Indy Slots - VTA Racing (among others)
10-07-2008, 04:13 PM
#46
Well I think I will look into the recoil......Might give it a try...
10-07-2008, 04:38 PM
#47
Steve, a few questions. On the recoils, are you going to allow to change out to our own radios and receivers? Can it be SportWerks 1/14 Recoil Pro ARR Spashett Edition or does it have to be the ready to run kit? It sounds fun and interesting. Thanks for the info.
Gary
Gary
10-07-2008, 06:59 PM
#48
Just to add for those reading this thread, the current legal power options for VTA are:
4-cell/stock - no Final Drive limit
4-cell/17.5 - no Final Drive limit
lipo/21.5 - 4.2 max Final Drive
The rules for VTA can be found here -> (http://www.apexspeed.com/usvintagetr...les/index.html)
My plan this Friday is to run an old HPI Pro 3 with 4-cell stock. I was running an HPI Pro 2 with 4-cell batteries and doing well with it, but mainly switched to lipo because you have to run split packs on the old HPI cars which was a pain. Now on the the Pro 3 it will be easier to run a 4-cell pack. I'm sure if I started out first with my TC3 I wouldn't have been so eager to switch since I have plenty of good NIMH batteries.
4-cell/stock - no Final Drive limit
4-cell/17.5 - no Final Drive limit
lipo/21.5 - 4.2 max Final Drive
The rules for VTA can be found here -> (http://www.apexspeed.com/usvintagetr...les/index.html)
My plan this Friday is to run an old HPI Pro 3 with 4-cell stock. I was running an HPI Pro 2 with 4-cell batteries and doing well with it, but mainly switched to lipo because you have to run split packs on the old HPI cars which was a pain. Now on the the Pro 3 it will be easier to run a 4-cell pack. I'm sure if I started out first with my TC3 I wouldn't have been so eager to switch since I have plenty of good NIMH batteries.
Last edited by IndyRC_Racer; 10-07-2008 at 07:14 PM.
10-07-2008, 07:21 PM
#49
I would also like to point out something important in the rules:
The racers in VTA at Slots can adjust the FDR of the various power options should it be determined that one has an unfair advantage over another. So if it is determined that 4-cell stock just doesn't have a chance to compete with 17.5 or 21.5 we can adjust accordingly. However, we have not seen this to be the case.
Basically if a racer out there is on the fence about jumping into this class because they don't want to buy new technology, then I'm here to say there isn't a need. Old cars can win. Inexpensive cars can win. 4-cell stock motors can win.
In the end I hope we are all having fun racing at Slots on Friday nights. And as always 3 cars makes a class so there is always room for 1 more class - which will give some of the racers who like to race every class more time to wrench between heats
Tracks should not dictate which motor combination a racer should choose. All three motor/battery combos have been tested to compete evenly against one another in competition with great success. If any one power choice shows a definitive advantage at a certain track, it is up to the race managment to even the racing out via suggested gearing changes.
Basically if a racer out there is on the fence about jumping into this class because they don't want to buy new technology, then I'm here to say there isn't a need. Old cars can win. Inexpensive cars can win. 4-cell stock motors can win.
In the end I hope we are all having fun racing at Slots on Friday nights. And as always 3 cars makes a class so there is always room for 1 more class - which will give some of the racers who like to race every class more time to wrench between heats
10-08-2008, 09:33 AM
#50
Well said, IndyRC_Racer.
Here's are two good proven setups for getting into VTA. One new parts, one used:
1. [NEW] - $400
$150 TT0-1R http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKSG3&P=7
$48 Radio/servo http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXASX2**&P=7
$30 27T motor http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLXT7&P=ML
$50 Novak XRS ESC http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGNG5&P=ML
$60 for two 4-cell pack [Indy Slots]
$37 Tires and wheels [towerhobbies]
$24 Vintage body http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0301p?&C=CHA
2. [USED] - ~$300 ( * Some items bought new of course)
$100 good roller w/servo
$25 radio
$30 *new motor
$60 *new batteries
$30 used XRS ESC [eBay]
$37 *new tires and wheels
$24 *new body
Of course it is EASY to go overboard. But both setups have the potential to finish in the top of the A-Main at indy Slots.
I am even tempted to buy this RTR HPI E10 and let Houston drive it to see what he could do with it. Along with the tires and body cost, you're still under $250 ALL BRAND NEW!
