Project Circle Track

[knucklebuster]

Russ, have you run the DS at the track?

[Russ Winn]

I was debating on trying it out. The problem is that I don't have a brushless setup on it...maybe I'll try it with a 15 brushed just to see how it handles.
I was actually considering some type of conversion to run it in open sprints, eventually.

[knucklebuster]

I'll bring you a home brew fiberglass chassis when we get together at Yuppers. I set it up for a Trackmaster trans. You will need to drill for stealth or 6 gear.

[Russ Winn]

Hey thanks a lot...I was debating something similar when I get ready to start that project. It looks like it's going to be a while before I'm ready to do that.
Hope you're having a good Christmas.

[knucklebuster]

Merry Christmas to you as well. I finished 2/3 of the floors in time for our party Saturday night. Caulk was drying on the baseboards as guests started to arrive. Two bedrooms and two baths to go.

The wife and I spent the first part of the day with my family, second part of the day with her family. A good Christmas indeed.

[Russ Winn]

Another run at the track today. Due to the weather, there was a short-notice rescheduling from Saturday. Unfortunately, there weren't many racers today, and I was the only bomber to show up...Oh well, at least I got some track time in.
The good side: I got the car working better, and was out running a couple of late models on the straights.
The bad side: One of the tiny screws that hold the bearing in the idler gears actually FELL OUT !!!...I've never had that happen before. Needless to say, it chewed the idlers all to hell, and ended my day.

I guess "project circle track" will move to phase 2 now....Time to break out the DS.

[knucklebuster]

That is wild. I never saw a screw come out of the idler. I imagine it was ripped out by contacting the case after coming loose. I don't think there is enough room to back straight out without hitting the case. Got idlers???

[Russ Winn]

I've never had that happen before. I'm one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" guys, and used to run 8-10 races before tearing down a gearbox...They must've been REALLY old. Anyway, I found a 6 gear parts lot on ebay, and have a bunch of tranny parts coming.

I guess everything happens for a reason, because I decided to switch over the electronics and tires to the DS while waiting for the parts to come in...The car was almost spot-on at the track today, with very slight adjustments. I went with Proline Road Rage tires on the rear, and they hook up great. I did start having a bit of a traction roll problem as more rubber was being put down, but I'm adjusting for that.
The stealth was even faster than the 6 gear on the same motor/battery, and I had great acceleration coming off the corner. I went up to a 23 pinion, and the thing flies. I should've done this on day one. Now I just need to do another body.
Butch said they were going to try and race next Saturday, so I need to get busy.

[knucklebuster]

Man, I don't want to hear you keep getting faster!!!

I picked up a full set of Road Rage tires in good condition. One of the rear rims was drilled through with a 1/4 inch bit. I was able to insert a plastic shim cut down from a wire connector, fits perfect.

I put the set on my graphite runner that was initially built to run in the bomber class. I built up the current bomber thinking that a heavier car would hook up better. Watch out, I'm bringing two bombers and a truck!

I just ordered 4 lipos from Hobbyking. If the batteries come in by Saturday, I will see you out there. Otherwise I will have to postpone as I only have one lipo now

[Russ Winn]

Man, I don't want to hear you keep getting faster!!!

No worries!....I still have to learn to drive ...Hope to see you out there anyway.

I'd like to set the rears out a little wider. The car seems very narrow as it is now. The Duratrax rims I'm using fit the car with just the pin, but the slots are too narrow for using the wheel spacers. Maybe I should leave well enough alone, since it's working.
I guess I'll start the body tonight....pics as they happen.

[Russ Winn]

I have officially moved to phase 2 (I guess this thread should be moved to the "Onroad" section.....Nahhh!)

Here's the DS in race trim. I never thought I'd race it, but it works well on the oval. Basically, it's stock, with TC shocks and Duratrax rims using Custom Works tires on front and Pro-Lines in back. The body is a Mcallister 55 Chevy bomber. It's a little short for the chassis, but it has good clearance, and isn't bulky....They're gonna freak on Saturday

[knucklebuster]

Looks good Russ! I hope my batteries come by Saturday and the weather holds out.

Is the track open all the time or do they close up the gate?

[Russ Winn]

Thanks Chris....They close the gate when they leave. There's a pretty diverse business there....Hobby shop/ Used car lot/ furniture store...All by the same people.

[knucklebuster]

I thought that would be the case due to the car lot.

Are you ever able to get any practice laps in during the week? I will be in Winter Haven at least one day next week for work. What time do you set up on Saturday?

[Russ Winn]

I get home too late to get over there during the week. On race days, I get there around 12:00, depending on start time (usually 2PM).
They mostly post on facebook, so I guess I'll have to open an account sometime.