I've prepared for an alternate class, renaming the existing class "Trans Am" and then making room for HTO Vintage. Willy is prepping a new car over the next week, so I will have the existing ride back and my preference is a the stinger/4 cell. It works best for those like me with no time for wrenching (or practice or driving skills).

My intent is to have a new layout this week, just a heads up (and I said intent, not for sure).

See everyone there.

Bill

Bill,

Will the 20T Stinger VTA class be ready to run this weekend?

Has anyone seen this yet?

The link below is to the 2010 rules for the USVTA. These rules will not be enforced until September 1, 2010. There will be nine months to adapt your cars to comply with these rules. I understand that times are tough right now, so there should be plenty of time to swap, sell, or save the money to have the correct equipment.


I understand that there will be those who will disagree with what has been done here, but right now the biggest issue with any class is the ESC. There is no extra tech required with the controllers that will be allowed, since they have no timing advance.


Novak Electronics will be establishing a portion of their web store dedicated to Trans Am. They will have complete 25.5/Havok systems available, as well as exchanges for the 21.5 SS motors and other items. The 25.5 Ballistic stator is available right now for those who have a Ballistic motor.


My hope is that the cars will be more drivable and bring the racing closer than it has become in the last 6-8 months. I hope these changes will make things stable for the months and years to come.

http://www.usvintagetransam.com/rules/2010rules.pdf

The Stinger Vintage will be available (no one wanted to last week), but I'm ready. Saturday is still a fun night with points starting next weekend, so I will be introducing these and a few other parameters this week.

I will also be reiterating that Oshkosh is for the fun based, family oriented sport of racing. So when we do things like this, it is for a reason (close competition and to not get into wallet wars).

I compliment those kicking it up, as every racer should still strive to improve, but not at the expense of others fun either. Yes I do allow some liberties with bodies or rims, neither play a big part to the front runners and if it did, then I would talk to the driver.

I liked seeing a few new bodies the last few weeks, the rims, the detail and the close racing by all again. I really liked that most went away with a smile. As discussed, there still needs to be somewhere for all, so it may seam overkill to have a Stinger Vintage and Trans Am class on the same day, but not from my view point.

With 2009 almost over, 2010 ready to slap our face I hope all continue to pursue a bit of fun at their local track (and maybe a few side trips to others for fun). I would like to see the sport continue its regrowth as where a family can go for a day of fun.

See ya'all at the track, lets play with those little cars.

Bill

Oh boy!!! Just what I want to do is go slower. And who wrote those rules? The owners of Novak?

I'm not sure the changes to the "official" Trans Am rules was the best way to go for that series. I do like keeping the competition even but it has been prety good so far! Maybe a switch back to stinger power for me? There is still time to think about it. There is a class thats REALLY close racing!! Anyone else that wants to get in and needs a car let me know. See you at the track.


Vaughn

I think the move to having 2 on road classes with "Vintage" being the spec Stinger class and "Trans Am" being the 21.5 class is a very good idea. The "moving target" rule book of the USVTA is not going to attract new racers (or keep current current racers from jumping ship). Offering the 2 different classes allows flexibility for racers to continue racing in classes that they: Enjoy the racing/speed of said class, continue using equipment they know or already own or can afford. It also allows racers to go up a class if they feel comfortable or need/want to replace equipment, or slow down a little bit if they feel the need. It will also allow new racers to join up using equipment they feel comfortable with and fits their budget. It would also allow someone to race 2 on road classes if they choose. I now regret selling my backup car It was discouraging to read the 2010 USVTA rules after I recently made the investment in 21.5 to replacing aging equipment.

The "Vintage" stinger class has produced very close results in the past. I do believe both classes have shown that close racing is possible, last week's results show the top 5 cars within 5 laps over an 8 minute main, the top 4 within 4 laps, and the top 2 only 2.5 seconds apart. With time I know this will get even closer.

The key is having fun racing with great people with awesome looking cars at a great venue like HTO.

Happy new year everyone!
Jeff

Very well said Jeff. I too made the investment in 21.5 just two weeks before the announcement of the return of the stinger class with hopes of being somewhat competitive in the Trans Am class. I'd feel much more comfortable in the stinger class until my driving skills improve or my wallet learns to spontaneously grow money. I will try to get my car setup for Vintage by Saturday. We'll see...

I'd like to throw this idea out to see what people think with regards to the Stinger Vintage class. Should there be a FDR limit so people aren't over gearing their cars just to get close to 21.5 speeds. I know those Stingers like to run hot but last year I was trying to keep up with everyone and that motor was hitting 200 degrees every race! Think about it and post your thoughts. I will go with the majority.

Davin is dead on about the Trans Am rules changing and solely benefiting Novak. Someone is getting kickbacks.

Happy New Year all,
Mark

Would that fall under the category of a MONOPOLY? All for one and one for all. That just sucks.

Happy new year HTO racers!!

3 of us from Plover coming down tomorrow with 2 HTO vintage, 1 VTA, 2 slash, 1 gearbox. I heard a bunch of slashes from Wausau are coming also. See you all tomorrow.
Larry.

