Poor track conditions & setup

[DHRacing]

When racing on an aluminum track that has minimal (if any) prep done to it, and has just been thrown together, no leveling/gapping /etc, it seems it will be necessary to add significant steer to the car to keep it from jumping and/or wobbling to pieces.

Is this logic correct?

After a tuning run the other day on a scout track it was clear the track is not swept or vacuumed off, and the gaps vary from lane to lane up to about 3/16". I started at about 3" of steer, and ended up moving to about 8" to keep from jumping or wobbling. That seems excessive, but also seemed to be where the car started to work better. I'm wondering if I may have another issue, but we tuned each axle beforehand on a glass coffee table, so it was rolling straight and the cant kept it on the axle head.
One car continued to jump until it had at least 6" of steer. (We're allowed to do a scout car and an adults car). This is the first year for us, so it's the first glimpse of the track we've gotten. Yikes.

Any input would be appreciated. I am hoping this is normal to see for a track that isn't well setup.

 

[Reecedad]

Good luck in your race! I sent you a private message, I hope it helps!

 

[DHRacing]

Ouch at least they let you run some test runs. How were your wheels after? Will they let you sand and do some polishing get the gaps closed.

Wheels were covered in crud after one run. All the polishing and waxing was for not after the second. Chipped 2 wheels in fact.
I considered asking. It may be worth it if they'd give me a day to prep the gaps and track. Literally one vacuum and broom pass would do wonders

 

[DHRacing]

Good luck in your race! I sent you a private message, I hope it helps!

Thank you. Very Much appreciated!!

 

[DHRacing]

I did sign up to be a volunteer, so maybe I'll go a step further and request to come in early to help with set-up and do a bit of prepping. I've got plenty of files and sand paper ready to go! Haha