Practice Track

[Guest]

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[ngyoung]

Probably won't help with getting to the very edge of stability but it can work as a friction track. You get a run long enough to coast to a stop you can do some comparisons based on how far it rolls. The farther it makes it down the track the less friction you have robbing speed.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

I would save my money and get a good tuning board. Record your stats on the car, including steer. Race the car with us and watch how it reacts. Make adjustments when you get the car back. There are people here much faster than me, and doing it without a track.

You might also consider checking if someone with a track is within driving distance...its a nice alternative to ownership.

 

[BulldogRacing]

hey OCD you can use my track whenever you're in town!

 

[Guest]

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[Kinser Racing]

In all honesty I'm not sure it would be much more of a benefit that a Tuning Board. JMO

 

[OPARENNEN]

Is this better than nothing? I know it wont give accurate results, but will it show me how the car runs. I cant afford a one lane track.
http://www.abc-pinewood-derby.com/practice-track.php

I agree with BR, and with experience. In my 1st year I bought and used this track. big problem was track was uncontrollably flexible in every direction especially side to side. I ended up using the good timer, but with a new aluminum track surface. Problem solved.
But in the meantime the tuning board was 10 times more useful.
In fact several top racers even today depend 100% on the TB.

 

[LightninBoy]

Probably won't help with getting to the very edge of stability but it can work as a friction track. You get a run long enough to coast to a stop you can do some comparisons based on how far it rolls. The farther it makes it down the track the less friction you have robbing speed.

This is exactly how I use it. It works great.

 

[ngyoung]

Yes I should have given you credit for that suggestion. I originally read it from you. I am bad at citing my sources /images/boards/smilies/wink.gif

Probably won't help with getting to the very edge of stability but it can work as a friction track. You get a run long enough to coast to a stop you can do some comparisons based on how far it rolls. The farther it makes it down the track the less friction you have robbing speed.

This is exactly how I use it. It works great.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I agree with the tuning board suggestion. I think it is even more critical than having a track. And the tuning board doesn't have to be anything fancy. mine is just a 8' piece of shelving from Menards with lines drawn on it with a sharpie.

 

[BulldogRacing]

Those of you with a long tuning board ( 8') Why is that better than a short one ( 4') ? Thanks guys!

 

[microbrush]

Those of you with a long tuning board ( 8') Why is that better than a short one ( 4') ? Thanks guys!

Isn't bigger always better?

That was too easy! . . . . Don't know I have a short one myself 4'.

 

[OPARENNEN]

Those of you with a long tuning board ( 8') Why is that better than a short one ( 4') ? Thanks guys!

IMHO - None
However an 8' board WITH a test track allows more precise steer/veer setting