Weight Placement on a Curved Track

[Voxxer Racing]

Hello All:
First post. Have a general question. Would like to know if weight placement is different, in the racer, on a curved vs an incline into a straight track. Thx for your time.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Interesting question. I think you're going to find that most "pro" racers have the identical track setup to what is used in league racing (42' Besttrack). We would tune for the fastest time using that setup, trying to squeak out every 1/10,000th of a second. I have heard that you can be more aggressive on a Freedom track, which has a more gradual curve than does the Besttrack. I have built very competitive cars only having 9 to 10 grams on the FDW, something that would never be done at the scout level. What I would suggest is put 15 to 16 grams of weight on the FDW and have the weight on the rear wheel on the opposite side of the FDW be 3 or 4 grams heavier than that of the weight on the rear wheel on the same side as the FDW side, regardless of the type of track. Set the car at 5 or 6 inches of steer (initially) and try and test it. If you race it that way (and this is a safe conservative setup), maybe you can get a little track time to fine tune it a bit. Spend most of your time prepping your wheels (the edges, hubs, bores, etc.).

Just my 2 cents, but I have not raced in a while and I am currently getting beat by a 15 year old...

 

[Loud2ns]

Interesting question. I think you're going to find that most "pro" racers have the identical track setup to what is used in league racing (42' Besttrack). We would tune for the fastest time using that setup, trying to squeak out every 1/10,000th of a second. I have heard that you can be more aggressive on a Freedom track, which has a more gradual curve than does the Besttrack. I have built very competitive cars only having 9 to 10 grams on the FDW, something that would never be done at the scout level. What I would suggest is put 15 to 16 grams of weight on the FDW and have the weight on the rear wheel on the opposite side of the FDW be 3 or 4 grams heavier than that of the weight on the rear wheel on the same side as the FDW side, regardless of the type of track. Set the car at 5 or 6 inches of steer (initially) and try and test it. If you race it that way (and this is a safe conservative setup), maybe you can get a little track time to fine tune it a bit. Spend most of your time prepping your wheels (the edges, hubs, bores, etc.).

Just my 2 cents, but I have not raced in a while and I am currently getting beat by a 15 year old...

I think this is good advice.

For the record that 15 year old is pretty fast!!

 

[Mojo Racing]

Interesting question. I think you're going to find that most "pro" racers have the identical track setup to what is used in league racing (42' Besttrack). We would tune for the fastest time using that setup, trying to squeak out every 1/10,000th of a second. I have heard that you can be more aggressive on a Freedom track, which has a more gradual curve than does the Besttrack. I have built very competitive cars only having 9 to 10 grams on the FDW, something that would never be done at the scout level. What I would suggest is put 15 to 16 grams of weight on the FDW and have the weight on the rear wheel on the opposite side of the FDW be 3 or 4 grams heavier than that of the weight on the rear wheel on the same side as the FDW side, regardless of the type of track. Set the car at 5 or 6 inches of steer (initially) and try and test it. If you race it that way (and this is a safe conservative setup), maybe you can get a little track time to fine tune it a bit. Spend most of your time prepping your wheels (the edges, hubs, bores, etc.).

Just my 2 cents, but I have not raced in a while and I am currently getting beat by a 15 year old...

It says a LOT when you mentor somebody and they can finally surpass you though. He wouldn't gotten where he is today without the information and wisdom that you have passed on to him. You should be proud!

And besides... he's a pretty good kid!

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Thanks, but I think it was more of a community effort. And he took that information and applied it using substandard parts...essentially, parts I would not race for one reason or another. Dan nd Brian seem unbeatable most of the time. Could you imagine if this "up and comer" had the resources I have for purchasing parts or your skillset in making your own. He would be a monster.

For Voxx and anyone else looking to progress: if you like the hobby, ask questions and put in the time racing. You can scare or even dethrone the top racers - it can be done. Take the classes offered by the pros, sign up for John's video instruction, etc. and enjoy the frustrations

 

[Loud2ns]

enjoy the frustrations

Ain't that the truth!!

 

[T-Bone Racing]

Thanks, but I think it was more of a community effort.

There are certain things I had to learn or figure out on my own, but when I first started this hobby, I didn’t even know that polishing wheels and axles was a thing. You taught me that polishing would give me speed. I also didn’t really understand why a car had to be aerodynamic, until you showed me the differences.

A lot of what I have learned in this hobby came from you. I don’t even know if I’d say I’ve surpassed you yet because you, ya know, haven’t raced for a while.

You won’t know what your cars will run unless you send them.

 

[Mojo Racing]

There are certain things I had to learn or figure out on my own, but when I first started this hobby, I didn’t even know that polishing wheels and axles was a thing. You taught me that polishing would give me speed. I also didn’t really understand why a car had to be aerodynamic, until you showed me the differences.

A lot of what I have learned in this hobby came from you. I don’t even know if I’d say I’ve surpassed you yet because you, ya know, haven’t raced for a while.

You won’t know what your cars will run unless you send them.

RIGHT!!!!!!!!

Well said, Trev!

 

[Loud2ns]

You won’t know what your cars will run unless you send them.

Yeah Ed, send it!! Lol

 

[TRE]

What wax are you using

 

[B_Regal Racing]

I'm trying - and enjoying the frustration

 

[Darkside]

Wait wait wait... Hold on... I could have totally read this thread wrong, but is Trevor (a.k.a T-Bone ) the 15 year old you all are talking about?

 

[Mojo Racing]

LOL

 

[Voxxer Racing]

He is a picture of the curve .... I would say not as harsh a transition ... as a official track. Thx. Jon

 

[Darkside]

He is a picture of the curve .... I would say not as harsh a transition ... as a official track. Thx. Jon

Hey Jon. That looks like a Derby Magic track. My test track is a 32' Derby Magic track, and I haven't experienced any issues in the transition when racing on the Best Track that the league uses... Follow B Regal's advice on weighting and you should be fine.