With the changes in RC racing in the past year I dont think it hurts to ask again....whats the general feeling on the best way to keep K&N operating & most importantly gaining better turnouts.....

Chad has made huge efforts to change the hobby shop; many of you know that...

And thankfully, we have increased numbers GREATLY in the past year, but still K&N is not where we would all like to see it....

So my question is what can be done?

Talk to us.....

move it about 50 miles east into rhode island lol

Vote now, Vote often!

I think it is a hard thing to do but realize that most people racing oval in New England
race on flat tracks. K/N being one of only 2 tracks that I know of that are banked does
make it more unique, but when it comes down to it, people who do travel to Enfield..
travel to Maximus from thier local flat tracks know setup wise they will be close.....this is for the avg racer.....Therefore they will be less fustrated and more competitive....Not many people (except myself) have fun travelling 2 hrs or more to
a track and be 2-3 laps off the pace because they are missing that certain setup for that track.................I still have fun coming to K/N and will continue to come to your events as work will permit....But I know I when I travel to Enfield or Maximus I have a chance of being more competitive since I race weekly on Flat tracks...........You also
got to notice many of your locals travel to flat tracks for thier events....
.
I think a large "Snowbird Style" flat track would be nice.........
I think you guys should take a silent vote of everyone who attendes the Winterblast race and announce the results. ( this way no one is pressured in voting a certain way)
write "flat" or "Banked" on a piece of paper and put it in a box. I think a poll on hobbytalk is not accurate, you will get people from Florida...Michigan ect who will not come up there and race voting......
. My 3 cents

Move it to Reseda,Ca.We need an outdoor banked paved oval besides the velodrome.Also answer your emails.
Dave Werner

I hear you....

My position from day one of my time at K&N was that - this track stands out simply for being "UNIQUE" - it offers a challenge other tracks CANNOT.

In addition, from day one I have been against competing with Maximus, or Madness. We consider both owners to be our "FRIENDS" and we do not want to interupt their income, business and turnouts...which is why we havent explored going flat. Its served HELPFUL; so we can plan on opposite days ....and rarely compete for the same crowds.

With this all said; we have STALLED changing the carpets because the reality is; its a MASSIVE expense; and why incur that if we are FORCED to go flat - anytime in the future (say 5+ years).....

The reality is, to stay open, K&N MIGHT have to go flat...... waiting on the big races, or occasional visits from the flat track racers...might be too much of a financial loss to take.....

In addition, the one thing we REALLY have going for us...is our track (if flat) would be HUGE!

This in no way would be an easy choice for us; the history of the banks is significant & special. The challenge is at the top for whats out there today....

But if we have to make a choice "CLOSE" or "GO FLAT" ...I certainly will not allow Chad to close the doors!

Move it to Reseda,Ca.We need an outdoor banked paved oval besides the velodrome.Also answer your emails.
Dave Werner

LMAO...Im working on it silly...(no I didnt get your package yet...) and yes I want to chat...just a little stressed (lol)... I will be in touch asap!!!!

By the way...are you going to come help me move the track (LOL)....or better yet; how about you come here for the Winterblast and we talk about it in person (LMAO)....

I voted to stay as is, I was close to making my vote for a carpet change. But right now the carpet is still intact, and replacing it is costly. When the time comes that there is no choice, then is the time it gets replaced. Also what do you replace it with? Ozite? Not sure how long it would take to rip through that on the corners.

On the other hand, ripping out the existing track and making it flat would be very expensive also, there's alot of material under that track, disposal alone would be costly. Then put down a flat track in the same location and you've got a big paper clip, long straights and narrow corners make for some not so fun racing.

Just my $.02, later, Bill

I REALLY like K/N the way it is. It is so different from anything out there that it keeps you from getting burned out on the flats. Maybe it's 'old hat' to the locals, but I'll speak on behalf of my NY counterparts and say there is no feeling like being fast on the banks...very rewarding and difficult to do. Some people may not like the challenge and some may not be crazy about dedicating a car to one track, but finishing just one race on the same lap as Bombard and Zarelli makes all of the preparation worth it! Of course you are looking for an answer to please the masses and this is probably (sadly) not it. My 2 cents....

Jason

If it went flat; Chad said he would make it 40ft wide min....

