Preliminary Thunderslot Series Rules
Guys, I apologize because I have been so busy that I have not had time to post rules for the Thunderslot series. Mark has taken the time to produce a set of rules and I have discussed them with him. I will post these preliminary rules shortly, with the goal of having final rules by Feb. 1. That will give everyone a couple of months to get their cars ready for the series.
My thoughts are to keep the cars as stock as possible, with two goals in mind: a level playing field and to keep the costs down. Any changes from stock that make the cars faster, as, say, independent front axles, will mean everyone will need to make the changes to be competitive. Rule changes from stock would primarily be due to a problem with stock parts–erratic behavior, failures, etc.–and not just to make the cars faster. To that end I propose stock chassis, stock anglewinder motor pod, stock guide, stock front wheels, stock motor, gears, axles, etc. The low grip front tires may be OK and either the trued original treaded rear tires or the optional slicks would be allowed. Probably, the optional larger diameter rear wheels may be allowed, due to concern that worn tires on the original wheels may mean that the chassis bottoms out on the track. Personally, I will try the original wheels to see if the tires will last.
I do not see a need for tire diameter specs in this series. With the adjustable front axle height, it is not necessary on the front, and the rears are self-limiting, due to low clearance below the chassis. Track would be limited by not exceeding the width of the body.
Added weight, above the chassis would be allowed. I think installing grub screws in the provided chassis holes on the edge, to control float to the body, would be OK.
Dibs should be called on car liveries. For duplicate liveries, car numbers must be changed. As I was the first to buy one of these cars, I would like to call dibs on the red Lola coupe #2. However, if I decide to run a roadster, this car livery would be available. If more cars become available, they would also be allowed, pending any production changes, different from the original cars. If anyone notices any changes between any of the existing or upcoming cars, such as width, motor, wheels, weight, etc., please bring it to my attention as soon as possible.
I am also considering running the series at 12 volts. I did some brief running with my cars on Saturday, while running the Revo Slot car, and the cars were controllable and very quick. I would like to hear what everyone thinks about this.
If anyone has input as to the rules, please post to this forum. Reasonable rules changes would be considered.
Thanks
Russell