Mike, John, Sam:


Any idea whats classes you will be running ? Or will it be Bring it and we

will race it? Are you going to be able to use only certain tire componds like

now as they do in Beaver ?

Good Luck and very impressive Hobby Shop this can only help the

hobby grow in this area.

I have not seen John on here in weeks... But as far as I am concerned, we will be running a similar venue such as Beaver... but expanded a bit. We will post more details on the website (and here) as we devise it... but as you said, bring it, and we will race it! We will continue to evolve as time goes on. As far as tire compound, John liked to stick to brands that did not hurt his Ozite... SCH-Washington will not have Ozite for a few months so that should not be a problem. Thanks for taking notice!
Mike
:thumbsup:

Hmmmm..............I haven't been on here for what? reason? Let me see......Oh, I have been working for YOU!! :) Anyway, we'll be posting some info. once we get the track shape/size figured out and go from there. I don't think that the mall would appreciate wintergreen too much though, especially since there is a bakery just 2 stores away. Thanks for asking, John @ SCH

Hi John :wave:

HUGE LOSI, TRAXXAS and "others" sale this week at the SCH-Washington store.... you will NOT find anything priced lower so check it out asap!
In-store sale only as it is a "sidewalk" sale for the mall.
:wave:

Any idea when the carpet track will open? What day/days you are going to race?

they are supposed to be working on it this week. i think in about 2 weeks from today they should be close to being open. so much space.

Again, any idea of when opening day will be?

We are "working" on the carpet track as we speak. Everyone who is involved with this construction process thinks we can open up in one week with a temp track, while we continue to work on the larger area. This means that a portion of the "room" or "store" where we are building the carpet track, is large enough to open a track just to get going with practice, tuning, etc. In the interim, we will continue to work on the large area surface with a projected open date around mid aug... give or take a few days. The track will be open every day to club members. Organized racing can happen anytime... right now we are shooting for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. There are Pros and Cons to everything so we may try a few scenarios.
Of course we will keep you posted!
Mike

What is the advantage of being a club member and what is the cost ?

Any more info on this weekend? Day, time, classes, full racing or just practice?

I doubt we will be ready for this weekend. Between running to training camp and Maryland, we are short handed... although, there is only a little more to do such as removing a small pile of building supply trash and patching a few open holes in the carpet... but we have enough space to run an oval right now. We will keep you posted.

About the club thing... that would enable a club member to use the track an unlimited amount of time with out pay for each use. Example: If you wanted to run your car on an non-race day, it would be around 5 bucks per time... with a club membership, you can run unlimited amount of times. We are not sure what to charge for the club dues, but it may be somewhere around 45 bucks per season or something like that...

Mike

Well, now that we have a few events, shows and demonstrations behind us, we made major progress on the Oval this week. We may have open practice this weekend all weekend long. Stop by or check out the website for details. No set schedule yet.
RoadCourse is right behind and Dirt after that. We are still on our original projected schedule that "I" came up with months ago. :thumbsup:

Oval almost complete. We are having free track usage this weekend while we iron out details. Roadcourse will be awesome as well, and should be complete next week sometime. Check out www.steelcityhobbies.com for details.

Mike & fellow workers you guys have the place looking good and the track looks

awesome. Hopefully will be able to get over and do some practice tomorrow

or in the near future. Hope you and Washington R/C Raceway can hook up and

keep all the racers in the area happy.

Mike is that a oval for Micro (1/18th scale) cars?

What is the runline?

Kaug,
Thanks! I have to thank fellow racers for the time and efforts; Rob, Mike and Tom are all dedicated and smart people. We will most likely have a few free practice days so we can iron out bugs, details, etc. so keep posted to the website.

The picture you see here is just a regular oval that is just a little bit larger than Washington R/C Raceway's... but we will expand into a tri-oval that will triple the size and give a much longer run line. (Exact length will be posted ERock) We need to patch up a few spots in the extended area so that is why we have a rough oval for now. We also are planning seamless joints including any 90º corners.

