We will kick off our third year of the USRC Latemodel Series the weekend of Jan. 11th [practice] and Jan. 12th [racing], once again it will be lap racing and rolling starts. Everyone will run Dirt Latemodel bodies, 4200 batteries max.This years schedule has 7 race dates, 6 at the MidWest Triclone and the final race of the series will be held at Trackside on Sunday March 30th

I have set up a practice session at the TriClone on Fri. Jan 4th track opens at 3pm and Sat. Jan. 5th track opens 8am this will be for latemodels ONLY!!! This will be a good time to meet all the drivers and talk about things that will make things better for all involed in this series plus, Quallity practice time, the fee for the weekend will be $10

Thanks hope to see everyone at the practice session

Here is the racing schedule:

Sat. Jan. 12th

Sat. Jan. 26th

Sat. Feb. 9th

Sat. Feb. 23th

Sat. Mar. 8th

Sat. Mar. 22th

Sun. Mar. 30th at Trackside

The track is open for practice on Fridays at 3pm for all the TriClone dates--- racing starts at noon on Saturdays---track opens at 7:30am

Shoot me an email with the rules again for this series, I know you sent me one last year but I have lost that one.....................

can you post a pic of the late model body

What are the feelings and opinions on making the Late Models use 17.5 motors?

mmost guys have the mc allister bodies go to there web site to see them

Since we have been running 13.5's and everyone has them, I don't think we need a motor change now.

My question is on batteries, 4200's are in very short supply. I know the idea of 4600's has already been addressed, but I think it needs to be looked at again.

They are going to use the 4200's until the summer outdoor season. Everyone is in the same boat with the batteries.
Most of the guys I've seen in the LateModel class can't handle the speeds of the 13.5.
If they are interested in going to the 17.5, I will help them so the motor cost isn't to bad. They also will be saving money on less tire wear and less broken parts and frustration.

You just want me to come play with the "Big Boys"

From what I've seen you are a Big Boy!

What are the feelings and opinions on making the Late Models use 17.5 motors?From a corner-marshall's standpoint I say definately YES!! Maybe even consider the 21.5! The cars are out-of-control! I could have bought atleast 2 new BL motors last season with the money I spent fixing myself up at the hospital after cornering a latemodel race last year! I don't think it's fair for them to expect others to risk bodily injury because they can't afford a new motor. I say if they want to keep running out-of-control, they can corner themselves! I'm tired of it! After the Turkey Day latemodel main, where I was the ONLY corner-marshall out there with 6-8 out-of-control cars on the track, I'm DONE cornering the latemodel class! Why would you start a race with only ONE corner-marshall anyways? The same thing happened to me last year atleast 2-3 times!

How are the latemodel driver's gonna learn anything about driving or car set-up when they don't have all 4 wheels on the track????

I agree with Grif. :woohoo:

It should be an entry level pancar class and a stepping stone for the faster classes. I know going to a 17.5 motor seems like a step backwards, but it will make it more fun for everyone. I had to do that at least once in my career, and look at me I may be out of control, but all my tires are usually on the ground :p At least inside.

I dont run latemodel but I have been around for a while and I think everyone will benefit.

Just my opinion I know it may not matter.

Jason

6-8 out-of-control cars on the track...How are the latemodel driver's gonna learn anything about driving or car set-up when they don't have all 4 wheels on the track????

Ther shouldn't have been 8 cars on the track in the main. It doesn't matter what class you run, if there are 4 cars 7-10 laps faster than the other 4, you are going to have the same result.

I agree there are a couple of cars that are out of control. They are also the ones that would never learn anything about setting up a car, because they first have to learn how to drive the car.

After running a real late model for 12 years, I come to the Triclone because it is the only place I can run this body style. I know there are 3-4 other guys that race in Dubuque that are planning on coming to run these cars for the same reason.

From what I've seen you are a Big Boy!

Hays, you been talking to my wife?

I agree there are a couple of cars that are out of control.
Grandma says that a couple of bad apples spoil the whole bunch!

I agree there should be a "beginners" class, but why make it this series? Why not start a Sportsman Late Model class and have them run the 17.5's?

Grandma says that a couple of bad apples spoil the whole bunch!

