152 replies to this topic

[Cheater]

Yes, that's what I usually try to do with people I haven't met at the big races I am able to attend.

 

Sorry, Joe. Getting old means one's memory works less well than it used to. You'll see... hopefully! LOL...

[Danny Zona]

You can also turn into an old curmudgeon.

Not that Cheater is. Ha-ha.

[John C Martin]

Joe and Greg, you were both there.

Could be my 'old timers' is reversing?

[Mike Patterson]

You are wrong... I attended R4/8... raced FK coupe. Bought three hand-out motors and all of them struggled to run 5.0s... I qualified at a 4.91 somehow and finished like 10th overall... 

 

I would call 10th a good finish at he R4. I've never managed it.

[Cap Henry]

I think he was saying he was lucky to finish 10th running 5.0s. His motors were all slow. In his cars and my cars.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Hand-out Motor Format for The R4/10
 
First, let me once again say that if I didn’t think this was worth doing I would not be willing to go through the extra planning, the extra work, and the extra complaining this has caused. I get it that not everyone cares for hand-out style racing. I understand that racers with a stash of primo HR motors aren’t going to be happy about not using them in Can-Am. I even understand how racers could be upset when they can’t use their carefully planned break-in method because of lack of time.
 
But, the theme here is equality. At least as much as possible. No one will have a carefully selected “silver bullet” from their stash of rocket motors nor will combing through dozens of motors looking for the “stud“ be in play. And, as much as possible, everyone’s break-in time will be the same so whether or not you have the time to execute your complete break-in plan everyone will be in the same situation. No one will have an actual or perceived advantage. Isn’t that the goal of IRRA^® in regards to motors?
 
I’m doing my best to accommodate all the different issues racers have mentioned to me either directly or on the blog and social media. The response has been about 7 to 1 in favor. To those who choose not to enter the R4 this year then I hope to see you next year. Hand-outs in Can-Am is a test. Hopefully not something in the future we must do because of unequal motors or supply situations. But if that happens we will be ready.
 
FAQ:
Motors will cost $10.00 each. Each racer may purchase three (3) motors per hand-out class entered. All six can be purchased Thursday along with paid entry for both classes. Motors are registered to the racer and may be used in any class that racer enters. A racer may purchase motors and prep them for another racer who can’t be there early but they are registered only to the other racer and can’t be used by anyone else. Any motor not returned to impound by 8 PM Thursday and store closing on Friday will be disqualified. No registered motor can leave the store before Saturday closing. No exceptions!! All motors will be impounded in Plano plastic boxes, 35 divided compartments per box. Additional motors may be purchased with the amount and times announced later.
 
The following schedule is subject to minor tweaking. Hopefully not much will be needed.
 
Thursday, March 16, 2017
              Open at 10 AM – controlled practice (5 minutes per lane)
                             6:30 PM – Motor hand-out – track power off
                             8 PM – Motor impound – track power on – controlled practice (5 minutes per lane)
              Close at 10 PM
Friday, March 17, 2017
              Open at 7:30 AM – Motor hand-out and/or motor return
8 AM – controlled practice (3 minutes per lane) for racers who bought motors Thursday (Group 1)
9:30 AM – controlled practice (3 minutes per lane) for racers who bought motors Friday morning (Group 2) – tech for Group 1
11 AM – tech for Group 2 – Group 1 qualify followed by Group 2 – then race.
 
Saturday's schedule will be similar with racers divided into two groups and those with already registered motors the first on the track for practice. A complete detailed schedule will be posted soon.

[Brinkley47]

I like it. I just wish the race was tomorrow!

[raisin27]

You have obviously put a lot of thought into this, Mike. I and I am sure all the racers appreciate your efforts.

 

I look forward to giving it a go!

[slick in the slot]

Sounds like a plan.

[Noose]

Have fun.

[Butters37]

We will.

[Steve Deiters]

A track owner sets the rules and you can chose to attend or not. It's that simple. I plan to be there. I hope many others will follow.
 
Attending your first R4 is kinda like a St. Pauli girl (beer)... "You always remember your first...". So if you haven't come to one then plan on this one. The R4 is always a great "gathering of the clan" no matter what the rules are.

[JerseyJohn]

Sounds like a plan.[size=4]

Sounds more like a clusterf&*k.

