Slot Car Convention VI

Slot Car Convention VI:

Fancy Moves and Serious Speed at the

Scalextric-USA / Slot.It / Charity Challenge Race!

The 6th Annual Slot Car Convention moved from Las Vegas to Phoenix for the 2005 edition. Set in the great facilities of Cruzin' Model Car Racing & Hobbies in Chandler, Arizona, it let to excellent racing, great inter-hobbyists camaraderie and some pretty fancy footsteps...as can be seen on these candid shots. Bob Scott and wife were fabulous hosts and could not have been more accommodating.

Scalextric-USA and TSRF sponsored a pair of races, run with Slot.It Porsche 956's cars for the benefit of the Marconi Foundation for Kids in Tustin, California. Slot.It's Maurizio Ferrari was kind enough to provide his latest tires and advice about their use. We thank them here for their generosity and kindness.

The format was IROC, meaning that the entrants were handed "equalized" cars that had carefully been blueprinted by the technical personnel of TSRF. The lap times revealed that they were indeed very close. The racing was very successful and showed the potential of such machinery for very serious racing, never mind their "plastic toys" image as portrayed by some pro racers. All had great fun racing and the field was very competitive. All in all, a very successful event!

The cars were the "Spirit of America" Le Mans Porsche 956 driven by Andretti-Follmer. They had been kindly donated by Scalextric USA and the TSRF. They were carefully blueprinted and fitted with the P4 tire compound and lower front tires kindly provided by Maurizio Ferrari of Slot.It. They were used for Race One and performed beautifully.

The bodies were pre-drilled for mounting on the TSRF "Club" chassis used for Race Two.

Eleven teams of two drivers were selected, due to the limited number of cars available. They raced in a round-robin manner, each driver alternating race segments. All entry fees were processed and are being donated to the Marconi Foundation for Kids in Tustin, California.

Both races were run in the "Crash & Burn" format, in 3-minute heats with one-minute re-slot breaks.

The Track

The "Squiggly" 70' modified figure-8 was used for both races. Running clockwise, the 8-lane track had a painted surface and was devoid of any traction compound. The copper braid did not provide for magnetic traction. The front straight is followed by a slightly banked 180-degree turn, downhill to a left, followed by a right "S", then a 180-degree flat turn. Up the hill to a right and back onto the front straight. Traction was at best, OK, but conditions were quite slippery with the stock molded rubber tires. The latest compound provided by Slot.It made a huge difference. Power was by a Pyramid PS26KX 25-amp pack set at 12.5-volt. No power or contact issues were noted.

The Teams

Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD
Al Weiss Prescott, AZ	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR
Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP
Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA	Larry Shepard, Arroyo Grande, CA
Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA	Rockland Russo, Salt Lake City, UT
Gene Smithson, Colbert, OK	Dennis David, Union City, CA
Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ	Mike Lisciandro, Chandler, AZ
Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ	Chris Rodriguez, Chandler, AZ
Robert Smith, Apache Junct, AZ	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ
Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA	Roy Hood, Sedona, AZ
John Emmons, Pasadena, CA	Glenn Gordon, Goodyear, AZ

All things were kept in check on this computer, with lap times measured in seven figures...

The teams were not allowed to clean their tires or do any work on the cars between heats. As per the TSRF regulations, any work on the cars must be performed during actual racing time.

Race One

After a few minutes of practice to get used to the handling characteristics of the Slot.It Porsches, the drivers lined up for Race One. The racing was fast and furious. Fastest lap time was recorded by the team of Robert Smith and Jim Armstrong with a swift 5.380", while eventual winners John Emmons and Glen Gordon motored to first place with a best of 5.770". In spite of the color accents placed on the cars, it was quite difficult to distinguish which one was which, and at least one driver was caught driving someone

else's car, and this for no less than TWO heats...he will remain nameless to protect his quickly diminishing reputation as an ace driver.

Concentration is ultimate as drivers Greg Wells, John Emmons, Rockland "Rocky" Russo, Rich Vecchio, Cruzin' Raceway owner Bob Scott (checking his neck for rope size) and Dennis Samson are guiding their Slot.It missiles through the twisty curves on the "Squiggly" track.

Dennis David used this telescopic extension for a better panoramic view of things. Larry Shepard at left is a "sit-out" and watches in despair as his lap total looks dimmer by the minute.

The team of Paul Sterrett and Roy Hood would have won this one, had they not run into the only mechanical problem in the entire race: a tire kept rolling off its rim, and they lost many laps fixing this throughout the race. Overall, the cars showed perfect reliability, justifying the reputation of the Slot.It cars in the marketplace, as this was the only incident worth noting.

Race One Results

Placing

Name

Laps

Time

Lane

Aver.

