[Bellator]

An answer to the concerns raised about ride-height vs magnetic downforce.  While a fixed block is easy and something we have a few of to measure 1mm, I thought a variable solution would be better.  This is a beta version / first working prototype of a bench tool to be used in tech to measure actual right height from track surface to motor.  I think that this can eventually become an electronic tool, but the dial indicator serves well for a quick and dirty test of the concept.

https://youtu.be/NQvQyB8-c_U

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

And here is Mark L’s entry.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Here is my entry to this year’s Targa Florio.  A sweet little Alfa sporting what I’ll call a “tribute livery” to the years that came before it, but was actually driven by Carlo “Riccardone” Binelli at the 1971 Trento-Bondone hillclimb, where he placed 4th.  The Trento-Bondone Hillclimb is at the opposite end of Italy from Sicily, in the Italian side of the Alps.

I read somewhere that this is considered a collectable body from Slot.it, but all it is collecting at my house is dust, so I’m going to take it out and put it to its intended purpose.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Randy’s 2026 Targa Florio Candidate Cars



Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Great news!  What will you do with all that garage space.  🙂

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Chassis are ‘baked’.  Was looking at my 3D printer the other day and thought “Hmm… this might be a great chassis flattening platform.”  Turns out it is.  🙂

My two chassis weren’t bad.  The M8 had a little warp in the front right corner, but the Corvette was largely flat.  Maybe just a tiny bit of bow in the middle.  They both emerged from the printer flatter than they entered it.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Agree.  They made some very basic mistakes when it comes to the spec for each class in requiring or allowing certain part swaps. Gearing and wheels being the biggest challenge.

I suspect they were operating from the baseline that is Ivan’s optimism for availability.  The thing is… he (Ivan) has been promising a Lambo Hurrican for over two years and is only now just barely delivering.  The same holds true for other models that were promised year over year, but not delivered.

 

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Oh no.  The stock wheels are the 17.5’s.  I did a bench test on the 16.9’s and thought is seemed tight enough.  Clearly need to test on the track.  Not optimistic at this…

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

I’m intrigued by this, but for now will stick my cheap-and-cheerful solution.  It would be interesting to compare an axle measured out of spec by your tool with the slip test in the slotting plus combi bushing and vice-versa.

I’ve been impressed with Slotting-Plus and NSR axles.  I threw away several Slot.it axles right from the package after checking them via the slip method.  I find it mildly interesting that it was all solid axles that failed.  My inventory of hollow axles are all true by that test. Attributed to the manufacturing process, maybe?

I also tried hardened high-speed M42 tool steel rods ordered from McMaster-Carr.  At approximately twice the price, they are expensive, but, oh man, they are straight and solid!  Probably due them being made from cobalt steel.  🙂 (Hardness: Rockwell C65)

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Yes, but you will need to install the correct pod and motor for each series. SW for GT3 and AW for 997 Challenge.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

Note that the series manager/race director for 2026 will be Brian H.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

I just red-lined the motor and motor pod specs to reflect angle winder only.

Three suggestions to allow for effective car tuning:

1. Allow any NSR AW motor pod.
2. Allow any NSR long-can motor less than 25K.
3. Allow any NSR gearing.

 

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

I was wondering about A & B classes in this series. After thinking about it for a bit, I think it will work just as well as it does for the other series.  It has less meaning on the rally track, given the driver-selectable voltage, but for scoring it will be necessary to be consistent.

Considering the angle winder aspect of the series I think we should definitely test voltages before setting it in the rules. Much like we did last year with the F1-22 cars.

I agree with your assessment on taking steps to ensure a split series.  Not sure selecting the direction of the following rally-track races based on the first direction matters, but happy with either decision there.