My opinion. I've been to several R4s. A great time was had, in spite of being cramped and somewhat limited practice. 

Is cheating so prevalent that the motors have to be locked down at night? Everyone has the same rules to follow and that should be that. In any sport the more talented will always be on top and I really don't think this motor hand-out is going to change anything. Do the slower guys really think having a rocket motor will help them? Or will they probably deslot more?

It's Mike's show. I like Mike, I liked the R4. This is just going to make things more difficult with no different outcome.

Cap and Will, two extremely talented drivers will probably finish in the top again. Then what? One arm tied behind LOL.
 
Have fun guys,

 

JJ

[Butters37]

Call it what you want. The plan is in place and that's how it will be run. Simple as that.

 

Like the idea or not, Mike decided it was time to test the waters.

 

I truly don't understand why people hate the idea so much. It's really not that much more work and certainly not more expensive for every racer as a group.

 

Don't like it stay home. Want to give it a shot, come on down.

[willy wonka]

And if you pull duds are you gonna leave, Jason? That would be epic!

[elinsley]

Can't wait for R4!! I'll be there.

[Noose]

Jason,

 

You have been to one R4 ever and now you are the ambassador for it?

[Dan Ebert]

First of all I would like to say, I do appreciate all that the McMasters family does for the slot car Ccommunity. I have been traveling to Tom Thumb from Erie, PA, to race off and on since 1987. 

 

I have attended two R4s. My plan was to attend this year's event. I moved our vacation timeslot out of the R4 week so I could attend. I was going to arrive Tuesday morning and stay to the conclusion of the F1 race. So you can see I was invested in coming and money wasn't going to be an issue. 

 

But with the current new hand-out format, I cannot justify attending this year. This isn't about running fast. I will run mid-pack and be happy with anything higher. 

 

This is about my comfort level and having fun. Under the old format my Can-Am and F1 would be in the box ready to race by Thursday evening. Even the Coupe race now, with everyone getting hand-outs, adds to the stress of preparing motors and getting track time. Now Can-Ams have been added to that mix with everyone trying to find motors and get dialed in. Sorry, I am not going to spend time, effort, and money for unneeded stress.  

 

Steve and Aaron Ploskunak were planning on attending also. We sat and talked at length on how we would attack a plan for preparing our cars and getting motors ready. Even with the three of us teaming up, we just didn't feel comfortable that we could get the job done in a timely manner or to the best of our ability. 

 

With that said, I am sorry but the three of us won't be attending this year.

[The Number of]

Maybe all should get back on topic here. Any pertinent questions about the scheduling, pricing and racing should be addressed.

 

This sniping is not adding anything constructive to the conversation. 

 

Bill

[Butters37]

I'll stay regardless.

Not the ambassador... just simply someone who doesn't mind how the race is run. See, I'll race no matter what Mike wants to do. I'm not a coward... I can live without being the fastest.

If I pull duds that's OK. Chances are others will, too. I can accept that and assume the risks.

See, if we complain we are crybabies and whiners. If an IRRA^® BoD member says it's stupid and will not go, that's OK. Makes perfect sense.

Willy, if you don't get fast motors will you leave? I'd love to see you with a car that won't go faster than 5.0... you will sprint out of the building.

[Brinkley47]

Like you stayed at MMW late last year?

You bolted before practice was over because you were a few tenths off. You must have been unlucky or not prepared. Hmmm.... which was it?

You better hope luck is in your favor this year. We will be prepared.

[Noose]

Jason,

Did you stay for F1 last year? Don't think so.
 
My comments are not as a IRRA^® Board member. My comments are as a traveling racer who has been to every R4.

[Butters37]

Actually I wanted nothing to do with that race. My head wasn't in it. Bad week at work, etc. Wasn't just motor, Will.

Let's see if you can run around the track this year without Willy's car, his controller, and him coaching you as you qualify... but hey, that's just what everyone already knows.

[Butters37]

I actually stayed and watched, Noose.

[Brinkley47]

Actually I wanted nothing to do with that race. My head wasn't in it. Bad week at work, etc. Wasn't just motor, Will.

 

Excuses, excuses. I beat you like a drum at Tri-State. I guess I got lucky.