Is it worthwhile to use wood as a test track?

[Greatred]

Apologies if this was addressed already and I missed it during my search.

If most of the races are run on Best Track, would the differences between aluminum and wood make using a wooden test track counterproductive? Asked a different way, are there enough similarities in the track conditions of different manufacturers and substrates to make using/acquiring a wooden test track worthwhile?

Thank you in advance.

 

[TRE]

If you are gonna race pro get a best track

 

[BulldogRacing]

I would be worried about hurting my wheels on a wood track. It would help you test if it's not hurting your wheels and it has an accurate timer that has a consistent gate.

 

[Vitamin K]

I would think that any test track would be better than none at all. If you're using wood, though, you'd definitely want to make sure that it is well sanded and coated with some kind of finish. Especially the guide strips.

You may want to have a look at Wayne Schmidt's track plans. He uses vinyl coated masonite for the track pieces, and sprays them down with polyurethane, which he then sands to a shiny finish.

Though, I would agree that if you're serious about "pro" (that term makes me chuckle, because only a few of us are in this for the money) racing, you'd definitely want to invest in your own BestTrack.

 

[zigzag]

So I built a track using Wayne's plan as a guide (good instructions on his site) Let's just say I have now purchased a best track and timer.

 

[BulldogRacing]

So I built a track using the Wayne's plan as a guide (good instructions on his site) Let's just say I have now purchased a best track and timer.

I built a wood one too and actually tried to time them with a hand stop watch, LOL!

 

[Vitamin K]

So I built a track using Wayne's plan as a guide (good instructions on his site) Let's just say I have now purchased a best track and timer.

Even if I were using a wooden track, I'd definitely want an electronic timer.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

The answer really depends on how far you want to take PWD racing. At the scout level, a wood track would be fine. If you plan on racing league, a best track is nice to have but there are quite a few top level racers that use only a tuning board.

 

[Greatred]

Thank you. I suspected there were different characteristics but I did not know about the wheel damage issue. Birddog has a great deal on a best track with timer but I do not live in his area. I will keep an eye out for anything around the Omaha area (or anyone coming this way for Mid-America with a track for sale.)

 

[Vitamin K]

Thank you. I suspected there were different characteristics but I did not know about the wheel damage issue. Birddog has a great deal on a best track with timer but I do not live in his area. I will keep an eye out for anything around the Omaha area (or anyone coming this way for Mid-America with a track for sale.)

Probably a few chaps in the Omaha area who would be willing to let you use their tracks when they have 'em set up.

 

[derbychip]

Greated ck your messages

 

[Greatred]

PM checked. Thanks you, reply sent.