|
|
Post by NTRA on May 19, 2009 10:53:43 GMT -7
Some news about the upcoming Gasser Nationals. We are negotiating with sponsors and more are about to jump on board. The race would be a blast with NO prizes, but the thought of winning something definitely makes the outlook even cooler. If things work out, the prizes offered are looking like very substantial values. We at NTRA are moving slowly along this path to ensure that the racers get the most possible benefit from any purse offerings. That is why for instance SS/A SS/B and SS/C champs got packages that were essentially identical. Drake racing will offer similar packages for the Gasser Nationals. The winners of the SS Nats got three mean greens each, along with the stock T jet arm in a running chassis. Jl Magnets, Jl Brushes, Gasser Bodies, silicone tires and traction magnets. In other words pretty much a Gasser kit car. Skr Customs is working on a package, KDOG racing had been most generous with pre- race giveaweays and teasers as well. Groovin Racing stepped up with a very nice controller. If you can race with us, we'd love to have you aboard. Everyone seems to be having a blast as evidenced by the quick 'return sign-ups' for the Gasser event already. If you don't choose to join in, follow the story line anyway at this site, and if you have purchases in mind consider our sponsors as a 'go to' choice. Even if you don't compete for their prizes, they are helping you by promoting HO Slot Drag Racing.
Every racer at the GasserNationals will receive a box insert in the style of the inserts that Aurora offered with their cars back in the day. Add the clear box and you have a cool way to display your entry car. Additionally, some participant sticker/ decals for your toolbox commemorating the race, and some mini versions of the race poster to frame if you are so inclined. (for once we are ahead of scheduling on the printing so they will be at the race site in plenty of time). Certificates to winners will be printed this week as well.
Past sponsors are worth mentioning as "friends of NTRA" as well. Road Race Replicas, Lucky Bob's, TSS Hobbies, several times) Mead Drag Racing Bodies, Motor City Toys and more I am forgetting I am sure. These people sponsor races for exposure of course, but very much also out of support for the hobby, as they are hobbiests just like us. They deserve your spending loyalty even if you don't race with us. More later, for now thats all folks; see you in Illinois!!
|
|
|
|
Post by johnbalich on May 22, 2009 10:35:10 GMT -7
I am hardly unbiased of course, but I believe if you aren't racing with NTRA you are cheating yourself out of affordable fun. When you calculate the hour of hobby enjoyment per dollar spent, HO slot racing vcan be a true bargain. SuperStock and Gasser classes (and others) are cost-controlled classes by design. Reviewe our past races and notice how energy and banter is invrested PRE RACE. We are a friendly competitive group, and try to balance real racing with 'all for one, one for all' attitude.
No gets flamed or called to task here at psychoslots unless they enter the 'free-fire' zones where good natured smack-talk is the order of the day. In the end we try not take ourselves overly seriously and all figuratively shake hands and a cold one post race.
What is PROXY racing all about? Well it's a simple concept, really.
You mail your car to us (yikes) and we race it. This type racing has been around for quite awhile, it's just new to drag racing.
It allows you to compete ina truly NATIONAL event without the travel. In this day and age of the internet we can have NATIONAL races and national contact with other racers.
We practice TRUE proxy racing at NTRA. Local members and mebers of the local hosting track group may NOT enter the race. The drivers chosen have only one interest at stake. getting YOUR car to the finish line first!. They are pretty darn good. We have had few redlights, and most of those occur when the driver knows he is piloting a slower car and tries to cut a light.
We have reported these events with near-live reporting (kinda like the old ticker tape reporting some of you old timers have seen in old black and white movies) It really adda 'live ' feel to the racing.
In the future live streaming video is a logical goal as well as live streaming sound. We may not get there first, but it is on the horizon, and we promise to get it right when the time comes.
ok what about these proxy drivers. Can you lose a race because 'your' driver messes up? Yep. I contend (and I think 99 per cent of the guys agree) it ADDS to the fun. You are like a builder-owner with a HIRED driver. A huge part of drag racing is the HUMAN element. We could throw a switch and time the cars but that seems rather a tame and sterile imitation of real drag racing, doesn't it?
Another thing we have developed in order to provide a better chance of winning is the creation of Classes based on qualifying times. Cars are grouped with similar performing carsinto Class A, B, C and so on with ALL class winners getting worthwhile prizes.
Racers and results are kept, and give the different skill levels, and different time investment by each racer we consider a Class C win as legitimate as a Class A win.
T jets are simple little beasts a first timer can disassemble without much fuss at all. These cars are simple to understand and therefore are an IDEAL father-son activity. Somethign we need alot more of these days. (Mom-son teams and Mom-daughter teams as well as Dad-daughter teams are natural
too.)
There is MORE. Winners are usually very forthcoming with details of their winning cars. Psychoslots is a SHARING ground for ideas tips and testing. You will be quite surpsied (if you are new here) at how willing guys are to help a fellow racer. We have had parts donated to needy racers and we have had winners give their prizes to other drivers whom they felt would better benefit from the item won.
As of this date the only charge for entrants is slightl;y (very slightly) more than postage. A BARGAIN!
If any racer is truly needy and yearns to compete, contact one of the Race Directors privately. While we haven't had the need yet, we will make it happen for you if at all possible. if you have trouble finding parts, again contact us. We have some sources and keep a small personal stash of parts. I'm not in business and not LOOKING to let go of my parts, but to help a racer who would otherwise not compete I sell them at cost, and in some cases have donated parts.
If nothing else, join in the race strictly for the camaraderie. If you simply don't feel like putting forth the effort to mail a car in, then participate by reading and hopefully posting at psychoslots. No one here has a monopoly on knowledge and you may have a question or tip that benefits all. Sometimes the 'newbie' questions are the best and everyone benefits.
If you have a drag race story, a comment, a news item......anything Drag race related and especially HO drag race related share it with us.
The water's fine and there are NO sharks in the tank!
see you next time
John
|
|