Oh yes, from what I have seen EVRYONE running 13.5 are pro drivers

I agree there should be a "beginners" class, but why make it this series? Why not start a Sportsman Late Model class and have them run the 17.5's?

The latemodel class was started as the beginners/novice/fun series. As long as everyone is still having fun and not getting mad because theres broken parts and out of control cars stay with the 13.5
Hays Jr

The latemodel class was started as the beginners/novice/fun series.


Being new to the Triclone, I was not aware that this was intended to be a beginners class. I thought it was just a different body style and race format, which I was interested in.

Was I wrong in asking if there should be a true beginners class and then those of us that would like to run a more experienced Late Model class could do that as well? I don't want to see more broken parts or bad races. Nor do I want to see beginners not having fun in a class intended for them.

Thats why Sr posted about the 17.5 motor to see if the latemodel racers were interested he would be willing to help them out and get 17.5 motors for them. Maybe they could split it up into 2 classes or just leave it as one. I'm sure he would also be happy if they wanted to stay with 13.5's since its good for part sales :freak: In my opinion it would just make for cleaner, better racing. The 13.5 motors are currently running times that the fast 4300 guys were running just 2 years ago.

I also think it would be a good idea to start a 17.5 class with the same rules as the 13.5 class. If you give racers a speed they are comfortabel with you would be amazed to see how much better of a driver they will become.

JR , I agree with 100% We should have a 17.5 class. I know that Cody would feel alot more comfortable driving at those speeds for indoor. I wish more would show up with the 17.5. But I would also hate to see other classes suffer, but there are some that could do better on the track if they would run a tick slower.

And I also agree that we should run the 17.5 BRL rules.

Cody will be practicing with his 17.5 motor in the car at Triclone this Sunday, that way anyone interested can see the speed difference from 13.5 class. See you all at the track !!!!

You all bring up good points. My only problem is when we start making too many classes. 4 or 5 racers per class is no fun in my opinion. I would much rather test my skills against 20 or more racers. Driving against the same 4 guys week after week would get boring for me but when I can place well against a large group of racers, it is much more satifying.

Jr I know you & your Dad would be very willing to help, no matter which way the class goes. You guys are the main reason I am having any success at all.

I guess my main reason for wanting to stay 13.5 is that I am trying to get enough interest from the guys in Dubuque, to start a Late Model class there. I am trying to get them to come to the Triclone and check it out, without having to change their cars a whole lot.

Maybe Sunday we can ask the rest of the class and let them decide as a group.

Was I wrong in asking if there should be a true beginners class and then those of us that would like to run a more experienced Late Model class could do that as well?
Why don't we just split all the classes into novice/sport/pro? We can have LM-novice, LM-sport, LM-pro, 13.5-novice, 13.5-sport, 13.5-pro, 10.5-novice, 10.5-sport, and 10.5-pro?! Kinda funny thinking back to the brushed days when things were starting to turn brushless..... Anyone remember "Switch to BL, It'll be more fun & competitive because everyone will run in ONE class"?? I thought the whole push of BL was to eliminate multiple classes like spec, stock, 19t & mod?? Right now we're sitting with as many classes as we had with brushed motors 2-3 years ago!! What happened to everyone running one class??

What happened to everyone running one class??


It happened when Novak decided to start making 3.5, 5.5, 7.5, 10.5, 13.5, 17.5 & now 21.5.

What's wrong with having a beginners class, Griff? I am sure you didn't start out in 19 turn.

If everyone wants the Late Models to be that class, then I will have to go to 13.5. It isn't what I came to the Triclone to do, but it is what it is.

I'm only running one class.

What's wrong with having a beginners class, Griff? No arguement there..... Every track should have a beginner's class. Triclone does, and you're running it! If you don't want to run a beginners/fun/spec class then run 13.5 or 10.5!

No arguement there..... Every track should have a beginner's class. Triclone does, and you're running it!

I must have missed where that was posted on the Triclone website or on here, previous to this thread. Or maybe it's posted on the USRC Late Model website. Oh no, that would be the website that makes the series look like a competitive non-beginners class.

Oh no, that would be the website that makes the series look like a competitive non-beginners class.
BINGO!! FYI.... The ringmaster in charge of the 3-ring circus is username pcdawg here on HobbyTalk.....

[i] FYI.... The ringmaster in charge of the 3-ring circus is username pcdawg here on HobbyTalk.....