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

“Standard Races”

NSR Fiat Abarth 500

Cars

• Any of the current NSR Fiat 500 models
  https://www.nsrslot.it/assets/models/modelliCategoria/500/500.html

Body

• Body modifications are Prohibited except as noted here.
• The rear mounting tab can be extended with a plastic shim/sandwich (see
  Marty’s mod in the Forum) to keep the rear tires from contacting
  the rear of the wheel well.
• OEM hard plastic cockpits and glass are Mandatory. Lexan
  cockpits/drivers, glass Prohibited.
• Mandatory: Body must start every heat with radiators, windows, and wings
  attached.
• Antennas, mirrors, wipers, and tow hooks are Not Required and do not
  have to be replaced if they come off.
• White kits are Permitted but must be painted, or decaled uniquely, with
  at least one coat of paint.
• Two race numbers must be visible.
• Body screws Open Choice. These can be taped over to prevent
  drops/loss.

Chassis

• OEM Black (medium) chassis and any other color/hardness NSR chassis
  designed for the Abarth 500 are Permitted.
• Modifications to the chassis are Prohibited, including sanding.
• Ballast is Permitted but must be above/inside the chassis.

Guide

• NSR brand guides are Mandatory, any model is Permitted.
• The blade Must be 17mm or less in length to navigate the tight
  corners/turns on our track.
• Note: Non-rally NSR “wood guides” must have their length shortened
  to 17mm.
• Pick-up braids and Guide spacers – Open Choice.

Motor

• Any NSR short can motor Permitted.
• Modifications to the motor Prohibited (rewinds, armature swaps, mag
  zaps/swaps)
• Lead-wires and lead-wire/guide terminals (grommets, eyelets) Open
  Choice.

Motor Pod

• NSR sidewinder motor pod Mandatory.
• Sanding of motor pod Prohibited.
• Permitted – motor held in place with M2 screws (Open Choice)
• Prohibited – motor held in place with tape or glue.
• OEM stock NSR brass bushings are Mandatory. Bushings may be glued in
  place.
• Pod screws – Open Choice.

Gears

• NSR brand gears are Mandatory.
• Gear Ratio value is Open.
  • Spur size is Open, but must be the OEM material
    (Aluminum)
  • Pinion size is Open, but must be brass.
• Modifications to spur or pinion gears are Prohibited.

Wheels

• OEM NSR brand wheels are Mandatory
  • Rear wheels –
    • Diameter – 18mm Width – 8mm Material – Aluminum
  • Front wheels –
    • Diameter – 16mm Width – 8mm Material – Aluminum
  • NSR brand Inserts are Mandatory but may be interchanged from
    different NSR models.
  • Modifications to wheels Prohibited.

  Axles

  • OEM stock NSR solid axles are Mandatory. Hollow and
    independent axles are Prohibited.
  • Modifications to axles are Prohibited.
  • Stop-collars, spacers, and washers are Open Choice.

  Tires

  • Any NSR tires are allowed.
  • Tires may be glued, trued, and have their edges
    rounded/chamfered.
  • Traction compounds are Prohibited.
  • Varnishing Front tires (with CA or nail polish) is
    Prohibited.
  • Wheel/tire must not be visible outside wheel-well/fender
    when viewed from above.

  Track Power: Adjustable per racer/heat, and
  round/week

  Targa Florio 1970-1973

  This series will be run on the rally track. Direction will be
  determined by coin toss.
  Track voltage is at entrant’s discretion.

  • Cars eligible:
  • Any car that was entered in the Targa Florio in the years
    1970, ‘71, ’72, and ’73. Cars that were DNS, or DNF are
    fine. (Partial list will be provided later)
• Models allowed:
  • Any slot car that is a reasonably scale depiction of the
    above. Must be
    within 12% of 1/32 scale plus or minus. That is a 24%
    window. Thunderslot models, for example, are too
    over-wide, and are not eligible. Cars must have
    driver figure and Steering wheel. Lightweight interiors are
    okay. Glazing must be in place. If your car has a navigator
    figure, you do not need to remove it if you want to keep it
    un-modified. Historic liveries are not required, but very
    much encouraged. Avoid duplicate liveries if at all
    possible.
  • To avoid The series becoming too overloaded with a single
    model (Porsche 908/3, or the Lola T280/290, for example)
    We’re considering a limit to how many of a given model can
    race on a given race day. We want to se a more varied
    selection of entries this coming year
  • Please post a picture of your car (s) Model, or 1:1 to the
    rules thread, so we can get an idea of what cars and
    liveries will be entered.