I stopped down at the R/C Raceway last Friday and those guys are great. We spoke about maybe doing a few races together but nothing is set in stone.

erock, you can run 1/18th scale, but this is designed for 1/10th. If you come see it in person, you can see how large it actually is. The picture does not do it justice. We may build another track for 1/18th scale as well as slot cars.

Mike
I am a 1/10th scale guy so that works for me.
The pic did make it look really small.

Can you give me the street address for the track so I can do a mapquest to it.

301 Oak SPring Road
Washington, PA 15301

You can see the mall from I-70/I-79 as well as Home Depot. We are just off the highway at Exit 19A, and just off of Rt. 19, Murtland Ave/Washington Rd.

Have Fun!

Mike

So when is the racing going to start? Are you going to be racing on Sat.? Any idea as to what time of the day racing moght start? Is the track open for practice on any day other than Sat.? It's really hard for us that work until 12:00 on Sat. and have an hour drive to make it down for practice when you close at 3:00. So just looking for some other practice day or time........

Highster,
We had open practice several times last week as well as today, Saturday for a few hours. We have been getting a positive response so we will open up for a few days (or every day) next week as well. We "try" to group the open track "times" together so we get a few people to run at one time; otherwise, you may be the only one running. (Which is fine too by the way) Anytime next week we will open the track to anyone who wants to run - for free. We are in the process of building a Tri-Oval to add a little diversity to the sport. In the meantime, we have a temp oval ready to run on. Now is the time to come pick out your pit space!
Thanks for your post!
Mike
:cool:


So when is the racing going to start? Are you going to be racing on Sat.? Any idea as to what time of the day racing moght start? Is the track open for practice on any day other than Sat.? It's really hard for us that work until 12:00 on Sat. and have an hour drive to make it down for practice when you close at 3:00. So just looking for some other practice day or time........

We are proposing to race on Saturdays for our 1st wave of racing.

We are thinking of a start time of 1PM, however, 2PM may work for more people. Also, we are thinking of pre-registering ahead of schedule for those who have a tight schedule... at least your "position" will be reserved for when you get there and that will be one less thing you need to do.

Once we open up for oval and road course, we will be thinking of splitting up the racing over 2 days. Those days can be anything from Friday evenings, Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons.

Don't forget, we are planning on running Off-Road in another part of the building on weekends too!

Mike
:wave:

Well, is it finished? Roughed out Tri-oval looks huge as of yesterday. Exciting just looking at it.

Yes, the Tri-Oval is finally finished. We have had a few people run on the track and so far so good. We have the AMBrc timing system as well and that will be installed shortly. We are also unpacking a ton of inventory just in to cover most of your oval needs as far as parts & supplies are concerned.
Have fun! (thats what this is all about)
Mike :thumbsup:

Any ideas on what day to race?? Cost?? I'm ready to rock n hopefully not roll !!

Anyone know how to change the check mark so I can have an icon?

Just goto the top of the first page click on "user cp" The click on change aviator.

More info Mike,
More.

When? what times?, how much?

Got It.....thanks Highster

no problem, I had been waiting to change mine for some time, you gave the will to find out how......

What happened to Sam & John can't seem to get an answer ?

Oh wow... I did not realize the activity of this thread all the sudden!
Sorry about that! We have been pretty busy.

We are having free practice all week and probably thru next week as well. The 1st organized race will start on Saturday, September 11 at 1PM. This is for the Tri-Oval racing. Road course is TBD.
Cost: $10 for 1st Car, and $5 for second car, and every car after that free (for now).

Use on off race days will be $5 bucks. If you join the "club", you can run unlimited amount of time 6 days a week. Club costs are $45 bucks for this season. This season is called the Fall/Winter 04 season and that runs thru the end of the year. We would like to have the racers come up with a night or two during the week for practice as well.

We are currently cleaning the race surface with a carpet cleaning machine. The carpet is simular to the Washington R/C Raceways down the hall.

Personal transponders are welcome. We are working on a timer display so you can see your times during practice. Hopefully coming soon.
All race results will be posted on the www.steelcityhobbies.com website.

The track side store is stocked up on Oval parts! We have a lot of stock already on the walls and it increases by the thousands weekly! If there is something you think we should carry, just mention it!

Charity and cash races TBD as well.