Has he been at the track this year?

This is Dave B (aka The PCDAWG). Spoke with Dave J today about the latemodels and he said this thread was started. So I'm on to talk some latemodel. HEY GRIF....GRRREAT to see you are as cranky as ever. "GOOD"... that keeps us promoters sharp and on the ball.

Starting this season the latemodel program is owned and operated by theTriClone. I will be at as many as I can to watch the action and jump on the mic if they let me. Nothing more fun than calling a latemodel race with my good buddy Dennis.

I started the concept a few years back for my love of RC Oval and the ability for my dad and others (who didn't have the resources to go lightning quick) a class to race lap races. The USR/C Latemodel Series was born of talented racers from all across the Midwest. The theme was run what ya brung chassis, bodies and batteries up to the 4200s. Brush Vs Brushless, NASCAR Taurus Vs. Latemodel dirt cars. It was a true melting pot of American Motorsports. Many great drivers have raced latemodel and continue to enjoy the concept. Rolling starts, inverted fields, 100 lap mains AND the grand daddy of them all the Midwestern 200 R/C Classic. One of RC Racings oldest running events.

This season the TriClone takes the torch with an emphasis on branding a latemodel identity. Dirt latemodel bodies, brushless motors and a defined battery choice is preparing the latemodel class for a very bright future.

Entry Class? Affordable YES but not just for novice racers. Not the original intent.

The latemodel racers I am accustomed to seeing are GREAT oval racers like Mari, Kenman, Jansen, Manning, Kaye and many more.

Latemodel was created to simply come out and race laps rather than time and run equipment that was probably sitting around just waiting to hit the track again. I know several GOOD racers came out of retirement to run. Old cars beat new cars and visa versa. The rule enhancements initiated by the TriClone for 2008 latemodels and beyond (I feel) will continue that trend. 13.5 Brushless motors and 4200s max (I believe) is a great combination.

Latemodel was created to simply come out and race laps rather than time...The rule enhancements initiated by the TriClone for 2008 latemodels and beyond (I feel) will continue that trend. 13.5 Brushless motors and 4200s max (I believe) is a great combination.

This was the reason I came to the Triclone this year. I know the last race was not the best, but I thought the previous few weeks things were looking better. I know I had early success, but there are others that are getting faster each week Etchie, Scott, Jim and Barry are good fast drivers, just to name a few.

If we go 17.5 I think I will still run the series, just to do something different than the same timed race and Nascar body.

OK now the view from the stands from the guy who started latemodel r/c racing. I am concerned over the comments..."Crashfest, slaming and banging and Grif losing apendiges...is definitely NOT the spirit of the latemodel concept.

I point a stern finger at the drivers and say "WAKE UP! race others with respect AND race the way you want to be raced. If NOT... I recommend a black flag be purchased for this upcoming season. Race like an idiot and sit in the penalty box for a few laps. Do it a second time and go sit down and watch the real racers drive. I will gladly be the bad guy who shakes the black flag at a reckless driver.

One observation I have is in regards to the latemodel bodies. I feel the wedge front ends cause the cars to get airborne more often. I have had this discussion before and other do not feel the same. Don't get me wrong the dirt lates are cool looking. Shadow painted a killer car for my son to race latemodel. I can't wait.

Again, however, from a promoters eye I think they cause some issues. keep an eye on it this year and see if you agree. You just can't bump and run like you can with a chrome horned stockcar body.

OK consider your glass briskly stirred. Let's hear your feedback.

The last qualifier from the last race had five drivers that were close on laps. We ran clean the whole run and everyone bettered their time. It was a fun clean race.

And I really can't wait to try the lap racing.

As far as the dirt bodies go, the cars don't get off the ground until someone does somehting stupid like drive the wrong way on the track. In my opinion, that was what started the major crash.

Hitman you see the potential of the class. Please stay with it. You will be glad when the regular season starts in January. The latemodels will be a quality class in 2008 and beyond. I believe some of the shinanigans going on will change once drivers have more time on the track and things settle down.

As mentioned above...IF some choose to race reckless then they won't turn very many laps watching from the sidelines.