I REALLY like K/N the way it is. It is so different from anything out there that it keeps you from getting burned out on the flats. Maybe it's 'old hat' to the locals, but I'll speak on behalf of my NY counterparts and say there is no feeling like being fast on the banks...very rewarding and difficult to do. Some people may not like the challenge and some may not be crazy about dedicating a car to one track, but finishing just one race on the same lap as Bombard and Zarelli makes all of the preparation worth it! Of course you are looking for an answer to please the masses and this is probably (sadly) not it. My 2 cents....

Jason

Jason, as always you know how thankful we are that you (and other out-of-staters) continue to make the trip (and so often). WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE!

I feel the same way jason does except I have never finish nor raced the same time mark has. but k/n is a taste that some have and some dont but both equaly will probably say its alot of fun, speaking for myself I hated k/n when I first started going there because it was so frustrating at most times, one of the toughest places to get down or even be just a lap off. but at any track flat,banked,concrete,black top etc the only way your going to get good,decent or even happy is practice. from what I was told that place has chewed and spit the best of the best out. since I have practiced learned alot and leaving knowing I need to learn more makes me want to come back, along with the great efforts that have been made and have shown. to me leave it the way it is,keep doing what your doing most will probably say you post alot including myself but damn we got to give you credit for posting the crap out of K/N and its worked. your never never giong to make everyone happy thats for sure but stay true to your words/commitments to the track and you should be fine.

i say leave it as is. challenging yet historical.besides in a few hours when my son gets done practicing it will need carpet and walls. see ya in a few.and yes you are the best promoter the sport has seen in a while danielle.

also take a look at the bottom were it says users currently veiwing, seems to me alot are still intrested.

I vote to keep K&N as is. There is no doubt that it is a tough track to tame (even tougher for non-locals)...as a matter of fact it can be considered the "Darlington" of RC tracks.

I have left my blood, sweat and tears at thit track in the past,..but I always came back for more. I travel from Canada to race at RC's Lady in Black.
If K&N went flat, I would never come back...really no need to come back because flat tracks are a dime a dozen. Seen one, seen them all!

Antonio De Nino

Just a little note: at track is more than lumber and hardware. What makes K&N special is the way we are treated when we walk in.

PS - thanks to all the locals that help out everytime I treck up. It really makes the trip much more enjoyable when the locals help out setting up your car. Special thanks to Bill and Ted for all their advice....Really appreciate it!!
Also, special thanks to Danielle and Chad on helping us feel right at home. You guys are the best...Keep up the good work. See you at the Blast!

i say leave it as is. challenging yet historical.besides in a few hours when my son gets done practicing it will need carpet and walls. see ya in a few.and yes you are the best promoter the sport has seen in a while danielle.

Well thank you very much. I know my involvement has helped K&N - its clear by the results but I also know a "chic" invading the scene is upsetting to some; as well as the way I am "social butterfly" also upsets some....As long as you all know my only intention is keep the hobby exciting & popular; and to help K&N, I dont care what you all feel about me....Love me or Hate me...Im trying to help!

(I would rather you all loved me though..lol)...

Chad and Jack left a while ago to go to the track....my son is sooo excited to see yours there...its rare that younger kids are there....which might I point out - is where the "NEW BLOOD" is...and a market we need to attack.....somehow!

I vote to keep K&N as is. There is no doubt that it is a tough track to tame (even tougher for non-locals)...as a matter of fact it can be considered the "Darlington" of RC tracks.

I have left my blood, sweat and tears at thit track in the past,..but I always came back for more. I travel from Canada to race at RC's Lady in Black.
If K&N went flat, I would never come back...really no need to come back because flat tracks are a dime a dozen. Seen one, seen them all!

Antonio De Nino

Just a little note: at track is more than lumber and hardware. What makes K&N special is the way we are treated when we walk in.

PS - thanks to all the locals that help out everytime I treck up. It really makes the trip much more enjoyable when the locals help out setting up your car. Special thanks to Bill and Ted for all their advice....Really appreciate it!!
Also, special thanks to Danielle and Chad on helping us feel right at home. You guys are the best...Keep up the good work. See you at the Blast!

Many thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to share your feelings, thank you for the kind words & support!!!!!!

I say keep it banked! I understand the same carpet has been on there for many years. There aren't that many banked tracks anywhere in this area anymore. I say this because when I started racing, I started on a banked track. I really miss it! I would rather spend drivng 3+ hrs to drive to a banked track to race once and a while than going to other flat tracks that your setup stays as is regarding little changes. You need to mix it up a bit occasionally.

