atomapapa

iTrader: (92)

TCS 2010 Schedule


February 20-21, 2010
Race #149
HobbyTown USA/HobbyPlex
10020 Scott Circle
Omaha, NE 68122-3053
(402) 498-8888


February 28, 2010
Race #150
Aliso Viejo, CA
2 Orion
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
1-800-826-4922


March 7, 2010
Race #151
Hobbytown USA, Frederick
919C N. East Street
Fredrick, MD 21701
(301) 694-7395


March 27-28, 2010
Race #152
S&N 's Trackside
3635 N. 124th Street
Brookfield, WI 53005
(262) 783-4699


May 16, 2010
Race #153
Tamiya R&D Track @ Aliso Viejo
2 Orion
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
1-800-826-4922

June 6, 2010
Race #154
HobbyTown USA, Memphis
2884 Wolfcreek Pkwy
Memphis, TN 38133
(901) 213-2682


June 13, 2010
Race #155
Hobby Town USA, Fremont
39152 Fremont Hub Suite 205
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 796-2744


July 25, 2010
Race #156
Hobby Town USA, Glen Burnie
6714 Ritchie Hwy # D
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 590-4950


August 8, 2010
Race #157
Enfield, CT
101 North St.
Enfield, CT 06082
(860) 741-6501


August 28-29, 2010
2010 TCS North American Finals
Aliso Viejo, CA
2 Orion
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
1-800-823-4922

dragracer72nova

iTrader: (114)

2010 Class Rules???
Dave

T.MARSHALL

Yezz Zirr!!!

robk

iTrader: (22)

What does this F1 video mean for next year? What cars were allowed????

minimadman2003

iTrader: (44)

Omaha is a two day race? Wow!

Now if I could only get my program to slip out a few weeks, I can make Omaha and Trackside, LOL.

g12314

iTrader: (6)

You have the F1 garage full of options, so all that is really left to say is are you IN for defending the title? Tundra will be fueled and ready for departure 2/19/2010

Jimmy

robk

iTrader: (22)

Wrenches must be laid to the proper ride to achieve desired results!!

Leester

iTrader: (23)

Hello everyone! This is Lee's dad Don. I'm hijacking Lee's message board for my 1st and most likely only post ever.
As Lee and I are recovering from jet lag and the Triptophan from the Thanks Giving turkey we just ate, I thought I'd take this opportunity to thank all of you for the encouragement and well wishes Lee received during our journey to Japan and the TWC.
I'm posting this message because after Lee didn't make the finals, his only concern was for how he let all of you down with his performance. He was able to accept the unfortunate set of circumstances that led to his performance, but again felt terrible that he let all of you down.
So on his behalf, I thought I'd like to take this opportunity to explain the series of events that led to his poor performance. It's what the Japanese would call "Saving Face". It is a lesson all future TWC participants can learn from.