We've seen people with $900+ finish last place, and people with less than $500 setups place first consistently.
I think you are talking about me! I have not had more fun racing RC as I have had with VTA. Figure-8 Legends comes close, but VTA puts us all on a level playing field, and I know the slower speeds have improved the majority of the driver's abilities who are into it.
Here's are two good proven setups for getting into VTA. One new parts, one used:
1. [NEW] - $400
$150 TT0-1R http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKSG3&P=7
$48 Radio/servo http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXASX2**&P=7
$30 27T motor http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLXT7&P=ML
$50 Novak XRS ESC http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGNG5&P=ML
$60 for two 4-cell pack [Indy Slots]
$37 Tires and wheels [towerhobbies]
$24 Vintage body http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0301p?&C=CHA
2. [USED] - ~$300 ( * Some items bought new of course)
$100 good roller w/servo
$25 radio
$30 *new motor
$60 *new batteries
$30 used XRS ESC [eBay]
$37 *new tires and wheels
$24 *new body
Of course it is EASY to go overboard. But both setups have the potential to finish in the top of the A-Main at indy Slots.
I am even tempted to buy this RTR HPI E10 and let Houston drive it to see what he could do with it. Along with the tires and body cost, you're still under $250 ALL BRAND NEW!
We've seen people with $900+ finish last place, and people with less than $500 setups place first consistently.
In the end I hope we are all having fun racing at Slots on Friday nights. And as always 3 cars makes a class so there is always room for 1 more class - which will give some of the racers who like to race every class more time to wrench between heats
10-08-2008, 01:32 PM
#51
RCRacer357...Please post rules and allowed batts and equipment.. Also when do you plan on starting I will be there this Friday but I wont be there next I will be on vacation...So I think the 24th I will have a recoil ready...All this rides on the assumption that you were planning on running on Friday nights...let me know on the batts,motors and tires and what not so I can get them and I hope the PRO is legal cause that is what I have....
10-08-2008, 03:33 PM
#52
Time to Hi-jack the thread for a moment: Check out this VTA race series. At least 2 tracks are in Indiana and the 3rd is less than 4 hours away - http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric...er-series.html
2008/09 USVTA Great Lakes Super Series
This winter a four race series will be held for Trans-Am cars, under full USVTA rules and sanction. This will be a one drop with 3 races counting format. We will have "team" racing as well (explained below). There will be awards for the top 15 finishers and special prizes at the end of the series. Race fee will be $20 per race. Final dates will be announced soon.
Tracks------
November- Michiana RC Raceway--Mishawaka, IN
http://www.michianarc.com
December-Summit Raceway--Fort Wayne, IN
www.summitrcraceway.com
January-RC Performance--Madison, WI
www.RCPerformance.com
February-The Track @ Harbor Hobbies--Winthrop Harbor,IL
http://www.harbor-hobby.net/
Details-----
Racing
*3- 5 min. qualifiers and 1- 8 min. main
*Le Mans style heads up starts
*Racing will be held in conjunction with the track's regular weekend race day. This may be Saturday or Sunday depending on the track.
Points-
*100pts. for a win, and down from there, 99 2nd, 98 3rd, etc.
*1 point bonus for TQ
*2 point bonus for making all 4 races
TEAM Racing
*You may form a team with a minimum of 3 racers and a maximum of 6.
*At each race, only the 3 best finishes will count. Any racer from the team may score points, so it is not necessary that all team members attend each race, as long as 3 are there to represent the team.
*There is no limit on affiliation of team members. They can be from any track, city, state, etc. Racers from different places can form a team.
Concourse
*Each event will have a concourse event before the start of racing.
*There will be an award for the winner at each event.
This winter a four race series will be held for Trans-Am cars, under full USVTA rules and sanction. This will be a one drop with 3 races counting format. We will have "team" racing as well (explained below). There will be awards for the top 15 finishers and special prizes at the end of the series. Race fee will be $20 per race. Final dates will be announced soon.
Tracks------
November- Michiana RC Raceway--Mishawaka, IN
http://www.michianarc.com
December-Summit Raceway--Fort Wayne, IN
www.summitrcraceway.com
January-RC Performance--Madison, WI
www.RCPerformance.com
February-The Track @ Harbor Hobbies--Winthrop Harbor,IL
http://www.harbor-hobby.net/
Details-----
Racing
*3- 5 min. qualifiers and 1- 8 min. main
*Le Mans style heads up starts
*Racing will be held in conjunction with the track's regular weekend race day. This may be Saturday or Sunday depending on the track.