Hope I answered everything!

Mike! :cool:

Any restrictions on the type of tire compounds? What are the hours for practice this weekend? Do I have this right when I say, if I join the club for $45.00 I can come down and practice anytime the store is open? any day of the week or any hours?

Mike,
Was that you cleaning the track carpet with that machine? Track is huge man. I need a touring car.

Highster,
No restrictions on compounds. Actually, the more "seasoned" we can get the carpet, the better! This is virgin carpet and it will need to be run-in so to speak.
Open practice thru next Friday with no charge. (Part of our run-in process right! :thumbsup: )
And yes, if you join the club, which right now it will be for the Summer/Fall series, 45 bucks gets you free running. Hours are TBD, but they will be pretty much along the lines to when the store is open. We want to set some loose hours because if we burn the lights all day, it will end up costing us more $$. But basically, if you show up, we will open up.

Dinge,
That was me cleaning. I used a carpet-scrubbing machine on the oval track surface. We have a selection of touring cars in stock, from RTR to kits. Do I know you?
Kaug,
Sam and John are not on the Steel City team any longer as they went back home.

Thanks for the posts!

Mike :thumbsup:

Race entry fee seems High I understand that the track down the hall is $ 5 first car and $ 3 second. As for virgin carpet looks to me same carpet that was on floor when dress barn was there. I've heard very rough surface and no traction need ozite carpet sure you know thats what they use for racing. I hope to get over this weekend and introduce myself to you. New to area and live down around Waynesburg area. Get up around Washington on business a few days a week.

Kaug,

Thanks for the post. Actually, the pricing is on par for tracks all around the area. (and other areas) Yes, down the hall it is half price, but also that track is 1/4 the size and only open for a few hours once a week.

As I mentioned before, the carpet is virgin to any R/C car but this will become seasoned as time goes on. (same as down the hall) We had to patch some areas, as I am sure you remember the Dress Barn had a partition wall up in the center. So with that wall knocked down and looking through the glass from the hallway, of course it looks rough... there was no carpet under the walls, just cement. All patched up now.

If you are looking for a fun place to race or practice with your car hours on end, we are open daily, not once a week. That is why it may be a good idea to check out the club membership. But this coming week is free for anyone who wants to run. If the lights are off, just stop in the store and we will open it up for you. If all goes well with this whole venue, and we have a decent following, ozite carpet has already been spec'd out for a track of this size.

I will not be in Washington PA this weekend as I am in Maryland at the MD Store to kick off the Fall points race for off-road. You are more than welcome to come on down for some off-road action... Since you are in Waynesburg you are that much closer to Deep Creek so stop in on Sunday at 1PM.

Washington Store CLOSED this Sunday as everyone will be in MD at the race!

Have a nice holiday weekend.

Mike

Mike,
Glad to hear everything worked out between SCH and RJ, as you two are the obvious RC Powerhouses in the Pittsburgh area so too bad you two decided not to get together. Although, it looks like you guys are the top dog from seeing how serious your stock and tracks are. Good luck with everything and hope anyone who doubts SCH stops buy to check the place out for themselves.

What a bummer abouth the store and track being closed sunday. I had a group of about 12-15 people heading down sunday to get some practice in and check the place out. Guess I gotta send some "we can't go e-mails" :(

12 to 15? I think if they knew that they would open just for you guys! I too wanted to run while I had the time off. I think this is a big off road race weekend for them. Maybe I will drive to the maryland store to check it out. Is anyone running oval at steel city during the week next week? Have a good weekend everyone.

stopped by the track today in the mall but it was not open, but the store was. I want to stop by this week and run a few times. Is there computer timing involved with the lap counting? I saw some sort of girder work over the track and did not know if that was the pick up antenna or not.