During the first day of practice rounds everyone has to have their cars and motors inspected to assure conformance to the TWC rules. The inspectors place a sticker on both car and motor to assure compliance with the rules. If the motor or car being used doesn't have the sticker, you are not allowed to race.
It was obvious during our practice rounds on the first day that we were down on motor performance. I could only get the three motors I had purchased for the event to within 700 rpm short of the allowable 15500. Since the GT2400 class ended up being the slowest of all the classes run, yes even slower than Mini LOL, (32T motor, 2400 Nicad's and 7.2 FDR). It was critical that we got as close to the max RPM's as possible.
At the end of our fifth round on practice day, I asked one of our Japanese translators if I could purchase another motor, bring it back to the hotel that evening, break it in to see if I could get the motor closer to the allowable limit. I would then have the motor exchanged for the motor we were running, tested and stickered to pass inspection. He was unsure of the rules so he went to check with the rules official to find out for us. He came back and told us that if we wanted to change the motor we had already checked in, that we would have to do so before the end of practice day. There were less than 15 minutes left in the day to find a motor, break it in and have it inspected, so it really wasn't an option to make the change.
I spent another three hours that evening breaking in the motor trying to get more performance out of it. I was only able to get an additional 50-70 RPM out of it.
TWC rules prohibit the use of comm lathes or alteration of the motor or stock brushes in any way so you are very limited in what you can do to improve the performance of the motor. As far as we understood, we were stuck with the motor we ran in practice.
Qualifying day didn't bring any appreciable change in Lee's lap times. The car was set up very well for the track conditions and Lee drove his usual error free style... he made no mistakes in practice or qualifying. He hit a board only once as he was yielding to a faster car all weekend.
Lee somehow improved his final qualifying fast lap time by two tenths of a second in his last round which tied him for the twelfth and final main position (it might have had something to do with me charging his battery @ 12 amps to get that one fast lap LOL!). This result took it to a tiebreaker, which Lee lost by 3/100ths of a second
As we were packing up our equipment, one of the Japanese drivers who spoke English and we had become friends with during the week came over to consol Lee. I mentioned to him that if we were only able to change our motor after practice day his outcome would have been different. He looked at me in surprise and told me that we in fact were allowed to change our motors not only on practice day but on qualifying day also! He had changed his motor on qualifying day and was told that he could have done so a couple more times as long as he left the previous motor with officials! He said that they had another 4 stickers reserved with his name on them for further changes.
When we checked with Tamiya Officials regarding this situation they apologized and said that what had occurred was an "unfortunate error in translation and communication".
I wanted to communicate this oversight to those who will have the opportunity to follow us next year and the years to come. Be aware of this rule... you CAN change your motors after practice day!! Also, always ask for a second opinion of the interpretation of the rules with a second official to make sure there is no misunderstanding in translation or communication!!
Lee and I hold no bad feelings for Tamiya, for Japan or it's people (we received a good number of emails from Japanese racing friends who were concerned about this). We understand that errors in communication can happen and that no one provided us with incorrect information on purpose. The race was only a small part of the whole experience. Lee and I found the Japanese people to be polite, helpful and accommodating.
A wonderful man named Masatoshi Nishinaga demonstrated the perfect example of their helpfulness. He is well known in Japanese circles for his expertise with the M03 Mini. Michael Monaghan was struggling terribly getting his mini to work on the carpet surface during practice and qualifying. Mike had one last qualifier to make the mains and he had to pull out a very good time to make it. "Toshi" saw Mike's frustration and politely asked if he could be allowed to help. Mike agreed and Toshi completely retuned his car for his last qualifier. Mike went out and qualified for the mains with Toshi's setup!
But that is where the story really just starts. Toshi loaned Michael his batteries and charged them with a special charge cycle he had developed for 1600 nicads. He also brought some really cool motor break-in equipment to get the most out of Michael's motor. With the extra help in these areas, Mike was able to demonstrate his great driving skills during the mains and finished in 5th, 6th, and 12th place for an overall finishing position of 8th place. Toshi spent the entire afternoon by Mike's side offering encouragement and assistance. He didn't have to do this. But for me it demonstrated how willing the Japanese people are to help out if they have the opportunity.
It turned Mike's experience from one that might have been bitter sweet to one of fond memories. He also gained a great friend for life.
Meeting all of the many wonderful people that participated in the TWC and who work for Tamiya will be something that Lee and I will remember for the rest of our lives and feel privileged to experience. I can only say to those of you who dream of making this journey, redouble your efforts and practice hard. It is as good or better than you can imagine!!!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who helped to make this experience as great as it was for Lee and I.

Thanks To Fred Medel and Brian Mattison for your assistance in communicating to Tamiya Japan Lee's special needs and the support you offered as we prepared for this great event.

To Tony Tam who provided invaluable information about preparing for the TWC experience. He also lent us a ton of equipment that was of great help at the event.