Points-
*100pts. for a win, and down from there, 99 2nd, 98 3rd, etc.
*1 point bonus for TQ
*2 point bonus for making all 4 races
TEAM Racing
*You may form a team with a minimum of 3 racers and a maximum of 6.
*At each race, only the 3 best finishes will count. Any racer from the team may score points, so it is not necessary that all team members attend each race, as long as 3 are there to represent the team.
*There is no limit on affiliation of team members. They can be from any track, city, state, etc. Racers from different places can form a team.
Concourse
*Each event will have a concourse event before the start of racing.
*There will be an award for the winner at each event.
10-09-2008, 08:30 AM
#54
On Wednesdays they are mainly racing on-road with 1/12 scale cars right now. Friday nights have been 1/10 touring cars running USVTA rules (http://www.usvintagetransam.com/) which do use specific HPI rubber tires, Tamiya Mini Coopers, and 1/18 scale trucks.
Not sure if anyone has been racing any touring cars on oval as I normally don't get down there during the weekend.
3 cars makes a class. Come by Friday if you can and check out the action.
Not sure if anyone has been racing any touring cars on oval as I normally don't get down there during the weekend.
3 cars makes a class. Come by Friday if you can and check out the action.
10-10-2008, 10:15 PM
#56
Good turn-outs again for Cooper and VTA. Here are the Race results for Friday 10/10/2008
Mini Cooper - B Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....1....24...5m10.131..Jeremy Baker
....2....2....22...5m09.505..Miguel Gomez
....3....3....17...5m02.013..Cam Gomez
....4....4....14...5m04.499..Thomas Nyekan
....5....5....10...4m47.112..Shannon Baker
Mini Cooper - A Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....3....28...5m09.521..Greg Cordell
....2....2....27...5m05.458..Andre Hansbrough
....3....4....26...5m01.957..Steve Larracey
....4....1....25...5m01.551..Cody Woods
....5....5....24...5m08.674..Doug James
....6....6....18...5m05.429..Miguel Gomez
Vintage Trans Am - B Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....2....31...5m05.032..Brian Shaw (Bump to A Main)
....2....1....30...5m03.194..Steve Larracey
....3....6....30...5m05.791..Brian VanderVeen
....4....3....29...5m06.945..Dave Kotulic
....5....5....17...5m04.440..Miguel Gomez
....6....4....00...0m00.000..Cam Gomez
Vintage Trans Am - A Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....4....52...8m07.261..Brian Smith
....2....3....51...8m04.369..Cody Woods
....3....1....50...8m03.471..Bob Cordell
....4....2....49...8m04.149..Andre Handsbrough
....5....7....48...8m07.838..Brian Shaw
....6....6....46...8m10.008..Tom Johnson
....7....5....44...8m01.473..Steve Vaught
Mini Cooper - B Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....1....24...5m10.131..Jeremy Baker
....2....2....22...5m09.505..Miguel Gomez
....3....3....17...5m02.013..Cam Gomez
....4....4....14...5m04.499..Thomas Nyekan
....5....5....10...4m47.112..Shannon Baker
Mini Cooper - A Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....3....28...5m09.521..Greg Cordell
....2....2....27...5m05.458..Andre Hansbrough
....3....4....26...5m01.957..Steve Larracey
....4....1....25...5m01.551..Cody Woods
....5....5....24...5m08.674..Doug James
....6....6....18...5m05.429..Miguel Gomez
Vintage Trans Am - B Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....2....31...5m05.032..Brian Shaw (Bump to A Main)
....2....1....30...5m03.194..Steve Larracey
....3....6....30...5m05.791..Brian VanderVeen
....4....3....29...5m06.945..Dave Kotulic
....5....5....17...5m04.440..Miguel Gomez
....6....4....00...0m00.000..Cam Gomez
Vintage Trans Am - A Main
Pos.Car..Laps..........Time..Name
--------------------------------------------
....1....4....52...8m07.261..Brian Smith
....2....3....51...8m04.369..Cody Woods
....3....1....50...8m03.471..Bob Cordell
....4....2....49...8m04.149..Andre Handsbrough
....5....7....48...8m07.838..Brian Shaw
....6....6....46...8m10.008..Tom Johnson
....7....5....44...8m01.473..Steve Vaught
10-11-2008, 06:15 PM
#57
Quick race recap for last night.