People have hard earned money invested in latemodels just like the rest of the RCers out there. No need to be busting stuff up for no good reason. NOW when it is a three car drag race to the finish line (after 100 laps) like we HAVE SEEN in latemodel... that's different. Then it is drive well and run like He#L!!! :thumbsup:

Hitman you touched on a key point and that is how many cars are on the track. I believe the magic number is six (6). I heard a latemodel race had seven (7) or so in it recently. That IS a recipe for disaster in almost any class on a tight bullring. Stay at six and the racing will be awesome. Keep everyone going the right direction and it will also look MORE like real racing. "Backwards on the track" - Not acceptable.

Guys coming from Iowa. Build a new class and they will come. OK I know the only Iowa slogan everyone uses.My bad! How cool is THAT! Welcome.

Iowa crowd thinking about latemodel class in their venue,racing latemodels at Trackside later on the schedule. The thought of latemodel racing gaining attention around the area exceeds all expectations for the class when I created it. That is super.

Let's show how fun and competitive it can be each and every race at "the birth place of R/C Latemodel" The Midwest TriClone.

Good luck to all.
PCDawg

Race like an idiot and sit in the penalty box for a few laps.
Well it's pretty obvious to me when I'm trying to cornermarshall a car that won't let off the throttle and deal with Dennis and this CrashHole yelling for a cornermarshall at the same time that I loose all respect for this series.... Let alone that less than half of the required cornermarshall's are usually present!
I will not participate anymore... Even if my cornermarshall duties require it! I'll gladly corner a 13.5 race after getting taken out in LM in the middle of the track on the infield pipe last year with only 2 cars on the track!!!!
Even if that requires me to print this post and tape it to a bat and beat Dave B and Dennis over the head with it, I'm game!! After all is said in done.... I'm still out over $200.00 from medical bills regarding LM class last year, and I'm not even racing this class!!! If this continues I'll call my Laywer.... I learned that from Scully.... They like personal injury cases..

If this continues I'll call my Laywer.... They like personal injury cases..

Good luck with that one...one look at you and they would figure it was a pre-existing condition.

I was willing to forgive last time because I thought some changes would become of the experience. Since NOTHING is changing, it WILL happen again! Since NOTHING has changed, I will continue to bring it up! I can't wait to see one of the spectator children that like to sit by the pinball machines next to the track take one in the face. WHEN that happens, I bet things will change! I'd bet that when it happens to certain people that have "influential" power at the track, heads will roll!

Grif has a good point. The Tri Clone may want to think about the turn 3/4 area near the concessions. Either put up some type of protection there -or- put tables along there to force people to sit up higher in chairs.

I'll give you that one too, Grif. But that can happen with any of the cars. The last couple of races, during practice, there were at least two cars that had radio glitches and went straight towards that area at full power. One of those was Sr's and it happened at least twice to him.

OK now the view from the stands from the guy who started latemodel r/c racing. I am concerned over the comments..."Crashfest, slaming and banging and Grif losing apendiges...is definitely NOT the spirit of the latemodel concept.

I point a stern finger at the drivers and say "WAKE UP! race others with respect AND race the way you want to be raced. If NOT... I recommend a black flag be purchased for this upcoming season. Race like an idiot and sit in the penalty box for a few laps. Do it a second time and go sit down and watch the real racers drive. I will gladly be the bad guy who shakes the black flag at a reckless driver.

One observation I have is in regards to the latemodel bodies. I feel the wedge front ends cause the cars to get airborne more often. I have had this discussion before and other do not feel the same. Don't get me wrong the dirt lates are cool looking. Shadow painted a killer car for my son to race latemodel. I can't wait.

Again, however, from a promoters eye I think they cause some issues. keep an eye on it this year and see if you agree. You just can't bump and run like you can with a chrome horned stockcar body.

OK consider your glass briskly stirred. Let's hear your feedback.