To Kenji Kotani (Japan) who Lee met at the IIC a few years ago and has been in contact with ever since. Kenji gave Lee valuable information on tire and battery selection/preparation. Kenji is a former TWC mini sports class winner (twice!). Thanks Kenji for all of the help and encouragement.

To Robert Morris from Ko Propo who provided Lee with special Speedo profiles on his VSF-1 in Japan to get the most out of his motor during the TWC.

To Barry Baker who was always there for Lee in terms of set up help and encouragement while preparing for the TCS Nationals. Barry has found a special place in his heart for Lee; his patience when working with Lee is an inspiration to me. Thanks Barry, you have forgotten more about setting up a car than I will ever be able to learn in a lifetime.

To Steve Bartollotti who calmed me down in my greatest hour of need during the TCS Nats and has offered great words of encouragement throughout this experience. Steve you are a friend for life.

To Steve Villanueva who reconfirmed to me that thinking "outside of the box" as I have done for most of my life can produce exceptional results. Steve you are a great catalyst for change and a great friend.

To Steve Wiese who was always there to accommodate us with his knowledge and professional expertise in preparing for the TCS nationals.

To Bruce Hickman (Doc) and Marty Hageman your special words of encouragement/advise have always been of great help as Lee's skills grew throughout the years.

To ScottyErnst who started Lee on this dream with his TCS Nat's victory 13 years ago and the stories of his trip to the TWC. Scotty has served as Lee's teacher, mentor and inspiration since we started racing at his Trackside Hobbies 13 years ago. Scotty, you will never be able comprehend how different our lives would be today if Radio Controlled car racing hadn't become a part of our lives.

To Paul LeMieux what can I say? You've been a role model and a source of encouragement and inspiration for Lee since you guys were 12 years old. We'll never forget all of your support throughout the years.

To my wife Sally whose support in every way has allowed Lee to achieve his life's goal/dream.

And to you Lee, my son, your unwavering commitment to your life’s goals and how you have overcome your disabilities to achieve them serves as a lesson to us all. It is an honor and a privilege to be your father.

Thanks again to all who have supported/encouraged Lee through this incredible experience.

Don Passehl

subaru73

iTrader: (42)

Very well said Don I know Lee did his very best and I hope you enjoyed the trip very much,Lee do not hang your head you did an awesome job and you should be proud.Looking forward to seeing both of you next year and best of luck.

Jon McLean

MD

iTrader: (136)

Don - That's a wonderful story and tribute to your son, your family and the people of the r/c community. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Lee, you did a great job and represented your country well. Your effort made us all proud.

BP SHADOW

iTrader: (24)

Don,
Awsome summary of the events from the trip.
No need to "save face" though, anyone who has ever raced with you guys should know that you guys give it 1000% everytime that car goes on the track. Not to mention the contributions that You, Lee, and Sally have made to this community over the years. You guys are true champions and a class act through and through.
Glad to hear that the trip was as great as we all imagine it to be.
See you soon
Brad

JamesArluck

iTrader: (52)

Lee and Don,

Sorry to hear you had such bad luck and unfortunate misunderstandings while in Japan, but it's good to see that both of you kept a positive attitude and were still able to enjoy the trip. Hope to see you guys at the KO race in a few weeks to hear all of your stories from Japan.

-James

A-Ko

iTrader: (2)

Don and Lee,

Thanks for the update and information about what happened. I am excited that Lee got to achieve his dream and goto Japan. I am sure many/most of us might have high expectations for Lee, due to his past many years of high performance at Trackside. I don't think of it as so much as a letdown but we vicariously live through an experience, his experience, a experience that most will never witness and enjoy.

The interesting part of the story is to see Lee's next goal and how he will achieve it!

414MPH

iTrader: (8)

Good Question Jeff!

I can hardly wait.........

C5R01

iTrader: (1)

Lee and Don,

You did the best with what you were told and given. You went somewhere over 90% of us wish we could go. See you guys in March at Trackside!