Mini Cooper had some good cars. Greg Cordell showed no signs of rust as he took the A-Main win.
In the VTA B-Main Brian Shaw ran a good race and held off a late charging Brian VanderVeen and Steve Larracey to earn the bump up to the A-Main.
VTA -A-Main had some fast cars from top to bottom. Top 3 cars got a little tangled up in turns 1 & 2 at the start allowing Brian Smith and Steve Vaught to jump out in front of the field. Steve was fighting a loose car in the main and ultimately fell to the back of the field. Cody Woods had a fast car and managed to put some distance from the field to secure 2nd. Brian Shaw used his bump-up improve 2 positions. Brian Smith was able to stay clean most of the main and was helped by the battling for 2nd-4th. Brian Smith's debut of the HPI Pro-3 with 4-cell stock resulted in a 1st place finish.
Mini Cooper had some good cars. Greg Cordell showed no signs of rust as he took the A-Main win.
In the VTA B-Main Brian Shaw ran a good race and held off a late charging Brian VanderVeen and Steve Larracey to earn the bump up to the A-Main.
VTA -A-Main had some fast cars from top to bottom. Top 3 cars got a little tangled up in turns 1 & 2 at the start allowing Brian Smith and Steve Vaught to jump out in front of the field. Steve was fighting a loose car in the main and ultimately fell to the back of the field. Cody Woods had a fast car and managed to put some distance from the field to secure 2nd. Brian Shaw used his bump-up improve 2 positions. Brian Smith was able to stay clean most of the main and was helped by the battling for 2nd-4th. Brian Smith's debut of the HPI Pro-3 with 4-cell stock resulted in a 1st place finish.
10-11-2008, 08:08 PM
#58
Here is the recap on the car I was running this Friday. I picked up a used HPI RS4 Pro 3. The car is slightly upgraded from "stock". It does have a Penguin carbon fibre top plate, carbon fibre shock towers, aluminum motor heat sink, and a few other aluminum parts. However the chassis, uprights, steering blocks and a-arms are still stock plastic parts.
The only problem with the Pro 3 is that the Orion 3600 batteries don't fit without modifying the motor mount. I think the Orion 3400 stick pack batteries might work. Luckily I had some 4600 NIMH batteries that I never used for the Velodrome, so I decided to run 4-cell with a 27turn Cobalt motor.
I put on a decent setup on the car and felt it handled pretty well for the 1st time out. The car was very predictable. If anything I would like a little more steering. I might try to free up the car with a rear sway bar or stiffer rear springs.
The only thing that I was not happy with is the punch out of the corners. I was running a 100/38*2.25=5.92 FDR in the main. I think that was a bit tall for Slots, so next week I'll probably drop at least 6 teeth and see how the car feels. However, I should add that the car overall was a good speed and I didn't really feel that I was any slower overall than the 21.5 Lipo cars.
I think 4-cell can be a competitive option at Slots, which was one reason I decided to try it again. I will say that I like the lesser maintainance of Lipo. However I can't remember the last time I cut the motor I ran last night, but I'm sure that it has at least 15-20 runs on it.
The only problem with the Pro 3 is that the Orion 3600 batteries don't fit without modifying the motor mount. I think the Orion 3400 stick pack batteries might work. Luckily I had some 4600 NIMH batteries that I never used for the Velodrome, so I decided to run 4-cell with a 27turn Cobalt motor.
I put on a decent setup on the car and felt it handled pretty well for the 1st time out. The car was very predictable. If anything I would like a little more steering. I might try to free up the car with a rear sway bar or stiffer rear springs.
The only thing that I was not happy with is the punch out of the corners. I was running a 100/38*2.25=5.92 FDR in the main. I think that was a bit tall for Slots, so next week I'll probably drop at least 6 teeth and see how the car feels. However, I should add that the car overall was a good speed and I didn't really feel that I was any slower overall than the 21.5 Lipo cars.
I think 4-cell can be a competitive option at Slots, which was one reason I decided to try it again. I will say that I like the lesser maintainance of Lipo. However I can't remember the last time I cut the motor I ran last night, but I'm sure that it has at least 15-20 runs on it.
10-13-2008, 11:11 AM
#59
Bring on those RECOILS....