1	John Emmons, Pasadena, CA	Glenn Gordon, Goodyear, AZ	204	5.770	Red	25.5
2	Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA	Rockland Russo, Salt Lake City, UT	197	5.659	Red	24.6
3	Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD	183	5.880	Purple	22.9
4	Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA	Roy Hood, Sedona, AZ	181	5.939	Purple	22.6
5	Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ	Mike Lisciandro, Chandler, AZ	181	5.429	Orange	22.6
6	Al Weiss Prescott, AZ	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR	176	5.710	Red	22
7	Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ	Chris Rodriguez, Chandler, AZ	171	5.929	White	21.4
8	Gene Smithson, Colbert, OK	Dennis David, Union City, CA	164	5.939	Red	20.5
9	Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP	161	5.990	Yellow	20.1
10	Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA	Larry Shepard, Arroyo Grande, CA	152	5.601	Green	19
11	Robert Smith, Apache Junction, AZ	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ	136	5.380	Blue *	17

* Star indicates fastest lap time

Race Two

To showcase the new guide pin fitted on the TSRF chassis, a second race was run using off-the-shelf TSRF "Club" chassis. The wonderful Slot.It Porsche bodies require no modifications and fit like gloves on the TSRF "home-racing" or "Club" chassis. Assembly is by four straight pins, using the automatic body-mounting tool.

The stainless-steel pin is tapered to provide contact at the lowest possible point in the slot.

It took only 15 minutes to switch the bodies over to the TSRF "Club" chassis, and Race Two followed in quick order after a short practice session for all the drivers to familiarize themselves with the different handling characteristics of the TSRF machinery.

The cars lined up, and racing began again in the most competitive manner.

The "Super Team" of old pros, Wells/de Lespinay choked again, unable to keep a consistent drive from their aging finger. Sterrett and Hood utterly dominated with a perfect drive.

Talking about getting old, TSRF man-in-charge forgot to lubricate the cars' front axles and wheels, and this had to be done during one of the re-slot stops

by mid-race. The noise level was substantially reduced, as well at a newly-found increase in... speed! The TSRF chassis had all been fitted with the new stainless-steel guide pin that changed the handling from unpredictable under-steer to resolute over-steer. All drivers were definitely pleased with this improvement, now supplied in all new RTR and chassis kits. Now the car can be "punched" with little fear of de-slotting, and can negotiate the tightest curves with ease.

High Anxiety! Alan Schwartz, ace-dancer Stan Smith, Allan Weiss, Greg Wells, Dennis Samson, Jim Cunningham and Gene Smithson dice with the Slot.It bodied-TSRF rockets. May the best win! And they did.

Race Two Results

Placing

Name

Laps

Time

Lane

Aver.

1	Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA	Roy Hood, Sedona, AZ	283	4.6090	White	35.4
2	John Emmons, Pasadena, CA	Glenn Gordon, Goodyear, AZ	266	4.6208	Orange	33.2
3	Al Weiss Prescott, AZ	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR	263	4.5004	Black	32.9
4	Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ	Mike Lisciandro, Chandler, AZ	256	4.5000*	Blue	32
5	Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA	Rockland Russo, Salt Lake City, UT	253	4.6094	Black	31.6
6	Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD	240	4.7792	Black	30
7	Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ	Chris Rodriguez, Chandler, AZ	220	4.5002	Purple	27.5
8	Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA	Larry Shepard, Arroyo Grande, CA	211	4.5001	Black	26.4
9	Robert Smith, Apache Junct, AZ	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ	197	5.0510	Red	24.6
10	Gene Smithson, Colbert, OK	Dennis David, Union City, CA	183	5.0003	Black	22.9
11	Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP	166	4.8903	Black	20.8

* Star indicates fastest lap time

Overall Combined Results

Placing

Name

1	John Emmons, Pasadena, CA	Glenn Gordon, Goodyear, AZ
2	Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA	Roy Hood, Sedona, AZ
3	Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA	Rockland Russo, Salt Lake City, UT
4	Al Weiss Prescott, AZ	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR
5	Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ	Mike Lisciandro, Chandler, AZ
6	Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD
7	Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ	Chris Rodriguez, Chandler, AZ
8	Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA	Larry Shepard, Arroyo Grande, CA
9	Gene Smithson, Colbert, OK	Dennis David, Union City, CA
10	Robert Smith, Apache Junct, AZ	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ
11	Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP

First overall team of Glen Gordon (left) and John Emmons each won a new

Porsche 956 offered by

as well as a TSRF chassis kit offered by

. John is the manager of Uncle Kal's Raceway in Monrovia, California. They drove consistently and keep their cars on track, and while not being the fastest, they proved to be the most efficient and got a deserved win.

Roy Hood (left) and Paul Sterrett are old pros, and only bad luck in Race One with a tire problem barred them from an overall win. They did not encounter any trouble in Race Two and crushed the opposition. Both won a

chassis kit for their efforts. Roy, used to drive professional racing cars, was impressed by both the Slot.It and the TSRF chassis. This was his first experience with these cars.