• Motor, gearing:

• Open

• Axles, wheels, tires:

• Axles, bushings, bearings open. Wheels must be a good faith
  effort at scale, with inserts. Maximum wheel/tire width 10mm
  front and rear. (This may be subject to change)

• Tires
• Any rubber or urethane compound. Truing and gluing is
  encouraged. Coating of front tires with nail-polish, C/A glue,
  etc is permitted.

• Chassis and drive layout:
• Chassis must not scrape or rub track surface.

• Braid, guide, and motor leads.
  • Open

NSR F1 – 86-89

Fees: $5 premium members $10 standard $15
guests

Models Allowed

• NSR Formula
  86/89

Body

• An exciting option for our 2021 series are accurate
  1/32 scale helmets featuring many 1980s legends and even
  recent stars!
• Mandatory: Body must start every race with all major parts intact
  including wings. Permitted – Antennas, mirrors, other small parts
  Not-required to be replaced after crash damage.
• Mandatory: White Kits must be painted, and unique with colors,
  decals, numbers (to claim a Decorated livery, visit this
  link or email the series manager).
• Open-Choice: Body screws (NSR OEM or smooth shank Slot.IT or
  NSR)
• PROHIBITED: NSR
  1522 Lexan
  driver/cockpit

Chassis

• Open-Choice: NSR branded F1 chassis – any hardness
• Permitted: Chassis may be sanded only enough to facilitate float.
  Series Manager may disqualify (DQ) car if excessive material is
  removed.
• Mandatory: NSR
  brand guides Options: Wood
  Depth/Screw Post #4859; OEM Snap-In #4841; Long Keel Screw
  Post #4844; Long Keel Snap-In #4843
• Open-Choice: Motor wires, Pick-up braids
• Permitted: Ballast (must be above the pan; inside the body)
• PROHIBITED: Magnets

Motor & Pod

• Mandatory: NSR OEM Motor King-21 EVO-3; #3023 21.4k Rpm
  350gm-Torque
• Mandatory: NSR OEM Extra-Hard Red Inline-configuration #1283
• Permitted and Encouraged: M2 Motor retaining screws (flat-head or
  grub); or gluing motor to pod
• PROHIBITED: Motor pod protruding below chassis more than 0.25mm

Gears

• Permitted: NSR Inline Crowns OEM 27z #6327 (Black/grey) 25z #6325
  (Orange) 24z #6324 (Blue)
• Permitted: [as of
  9/25 vote and SM approval] Slot.IT gears –
  limited to 27z
  GI27Bz (black) 25z
  GI25Bz (orange) 24z
  GI24Bz (green)
• RECOMENDED: Brass/bronze vs. Alloy/aluminum (brass seems to shed
  less)
• Permitted: NSR Pinions OEM 5.5mm Dia-10z #7010 (Alternates: 10z
  #6810; 9z #7009 9z #6809, or Equal Slot.IT Pinions (10z,
  9z)
• Open-Choice: Gear Ratios; Estimated Rear Wheel RPMs: @11v: 27/10=
  7,265 25/10 = 7,847 24/10 = 8,174

Wheels & Axles

• Front Wheels-Permitted: NSR OEM #5020 Alum 13mm x 8mm; (Alternate
  #5025 Plastic-CNC Ultra-Lite 13mm x 8mm)
• Rear Wheels-Permitted: NSR OEM #5021 Air-System-Alum-2-Rib 13mm x
  10mm; (Alternate #5027 Solid-Rib 13mm x 10mm)
• Permitted: Thunderslot Foam Donuts, or O-rings to fill Air-System
  Rib Gap
• Mandatory: NSR wheel inserts #5440, 5441, 5442, 5443
• Mandatory: NSR Solid axles. Prohibited: Independent rotating front
  axles
• Open-Choice: Stop collars, Spacers/washers.
• Mandatory: OEM NSR brass bushings Permitted. Gluing to Pod
• MAXIMUM TIRE
  WIDTH: 68mm for both Front and Rear
  Wheels

