So anyhow, we've been running an HP7-based metal bodied stock car league since 1994. We've been using the NASCAR 1/64 diecast for our top division (Heavy Metal Challenge Series) and a variety of other cars for the various spin-off divisions we race (late model, nostalgia, outlaw late model, super truck). A typical race night is HMCS, late model and one other support division.

So, with NASCAR's Car Of Tomorrow we have frozen the body rules for the last year waiting to see how this car plays out. Well, it is just plain ugly. And wrong. So as league founder and president, as well as director of competition, I am moving to bring my 'stock car' series back in line with 'stock' appearing cars. This season, our 15th, will start to see the phase-out of the NASCAR cars and the switch-over to 'stock cars' for next season and beyond.

Yesterday was 'gut & cut' day down in the dungeon as some of the new cars were fitted to the HP7 chassis. Cutting a new body is always an experiment, but these cars have good dimensions so everything went together well. More cars will be cut in the next few days.

So anyway here are some pics:

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/500/004b1.jpg
Matchbox Dodge Charger

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/500/medium/007b.jpg
Lexus GS

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/500/medium/012b.jpg
Mercedes

I can't wait to get some Cup decals on these cars.

I feel OK about allowing the Jap and German cars into the mix since we are going back to stock bodies. It should be an interesting year as the new cars race with the old ones before the full intro next season.

'doba

Nifty adaptations 'Doba,

That Mercy-less Benz has a nice line. :thumbsup:

Better weld up those back doors though...other wise the family dog and picnic basket may fly out. :p

I share your opinion of the CoT, and for 2008 I'm working on a 1/32nd scale stocker series using the Artin cars. The NNC CoT makes up such a small share of stock bodied racing in this country that if you did the CoT cars it would be to the exclusion of everything else. The beauty of slot car racing is most of the rules govern the type of chassis, not the body, so go with what is popular.

Those conversions look nice - will make great looking racers. Funny how insurance regs make it easier to make a muscle car in 4 doors rather than 2..... the lines look really good on that Mercedes. I like your decision, the variety of stock bodies would seem to me to make things a lot more interesting and entertaining.

The whole "American car" arguement is so blurred anyway. Mercedes makes their SUV's and the crossover not that far north of me, not the sedans though, while the Chrysler I drive every day was made in Canada. Our VW was built in Mexico. To really support my home state you buy a Hyundai or an M class, both proudly made in and exported from Alabama. Oh well......

Check for Hot Wheels new "pop off" cars. The bodies snap on and off. I just bought the rally bug and the top snaps right off and reveals a dune buggy like interior. The bug's wheel wells and body width line up perfectly with a Tyco hp-7 or 440 chassis