Track surface ideas
 

I bought a new house a couple months ago on 40 acres with a 100x60 heated workshop that I plan on setting up a track in. I'm pretty sure I'll order CRC black carpet but it can get a bit dusty in there and the thought of it being a bit more versatile would be nice. I've got 6 kids so you know they'll want to play in there this winter.

Anyone have experience using other surface types that could be more versatile? The concrete that's in there is commercial grade but really smooth. I ran a rally rc car on it the other day and it was just like a drift car.

This is mostly just for me but I plan on having a couple races a year with the local on road guys. I want to primarily run my T4s and Roche F1s, all tenth scale of course.

Thanks in advance!!

My dream house.

I know for pavement races I’ve done they always spray the parking lot. Each place has used something different. Thought might make the floor a bit of a mess.

Thanks! Loving it here!!! I think that would be quite a bit more of a mess than I was hoping but maybe once I have an area outdoor spraying would be a good option. Actually had a good conversation with Mark G on how you guys have prepped outdoor tracks. He's a wealth of knowledge! Thanks Billy...

If the floor has drainage, a pressure washer could easily clean up what was sprayed.

Yes he is. There’s a lot of experience in that little group.

there’s nothing wrong with smooth concrete we race in smooth concrete coated with asphalt sealer and the traction is great ! We also spray it with a mix of alcohol and vht. Tire wear is excellent .
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rct...65aebc75a.jpeg

Many years ago there was a track nearby that had an epoxy coated floor before they installed carpet. If I remember it was something they used in auto repair shop floors. They had tremendous traction.

At another place they had smooth concrete in an old warehouse, and they just sprayed it with VHT. That was completely ridiculous traction. Occasionally they would just renew what was down with a light coat, as it was a dusty old building.

VHT .. are you guys talking about the high heat paint?

VHT/PJ1 traction compound used on drag strips

Was is something like what you find on tennis courts?

This would be awesome for grip but couldn't really use it for anything else....

Don’t think so. Could be. The shop I work at has the concrete floor painted with the epoxy. The company adds sand for grip. They won’t do commercial floors without the sand. Just too slippery when wet. I’ve not tried a touring car on it, too many things to hit. I have run 1/18, 1/24 on it. And did practice jumps with 1/10 buggy on it. When clean it’s good. When it’s dirty it get slippery

Adding sand to epoxy and coating the flooring is nice, but it can still get slippery if you have a layer of dust on it. It also tears up tires pretty good. VHT is a good idea. I'd still vote carpet, though. If it's only you and your buddies, it doesn't even have to be the nice CRC stuff. Friends that you invite tend to complain less than customers about non-ideal track surfaces...

If you can still get the grey "Ozite" CRC carpet, it will save you some money over the black carpet. When it gets dirty, you just vacuum it. If the environment gets really dusty, perhaps some tarps will do the trick to reduce the amount of cleanup. If you are feeling energetic, you could always roll up the carpet and store it till ready to race again. That's what we had to do regularly at our local track as it was at a fairground facility to be used for events other than racing. Get a case of duct tape, carpet tape or Gaffers tape as you will need it each time the carpet is set up.
There are also low profile carpet tiles that may be good for a multipurpose flooring.
As mentioned, you can use an asphalt sealer and just wash it from time to time. the natural grip from the grit in the sealer will provide decent traction even without an additive.