You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, view attachments, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us. Forgotten your password? Click here!
NOTE: Once you register and are logged in this welcome section will no longer be visible.
The TOUR has been put in a unique position that none of us expected to be in, regarding 1-cell batteries. Therefore we have taken a very bold stand in order to protect the racers to the largest degree possible, while still provide adequate manufacturer involvement and competition. Let me take you through the process:
· The TOUR was willing to accept the guidance of ROAR by adopting the ROAR approved battery list. ROAR had committed to changing its approval process from an “open” approval to a “bi-annual” approval such that Oct 1st and May 1st would represent the 2 dates that revised battery list would be available to the public. This list would not change for 6 months at a time, providing some stability in our industry, along with a degree of fairness to manufacturers allowing them to continue development of technology and put themselves into a better competitive position every 6 months. It was a good compromise, and allowed us (the TOUR) to maintain consistency with ROAR and thus, consistency with the rest of the R/C world.
· On Thursday August 27th, we were notified that ROAR was abandoning this process, 5 days before the submission deadline of September 1st, and returning to an “open” approval process. This will allow manufacturers to submit products for approval at any time throughout the year, until May, when ROAR says they will then begin the “bi-annual” approval process.
The TOUR respects ROAR’s right to make this change due to manufacturing and shipping delays in the over sea’s market, but we as an organization can not tolerate the effect this will have on Oval Racing. The oval racers have asked for stability throughout a given racing season, with regard to batteries. The TOUR has pledged to provide leadership and direction. Though we strive to maintain consistency with ROAR and the rest of the R/C world, this is one area where the TOUR will respectfully differ and set its own standards. Here is what we intend to do:
· The TOUR will compile a list of “TOUR Approved” batteries over the next 2 weeks and post this list as an update to the TOUR rules. This will be the only batteries legal for use, under TOUR rules, until May of 2010.
· We will compile this list by contacting manufacturers directly, reviewing their specifications and listing their products by part number. This will result in a list of current products and/or products within a few weeks of release and effectively lock the battery list for over 6 months.
· This provides complete inclusion of all manufacturers willing to participate and prevents the “November Surprise” or “January Surprise”. Racers can be assured that this battery list will be frozen until May of 2010.
· All batteries on this list will meet ROAR’s design specifications, which the TOUR is in full agreement with.
I would ask that you, as racers, do 2 things. First, get in touch with your sponsors. If they have a battery that they intend to release for this season, please make sure they contact us. We have a very good idea who the major players are and what they have available, but, to be certain, make sure they contact us. Secondly, we realize some folks have questions, concerns, and ideas that they do not want subject to a public discussion forum. Please feel free to contact Allan or I by email. pemberton@roadrunner.com or allana1989@earthlink.net .
This has been the most difficult obstacle to date. We, unfortunately, have no control over a large sanctioning body changing the rules of its approval process. We do, however, understand the needs of the oval racing community and intend to serve that cause first and foremost. I’ll try to check in most of the weekend to provide clarification. Let’s keep the discussion peaceful and intelligent. Thanks for all of the support.
Steve
Last edited by PREMKRAFT; 08-29-2009 at 12:41 PM..
I gotta hand it to ya......your an equal opportunity butt kicker!! LOL You give me just as many props as you do digs. Thats fair. No one can argue with that. Thanks for the vote of confidence!! Take care.
Thanks Erik, we just felt like that was one of our strongest points and had recieved so much support because of it. I see ROAR's point, that was how they did the 2 cell, last year. But we did not feel that was the best thing for Oval unity. Thanks Again.
now thats taking the bull by the horns... or taking a lamb by it's.... well, nevermind.
what i'm trying to say is great job and way to stick it to em!!!
I'll say it again ROAR does nothing for oval racing !!!!
