OK. Another newbie post. I went to the local track today and was pleasantly suprised. They've not only got their other track up, but there is a lage 6 lane tri-oval and I'm stoked. Going to go out tomorrow night to watch and see what's up. Here's the question:
The track allows Mattel/Tyco or Magnum 440x2 pan chassis. The body styles are NASCAR stock cars and NASCAR trucks. So who's got the best choice for me? By that I'm meaning the best motor and best looks. I'd even settle for a bit slower car if it looks better. And what else am I going to need to get started? I'm guessing some silicon tires? Could you guys supply me with some websites/links as well?

And for anyone interested in the track in Carrollton Texas, here's the link:

http://www.dixonmotorspeedway.com/index.html

Thanks again for all the help!

I think you should start by reading their rules. This should tell you how far you're allowed to "customize" your car(s).

Sorry, that's about all I can tell as i've NEVER seen a commercial HO track before, propertys' worth too much out here for basically anything hobby related.

I've seen that track site. They have a few strange and bizarre rules. But as long as everyone is having fun, no harm done.

The best Tyco NASCARs for racing are the older ones designed for the narrow 440 chassis. The narrow chassis can be run much lower and handles better. Unfortunately the NASCAR bodies for the narrow chassis are now fairly collectible and not good racing fodder. Here's an example, just so you can see how the NASCAR bodies were adapted to the narrow chassis before the pan chassis was produced. Bodies designed for the pan (wide) chassis don't have the extra tabs on the sides.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5986180387&category=2619&rd=1 (http://www.qksrv.net/click-1606754-5463217?loc=http%3A//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D5986180387)


You can find a Tyco unpainted NASCAR kit car that sells in the $20-$25 range and it comes with the narrow style body and chassis. You'll have to paint it.

I can't tell you what bodies are best looking. You'll have to decide for yourself. For the pan chassis the 90s "Chevy Monte Carlo" stock car body, which came in a few different paint schemes, including the Sterling Marlin/Ernie Irvan #4 and one version of the Dale Earnhardt #3 is a good body from a weight and balance perspective. A closer inspection of this body will reveal that it's actually a Pontiac Grand Prix mold.

Never mind! I clicked the link and read the rules. Answered my own question.

A closer inspection of this body will reveal that it's actually a Pontiac Grand Prix mold.


That's funny because Mattel did the same thing in their Hotwheel line w/ the Grand Prix.

Hey txronharris-
Pretty cool racin there, and the rules seemed to be designed to emphasisze driving ability more than chassis tech. Thats great, especially for people with limited experience. If ya can keep relatively unmodified cars on the track, drivin modified ones comes much easier. Ya will develope confidence in yer trigger finger!
I would run trucks and cup cars. both are a gas, but the truck bods are a little more top heavy in unaltered form. Run the same chassis under both bods if ya find one ya like. Just pop the front axle into whatever wheelbase position ya need. Far as I know a mid 90s Ford and Chevy are the only stock truck bods. Most the guys in our club have modified the JL Dodge to fit Tyco pans for more variety.
Far as cup bods go the Pontiac painted as a Chevy wasnt a Monte Carlo. It was supposed to be a Lumina. Those were made in the early 90s. In the mid 90s Tyco made an actual Monte Carlo that looks good, but its slightly larger width, roof, quarter panels and nose can make that one a little harder to handle without modifications.
I've had some luck runnin PVT02 press on silicons on the rears, but we are allowed to modify our chassis and bods quite a lot, short of aftermarket magnets and arms, so I dont have a lot of advice on pure stock pan chassis 440X2s.

Dive in and have a lot of FUN! --- Circle Track DAC

Thanks for the info guys. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

According to their rules you can only use a stock pan chassis. That makes your choice easier. The rules seem to be unaware of the fact that the stock Tyco NASCARs were originally on the narrow chassis and did not require "modification" to fit on the narrow chassis.

They need to get a timer/counter system with a track power relay.

Tyco flopped around on that same 90s body. The Irvan version of the #4 is painted to look like the Lumina but the Marlin version of the same exact body has a big "Monte Carlo" tampo across the front bumper, right there on top of the Pontaic grille.