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Recently, one of the local diecast shops has been running some form of gravity races every Saturday. It started out as "Hot Wheels racing", but anything can race and my brother, his wife, my wife, and I have all been racing enough JLs that others are starting to do it and they are usually some of the fastest. A corvette JL even won last week (not mine though ).
Anyway, the track is just about 20 feet of hotwheels track with the start mounted about 4 feet off of the ground and running down an approximately -45 degree angle. There was a loop in it for a while, but too many crashes and DNFs and the guy who runs it turned it into a straight drag.
I was wondering if there is a better track system out there (he was talking about maybe one day having a metal one machined!!) that wouldn't be too expensive or plans to make one? I saw the Expert Racers ones on The Bay, but they seemed a little short in length and launch height. Are those pretty good starting points (add some track and increase starting height)? I'm not sure how I feel about the "authentic drag racing sounds" or the foot pedals to start. We want both cars to launch at the same time, so generally the owner of the shop is the one running the starting gate. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Also, as an aside, what is the fastest JL you have seen/raced? My next hopeful for this weekend is the newer Topper Mad Maverick. Has the right wheels and a ton of weight. I also like the Custom L. I haven't been able to find a van or escalade with the right wheels yet, but maybe he will get some in (cars have to be bought at the shop in order to qualify for the prizes).
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate all the input.
At Fest last year, the Coca-Cola series Studebaker pickups were fast, as were Clue series Escalades. I had a DeSoto that did pretty well, but it ultimately got beaten by one of the Escalades (Kenny's).
At Fest last year, the Coca-Cola series Studebaker pickups were fast, as were Clue series Escalades. I had a DeSoto that did pretty well, but it ultimately got beaten by one of the Escalades (Kenny's).
But the overall winner was a Ford GT.
Can the cars be messed with. Let's say by adding a little wieght. Or do they go through an inspection first. I guessing they go through inspection.
Can the cars be messed with. Let's say by adding a little wieght. Or do they go through an inspection first. I guessing they go through inspection.
But can they get through NASCAR tech inspection? I've been trying for five years to get a completely stock Gremlin through NASCAR tech for the Daytona 500, and so far no go.
I read somewhere that boggie vans were banned from the Fest competitions.
Not sure wht but it probably has something to do with the weight and speed.
Try one of those at your local HW race.
But can they get through NASCAR tech inspection? I've been trying for five years to get a completely stock Gremlin through NASCAR tech for the Daytona 500, and so far no go.
You should talk to that group that was able to get a 1963 VW Beetle Delux ragtop into a Nascar race
Boogie vans, huh? Maybe I'll have to try that if I can find one. Someone brought in a VW Drag Bus, but they haven't run it yet (although they talk about it). As far as the escalades go, what kind of wheels are the good ones? Not the rubber ones? Those are the only escalades I can find. I try to only use the racer's edge tires, but some of the newer smooth plastic tires seem to go quite well too. Hmmm, something to think about. I also am trying the HW Griffin Dairy Delivery this weekend. Geez, that thing is a tank!
1up
Oh yea, there is a modified class that will be starting soon, but right now they have to be in package until the start of the first round. Each set of cars is opened right before it races. The racers don't even get to touch the cars at that point; only when the racing is done.
Most of the FTEs got beat by regular HWs, but nobody has run the mini cooper yet. In fact, I think that, at least from what I've seen (missed two of the weeks), that no FTEs have won at all. And among those running the same FTE in a race, some are faster than others of the same model. The same applies to regular HWs. I ran a Greased Lightnin' the other day and it was as slow as can be, but there were two others running as well. One of the others was also slow, but the third one was REALLY fast. They were all identical. I wonder if two of the three were monday/friday cars or what the difference was. The manufacturing discrepencies can really make a difference.
There is a place here that has Boogie Vans for $2.00 each. Let me know if you want a few.
The trouble is, even though the prizes are not that great (a couple of HW variations) I want to only race cars I buy at the shop. The race has a lot of little kids and I want them to have an equal shot at winning. Although, if he doesn't start getting in more JLs soon, I might have to bring in some from outside sources. I'll let you know if I need some.
But can they get through NASCAR tech inspection? I've been trying for five years to get a completely stock Gremlin through NASCAR tech for the Daytona 500, and so far no go.
You should have one of Hendricks teams take it through tech.
Great suggestions on the cars, but any ideas about the track? Any build your own type plans? What is a good, cheap track? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Great suggestions on the cars, but any ideas about the track? Any build your own type plans? What is a good, cheap track? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
1up
If you want New Cheap Track, Go to K-mart or Sears that are now carrying HW's. They have some HW Classic drag Track sets. There is even a set that has 50 ft of Track, think it was $25 bucks at K-mart. This is prob the best way to run them Cheap, and its easy to set up and take apart.
Then try to secure the track so it doesnt bounce around. lot of household things work, Masking take, yardstick, books, etc.
If you want to Build something little more creative, you can get a few JL 500 track sets and just put the Staight track together. It takes some customization and helps the cars stay on the track at all times since the sides are tall. But then again it beats up the car more too.
This is cool, found these pics on Joes Die-cast shack.
Build one of these and your set!
Last edited by moparmarc; 01-13-2006 at 11:48 AM..
Track questions
). 
My next hopeful for this weekend is the newer Topper Mad Maverick. Has the right wheels and a ton of weight. I also like the Custom L. I haven't been able to find a van or escalade with the right wheels yet, but maybe he will get some in (cars have to be bought at the shop in order to qualify for the prizes).
Let's say by adding a little wieght. 
Or do they go through an inspection first. I guessing they go through inspection.
