Standard Track length

[mikej]

We just held a race at work, we have a Best Track with 5 7ft sections and 1 curved section. My question is what length track are you running at your league. The reason I ask is with the 3.0second mark being a benchmark What length track is that for? I just want to compare our times with the 3.0sec benchmark. I was able to run a 3.049 with bsa everything, Just curious How I rank. If your racing a 42 or a 45 ft track Im wayyyy off.

Thank you.

 

[E.T.Racing]

As far as I know all the League tracks are the 42' Best Track.

 

[36racin]

Mike,
Was that track (5) 7' sections, then the curved section, then the section the starting line was on?

 

[Crash Enburn]

It would be a 42' track. We have a 35' Best Track. 4 7' sections (including the start section), 1 4' curved, and a 3' stop.

 

[mikej]

I think I figured it out. We have a 42ft Best Track. My confusion was I though the 42ft was the distance travled from start line to finish. If that is the same track the leagues are running Im happy with my times with Graphite and bsa parts, I have a few improvments to make to see if I can shave off a few more tenths.
Thank for the help.

 

[ZZ Racing]

42' is the standard for the leagues but there are alot of variables to comparing times between tracks. The easiest way to see how you stack up is send your car in to the next race. One of the variables that really changes times between tracks is the degree of the hill. It doesnt take much change in degree to really change your times.

 

[Obsession Racing]

ZZ is correct here.

Depending on the:
[list type=decimal][*]
Slope of the track ramp
[*]
Timer system
[*]
Holes used for timer beams
[*]
track condition
[*]
levelness
[*]
Timer chip
[*]
etc.
[/list type=decimal]Time can vary from one track setup to another. To give you an example, the recent Cabin Fever Classic ran on a 42ft. Best Track, just like the one used in Utah for the races there. Times on the CFC track were about .02 SLOWER. In other cases, they can be faster....even by as much as .09.

While I am sure your time is good, it's hard to say how good without going head to head with other cars on the same track.

Good Luck!

O.R.

 

[mikej]

Yea we were talking about that also angle of the track and timer difference. I understand the variance. With that stated I have more questions what should the track angle be? I thought I read a number once on here but would like to know for sure. We are a Ford Dealer so we have a inclinometer. Also graphite vs oil is it slower or just not as long lasting? The reason I ask all these questions like many before me. I am building my car based in the sub 3.0 second instrucitons, I just want to see if I can or if it is possable with BSA parts and graphite. What is a good time? I wrote the rules and basicly we have to use the parts in the kit with graphite, wheel base axle prep and wheel prep is pretty open. Wheels have to be stock width.

 

[DNA RACING]

the correct track angle is 27.1 deg.for the CFC i had the timer in the middle holes. we also use a custom mounted lazer system UNDER the track that starts the instant the peg starts moving, some tracks use the lazer over the track as the directions say it should be, the problem with that is using the mounting directions, the cars are already under way a good .01 or .02 when the timer starts. this gives the illusion that the car is faster when it really is not. using the switch that comes with most timers is much the same, it all depends on where you mount it and how close it is to a hair trigger. at the CFC the lazer could have been adjusted to ALMOST mimic the Utah track, but i felt it was better to run as close to the edge as i could and the times no matter what they were would be fine as long as they were consistent.
end result, the lazer under the track is the most accurate timing method we have at this time.

if anyone has questions about the underside mounting, either John or myself can probably get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[Downslope]

I have a feeling you probably have the old timmer or to steep of an angle. But send them in and lets find out.

 

[Kinser Racing]

This is a must read for questions like these.

http://forums.derbydad4hire.com/post/Is-this-a-good-time-for-my-car-Track-times-5684274

/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif

 

[jmb]

the correct track angle is 27.1 deg.for the CFC i had the timer in the middle holes. we also use a custom mounted lazer system UNDER the track that starts the instant the peg starts moving, some tracks use the lazer over the track as the directions say it should be, the problem with that is using the mounting directions, the cars are already under way a good .01 or .02 when the timer starts. this gives the illusion that the car is faster when it really is not. using the switch that comes with most timers is much the same, it all depends on where you mount it and how close it is to a hair trigger. at the CFC the lazer could have been adjusted to ALMOST mimic the Utah track, but i felt it was better to run as close to the edge as i could and the times no matter what they were would be fine as long as they were consistent.
end result, the lazer under the track is the most accurate timing method we have at this time.

if anyone has questions about the underside mounting, either John or myself can probably get you pointed in the right direction.

Could you post a pic of the underside mount? I'm gonna be getting a laser soon.

 

[mikej]

We have the champ timer we bought it last spring. Im not sure the angle we were at but we have the leveling kit. Ill have to check the angle next time we set it up. Although Ive had some luck racing against people will limited pwd racing I certenaly do not think I have anything for you guys, My goal is to see what kind of times I can get.

Thanks for the help.

Mike