Starting a Slot Car Racing Club - Things to Consider (Part 1)

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Starting a Slot Car Racing Club - Things to Consider (Part 1)

Рет қаралды 20,582

Күн бұрын

A list of items to consider when starting a slot car club, or ideas to try with your existing slot car racing club. Our club runs Carrera Digital 132 slot cars and track, however most of the information provided would apply to clubs running Carrera GO, Scalextric, Ninco, AFX, Tyco, and so on.
Part 1 of 2 videos, this video features the following information regarding slot car club racing: - track design. why simpler is better for both the racing experience and turn marshaling. - car selection. why it is important to establish what types of cars the club will run, based on performance tiers. - race format. why we run a "qualifiers and main events" format.
Per the video, we qualify Tier 1 cars as the fastest group of cars. Some were highlighted in the video but wasn't an exhaustive list. The following are a list of all current Carrera digital 1/32 scale cars we consider Tier 1: Lamborghini Huracan, BMW M6 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, BMW M4 DTM, Audi RS5 DTM, Mercedes AMG C 63 DTM, Corvette C7.R, Mercedes AMG GT3, Ferrari 488 GT3
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Other Slot Car Videos that may be of interest:
- Tuning a New Slot Car (for Non-Slot Car Nerds)
• Tuning a New Slot Car ...
- Building a Digital Slot Car Track - Design Considerations
• Building a Digital Slo...
- Carrera Digital 132 Nissan GT-R Showdown:
• Carrera Digital 132 - ...
- Carrera Digital 132 Ferrari 599XX Showdown:
• Carrera Digital 132 Fe...
Videos of other hobbies that may be of interest:
- Nascar Racing (PC Game) League Race at Daytona Highlights with Commentary:
• NR2003 - Cheap Whiskey...
- Backyard R/C Car Track:
• Reclaiming Our RC Car ...
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Intro and Outro Music: Demilitarized Zone by Ethan Meixsell

Пікірлер: 83

@jeffk3929 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos, so interesting to listen and learn. Watched lots of your videos.I had a great AFX set back in the late 70's early 80's. Had the banked "S" curves too lol. Hours of fun. The hobby has come a long way. Cheers from Kentucky 😎👍

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

Our first set was AFX in 1977. Came with Datsun 240z cars. Been playing with slot cars ever since.

@Soulreclaimer65 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't read all the comments and not sure it was ever mentioned but this is the second time I have watched the video and the random caller is GENIUS. I just caught it and not sure how I missed it the first time. 🤣

@johnniehobby 9 ай бұрын

Just reading through the comments and just now found this comment (1 year later) and don't know how I missed it. Sometimes YT fails to sends me notifications on comments.

@tomkennedymx Жыл бұрын

I watched all your slot car videos- great stuff!

@johnniehobby Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@whitmanft Жыл бұрын

the start up of this vid is hilarious !! Nice

@kf5820 4 жыл бұрын

Great ideas with a sprinkle of humor. Love you guys and thanks for all your videos.

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Sure thing. Glad you liked the vids.

@NicholasWautier 4 жыл бұрын

Love your videos, can't wait to start investing in a track of my own!

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Let us know how it goes.

@slater4041 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, ràcers. We can make a schedule for your event. Please provide us with the number of marshalling positions and total participants. Also an idea of how much time you need for said event.

@BruceKort 3 жыл бұрын

you guys are heroes!

@tedulmer7880 Жыл бұрын

Great videos! Sitting on the floor can get quite painful. 😊👍

@johnniehobby 9 ай бұрын

Yes, we're getting too old for that crap which is why we've since put the track up on a table. So much nicer now.

@garagemakerguy1808 4 жыл бұрын

Ah...the "Ford GT Race Car No. 68". I think #2 would be more appropriate... lol...I have that terd although mine is a 1/24 so it is a slightly bigger terd...maybe even a double flusher...looks great...on a shelf. Handles like crap and it can only handle the largest radius bank turn without scraping. Mr Salami, you sir have once again provided great information in an entertaining manner....awesome. I look forward to part two. Those pot smokers will slow you down...and eat all of your food. Slotcar trivia...do you remember the old AFX commercials with Jackie Stewart..."AFX slot car racing. The closest thing to real road racing"? Thanks again for the great content. Cheers, Jeff (Garage Maker Guy)

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know that the 1/24 version is also a floating piece of excrement so I don't accidentally buy one as my weak-ass toilet chokes on even the runniest of diarrhea even sans paper. On a more pleasant note, the Jackie Stewart AFX commercials are maybe, possibly, kinda, remotely, vaguely familiar. My memory that far back ain't too great as I think I may have eaten some lead fishing weights as a child.

