How to trick out a track?

General track discussions.
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dascomp51
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How to trick out a track?

Post by dascomp51 »

I have seen pictures of other packs' tracks and some of the cool things people have done to them. Our pack has a 42' Best Track.

I would like to know if anyone has suggestions or general ideas about things like any of the following:

raising the track off the floor to see it better
decorating the track itself - I've seen flags & color tape
leveling devices to keep the competition even from event to event

I would also like to know how you all separate the boys / crowd from the track. We have used hazard cones and caution tape or checkered flag pennant rope in the past, but I was wondering if there are any other ideas.

Thanks in advance.

David
pwdarchitect
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by pwdarchitect »

What about a remote control start gate with a light tree? It sounds as if the kids are not involved in placing their cars on the track so why not at least have one of the racers start the race via remote control with a light tree. I'm sure that there are people on this forum who could help you out with the electronics and supply the hardware that would be required.

Jim
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by Mr. Slick »

I have some photos at http://www.pwdracing.com/photos.html

There are a few track photos and then some workshop photos.

I use a laser level to make sure that the track is straight and "flat" -- I can't say level, except side to side, since it usually is set up as a 64' sloped track.
Mr. Slick says: Honey, I am doing this for the kids, not myself.
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woodenshoe1
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by woodenshoe1 »

Hey Slick,

Those are some great photos!!!!! They certainly helped me get some ideas for our first ever workshop. If you or anybody else has some more photos of workshops, please share you pictures.

THANKS,

Wooden Shoe
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gpraceman
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by gpraceman »

To me, the ultimate track setup would be one that has:
+ Timer with a large display of the finish order (dual sided display)
+ Solenoid start gate
+ Light tree
+ Each lane painted a different color or use colored tape
+ Painted stripe at the finish line
+ Leveling boards under each section so you can level the track side to side
+ Raise the whole thing on tables, with each table having a checkered skirt
+ And add some good race management software

There are other things that you can do to jazz up the race area:
+ Cones and ropes for crowd control
+ Projector to display results, live video and instant replays
+ Sound system for announcing, playing sound effects and race themed music
+ Car staging table with a nice "parking lot" for the cars
+ Banners, posters, checkered flags and any other race themed decorations
Last edited by gpraceman on Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:16 am, edited 4 times in total.
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PWD
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by PWD »

One thing we did with our BestTrack is added dampening on the spring loaded start. We found this to be very helpful. We added a piece of foam that I purchased from Lowes.
tmbnorm
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by tmbnorm »

PWD,

Does the foam dampening help with more consistent times?

I understand why you put it there, but does it have any benefit?
doct1010
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by doct1010 »

We have been elevating the track for several years. I find we have less jostling for a good vantage point. We use a large screen to display results via laptop. We place chairs and cones around perimeter. Track is dressed in checkered flags. Our staging table is wrapped in foam and covered with an old pool table cloth, I found placing a 1x2 under cloth works as well. Boxes are delineated with masking tape.

One of our Dads owns a Mercedes dealership, he always comes through with very cool media. This year cardboard backed pictures of the F1 McLaren and a life size stand - up of Kimi Räikkönen in full dress.

Check with your local dealers for media. They are more than willing to help in my experience. It winds up in trash, so if you recycle it you are also helping to save a tree. :lol: Makes up for all the PINE my son and I waste!
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by DerbyAddict »

tmbnorm wrote:PWD,

Does the foam dampening help with more consistent times?

I understand why you put it there, but does it have any benefit?
We did this also with felt pads. We just ordered the upgrade from 3ln to 4ln and Steve is now including a foam pad on the start gate.

I don't know if it helped with more consistent times but in trials before we did it sometimes a car would "jump" a little from the gate slamming into the bottom of the track. Most of the parents didn't notice it but the ones who did (hmm, seems it was all the ones who talked about stuff like friction and weight placement. Coincidence?) all agreed we needed to fix it to be as fair as possible.
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PWD
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Re: How to trick out a track?

Post by PWD »

Yes it definetely helps. What was going on is that when the gate would open the hitting of the metal on metal would jar the cars right when they are taking off.

I had heard that Steve now ships the track with a piece of foam so not an issue any longer.
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