I ran there twice this year and by golly I had a great time!! I have not ran on a banked track in like 4 or 5 years since the sizzler, and it was awesome. Whatever happens happens, but when if it does turn flat, what would the people that enjoy the banks do? I had 2 tracks that were banked down here within 45 minutes of me. I would race the one track Saturday night then the other Sunday afternoon. When this happened, I had to start flat trackin' it. I race outdoors now and then but it isn't my thing.

Whatever you do, it won't matter to me, i'll still enjoy the place & the people.. that was my .02. Thanks!

I say leave it alone, same carpet. Replace it when it is absolutely necessary. But, if you were to change to layout, I would make a slightly shorter, maybe little wider infield, less banked oval. The straights would be totally flat, maybe 10 degrees in the corners. This lets you set up roadcourse in the infield for another source of racers. Heck, you could run the outside banked oval, and a smaller flat oval on the inside, too. All share the same front straight and the same transponder loop. Just a wild idea.

Theres no doubt about it,in the end your gonna see the majority of the racers are happy the way it is. (Banked,old or new carpet,whatever). My opinion for what its worth. Sandy.

Something I have never understood is why racers make a fuss about not doing well at a particular track or other. That's like golfers wanting all the fairways to be straight and and no blind tee shots. Racing is all about going to a track practicing there and competing. If I wanted to go race somewhere else for a big race, I would make the time to go to the track a week in advance and practice there. That way the next week I would be ready. In Nascar even the so-called cookie cutter tracks are very different in setup from one to another. Another $0.02

I have never been to K/N but since I got started in racing I allways herd of the track, I since I haven't seen the track for sometime I don't know if the carpet need's replaced but please keep it the way it is. My son is 2 and a half and just starting with the r/c cars and one day I want to bring him to the last of the holy grails in r/c oval racing.

Jimmy

I have never been to K/N but since I got started in racing I allways herd of the track, I since I haven't seen the track for sometime I don't know if the carpet need's replaced but please keep it the way it is. My son is 2 and a half and just starting with the r/c cars and one day I want to bring him to the last of the holy grails in r/c oval racing.

Jimmy

Thats sweet!

Yet another good point; getting kids in the door....maybe not that young (lol) but again....the hobby as a whole will die if we dont involve the youth... its something that everyone can do to help keep the hobby alive.... even if it means adding a new day for just Dads & kids....so be it. I would GLADLY open ANYDAY/TIME for that cause!
Ive even talked to Chad about providing rental cars for kids...I think thats also worthwhile....AND POSSIBLE.
This also relates to us discussing a break out class.
There is WAYS to save K&N (keeping it as-is) and bring in new blood....keep it exciting and continue to see new faces. For sure. Its just hard for ME to do it all alone....regardless that I have a husband..(lol)....we all know one or two people cant change this alone.

i too like the track banked it's fun to make a change every once and a while even though the setup drives me crazy there. but on the other hand take this poll instead "how many of the local drivers would still race there if the track went flat"??????? if they all say they would still race there then i say go flat. heres why more people would come to the race and be more competitive and want to come back. i know thats why i have not been back there in a while but i like the change. and for the last part if you locals love the place so much and would not want it to close up you would want it flat. i don't think that just running oval will keep the place open for that much longer atleast with it being flat there are a lot more racers you could bring in such as the sedans and 1/12 scale road course cars. we all know these days onroad racers out weigh the oval cars 5/1 so if you could get 15-20 running oval you could get 30-40 onroad then what happens is all the local oval guys buy onroad cars and onroad guys run oval. this is just my.02 but thats what i would do to keep a great place open. Brad

Its very interesting to hear what you all have to say and watch the votes...one minute one or two say flat...and the rest are for banked, then BOOM its a tie...hmmm

Interesting....

Leave it banked and same carpet. It takes alot of time and work to get big turnouts (to get the word out).

