12 replies to this topic

[Pshoe64]

I started building a new drag strip for the students that race in our statewide slot car program.  Viper Scale Racing but this solid PVC (not foam) track and I have been working on the portable table and start and finish gates.  Everything has to be mobile as we visit 30+ schools, science fairs and events over the course of the year.  Here are a few pics of the progress.

 

A shot of the track out of the shipping crate.

 

Here's the portable table, each has pins and latches to keep it together nice and tight.

 

 

 

Here's the full Quarter mile and shutdown sections.

 

I'll post the pics of the starting gate next.

-Paul

[Pshoe64]

The Starting Gate

 

I did not mention in the previous post, there will be legs under all this.  They will detach and stack for easy transport.  Next are some pics of the starting gate.  We set up in Rupp Arena for the state championships, so we need the lights to be visible by a fairly large crowd that watch from the arena seats.  I based this on the Auto World circuit with some enhancements.  Everything is power pack based, no batteries and it has it's own light source for the track sensors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Paul

[Joe Mig]

Wow that is so cool,what a great program for the students to be a part of.

[Michael Jr.]

I want one!!!

[Pshoe64]

The new track made its public debut this past weekend at the Fayette County Science Fair.

 

Here's the full set up, ready to start racing.

 

We even had Louie the Lightning Bug race "The Cow" from Chick-Fuil-A!!! Where else can you see a race like that?

 

We had a ball.

 

More to come as we visit more events and schools.

 

-Paul

[Joe Mig]

Awsome idea good luck and please keep us updated.

[Michael Jr.]

Love this!

[Michael Jr.]

So tell me how you are brought into the school? It's in support of science? I would love to have you help me pitch that here!

[Pshoe64]

Racing to the Future™ is a science (primarily physics) and math program that uses slot cars as the teaching medium.  We have been around for 9 years now and have schools or youth clubs in 15 states and countries using the program in some form or fashion. Everything we provide in the way of rules and lessons are free to use.  You can get all the information here: http://www.racingtothefuture.com

 

Our contact emails are on the site and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have to get this started in your area.  We do not have any contacts of programs in the Carolinas and would like to have you join in.

 

We started as part of the Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) and have grown the program to what we have today.  I am an engineer by trade (Electrical and Mechanical) and work for the Kentucky Department of Education as a design and technology system architect.  I got my interests in engineering through slot cars 45 years ago, and hoped to introduce the field to new students the same way.

So far we have had several participating student racers move on to engineering schools after they graduate.  It's a cool thing to see.

 

-Paul Shoemaker

[SlotStox#53]

Such a cool program and a great drag strip!

[Michael Jr.]

Racing to the Future is a science (primarily physics) and math program that uses slot cars as the teaching medium.  We have been around for 9 years now and have schools or youth clubs in 15 states and countries using the program in some form or fashion. Everything we provide in the way of rules and lessons are free to use.  You can get all the information here: http://www.racingtothefuture.com
 
Our contact emails are on the site and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have to get this started in your area.  We do not have any contacts of programs in the Carolinas and would like to have you join in.
 
We started as part of the Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) and have grown the program to what we have today.  I am an engineer by trade (Electrical and Mechanical) and work for the Kentucky Department of Education as a design and technology system architect.  I got my interests in engineering through slot cars 45 years ago, and hoped to introduce the field to new students the same way.
So far we have had several participating student racers move on to engineering schools after they graduate.  It's a cool thing to see.
 
-Paul Shoemaker

This is just the sort of thing I've Been searching for. This brings slots into a public forum in a useful and compelling way. I believe I have folks that can help get this going.
Can you quote a start up cost for the track and supplies?

[Pshoe64]

I posted Part 1 of Building the New Racing to the Future™ Drag Strip.  It has the info, wiring diagrams etc.  Part 2 will have the remaining build of the finish gantry and how the track and wiring lay out in the assembled track.

 

Building the New Racing to the Future™ Drag Strip

 

-Paul

[Michael Jr.]

And then tell me how I can get you to put me one together!