but he left a lot out of that also.

 

This is not a bash in any way, nor nothing against Guy. Just thought I should clear a few things up:

 

First the track is NOT plywood it's MDF board, that sits on Plywood. As far as cost of track that's also wrong. That price he is stating, was for the track, a computer and monitor with a bracket to hookup another monitor, plus a multiple monitor hookup box, the lap counting hardware/software (Trackmate), 8 controllers, 8 complete cars setup with Pro-Track Tires and our OMS bodies, plus a lot of parts and tire conditioner.

 

Other than that KUDOS to Guy for doing what he's doing also. He contacted me after seeing my track in Circle Track Magazine, and knew nothing about Slot Car Racing. He asked and followed what we are doing at OMS, took the track home after I built it, and away he went !

 

I think he has experienced a pretty good growth, and interest in his track and that in turn just helps the exposure for everyone in slot car racing!

 

Guy's got a good thing going and wish him continued success!

[Samiam]

Plywood comes off better than MDF. Other than cabinet builders,who knows what MDF is?

[Outback]

Not really sure what you're up to with your statement, Samiam? I would think a lot of slot car people plus anyone who is famiiar with woodworking will know what MDF board is. It's never been a "secret" to me, it's used for a lot of things.

 

I was just merely saying it is not plywood. If it works better for you to call it plywood, no problem here.

[Cheater]

Tim,

 

That article/headline was not written for a purely slot racing audience.

 

What Sam means is clear to me: the average person is probably not familiar with the term MDF but almost certainly knows what plywood is. A good writer tries to use "language" his readership will understand and comprehend. While this piece was written about Guy Griffin, it was actually written by Doug Kennedy who may or may not himself have written the headline.

 

Meant to comment a few hours ago that the slot car hobby is so unknown to the general public these days that almost every article on slot cars written for the general press by a non-hobbyist contains assumptions and inaccuracies that are grating to those of us who are slot racers. A review of the articles posted in this "Slot in the News" forum will demonstrate this rather clearly.

[Samiam]

Not really sure what you're up to with your statement, Samiam?

 

Tim,

 

What Greg said.

 

When writers/reporters do these slot-related articles they rarely get a read through by an experienced slot car nut like us. I get a kick out of the small inaccuracies found in most "Slots in the News" pieces. Most of these writers have standard questions for any subject. Like cost. Slots not being so familiar to these guys, they often misinterpret the answers.

 

But like you and Greg said, any exposure is good. Especially to non slot audiences. Your track being in a 1:1 magazine is a prime example. 

 

I'm not "up" to anything. Just blogging on Slotblog.   

[Outback]

Yeah, I guess I'm just a stickler for details, but I see what you guys are saying.

 

My main concern was the price Guy stated anyway. That's where either between him or the writer that got a little misinformed.

 

Trying to always promote slot car racing and get new people and don't want to take a chance for people to get the wrong idea on "pricing" of this hobby/sport, and run them off before they even look into it.

 

No harm, no foul.

[Michael Jr.]

I'm late reading this thread but... where can you get one of these dirt ovals?