There have been quite a few people within the last year or 2 that have ran very well without the "K/N" setup (solid chassis+dampener tube) so that's no excuse anymore. A flat track car can go fine at K/N with a few changes.

i love that track if it were to go flat this pa hick would stay in pa and not burn 30+ gal of fuel and 9 hrs in a truck to run a flat track

30 gal gas at 2.35 gal= 70.50 50 buck for hotel.. 6 meals out on the weekend trip $who knows what that price is... my big butt in a seat for 9 hrs for the trip up and back.... racing on a fun and fast bank track = PRICELESS

now i know by coming up 2 to 6 times a year i dont pay the bills but do you really want to loose the (K&N HAS A WAY WITH B-O-L-O-G-N-A )

Nice tread . I voted for a carpet change only be cause it is getting real thin in the conners . As for ozite carpet i do not know if it will take the abuse that the oval cars will give it .I do know that because it is in mat from and looking at the abuse that the track at maddness takes it should be fine .I know that ripping up that old carpet will not be easy so maybe i need to change my mind and vote to keep the baby the way it is Thanks Ken

I vote to keep it as is with new carpet when needed. Having said that, if you look at flat tracks ie: Marshalls, a quick chat with Dot and Bill will tell you that a bank track alienates certain racers especially trucks and touring cars that might run your track . Not only are these racers needed to keep the track full on race day, These people will also spend much more money in the HOBBY SHOP which in turn will give you more money! I would hate to see the banks come down but it may be simple economics that makes your decision for you.

If k & n goes flat you would basically have to start over as a brand new track.You would really have to come up with a reason to go there over other flat tracks.I dont think you would keep the same core of racers you have now.The majority of locals are closer to other established flat tracks then k & n including myself for example (marshalls and madness for me and the other ct guys and maximus for the northern group).So you would have to draw in alot of new racers to replace the core you have now. My .02

Personally I would like to see it stay the same with ozite carpet next season. The Ozite will give a great boost to buisiness, everyone will want to try the ozite, in effect "evening the playing field" for the people without the laps needed to conquer this place. I guess the qustion is: Does the banking help attendance by being unique, or scare away the un-initiated? If you think the competition level with other tracks is tight now, a flat track will be apples to apples, you will really have to earn every racer who comes thru the door, as they could just as easily go to 2 other tracks that offer the same. Besides my selfish interests The best BUISINESS decision would be to go flat. If you make the corners WIDE, like marshalls track, there would be no doubt in my mind K/N would be the premier track in the N.E. The flat tracks that exist now leave a lot to be desired as far as layout, noone seems to have the space to make the corners the right radius in relation to straightaway length. Do that and you will corner the flat track market. Basically you would be doing what marshalls does, the reason travel hours to the Middle of nowhere to race there. Danielle, look for a PM.

I say leave it as is with a carpet change, ozite will not wear as bad as some may have told you. If you were to go flat, most of us will have no reason to travel that way.
With new carpet the track becomes new~~~ no one will have any advantage...

I agree with some of the others that there is too much nostalgia about the banks at K&N so it needs to stay banked but some new carpet would help level the playing field for some of us not so regulars that only show up every now and then but that would only last for a while because the more time on the track always makes you faster so the regulars will always be more competitive than the average racer. But in my opinion that is what makes it so much fun to try and tame the Gray Lady of R/C! so keep it banked!
my opinion Bud :thumbsup:

I think K&N should stay with the the banks. I also think if you invest the time in money into making the track a more modern track and hobby shop, People would enjoy spending the day there more. Door prizes and free hand outs also are a good way to keep new and old racers during big events keep coming back.

I think K&N should stay with the the banks. I also think if you invest the time in money into making the track a more modern track and hobby shop, People would enjoy spending the day there more. Door prizes and free hand outs also are a good way to keep new and old racers during big events keep coming back.
LOL the way you raced last night HMM i dont know if I want to race with you LMAO

stay bank but with new carpet.

Alot of voters for new carpet, just curious...what's wrong with the current carpet????? I thought the super high bite and low tire wear was a good thing.

there is no carpet left in the corners, in the racing line, and holes have started~~~
with more mod being run, it will only be a matter of time before it has BIG holes...

I guess they got there moneys worth out of it! 15 years or so

I think K&N should stay with the the banks. I also think if you invest the time in money into making the track a more modern track and hobby shop, People would enjoy spending the day there more. Door prizes and free hand outs also are a good way to keep new and old racers during big events keep coming back.

Earl...do you not think we give enough out? Im not being a wise chick; Im honestly asking... Ive gone out of my way to obtain door prizes, etc for handouts...
Can you also give some suggestions about what you mean by modernize the place??? Are you implying you want the box house seats when we blow out the wall upstrairs so we can have pits and views from the top floor (for Winterblast)...lol
Seriously...give me more ideas (please)!!

LOL the way you raced last night HMM i dont know if I want to race with you LMAO

Well, someone can only take so many hits before he returns the favor... Oh Yeah..... LOL...

