new to this

[zigzag]

My daughter and I just had our first 'powerpuff derby' - spent a ton of time researching how to build a fast car, etc. We ended up placing 10th out of 130 cars running an average 3.26 on what I think was a 42' Super Track. We were faster than most but a solid 6-8 hundredths of a second slower than the top 6 cars.

Anyway, really enjoyed the experience and looking into keeping this hobby going. Thought I would start with a test track, practice working on wheels and axles to see how much faster I could get our car - and then start trying new body designs, etc

This master plan is already a bit challenged by the fact I don't have anywhere to put a 35' test track unless I want to run it out our bedroom and down the hallway...

Would welcome thoughts on test tracks or other ideas that would help me measure if I am seeing better results from my labors over the axles, wheels, etc......

 

[ngyoung]

Try proxy racing with NPWDRL. Would take quite a few entries to equal the cost of a track. I cant remember but isnt a Super Track the one that doesnt have a center rail? The setup to rail ride is different then the more common center rail tracks. wheel and axle prepping is all the same though.

Did you attempt rail running against one of the lane walls? For that setup you negative cant the rears the same but also negative cant the DFW and steer the car toward the outside rail on DFW side. I also heard you do the 1/16" narrow on the rear wheel on the DFW side so it doesnt rub on the rail.

 

[zigzag]

your right ngyoung- the super track doesn't have the center rail. I set the car up to run as straight as possible. In looking at the videos of the race our car appears to run clear of the rail walls once it cleared the incline section of the track and entered the straight away. Unfortunately, I didn't film the fastest race bracket but it would have been interesting to see if any cars were set up to ride the outside rail walls.

I will definitely experiment with the setup you mention.

 

[BulldogRacing]

Welcome ZIGZAG, great job on the race, you found the right place to start learning to become faster and faster. Line upon line. Hard work pays off the guys on this forum are second ti none, unless they are racing each other.

 

[IAE Racing]

ZIGZAG, Not to discourage purchase of a test track, but a lot of races have been won without. I believe Mr. Kinser, still to this day does not have one.

BTW Welcome! Read up, ask questions, You have come to the right place. Congrats on your finish. You are headed in the right direction.

NGY has a great idea, build a car with your daughter for the NPWDRL. You will learn together and have a great time.