Tires

• Front Tires-Permitted: NSR No-Friction OEM #5283 18mmx10mm -or-
  #5291 17mmx10mm; #5290 16mmx8mm
• Rear Tires-RECOMENDED NSR OEM #5284 Supergip 19.5mmx13mm;
  (Permitted: any NSR 19.5 x 13 tires)
• Permitted and Encouraged: Truing; Gluing; Camfering/rounding.
• PROHIBITED: Traction compounds. Glazing of front tires with Nail
  Polish or Super-Glue/CA

Track
Power

11 Volts

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Bellator]

BRM GT40 / Ferrari P3

Series Overview

This series will be a basically box-stock series.  There are few replacement parts that will be allowed.  All the parts of the model must be the ones used in the box stock car and must be fitted as supplied by BRM.  Part replacement, or modification, can only be done according to the rules herein.

There are 3 cars eligible for this series:

• BRM Ford GT40 MKII
• BRM Ferrari 330 P4
• BRM Ferrari 412P

CAR BODIES

• Bodies must be complete in all its parts including filler caps, glass and all interior parts. Mirrors, front winglets, wipers, antennas, and tow hooks may be left off the car.
• The body cannot be modified in any way nor can it be made lighter by sanding or any other means.
• You are allowed to re-enforce body part items from the inside of the body with Shoe Goo.
  • These items include:  headlight buckets, filler caps, exhausts, windows and rear lights.
  • Shoe Goo is not allowed to be used as weight. The intent of these rules is to allow strengthening of the body to help prevent crash damage, not to tune the car.
• White body kits can be used. They must be completely painted so that no unpainted areas are visible.  Clear coating the white plastic body is not allowed.
• Windscreens must remain transparent. Only window decals as included in the standard models or decals added in self painted kits may be used as long as they are the same size as the stock window decals.
• Interior windshield, side and rear window “glass” must be fitted to the car at all times.
• The cockpit, the dashboard and the driver must be present at all times.
• The cockpit, the dashboard and the driver must be painted.
• You may reinforce the cockpit with Shoe Goo.

MODEL CHASSIS

• Magnets are not allowed.
• No modifications to the chassis are allowed.
• Adhesive tape is allowed under the chassis to prevent the loss of screws that fix the body.

WHEELS and TIRES

• In no case may the wheels and tires be visible outside the body when viewed from above.
• Either the standard BRM front and rear wheels or the optional lightweight BRM wheels spec’d for these cars can be used.
• You are not allowed to true any tires with an angled profile.
• The stock BRM Hard front tires are required.
  • You are not allowed to treat the front tires with anything to limit their grip.
• Racers have two choices of tire:
  • The box-stock shore 30 rubber tire from BRM.
    • Note: These tires are not as durable as the Paul Gage Urethane tires, but do provide superior grip.  Racers are advised to keep the durability aspect in mind with the summer track temperatures.
  • The Paul Gage Urethane, shore 20, part #XPG-21125LMDF. (Part number to be confirmed)
    • Note: These tires are easy to mount and true.  Be sure you glue them to the rim as well as truing them and rounding their edges.  These tires do not grip as well as the stock tires but they will last significantly longer.
• Wheel inserts must be fitted to all wheels.
  • Inserts must be painted if they are from a white kit.

BUSHING and AXLES

• Only BRM rear bearings are allowed.
• Rear Bearings may be glued into the chassis.
• The bearings may not be modified in any way.
• Only original BRM front bearings are allowed.
  • These may not be modified in any way.
• Any axle spacers are allowed.
• Only BRM axles are allowed.

PICK-UP GUIDE and BRAID

• Only BRM guide is allowed. You are allowed to use shims between the pick-up guide and the chassis.
• All guide shims are allowed.
• All braids are allowed.
• Braid juice may be added to the braid at any time.

MOTORS

• Only Stock BRM Electric short-can “BRM BLUE” 19,000 rpm motors are allowed.
• Motor cannot be fastened to the chassis by glue or tape.
• Removal or opening of the identification label on the motor is prohibited.
• All motor leads are allowed.

GEARS

• BRM anglewinder nylon or brass 11T or 12T pinions must be used
• Any BRM anglewinder spur gear may be used

 

Build it strong.
Keep it simple.
Make it work.
      (Leroy Grumman)

[Author]

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