Earl...do you not think we give enough out? Im not being a wise chick; Im honestly asking... Ive gone out of my way to obtain door prizes, etc for handouts...
Can you also give some suggestions about what you mean by modernize the place??? Are you implying you want the box house seats when we blow out the wall upstrairs so we can have pits and views from the top floor (for Winterblast)...lol
Seriously...give me more ideas (please)!!

I will give you my ideas tomarrow. I'm coming to the banks for some fun SK racing... Maybe even beat Ken B this time.... LOL..

there is no carpet left in the corners, in the racing line, and holes have started~~~
with more mod being run, it will only be a matter of time before it has BIG holes...


Chad's at the track...he said there isnt any "holes" (he's not trying to call you a liar...he just doesnt want people to be mislead; thinking there are actual HOLES in the carpet)...there are wear marks but there is not holes.... He found only found one small hole...... :thumbsup:

Earl...... I dont know what time I will be there tomorrow...ummm its my Birthday Party tonight.......... as you know! :tongue:

Chad's at the track...he said there isnt any "holes" (he's not trying to call you a liar...he just doesnt want people to be mislead; thinking there are actual HOLES in the carpet)...there are wear marks but there is not holes.... He found only found one small hole...... :thumbsup:

Earl...... I dont know what time I will be there tomorrow...ummm its my Birthday Party tonight.......... as you know! :tongue:

um so YES there is holes (HOLE), this will NOT get better by itself~~~
and with more MOD running, it will take its tole~~~

um so YES there is holes (HOLE), this will NOT get better by itself~~~
and with more MOD running, it will take its tole~~~

I agree .... it has to be addressed soon - and it will!

hey I've been hearing some rumors about k and n, I herd the carpet is like swiss cheese,---but it will be flat and new carpet soon > ~ then a FREE roar race becuz all the other traks are doing it, also every entry will receive a wikked door prize^-~~~ a free pan car of there choice. and this will all be done in time for winterblast can someone conferm theze rumers?

hey I've been hearing some rumors about k and n, I herd the carpet is like swiss cheese,---but it will be flat and new carpet soon > ~ then a FREE roar race becuz all the other traks are doing it, also every entry will receive a wikked door prize^-~~~ a free pan car of there choice. and this will all be done in time for winterblast can someone conferm theze rumers?


Mr. Schmo.... Which I always thought it was "SCHMOE" but I could be wrong - thats certainly not a first.....lol

Anywho may I ask when you were last at K&N? Im glad you come right to the thread to ask ....but the "rumors" you have heard... I cannot account for. I guess it depends on your source...whether your source is humor, a "hater" or if you just feel the need to bust stones.... the goal for us is to keep racers happy...do all we can to ensure that, keep this hobby affordable, clean and fun. When it comes to these rumors.... or any rumor for that matter, I am one to confront the source with accurate facts and see for myself...maybe you should also try that. (anotherwards...come and check it out in person).

Dont take offense to my response, its just it seems many people lately hide behind a screen name...to set some fires and say what they do not want to be linked with saying(posting).... bottom line is although I would hope no one would have bad things to say; its impossible to avoid that. With that said, if racers are not sharing the reasons they dislike K&N, how can we work on fixing that?

So what Im saying is...if you specifically have something to say... speak up...and dont be afraid to sign your name...

But on a serious note...

I havent seen any cheese at the track...smelt it..yes, seen it NO.

No plans to make it flat or re-carpeted soon....as you can see we are still feeling out the general options and feelings on this...

Free ROAR race...the latest FREE race was a toy collection race...Sorry you couldnt make it..... should we have more FREE races, I will promptly post them online ....

I didnt realize ANY tracks were giving a free roar race.... I know Heath was kind enough to cover the ROAR FEES for his Regional..... but I dont know of any other track doing the same...so that wouldnt be "tracks".....maybe you could fill me in?!?

yes there will be tons of door prizes...and every entry will receive at least ONE door prize....(not pan cars unless manufactors plan to send those..)

Which part will be done before winterblast? The swiss cheese or the free race

(LOL)

i say from a business stand point flat is the way to go. yah K&N is a legend but even if you just lay new carpet down it will still be unique. which still makes it tough for alot of races to go there and race. alot of guys don't like to change there car. some have a banked car all together. plus add in the different tires needed it can add up money wise. were having it flat now you can draw more racers.

with the space you guys have available K&N flat will still be unique.


flatten it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!