@matthewfengler1865 4 жыл бұрын

Good stuff I just recently got into slot cars and my problem is the beginning but don’t have a phone book.... I’m half tempted to put my track it at my work to race customers hahaha liked the video tho

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have a phone book either. I had to totally fake it in the video.

@fretorax1745 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Well I have a phonebook but it is just usefull in the Blackforest in Southwest-Germany. hehe ...

@okiedoak201 2 жыл бұрын

This is a video full of great stuff....and very enjoyable to watch.... "Pot smokers can slow you down a lot"....hahahaha....keep the videos coming.....thanks

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

@metalmicky 2 жыл бұрын

How often do you decide when to redesign the track layout, I’d there a favourite design everyone likes? What are the dimensions of the track in the video ,would it lend itself to being on a table? Sorry for all the questions but I like your approach and common sense attitude regarding what works and what makes thing difficult. Many thanks.

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

The first couple years we changed the layout every season. The layout in this video was the result of finding out what works and what doesn't and refining it. We then kept that layout mostly the same for several seasons after that. For club racing, keeping it simple is key for us as most of the guys only run every two or three weeks when we have race night. The track in the video has a footprint of about 17ft x 11ft. You can put anything on a table given you have enough of them. This track would need 5 4'x8' tables plus a couple extensions on a couple sides. There are a couple other layouts we have that would take up a little less space and fit on 4 4'x8' tables. You can find them here: subhumanracing.net/carrera-layouts/

@metalmicky 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thank you for your prompt reply, it will help me get organised for when the room above the garage is completed!

@iscaballero2471 2 жыл бұрын

Hello… Great Video I’m new to this 1/32 slot car world. My questions are 1…What racing software are you using on your Carrera Digital Track? 2…Are you able to retain all the digital functions? 3…And if so, where does one buy the hardware to hookup to a computer? Again…Great Video Thanks…Is

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

We use a program titled HSSRMS for race management. Here is a URL with info on downloading it along with links to get (or build) a cable for interfacing with a PC. www.hrwforum.com/forum/hrw-all-scales/club-home-connection/carrera-digital-north-america/4472-hssrms-thread-home-for-faq-discussion-on-bruce-y-s-pc-based-carrera-digital-t-s Per question 2, all digital functions remain when using the software, as a matter of fact the software adds functions that you wouldn't have if using only the base control unit.

@rosshemmings9384 4 жыл бұрын

Back in the early eighty's thru a friend I joined what was loosely called a club. What they were doing was basically a bunch of guys showed up then after a hour or so or people just lapping 4 guys would race once on each of the 4 lanes that track had (obviously analogue back then) and that was it. I saw no future in that not to mention getting new people interested. My plan was everybody ran a timed run on each of the 4 lanes and their total laps determined their qualifying order. Most of us were scratch building out cars but a newbie wouldn't have that ability so we created an "IROC" category where everyone drove identically prepared kit cars (Parma Womp Womp for the old geezers out there) which leveled the playing field. As well to be sure the new guys got their fair share of racing, the 4 lowest raced with the slowest guy being eliminated (and on nights where there was a full roster lowest 2 dropped) which gave less experience people a chance to improve their skills. If you can't keep attracting new people it won't take long until there isn't enough people to keep the club going.

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Studies show that club member retention is higher when you have free beer available on race night.

@rosshemmings9384 4 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Some people look at ice fishing the same way!

@Nightsat44 4 жыл бұрын

great job!!!! i live in buffalo, NY ll be right over!

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Cool. See you in a few hours. LOL.

