Post by johnbalich on Jan 31, 2009 16:51:47 GMT -7
DON'T BE INTIMIDATED
Proxy racing has been around a while for road racers. It was started to let guys compete on a national level, and to share information and technology on a national level. Proxy racing is a perfect fit for Psychoslots, because Psychoslots was born to promote HO slot racing, specifically Drag Racing. Proxy racing is not meant to, nor will it ever replace live face to face racing. I sincerely and enthusiastically hope that guys who race with us (NTRA) have a local or at least semi-local place to gather with like-minded competitors and race, exchange ideas, and generally shoot the bull. Proxy race just gives you a shot by proxy, at a bigger stage, and in bigger fields of competition. So please race locally............and race with us as well if National Competition appeals to you.
Of course, winning is a premium, but participating is the real and first reward. I am still waiting to win my first round, and yet the experience is all good. I have been prompted to finish a couple of cars rather than proscrastinate about the cool Drag car I'd LIKE to build. I have had fun with some light hearted smack talk, been the victim of friendly ribbing over my Lavendar Pro Mod entry and picked up a lot of tips and FRIENDS along the way.
Future races will have subdivided fields when the numbers call for it. Divisions will usually be set by qualifying groups. Our aim is to always have enough entries to make a class win worth the effort, and yet not have a field that is so large that the odds of winning are minimal.
We may employ a points sytem for the season; this would allow an 'also ran' to earn points and have a chance to be an overall class champ or finalist.
Promotion is our principal aim. Promotion? yes , Promotion. Not of Psychoslots or NTRA, but of slot drag racing. We would like to see (and are already seeing) more racers, more tracks, more new cars and parts. Heres a list of things that may help you overcome any hesitancy, and will likely help you become one of the knowledgeable ones in no time.
(1) Don't be intimidated by what you may perceive as group of Slot Drag 'authorities', here or for that matter at any site. We are all learning as we go. Yes, some of the group has years of experience tinkering with slot cars and learning general drag racing technology and practice. Many of the group are first time slotters, or certainly first time slot DRAGGERS. Personally, I love to share and teach. When I am not teaching, I am a full time learner. I don't teach and share to impress, I teach beacuse I know the joy of learning something new, and like being part of that process. I know more than some of you, and less than many of you. In a way, I miss the days when all of this HO racing was new to me and every discovery was a breakthrough. I can't wait to learn more, both from the old hands and from the new guys, who arent afraid to ask questions. Often those simple questions can lead a so called 'old hand' to a new idea, a new concept, a new way to do things. Hot Rodding is Tinkering!! Sometimes we tinker and are satisfied with improved performance. Sometimes our tinkering slows down a good car! But it's all learning.
(2) Be a sponge. Listen to what the experienced guys say, but never lose the curiosity to ask why, or why not.
(3) Share your knowledge. You can keep that speed secret and beat everyone til no one wants to race..............or you share it and have dozens of guys to race with.
(4) Speak up. Let us know what you like and what you don't like.
(5) Ask questions.
(6) Build a car. Superstock is a great place for a first timer. Rat rod is also very simple to approach. The cost is not great. A base Car for superstock is around 15 dollars on ebay or elsewhwere. A good set of dragging tires is less than ten and more likely half of that. A RATT RODD base car is even less as the Johhny Lightning and Auto World 'reissues' cost even less.
(7) Build a track. Only have eight feet to spare? Make a six foot strip and a two foot shutdown with padding at the end. If you have two cars, leave one stock and tinker with other and watch the performance differences.
(8) Enter an NTRA race. Postage is not that expensive.
(9) Find a local group if you can, or start one.
(10) Avoid know-it alls and whiners; this Hobby offers too much fun and relaxation to waste time with negative nancies.
Proxy racing has been around a while for road racers. It was started to let guys compete on a national level, and to share information and technology on a national level. Proxy racing is a perfect fit for Psychoslots, because Psychoslots was born to promote HO slot racing, specifically Drag Racing. Proxy racing is not meant to, nor will it ever replace live face to face racing. I sincerely and enthusiastically hope that guys who race with us (NTRA) have a local or at least semi-local place to gather with like-minded competitors and race, exchange ideas, and generally shoot the bull. Proxy race just gives you a shot by proxy, at a bigger stage, and in bigger fields of competition. So please race locally............and race with us as well if National Competition appeals to you.
Of course, winning is a premium, but participating is the real and first reward. I am still waiting to win my first round, and yet the experience is all good. I have been prompted to finish a couple of cars rather than proscrastinate about the cool Drag car I'd LIKE to build. I have had fun with some light hearted smack talk, been the victim of friendly ribbing over my Lavendar Pro Mod entry and picked up a lot of tips and FRIENDS along the way.
Future races will have subdivided fields when the numbers call for it. Divisions will usually be set by qualifying groups. Our aim is to always have enough entries to make a class win worth the effort, and yet not have a field that is so large that the odds of winning are minimal.
We may employ a points sytem for the season; this would allow an 'also ran' to earn points and have a chance to be an overall class champ or finalist.
Promotion is our principal aim. Promotion? yes , Promotion. Not of Psychoslots or NTRA, but of slot drag racing. We would like to see (and are already seeing) more racers, more tracks, more new cars and parts. Heres a list of things that may help you overcome any hesitancy, and will likely help you become one of the knowledgeable ones in no time.
(1) Don't be intimidated by what you may perceive as group of Slot Drag 'authorities', here or for that matter at any site. We are all learning as we go. Yes, some of the group has years of experience tinkering with slot cars and learning general drag racing technology and practice. Many of the group are first time slotters, or certainly first time slot DRAGGERS. Personally, I love to share and teach. When I am not teaching, I am a full time learner. I don't teach and share to impress, I teach beacuse I know the joy of learning something new, and like being part of that process. I know more than some of you, and less than many of you. In a way, I miss the days when all of this HO racing was new to me and every discovery was a breakthrough. I can't wait to learn more, both from the old hands and from the new guys, who arent afraid to ask questions. Often those simple questions can lead a so called 'old hand' to a new idea, a new concept, a new way to do things. Hot Rodding is Tinkering!! Sometimes we tinker and are satisfied with improved performance. Sometimes our tinkering slows down a good car! But it's all learning.
(2) Be a sponge. Listen to what the experienced guys say, but never lose the curiosity to ask why, or why not.
(3) Share your knowledge. You can keep that speed secret and beat everyone til no one wants to race..............or you share it and have dozens of guys to race with.
(4) Speak up. Let us know what you like and what you don't like.
(5) Ask questions.
(6) Build a car. Superstock is a great place for a first timer. Rat rod is also very simple to approach. The cost is not great. A base Car for superstock is around 15 dollars on ebay or elsewhwere. A good set of dragging tires is less than ten and more likely half of that. A RATT RODD base car is even less as the Johhny Lightning and Auto World 'reissues' cost even less.
(7) Build a track. Only have eight feet to spare? Make a six foot strip and a two foot shutdown with padding at the end. If you have two cars, leave one stock and tinker with other and watch the performance differences.
(8) Enter an NTRA race. Postage is not that expensive.
(9) Find a local group if you can, or start one.
(10) Avoid know-it alls and whiners; this Hobby offers too much fun and relaxation to waste time with negative nancies.
well said mary oh i mean john lol !