Highster,
Like RacerX said, show up and we will open. We get a lot of phone calls about "groups" of people showing up... but you know how that goes! :devil: We will be open all week for running. Just because the lights are out on the track does not mean we are closed. We just do not burn $ on power when we can help it. Our bills are high enough!
We were closed yesterday (Sunday) because it was the kick-off of the Fall points series at our Maryland location - Off Road RC. It was a fun time.
We will be racing this Saturday. I suggest getting there no later than 11ish so we can get the ball rolling by noonish. We are in the process of acquiring tables, etc... ..and have a few. So just in case, BYO tables, chairs and extension cords. There is plenty of pit space however!
Mike

It's not the size of the track. 10 $ at the other tracks buy you 2 heats, a resort, then the Mains.
Washington R/C Raceway has a 105' driveline, is the Tri-Oval 420'?

I think that what Snookie was trying to relay is that $10.00 is quite the "norm" for pricing to race. These numbers of $10.00 for the first car, and $5.00 for each car after have been what we charged at The Raceway since 2001 (approx.). Other tracks that I have been to charge up to $20.00 for the first car and $15.00 for the second car- too much for just renting 15+ minutes of racing action!
Mike@ SCH- to measure the driveline, just do a quick roller-tape measurement of the approximate centerline of the driving area of the tri-oval. People with dynos use this to figure roll-out(gearing) for racing. He was just guessing about the 420, since it would be about 3x the size of the track down the hall, which is about 54+ feet long by about 25+ feet wide.
John@ The Raceway :thumbsup:

Thanks for the post John, that sums it up really. I think you know too that we are all just trying to provide a place to go to have some fun and improve on our racing sport. Every track is different and offers different challenges. I will measure out an exact measurement soon, but you have a very good idea with the wet finger in the air judgment! :lol:

This weekend will be a "De-Bugging" Race. $5 for the 1st car, every car after you bring is FREE! I would love to not charge anything, but the mall needs all the money it can get! Yikes! (5 for them, 0 for SCH) This will be a good opportunity to break in the computer AMBrc timing system, and get some compound and skid marks on the rug. :roll:

Have fun!

Mike
PS
Race for cancer this weekend at McCullough’s... if you are into off-road, stop by there for a good cause.


I think that what Snookie was trying to relay is that $10.00 is quite the "norm" for pricing to race. These numbers of $10.00 for the first car, and $5.00 for each car after have been what we charged at The Raceway since 2001 (approx.). Other tracks that I have been to charge up to $20.00 for the first car and $15.00 for the second car- too much for just renting 15+ minutes of racing action!
Mike@ SCH- to measure the driveline, just do a quick roller-tape measurement of the approximate centerline of the driving area of the tri-oval. People with dynos use this to figure roll-out(gearing) for racing. He was just guessing about the 420, since it would be about 3x the size of the track down the hall, which is about 54+ feet long by about 25+ feet wide.
John@ The Raceway :thumbsup:

Is the oval track's carpet Ozite??

Erock,
If you read through the posts you will see we had a few conversations on "ozite", such as post #37. We have Ozite Spec'd out! :thumbsup: But that will not happen for a while.

We had a nice turnout tonight so thanks to everyone for that! Also, we had a nice crowd watching as well which made it even more fun for the drivers.

We are working on the transponder pick-up loop bridge, or burying in the carpet possibilities. This weekend is a de-bugging race to iron out details and to help run-in the rug.

Thanks for the post.

Mike!
:wave:

Sch had a nice crowd last night. (walking by as I picked up a cake at John's bakery) Wonder if any of the car drivers felt the pressure of being watched? lol If you get large crowds daily/weekly, maybe ozite will come sooner?

I thought I met "someone" from this forum but I am not sure! Please introduce yourself whenever you stop by! (You know who you are!) :devil:

Car Cruise at Home Depot Saturday from Noon thru 5. Stop in and see that as well as take a few laps on the Tri-Oval. We will be having a "de-bugging" race with pricing only at 5 bucks for the 1st car, and the rest NO CHARGE!

Also, I want to stop by McCullough's to support the Cancer Race. SCH donated some Steelers SWAG to help bring in some money. Please help if you can!

Mike!

I thought I met "someone" from this forum but I am not sure! Please introduce yourself whenever you stop by! (You know who you are!) :devil:


Mike, did you see me? I did come up to the podium but you and another guy were working on that buggy race program. But it was fun to watch. Nice to see so many people in and out of the track area. Especially when the little nascars were running. The store was busy too. Maybe next time when you are not so busy we can talk.