Bill, we need trophy girls!

I'll give a full report tomorrow, after a full night Thursday with extra heats (no school the next day, a reward to racers), nearly 90 registrants to our New Years Bash and Figure 8 race Friday and almost 75 today for road course, I'm beat.

I do have the results up on the web, and just wanted to thank everyone for a great start to 2010.

And good job Willy on getting my car back and competitive, your new ride running strong and the great finish with Davin's truck.

More tomorrow, going to spend a bit of time with the wife.

See ya-

Bill

Wow, what a start for 2010! Thank you to all the racers who made it happen.

Thursday Carpet Oval racing had a great turnout, even for New Years Eve.

Jeff Dupey earned the win with a stock slash, running against strong competition in the Pro Short Course class. Stampede had Dirt Oval driver Jon Miller come in to sneak out the win (even after more than a few motor problems).

Junior Short Course (formerly Stock Slash) had Autumn back on her game, only to fall to Tina Dupey (who also kicked butt on Saturday, more on that later). This class is still very popular for those into this for the sport and camaraderie. Gregg Frank will also be one to watch, coming on strong with only a few weeks under his belt.

Our Bomber class is on the edge of hitting 50 laps with two drivers this week hitting 49. Art had to leave early, but had some great runs in qualifying. Keith and Bob swapped the lead a couple of times with Bob earning that podium spot.

Gearbox is returning with Keith just beating MacKenzie. She had the lead a few times, but an accident on lap 32 let Keith get ahead. She says she let him win, but only just this one time!

Good racing, with no school the next day we ran 3 qualifiers and the mains so everyone had a bit more fun.

Friday night had the annual New Years Bash. Normal class’s were run plus in infamous Figure 8. While all the competition was close, we enjoyed that the Hartford group came up with their Mini Late models to field an 8 car race. Jason More won the Figure 8, with Dave Leung taking 2nd and Chris Kuehne taking 3rd. I’ll mention Alex who did earn 4th. He had a strong and stable race going, and worked he way up the ladder (and also had a good race in Pro Short Course, earning the win in the B and bumping up to the A.

Yes, there was drama. The flyer said this should be a 15 minute race. I misunderstood a conversation during the day and set the computer for 60 minutes, finally calling it at 20. My error, but a review of the results show it would have been the same either way. We will tweak the parameters for next time, but all had some different type of fun.

In all, 89 registrants, some very special racers and a whole lot of action is what its all about. Plus, the top three drivers in each of the normal class’s walked away with trophies for their efforts! I didn’t intend to push Scott out of the announcers booth, I was there for support and assistance. But I got carried away. My compliments to Scott for his normal running of the Friday program and his help over all the days and extra projects.

Saturday we thought would be quiet compared to Friday, boy was I wrong. Seventy three registrants competed. Three in our new Novice class, 5 in our HTO Vintage. Again a lot of excitement over the day.

A new layout greeted everyone with most in approval. Again the hot action was in Junior Short Course where the bump drivers made it exciting. Tina (remember her win on Thursday) battled the big dogs and took third, after holding on to second for parts of the A main (she bumped from the B earlier in the day).

Tanner Gould took the win in JR Short Course with Ken Nelson working hard for second.

Similar down in Pro Short Course, with A-D mains again, the bump drivers making it interesting, Willy took first (driving Davin’s truck who had to leave before we ran). Mark Kollock taking 2nd and Blaine Gould taking 3rd.

Gearbox had the brothers Brueske battle for the 1 and 2 spot. Jack Sommers (bump driver from the B, boy did he have trouble in qualifying) took 3rd, earning my accolades for not giving up and proving his skill on the track.

Our Vintage race was exciting, with the bump driver being again a stand in. Jim Tollard driving the Jeff Dupey vehicle took the grid. Willy led for a while, Mark Kollock stretched his legs taking over the lead on lap 10 and never looked back. Willy held in until lap 46, when a gear let loose (not bad for a ride he picked up Friday at 5). Larry B took the third place spot in this class and Vaughn took 4th.

Our HTO Vintage class resumed. Brandon Radtke tried to make it (he has a boo boo on his knee) and finally decided best not to push it. Greg ran his ride the first qualifier. We all offer our best wishes to Brandon, it is serious, but we all hope you recover OK).

Summary- there was a lot of great action over the three days. Hundreds of registrants had fun. So did a lot of spectators. Anyone who stopped by was greeted by racers and shown the ropes, it was pretty cool.

Thank you to all, it was a blast.

Bill

Yes Indeedio what a great day of racing yesterday!! Great job by everyone for the awesome racing and keeping the program running smooth with all the races we had. It was a bittersweet day for me. I had a great finish in TransAm (4th with I believe the only brushed motor) but was the last run with the Yokomo I've ran for 7 years (back to HT Sheboygan days). But that is going to bring a young HOT SHOE into HTO Vintage class! Watch out guys , this kid can drive! I'll be there for any help you may need with the car.
Again great job to all and I'll see you sat. with the new ride and brushless power!?
Vaughn