opinions for a limited Engine class for the Trucks

[RacerX11]

This is just my opinion, but I think it is time to introduce a limited engine class for the trucks to help level out the field using out of the box non modded motors. this would help the budget racers and people new to oval racing running budget engines ranging $139 or less have a chance of winning races against higher funded people sporting 200+ dollar engines and with engine mods at tracks for weekly racing and events. Now I am not saying that we should ruin this class, but a more level playing field would create better racing and more fun in the long run. This again is my opinion and should have some thought looked at this.

[k-clark]

Only being back in the hobby for a little more than a year now,running gas truck,here's my observation.Gas trucks on the whole don't get much love,but do make for a fair number of entries at local tracks.I don't understand it,talk about open wheel!!!I would be in favor of a limited engine rule,but it likely won't happen.Tracks will never run two separate truck classes and most don't have the time or resources to tech them.Last year I ran a used O.S. CV.15 in my truck with decent results,with help from lots of people including the track champ I found myself running faster than I expected in a much shorter period of time,my driving was not as good as the truck most of the time!A decent engine , a good chassis setup and the right tire will take you far,but there are those guys who are running 300.00 plus engines to make up for an ill handling chassis.And the guys with big HP who can set up a chassis?, forget about it.But no matter what the rules,I'm out to have fun and forge friendships.Good luck to all in '09.:checkeredflag:

[jaybird 52]

OS 12 CVR 115.00 AT MY LHS PLENTY OF POWER TO RUN WITH ALL:checkeredflag:

[BOOSIER RACING TIRES]

With all of the tracks closing their doors, be happy that there is a place you can run your truck and conform to the rules at that particular track, besides creating too many classes thins out the other ones. I would rather race 8 cars per class opposed to 3......

[k-clark]

With all of the tracks closing their doors, be happy that there is a place you can run your truck and conform to the rules at that particular track, besides creating too many classes thins out the other ones. I would rather race 8 cars per class opposed to 3......


Absoloutely

[kbow]

Absoloutely
well let me say i bin running trucks for a year now at bumbs the last couple weeks we bin having 14 pluse trucks that is great but a stock class would help but i run a stock truck (gt2) and had a friend or two run my outher truck and we ran 4 and 5 this week so i think its handeling more than power for the most of ot but when you get both we had trucks running 49 laps no stock truck will run that

[RacerX11]

well let me say i bin running trucks for a year now at bumbs the last couple weeks we bin having 14 pluse trucks that is great but a stock class would help but i run a stock truck (gt2) and had a friend or two run my outher truck and we ran 4 and 5 this week so i think its handeling more than power for the most of ot but when you get both we had trucks running 49 laps no stock truck will run that

Your right. handling is more important at bumps than HP. But Those guys that run those 250+ dollar engines use all that power for acceleration. And for us who can't afford it get left in the dust. After a while I start to not have fun any more when I have a good handling truck and can't beat these guys because they are running 250+ dollar engines and could be modded or more than three ports,maybe both, and all I got is a 90 dollar outdated motor and a semi-stock chassis. I just think now that restricting the price of motors to about $150 could help in the situation for us budget racers, that's all.

[BOOSIER RACING TIRES]

Your right. handling is more important at bumps than HP. But Those guys that run those 250+ dollar engines use all that power for acceleration. And for us who can't afford it get left in the dust. After a while I start to not have fun any more when I have a good handling truck and can't beat these guys because they are running 250+ dollar engines and could be modded or more than three ports,maybe both, and all I got is a 90 dollar outdated motor and a semi-stock chassis. I just think now that restricting the price of motors to about $150 could help in the situation for us budget racers, that's all.

No disrespect but I have seen your races, you are not getting beat by high dollar engines and besides if you want to run a spec/limited class, Bumps has (2) in place, limited sprint and also limited late model. Horsepower will hurt more than help at Bumps, corner speed is everything......

[RacerX11]

None Taken Bowie.

[Mason]

How long have you guys been running truck on the dirt oval?

[ctsieber]

you will find most of the people using motors like that at bumps aren't running much more then half throttle. I know last year with my +12 in a sprint car I rarely used more then half throttle. Set up and patience mean more then HP.


Your right. handling is more important at bumps than HP. But Those guys that run those 250+ dollar engines use all that power for acceleration. And for us who can't afford it get left in the dust. After a while I start to not have fun any more when I have a good handling truck and can't beat these guys because they are running 250+ dollar engines and could be modded or more than three ports,maybe both, and all I got is a 90 dollar outdated motor and a semi-stock chassis. I just think now that restricting the price of motors to about $150 could help in the situation for us budget racers, that's all.