@Nightsat44 4 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby I have a quick question! You mentioned that one car was a dog and others werent as fast. Aren't all chassis the same? Or are some programmed differently? TY!! Loved the video

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

@@Nightsat44 It's not that they are programmed differently but just about every Carrera car has a chassis unique to the body. Unlike HO cars for example, you can't swap bodies to just any chassis. In order to closely replicate the real cars in a 1/32 scale, the wheelbases may be different, or may have a wider stance, and also size of the tires differs and the overall shape of the underbody varies. In addition, the guide keel may be placed differently as some may be directly inline with the front axle and others may be slightly ahead closer to the front end of the car. All the Carrera cars have the same motor but acceleration and top speed can differ probably a result of tire diameter and possibly some have a different gearing. All these factor into how the car handles and so every model of car performs a bit different. Generally one that performs better in the turns is going to yield better overall lap times even if the top speed isn't as high as some other cars that don't stick the turns as well. Hope that helps. Also, which one were you referring to as a dog?

@Nightsat44 4 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby TY so much. That answers a lot. The dog is the Ford that you show at about the 3:20 mark

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

@@Nightsat44 The Ford GT is actually quite fast. The problem is that it de-slots when changing lanes at high speeds. Two guys in the club got one of those and both do the same thing. None of the other cars we've ever seen does that. Apparently it's a known issue (at least with the 1/32 version) and possibly an aftermarket guide keel helps, but not sure how much. If it's a smaller, slower track and cars aren't traveling too fast it would probably be okay, but on a fast track it won't hang.

@juankator 4 жыл бұрын

great channel ! congratulations!!!!

@SlothFang 4 жыл бұрын

I’m looking to get into this hobby for the first time. Any recommendations on a starter set? I’ve got a few friends and family members who seem interested into forming a club, but I first need to get a track first. Much appreciated!

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

If you are looking to get Carrera I would recommend the Carrera 30008 DTM Furore Set, Digital 132 w/Lights and Wireless Controllers. That set comes with wireless controllers and two DTM cars. All the Carrera sets come with about the same amount of track (about 24 feet). I think the best deal for expanding a set is the Carrera 30367 Track Extension Set, Digital 124/132. That includes about 10 feet of additional track plus three lane changers.

@SingleTrack66 3 жыл бұрын

My main problem is , I don’t have enough mates with names like “Drillbit” , “Jigsaw” , “Tailpipe” or “Chopsaw” . So my clubs’ always going to feel a bit tame.

@johnniehobby 3 жыл бұрын

LOL

@slotcarsallaboutslotcars3730 4 жыл бұрын

Good information. Thanks

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

@FSR-Flying.Swine.Raceway 2 жыл бұрын

Hey PW.....😂😂😂😂🤪🤙🏻 I've been meaning to comment about that....

@TheGoldShot 4 жыл бұрын

yeah amongst my mates im know for taking too long outside sparking up XD

@thedude7726 3 жыл бұрын

Same here

@MegaWait4it 4 жыл бұрын

Good video.. Too bad Corona screwed us! Especially since you're right down the road now! Or did I get the hook?....🤣

@slater4041 4 жыл бұрын

We didn't axe you, man. We just conveniently lost your number.

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

What he said.

@MegaWait4it 4 жыл бұрын

Sumbitch.....

@garagemakerguy1808 4 жыл бұрын

hilarious

@okiedoak201 9 ай бұрын

Just one question....love your stuff btw...👍 So...with a club...is it customary to have a "buy in" fee then a race fee to help cover expenses....

@johnniehobby 9 ай бұрын

I couldn't say what "customary" is because we've only formed a club one time, but did learn a lot along the way. When we started getting other guys involved (essentially a club) we already had most of the track and accessories we have now. I would say that having some sort of buy-in would be ideal if you are just starting out and need to purchase of lot more track, or supplying cars for the drivers or other expenses in order to have a "club-sized" setup. That being said, because we host the races on our track in our house, on race night we basically have everybody else bring the pizza, snacks, and sometimes a bottle to share.

@davidgrant630 2 жыл бұрын

Love the video. I renewed the Hobby in 2017 with Carrera Digital - many different car manufacturers with most all (90) cars being GT style. There's not much interest in my southern region so no club members as yet. Any chance you'd allow me to send a car or two for one of your guys try for me? Wouldn't necessarily need to be included in the race heats. Thanks, Longwood

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

If you wanted to send a couple cars for us to try out, that would be cool. Slater and I can tune them up and run head-to-head, evaluate the handling, compare lap times to some of our other cars, maybe even make a video on it.

@davidgrant630 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby to what address should I send the cars? I can send return postage too.

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

@@davidgrant630 Send me an email to brackets@subhumanracing.net and I'll respond to that with a mailing address.

