GasGod

iTrader: (4)

F1 Baby--

trackdesigner71

iTrader: (6)

I think that WGT and 1/12 17.5 could be a great combo but they need to re-evaluate the body rules for WGT...most of the HPI bodies have been out of stock/discontinued for years and with the class showing some definite potential for major growth (largest class at the most recent Nats in WA), I think a little research into the FIA GT1, GT2 and GT3 CHampionships, the Blancpain Endurance series and a few others could yield some very good bodies:

Ascari KZ1R


Audi R8 LMS


BMW Alpina B6


Lamborghini Gallardo


BMW M3 GT2

Just to name a few...

chris moore

iTrader: (96)

Cost is a big factor, not because there are not good entry level options but because newbies are enticed by speed. Whats the first thing out of a potential customers mouth the first time in a hobby shop.... HOW FAST DOES IT GO!!! Selling a slow entry level ride is a tough sell in todays immdiate satisfaction generation. Of course thay then take that $1000 ride and smash into the first turn and then are pissed go figure.

Off-road is big because its cheap to enter(not at all cheap to run when you figure in tires) and because little jonnie does not need a preped track. He can take that SC truck home buy/build a ramp and fly the piss out of that truck while all the neighbor kids go oooh and ahhhh.

I wish I had the answer to the op's question mabey all it will take is time.

Shawn68z

iTrader: (6)

1/12 scale may not have alot of parts, but its not simple to setup. Attention to details pays huge dividens in on - road.

Off road is simple compared to onroad, and I think that attracts more people as the learning curve is less.

Shawn.

Buckaroo

iTrader: (3)

The WGT rules are significantly outdated, which is why almost no one plays by them as they currently stand. As for bodies, the ROAR standards for WGT pretty much already opens up body choices to everything you're asking for! From pg 59 of the 2011 rulebook:

8.10.4.6.2 World GT body rules:
 Bodies must be based on production front engine - rear drive autos
 Body must be a replica of an original, 2 door sports/gt production car or based on
a full sized auto which has been raced in a major series (Speed World Challenge,
FIA GT Championship, ALMS GT1 + GT2, Japanese GT Championship, etc.)
 Bodies must be of a model year no older than 10 years prior to the year of
submittal

At the end of the day, do what's right for YOUR track or your club!

trackdesigner71

iTrader: (6)

I know that...if I could get a hold of Dale Epp (who Im pretty sure posted around here...he still may...) Id send a few of those pics his way because I think Protoform ought to be at the forefront when it comes to WGT

Scottrik

iTrader: (261)

Dale's busy punching out all the Sophias he can...and selling out of 'em as fast as he can punch 'em out. Why does he want to make anything else? It's not like his lids are going to cover MORE than 100% of the WGT field.

The CONCEPT of WGT was going to be GREAT...using the real-looking bodies HPI and others do, etc. But as soon as the class was announced a couple body manufacturers created race-aero blobs and ruined it (to my admittedly jaded eye).

Buckaroo

iTrader: (3)

ProtoForm already IS at the forefront. Dale has already stated in no uncertain terms LONG ago that as long as the Sophia (an Alfa Romeo 8c) is (and remains) the dominant body in WGT, there is no way in heck that he's going to make anything that's going to compete with himself! Currently, WGT is the Sophia show on the national stage. Until someone else throws their hat in the ring and produces a better mousetrap, you ain't gonna see nothing new from ProtoForm.

The McCallister Ferrari 599 and the Parma DB9 both have their followings....but at a local level. Until/unless one of those, or another, lid starts winning on the US or international stage, that's what we're stuck with. Really, the "WGT Body Debate" thread is very informative!

Locally, we're running a very loose interpertation of the ROAR spec for bodies, and having a blast!

AreCee

iTrader: (1)

We have a varied mix of bodies in WGT; a couple DB9s, a couple Sophias, a Viper, a Ferrari 599, a Saleen Mustang, a Toyota Escudo, and a Mazda RX8. Chassis are 2 RC10R5s and the rest CRCs, the top guy uses an AE with a DB9 lid.

We all have a lot of fun.

cheROK1212

iTrader: (13)

A 5'3 140 pound Smoke would be lethal in an F1 car, present day Smoke is great @ the Snowbirds

TryHard

iTrader: (4)

Going Off-topic again... technically not quite true. He was 1.3s off of JPM's times of the same day, and no reference to the actual pole time at that years Indy F1 race (1:10s by Schumacher). Having said that, after only 7 laps, it's pretty impressive, although the cars did have TC back in those days.

Back to the topic in hand

Lethal Enforcer

iTrader: (98)

I agree, Off road looks more appealing to the general masses. Now they are making them almost waterproof too.

superspeed

iTrader: (5)

We are starting to have a spec class for M chassis and 1/10 tc at LHS. Parking lot property owner gave us the ok sign to setup a temp track with dots and cones. We might even consider getting pvc pipes and different angled pipe connectors. I hope on-road can get popular again, it should be the least difficult to setup a track, that's what made parking lot racing so big in 90s.

redbones

iirc, that's how tamiya created the 4wd sedan class off the Manta Ray buggy.

people get bored of true spec class racing. once they get used to the speed, some of them move up to the faster classes. But then the spec class dies out, and the guys that stuck with it eventually disappears. Then after a while the whole track undergoes a "omg, we need more racers" and new "spec" class is born. This cycle repeats.

superspeed

iTrader: (5)

Hi, I agree with you. I've seen many tracks come and go within last 15 - 18 years here at Mpls/St Paul, MN. We had really good tracks that were capable of hosting national event. Once drivers get more skilled and moved up to next level, in perfect world there would be another batch of new drivers (novice level). However, lots of people don't stay in r/c hobby for long time. Most of people I raced with are no longer involved in the hobby. I'm glad that I am still working part time at LHS (12th year next Jan) which kept me interested in the hobby.