Should i try

[Craven]

Okay I am new to this Derby game I have built Scout cars in the past for my kids and me growing up. should I wait a month and enter the in NPWDRL in May or go ahead and send my cars in to Nationals at the end of the month. I know I'm going to get creamed but that's the best way to learn? I realize the Nationals are open to anyone but is it really a good place to start? Not that I think the npwdrl is going to be any easier. I know it's the same people running the top cars.

 

[Crash Enburn]

Hard to say. Box Stock (a true scout class car) is not being run at the Nationals. BASX is a similar build, but purchased (turned) wheels are a must (compare BS to BASX AM times). You stand a good chance of getting some schwag.

The Mid-America Derby is being held at the end of April. This is a much more scout-oriented affair, and lots of schwag is handed out. I'm not certain how many league racers ("pros") are racing there.

All that to say, sending in to the Nats as your first race is pretty much no different than sending in to the NPWDRL.

 

[jatofau1]

Send in your cars to Nats if you can. You need to see how you cars run on the pro track and against everyone else.

I am sending two cars to Nats. This my first race as well. I hope I don't come in last but we need to start somewhere.

 

[TRE]

If you want to get better race every chance you get

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Agreed. Race every chance you get and race against the Pros. BASX Am is the best place to start where they separate the class of builders. Yes you should buy wheels for the BASX class, but there is nothing wrong with using well prepped scout wheels and perfect your skillz. Honestly, you will only learn by building and racing.

 

[Craven]

Just an update you talked me into trying. I have built my street rod and it is in the mail. "No Pulp" has got last place all wrapped up don't even try.

 

[MrRoadWarrior]

It looks awesome. Def a display piece even if she doesn't run well.

 

[jatofau1]

That's great that you jumped in. I will try this class on the next race.

 

[Craven]

I'm sad to say the picture makes it actually look better than it is.

 

[Crash Enburn]

I'm sad to say the picture makes it actually look better than it is.

I keep a fortune cookie fortune I once received taped to my workstation: "Never judge a work of art by its flaws."

I think it's absolutely fantastic that you got the car built and submitted! Woot!

 

[Craven]

I keep a fortune cookie fortune I once received taped to my workstation: "Never judge a work of art by its flaws."

That is an awesome fortune cookie. mine always say "help I'm trapped in a fortune cookie factory" somebody needs to help that guy

 

[Craven]

that was awesome. I know I did really bad, and I have a lot to learn, and a lot of work to do to get my car going fast. but It was a lot of fun anyway.

 

[Vitamin K]

that was awesome. I know I did really bad, and I have a lot to learn, and a lot of work to do to get my car going fast. but It was a lot of fun anyway.

That's the best attitude. In the end, the only person you race is yourself. Iterate and improve!

 

[Jimmy & his 2 Kids]

Craven I enjoyed watching your car run and then you being able to chat and watch as well. What a great way to learn and also get your name out there and interact even if remotely with the pros. I think its awesome you jumped right in with both feet! I want to do the same soon too. And if what I have read I am remembering correctly you picked a hard class to get your start with. I believe Street Rod is a harder class to build & tune. Good job either way man. Looking forward to racing with you & the others some day here soon.

 

[Craven]

I think its awesome you jumped right in with both feet! I want to do the same soon too. And if what I have read I am remembering correctly you picked a hard class to get your start with. I believe Street Rod is a harder class to build & tune.

Yes, it drives my wife crazy when I get into something I jumped in with both feet in the deep end with my all my clothes on. And yes I read that thread after I started working on my car about it being one of the harder ones to learn on, but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. It was awesome talking the pros and those in the chat room.

 

[Quicktimederby]

Craven, Nice job on your build. You picked one of the Hardest classes, in one of the most competitive races to start. Look for ways to get the body mounted closer to the track, and narrow the front wheel spacing so its a little (a lot) tighter between the rail, the front wheel spacing does not have to match the rear wheel spacing. Also I don't know how you are drilling your axle holes, if you are using bent axles in the rear it will be torture to try and tune. You can have a block drilled to your wheel base by John, or many racers would be willing to help you. Make a few changes and I think you'll be very happy with the results.

 

[Craven]

Craven, Nice job on your build. You picked one of the Hardest classes, in one of the most competitive races to start. Look for ways to get the body mounted closer to the track, and narrow the front wheel spacing so its a little (a lot) tighter between the rail, the front wheel spacing does not have to match the rear wheel spacing. Also I don't know how you are drilling your axle holes, if you are using bent axles in the rear it will be torture to try and tune. You can have a block drilled to your wheel base by John, or many racers would be willing to help you. Make a few changes and I think you'll be very happy with the results.

Thank you Quicktime. yes I saw most of those things the moment they first put it on the track next to one of the other cars. lol but It was to late by then. I have to get my tools a little at a time so I don't brake the bank. I know the "silver bullet pro" is next on the list. but until them getting them from DD4H is a good idea. I will make changes to hopeful be ready to race in may. already in the works on my BASX AM. it is said to be a good class to start and learn in. but I'm not going to let street rod get away from me.

 

[Jimmy & his 2 Kids]

Hey Craven... I was at the hobby shop today for stuff for another hobby (scratch built DLG rc gliders for those so inclined to wonder... ) and couldn't help but look through all their 1/24-25 scale models and think about your car. The Challenger body sure is wide compared to those vettes. But it sure is cool. Stick with it! Here's to hoping I'll have the guts to try it out too. lol I wonder if other hot rod bodies have fared well against the sleek more aerodynamically shaped vettes? I would want to do well but I also wouldn't want to do what everyone else is doing tho. Will have to look back thru John's older vids of the SR class too see if other cars were able to beat the vettes. I just love the looks of some of the older more square bodied beasts but all I see is a "brick". lol

 

[Quicktimederby]

I know of one..... BA BOOOOM!!

 

[Crash Enburn]

The class has been slowly getting taken over by the Vettes (70s Sting Rays, typically). The newer models are a bit wider.

There was a fast Lamborghini Diabolo (as opposed to my slow Diablo) entered in the April race — it lost to Vettes. Skippy has a GT40 that was wicked fast. QuickTime's Ba-Boom! is a Jaguar XJ220. He also made a beautiful R8, but it never saw top speed. Some funny cars have won in the past, but Hurricrane's Thunder Chicken is the only current one, I believe. An "Aerovette" (GM show car) had once been in the top spot.

To win in this class, you need a car with a slippery shape, and a big motor (that is, a car that lends itself to as much weight, as far away from the pin as possible). Right now, the easy answer to that is Vette.