@justindurand9110 3 жыл бұрын

"Dick Fitzwell"... LOL....

@juankita8a 3 жыл бұрын

Holà. Tks for the video and the expertise! One question? How to reset a car ? After I play in mode phantom.... I don’t know how to get the Initial configuration Merci. You’re canadiens? I living Montreal!!!

@johnniehobby 3 жыл бұрын

The Molson and Labatt's must have thrown you off. We're actually your neighbors to the south. Back when we were 19 and 20 years old we'd take a trip across the Detroit River to Windsor where we could drink legally. Must have been where we got our affinity for your excellent brew. As far as resetting the car, I'm assuming the car is in ghost mode so it drives itself. Try this: put the car on the track, press the CODE button on the control unit, the car should stop trying to drive itself, then on any controller, push the lane change button. That should code the car to that controller and take it out of ghost mode. Let me know if that works.

@christopherstrickland4177 2 жыл бұрын

JH, why don't you like the new Ford GT? I recently got one in 1/24 digital scale just because I liked the colors but if it sucks please tell me why. I'm a novice just getting started.

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

The Ford GT in 1/32 has a problem with de-slotting at high speeds. You can't run through a lane change or come into a corner as fast as you can with other cars because the guide keel pops out of the slot and the car just continues straight. Probably not going to be an issue with smaller tracks where you don't reach top speed with the car, though. Also, that's 1/32. Not sure if the 1/24 has the same issues as the 1/24 cars definitely stay slotted better than 1/32 all around.

@christopherstrickland4177 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby Thanks for the info. Your videos are great! Very informative.

@surfnrg 4 жыл бұрын

I so wanna get into this... I'm just concerned that the temptation will be too much for me with all the young women that must flock to this sorta thing.

@johnniehobby 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's a big concern with us, too. LOL. We'll be sure to include in Part 2 that you may need to hire private security to keep the groupies under control while guys are racing.

@Bricks56 4 жыл бұрын

Brian Waldman , this is a mans hobby

@rugerkidd2076 Жыл бұрын

Where are u guys located?

@solunasunrise 2 жыл бұрын

ey yo Salami , whats up ? it´s me Frutti di Mare , hows Hawaii doing ? haha

@arkanbloodlines8275 2 жыл бұрын

He killing me lols

@vodoual4151 3 жыл бұрын

How racing should be

@wouldkflego3168 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question, I’m looking to start a slot car club and I was wondering if the DTMs could run against the GT3?

@johnniehobby 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. The DTM and the GT3 cars all handle very well and extremely close in performance. As a matter of fact, if one had a performance edge over the other I couldn't tell you which.

@wouldkflego3168 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby thank you so much!

@PghMtbRides 3 жыл бұрын

Could you rebody a vintage tier 2 muscle/pony car on a tier2 chassis?

@johnniehobby 3 жыл бұрын

Most Carrera chassis are unique to the body, unlike what you'd see in HO cars where all the chassis from a generation are identical (Curve Hugger, HP7, HP440, etc.) and so every body fits every chassis. With Carrera, chassis can have different wheelbases, different widths, and even different shapes. It can be done, but most likely going to require some custom work.

@PghMtbRides 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnniehobby so scalextric is probably better bet for vintage cars..then just chip for Carrera.

@johnniehobby 3 жыл бұрын

@@PghMtbRides That would be the more convenient way to go. There's a bunch of Scaley cars available right now I'd like to run on my Carrera track: 73 Hemicuda, 80 Camaro Z-28, 73 Camaro, 72 Corvette, IROC Z-28, and 70 Challenger R/T. However, I have no idea how they'd perform next to anything from Carrera.

@ILearnHockey 3 жыл бұрын

Plate of Spahgetti... lol

@federalgamingagency5019 2 жыл бұрын

What makes the Ford GT a turd in particular?

@johnniehobby 2 жыл бұрын

It de-slots very easy. You can't come into turns as fast as most other types of cars, and can't even take a lane change at high speed either. Not sure if it's a factor of where the guide keel pivot is located relative to the front axle, or if the front end is too light, or the guide keel doesn't engage the slot as much as other cars. On a slow track it may be okay, but definitely not good for a high-speed track. I've heard there's an aftermarket guide keel from Frankenslots that may help.