The unlikely team of Jim Cunningham (one of the more serious racers anywhere) and Rockland "Professor Fate" Russo fought hard and tough and were rewarded with a well-deserved third place. While Rocky contemplates the macaroni salad, Jim is holding the loot: two new chassis kits.

Raceway owners Mr. & Mrs. Robert Scott treated all present to a luau dinner and Polynesian dancing of the highest quality, probably a first in the history of slot car racing! Several racers were invited to participate, which caused a near riot of laughter from the less adventurous ones... At right, Stan Smith is practicing his best moves.

Bob Scott and the Missus hanging it all out with the professionals... let it all hang out!

Meanwhile, lust is in the eyes of Dennis David, but keep them' knees close to the bod, eh!

TSRF24 Race

As it has been a tradition for the past 3 years, there was also a 1/24 scale TSRF race at the convention. And, incredibly, Paul Sterrett, still using the very dead-stock car with which he won ALL previous TSRF races he entered, won again, proving that TSRF racing is the ultimate format for the best drivers. This time, all the cars were retrofitted with the new stainless-steel guide pin, and it made a huge difference on the track. Not only were the cars totally predictable and utterly drivable, but lap times tumbled as Bob Scott used his brand new dead-stock Lancia just put together by Philippe de Lespinay to set the fastest ever recorded time on a King track for a TSRF car at 6.69". It looked for a while that Philippe would be in contention but it was not to be as his car lost electrical contact and he spent too much time sourcing the problem. Greg Wells redeemed himself from his poor showing in the 1/32 scale race by finishing in second place, a mere 5 laps behind super-consistent Paul Sterrett.

The track had issues with uneven assembly joints catching the front of the cars, and launching was a problem. Bob Scott tried his best to re-fit the track sections to a reasonable level, and this helped a lot. The track was very dry with fair traction, but the new guide pins did their job and the cars handled beautifully.

Rich Vecchio, Bob Scott, Dave Deuble, Paul Sterrett and Stan Smith are awaiting the start of the race while Jim Cunningham is still assembling the car won the day before. There is a future star in the "hole"...

The starting field with a mix of injected plastic and vacuum formed bodies. The Porsche 956 of winner Paul Sterrett is second from left on the front row. Fastest on a single lap was the white Lancia of Bob Scott, 5th from left on the front row. Greg Wells' Lancia is in center of row 2 with its cheater wing. The yellow Lancia is that of Jim Cunningham, who forgot to trim the front wheel wells as mandated by the rules... Jim ran into minor trouble as he assembled his car a bit too fast. He quickly learned the meaning of reading the TSRF website for assembly advice... first.

The cars fitted with vacuum formed bodies were applied a 10-lap handicap to allow the heavier cars a chance at the overall win. This could have happened if both very experienced pros, Paul Sterrett and Greg Wells, had stayed home...

The race was very eventful with several cars crashing hard on the launching ramps, resulting in long pit stops. Allan Schwartz was the first victim and called it a day fairly quickly. Jim Cunningham had electrical woes on his new car and also pulled out. Philippe also had problems, came back but was unable to resolve them quickly so packed it up mid race. Stan Smith did an outstanding job with his loaner Porsche GT1 fitted with a Revell body, while Rich Vecchio proved that an injected Tamiya Porsche body is just as competitive as a TSRF vacuum formed body of the same car.

TSRF24 Race Results Star after name means car fitted with injected body

Placing

Name

Laps

Time

Lane

Aver.

1	Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA	192	6.969	White	24
2	Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA	187	7.250	Yellow	23.4
3	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR *	175	6.968	Green	21.9
4	Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA	173	7.082	Blue	21.6
5	Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA	164	7.409	Blue	20.5
6	Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ *	163	6.703	Orange	20.4
7	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP	104	7.077	Black	13
8	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ	84	7.192	Red	10.5
9	Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ	83	6.699 *	Purple	10.4
10	Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA	40	6.808	Green	5
11	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD *	35	8.352	Purple	4.4

* Star indicates fastest lap time

TSRF24 Corrected Race Results After handicap is applied

Placing

Name

1	Paul Sterrett, Irvine, CA
2	Greg Wells, Atlanta, GA
3	Rich Vecchio, Roseburg, OR *
4	Dave Deuble, Chandler, AZ *
5	Stan Smith Redondo Beach, CA
6	Dennis Samson, Irvine, CA
7	Philippe de Lespinay, San Sebastian, SP
8	Jim Armstrong, Phoenix AZ
9	Bob Scott, Chandler, AZ
10	Alan Schwartz, Baltimore MD *
11	Jim Cunningham, Vista, CA

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