54 replies to this topic

[dalek]

In the "Florida wing car series" thread that is currently active here on Slotblog, kids were mentioned.  

 

It reminded me of the occasional times I've been in a race with a kid that would deslot about every 5th lap.  It amazed me that the parent that was at the race with them would allow them to continue creating such havoc and carnage.

 

It doesn't surprise me, but does irritate me somewhat that raceway owners do not black flag anyone (not just kids) who is deslotting excessively.  

 

I'd like to see it become typical that we get black flagged for the rest of a heat after we've deslotted three or four times in that heat.  

 

The race director should give a verbal warning to anyone who he feels is deslotting excessively, then black flag the car, for the rest of that heat, if it deslots again.

 

Out of respect for the other drivers and their equipment, we should black flag ourselves if we simply just can't keep it in the slot, and then try again on the next lane.

 

 

[Matt Sheldon]

Raceways would become even more lonely very quickly.

[Tim Wilkins]

Kids need to learn and not be discouraged.  Most wing car races have low attendance and everyone's attendance helps contribute to make a full field..  I can see your point if it was a big race like the Nats, but for a monthly wing car race, I'd let it go.  Time would be better spent trying to help the kids set up their wing cars, adjust controller sensitivity and pass along any other racing tips you can think of..

[Racer36]

Might be a good idea for racers to offer to help the offender get better instead of chastising him or her. Its all about growing the hobby isn't it?

[Half Fast]

How do you define "excessive"?

 

Cheers

[tonyp]

Indeed to know if I’m going to get black flagged.


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[Milkman]

I have raced in weekly events where a "crash-and-burn" format was used.  All controlled by the computerized race management system (not sure which one).  When someone de-slotted the power was turned off and the offending car removed.  There were a 2-3 planned stops during each heat where any de-slotted car was put back on. You had 15 seconds to put your car back on and get back to your driver station and then power resumed.  At most you'd miss about 45 seconds for each de-slot.  It seemed to "create" better driving and there would be fewer de-slots, also the racing was closer.

[Ecurie Martini]

We have used the "crash & burn" approach when the group was so small that there were not enough marshals.  It was one of the options in the track management system we used.  Typically there were brief power-downs twice in a 3 minute heat.  Generally worked well although there are inevitably issues (and sometimes shouting) when a car, rather than going completely off, spins and blocks a lane.

 

EM

[Half Fast]

Excessive de-slotting = one more time than I come off.

 

Cheers

[John Streisguth]

We ran crash and burn doing 24 one minute heats.  One on, one off.  No need for stickers since if you came off you weren't going back on that lane. As Ken Stevens said, if you came off you missed a part of a minute on the track,, so it taught driving discipline.  And the cars were left where they came off, which taught you to watch more than just the 8 inches where your car was at the moment.  When we first started doing it, I usually won by 15-20 laps.  Everyone quickly got smart and stayed on...the races were super close, and it always see-sawed back and forth.  It got rid of the "fast lap" mentality some people have.  And no marshals were yelled at!  LOL

[MSwiss]

So I assume, if you get taken out, you're just a victim of bad luck and you sit out.

Correct?

[Uncle Fred]

Speaking from experience....... It depends somewhat on the class you're running.  With wing cars, because they are faster and more temperamental, black flagging becomes necessary at times. Something as simple as a bent wing, missing pin or lead wire rubbing can render a car undriveable for any driver.

[Kim Lander]

Deslotting has been around since slot cars were invented and will be around until when ever. The best system I have ever used (in my opinion) was a yellow light system on the track in Cordele Ga....when there was a deslot or a take out on another car, the track call was called , the race director hit the button and the voltage was cut in half, the slotted cars kept going and the turn marshals had plenty time to replace the deslotted car or cars, the only driver that lost track position was the cars that deslotted. Then at the count of three the voltage was resumed to normal . It seemed to please all.

[Milkman]

Correct Mike.   Rubbing is racing.  I found this crash-and-burn racing to keep you on your toes.  I would be on the look out for trouble ahead and to be careful passing slower cars or inexperienced drivers.  It also made it advantageous to communicate with drivers next to you when over taking them. 

[Dennis David]

Some type of breakout rule might be better than crash and burn to slow people down, though it would need to be applied across the board so wont help MR Crash.

[MSwiss]

When I first opened , I did a race, 3 deslots and you're out for the rest of the heats.

 

After 2 legitimate deslots, there was a 3rd one that possibly was more the doing of another racer.

 

It created so much controversy, ill will, etc., it was the last time I ever did it that way.

 

What has worked out much better for me, when I do an IROC race, with the rental cars, is at a deslot, count off 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, before doing a track call.(or until another car is impeded by  deslotted car)

[tonyp]

Back in the day we raced in an interstore series where you ran 5 lap heats and if you fell off you were done for that heat. Major fights every race and every heat. My specially built heavy lotus 40 would make the other teams car de-slot when trying to nerf my car. Lol.

[Noose]

So I assume, if you get taken out, you're just a victim of bad luck and you sit out.

Correct?

Yup and I was a victim when leading the race when a guy hooked up wrong and slam. LOL

It is a fun format and does teach disciple for sure.

[Mr. M]

We raced crash and burn 15 lap heats, 24 heats, most number of heats won determined the winner. Last car on or the
first to 15 laps won the heat. It was a lot of fun and we always had 2 full tracks of cars.

[NSwanberg]

Marshal your own and bring it back to the driver station. We call it the walk of shame.

[CoastalAngler1]

This thread for me, Dale? 

 

My last two trips to Holly Hell, cost a Mossetti each.    

 

Still, a pretty inexpensive hobby compared to many others.  I recently heard slot cars are the least expensive form of racing?  

[tonyp]

I think turtle racing is cheaper.


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[Uncle Fred]

Don't you mean cockroaches Tony?

[CoastalAngler1]

Tony, I thought you were developing a Florida lizard racing series - FLRS?  

[Tim Wood]

I Agree with Milkman