[cobra22431]

Gas truck oval kinda died last summer at my local track dirt runners in NJ and they dropped that class from the CW us open wheel race 2 yrs ago. Use to be a big class. My GT with os tg 12 is collecting dust lately

[Mason]

This is an entry level class to gas racing whether its d/o or off-road. This gets people in the door and a relatively inexpensive way to get them on the track. I don't believe there is a gas truck that comes with a .12 these days so there's no point in forcing the new guy into buying a motor just to race casually.

If you want to improve your growth.. Keep the truck length arms, layout, oem chassis, motor up to .18. Allow rtr bodies, d/o truck bodies or whatever the local flavor is for the sportsman and of course proper tires in regards to track rules. (ie anything bought extra can actually be resold locally)

Other than that its time for some guys to nut up to another level if they want to get into it (racing).

:checkeredflag:

[mikeschellracing]

RACERX11, be patient. there is so much to racing and going fast. if your not wide open all the way around the track there is still speed to be found with your engine. work on corner speed, so you can drive your truck in deeper and pick the throttle up sooner. also your tires are a very big part of your handling. take your tires off your truck during the week and clean them and put some tire tweak on them and put them in a ziploc bag. also i'm not sure what your using for tires but RC4LESS SILVERS and RAD A work the best at bumps unless there is 100+ racers and it rubbers up[gets black]. if it gets black you want to run pinks. like i said be patient it takes time. your driving and your setup skills will get better each time you go to the track. most new racers don't win in there first year. heck some never win, but they have a good time at the track with there friends. don't make the same mistake alot of racers do and get so wrapped up in the competitive side your not having fun anymore. if you really want to get a new motor try this nova rossi NS12TS1 . you can get it for $160-$180. nova rossi makes a great motor, and i think this is all you need at bumps for sure. if you need help just ask, most of us are more than willing to help out. good luck and have fun.

[JohnnyO]

Hello Mr RACERX11,

Couple of quick notes:

A) B&J "DID" have a Novice Truck Class, but everybody wanted to run "Open"

B) I agree with you, that no matter how well your truck handles, it's no fun when big HP rips you up the straightaway.

C) For the Record, a "Dirt Oval Gas Truck" isn't the easiest thing to drive, but it WILL make a Good Driver out of you!

D) To help with your HP Issue, I have a Fresh Excellent Condition RB V15 (5 port / Slide / Std Short Crank / Full Mods) that makes to much HP for a LM (ask Bowie!) plus the 2009 PA LM rules are now 12's only.......... This engine in my truck will run 50 laps (with good track conditions like we'll have at the Freeze) Average Single Lap time about 4.50.......... Your Cost $150 (plus shipping)

E) Warning, with extra HP you may be out of control and go a little slower at first and you won't be able to blame the engine, also Big HP is hard on parts (out-drives, CVD's gears) and harder to drive, you'll have to learn throttle control...... but I must admit, it is fun to have a little extra HP!

john oddone

[dirty one]

This is just my opinion, but I think it is time to introduce a limited engine class for the trucks to help level out the field using out of the box non modded motors. this would help the budget racers and people new to oval racing running budget engines ranging $139 or less have a chance of winning races against higher funded people sporting 200+ dollar engines and with engine mods at tracks for weekly racing and events. Now I am not saying that we should ruin this class, but a more level playing field would create better racing and more fun in the long run. This again is my opinion and should have some thought looked at this.

RACERX11, YOU DONT NEED A BIG DOLLAR MOTOR TO WIN A RACE OR TO RUN WITH THE BIG BOYS. I WHEN TO THE USOWC RACE WITH A STOCK OS TZ 5 PORT AND WON THE OPEN LM CLASS.90% OF THE DRIVING IS THE CORNERS.YOU CAN ASK ANYONE THERE. ASK BROCK HE DROVE MY NITRO EDM AND LOVED IT.I HELP ALOT OF PEOPLE WERE EVER I GO . ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK AND SOMEONE WILL HELP.I WILL BE AT BUMPS ON THE 3RD. SO IF YOU ARE THERE , JUST COME OVER AND ASK.:thumbsup


DIRTY ONE

[jrcspeedway]

You are right Dale i saw a lot of people at the usow that had the tz 5 port that did well people have been telling me forever that i did not need all the engine i had after the open wheel i understand i used a stock rb 3 port and beat half the field i was happy with that i got beat because it comes down to track time and set up i am learning that now it only took two and a half years but i think all the guys that have helped me.

[Todd Putnam]

Yup, HP is over rated. I had the fastest Nitro car at this years USOW and at last years Freeze, and it is a stock 3 port...and I think I could actually have gone faster with a TG last year at the Freeze.

Someone suggested a Nova Rossi TS1. I have one, awesome little engine-

I ran a TG in my LM and my EDM against Open Engines all summer and was the quickest/and/or won pretty much every race I attended. Chassis setup and driving wins races, not HP.