I read but don't make a lot of post, but have too this time.
I would like to say one thing, I myself have only been racing indoors for two years. There are some racers who have been at it for 15-20 years. I am continuing to learn It really tick's me off when some of the more experenced racers sit on the side lines and laught their fool heads off when there is a crash-fest going on. Instead of laughing at your fellow racers, help them out with setups and such. Maybe some of us don't fit into the click?. I try to get as much lap time as possible, but if all the fast guys are out there I feel very uncomfortable as I don't want to be the cause of a broken car. So please understand I strong belivie that no one in the latemodel series wants to tear up anyones car. I myself don't spend the amount of time painting a body to come out and play crash-fest. I have just staying out of the way as much as possible and let everyone do the crashing and banging. Well thats my two cents worth. I hope I didnt offend anyone and if anyone has a problem with my comments, I am sorry. Further if you have something to say to me speakup. Well thats it PCDAWG52

latemodel bodies are plain and simple rolling ramps.. Most of the guys in the class are just out there having fun.. when you dont have any serious racers, there is a lack of control.. Its basically a newbie class, and a bunch of guys having fun.. The BRL series has a Masters class with truck bodies.. Maybe if the class went to a truck body that wasnt a ramp, it might be safer.. The truck bodies have a nice big spoiler, and should handle well..

The other concern is when certian race directors think it is wise to have a 8 car main with a 10 lap spread from 1st to 8th.. That spells disaster for anyone.. I seen a few people blame the triclone for some of the problems.. it isnt the triclone, it is the voulenteer race directors choice.. I think 5 car mains 6 max would help alot..

Its a great class with alot of good guys racing. Maybe they should have a talk with all of the guys at the next race and discuss the safetey issues.

Burbs and Shadow good stuff.

The body decisions seem to be what the racers want so it is set from what the TriClone communicated. That is fine, the drivers just need to understand the added responsibility of racing that comes with the "rolling ramps" as you mentioned.

On the comment of race meetings. I believe it is always a good idea to have a drivers meeting to review actions at EVERY event. The full sized organizations and drivers do it. Kind of sets the stage for the days events.

I know that we plan to do such a meeting prior to each show with the latemodel drivers in January. Just a review of the previous event and ideas to ensure the racing is cleaner and safer.

OK enough about all of this... let's talk about the format of latemodel racing. Laps Vs time, rolling starts that come up to speed at the start finish line and the Midwestern 200 lap race.

Burbs and Shadow good stuff.

The body decisions seem to be what the racers want so it is set from what the TriClone communicated. That is fine, the drivers just need to understand the added responsibility of racing that comes with the "rolling ramps" as you mentioned.

On the comment of race meetings. I believe it is always a good idea to have a drivers meeting to review actions at EVERY event. The full sized organizations and drivers do it. Kind of sets the stage for the days events.

I know that we plan to do such a meeting prior to each show with the latemodel drivers in January. Just a review of the previous event and ideas to ensure the racing is cleaner and safer.

OK enough about all of this... let's talk about the format of latemodel racing. Laps Vs time, rolling starts that come up to speed at the start finish line and the Midwestern 200 lap race. I myself prefer laps vs time I also like rolling starts. I think the race director should not wave the green flag until everyone is in order no matter how long it takes, that way the drivers learn how to control their car. As far as the black flag goes great idea the only thing is the race director has to call out ther car number. Then they can be ordered to park it or be docked penalty laps. Penalty box to be determined, safe area on the track,turn 3-4. Further race director has full control period, then if something gets screwed up he's the one at fault an no favorite's played. The under line should apply to all classes. I would like to see a link to the Midwest TriClone (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=196086) so everyone knows what going on.

Missed ya today Shadow. We had a good group of cars today, nine in all with two new cars. There was no "crash fest" and the mains went well. Except for me, had a freak problem that put me out.

Hitman...thanks for feedback on the latemodel run from Sunday. Looks like things are settling in. Great to hear. January can't come soon enough.

The DAWG

Hey everybody, just wanted to ask if there would be a possibility to run that team orion 3200 lipo and 21.5 motor. I have a budget issue and battery issue and would really like to run your series. I ran on 12-09 at tri-clone and had a blast, the thing is most of my batteries took a crap and can't afford to by more packs. Besides my distributor only carries 4600. Please allow this, i'm just a beginner sort-of and would rather have fun with this division than try and run with 13.5, but if not I will just have to put the toyota body back and run 13.5 Thanks.

just wanted to reply to grif about getting hurt my seven year old son may not becoming to the track anymore with m80 bombs going off and latemodels taking him out at the ankle !!! My real thoughts are I think being at the real race tracks are safer with ambulances an all!!But I enjoy all the guys and meeting new people I do appoligize for my competiveness,short fuze but I needed time off myself! "02"