Hartzell's fast lap was 2 tenths slower than the fastest laps turned in the A-main at the USOW, but he won. Although I didn't see the race, I would guess that he did so by not getting in trouble and running consistent 5.3's vs. hangin on for dear life running 5.1's.

I'd suggest a TG. Plenty of them around, plenty of LTD. guys looking to buy and sell them, and they run for a long, long time as long as you take care of them.

Hope this helps...:thumbsup:

[terry14]

i agree 100% with dale and todd. i have a limited late model that is just as fast as anyone's. because of my inexperience i get beat with lap times. once i get the cornering thing down i will be very competetive. cornering is THE most important thing in oval racing. if it wasn't we would call it drag racing.

[signman501]

Yup HP is not everything. I spent to many years drag racing and now I'm just begining to learn about going around corners. Like Johnny O said, trucks are the hardest to oval race. You will find out when you try a LM or EDM, I did.

[Smokinnitro]

I belive that the guy leading the point this winter is using a stock AE 15 same motor that come in the RTR kit. learn to drive and setup your ride you will go many more laps.

[mikeschellracing]

ASSOC. 15 IS A GREAT MOTOR. I WON THE 2005 DIRT OVAL . COM EAST COAST POINTS WITH THAT MOTOR AND ALSO WON THE NEWVILLE CHAMPS RACE IN 2004 WITH THAT SAME RTR TRUCK.:thumbsup:

[WYD]

Hmmm I won a tour race at Liberty Valley in 2007 with a Traxxas 2.5 motor in a 125 dollar truck.

You have seen me win 3 of 4 at Bumps with a Nitro Rustler with again a 2.5 Traxxas motor in a 250 dollar RTR truck.

It isn't HP ir straightaway speed as that is just for show........its all about corner speed and consistantly running the same line lap after lap. It has not changed since when I started in the mid 80's.

Its not HP that is killing you but your not consistantly in the racing line and you need to make the truck handle better. If you can't run for 4 minutes without wrecking then you don't need more power. Remember the fast guys will be faster than you because of their knowledge and driving skills, not by the size of their motor.

[RacerX11]

Thanks everyone. I have been very stressed out lately from the holidays and working long 14 hour days (That's what I get for working at a Restaurant.). I got some new equipment that should help me work on the truck and become a better racer, and working on my nitro late model is also helping me figure out the line better. i should be down at Bumps & Jumps on the 7th with my late model and truck.

[JohnnyO]

OK Maybe it's just me, but I thought this thread was about the Gas Truck Class, not Late Models, and the topic was keeping the engine cost to about $150. Trucks DON'T Handle like a Late Models, and can use a little extra HP if the track has bite, that's what make Gas Truck racing so much FUN, they're like racing vintage muscle cars, ill-handling and over powered............ PERFECT!!!

johnO

[Smokinnitro]

Chris I will be available the next wednesday Bumps is open. If you want I can help you with your setup.

Greg Snellbaker

[RacerX11]

that would be helpful. I run a stock RC10GT and it has potential. i hope to see you there. I have to go there early to get my bump box fixed anyway.

[WYD]

Chris I will be available the next wednesday Bumps is open. If you want I can help you with your setup.

Greg SnellbakerNow Chris will be in trouble.:D

[RacerX11]

Now Chris will be in trouble.:D
Oh boy.... What did I get dragged into now.....:confused:

[Smokinnitro]

Brian maybe you could lend a hand after all you are The Master

[WYD]

Brian maybe you could lend a hand after all you are The MasterThat is possible. I'm actually working on my truck right now to get it ready for next Wed. I would like to run it with you guys if at all possible.

[JohnnyO]

Anybody racing Trucks this Sat the 3rd?? @ B&J.........????

[FREEZER]

Anybody racing Trucks this Sat the 3rd?? @ B&J.........????


Johnny, Their has been a good turnout everyweek for the truck class. I think you and the boys should pop in and knock some of the rust off them thier hands.

[WYD]

The turnout was excellent for trucks the last few weeks I stopped in. Normally a nice turnout for trucks almost evey weekend. Wed is a little more hit or miss.

[RacerX11]

The last Wed oval race at bumps had a good turnout of trucks. There are quite a few of us that race oval on Wednesdays only at Bumps.

[RacerX11]

This is an entry level class to gas racing whether its d/o or off-road. This gets people in the door and a relatively inexpensive way to get them on the track. I don't believe there is a gas truck that comes with a .12 these days so there's no point in forcing the new guy into buying a motor just to race casually.

If you want to improve your growth.. Keep the truck length arms, layout, oem chassis, motor up to .18. Allow rtr bodies, d/o truck bodies or whatever the local flavor is for the sportsman and of course proper tires in regards to track rules. (ie anything bought extra can actually be resold locally)

Other than that its time for some guys to nut up to another level if they want to get into it (racing).

:checkeredflag:

Problem. .18 engines are not legal in gas truck class. (unless the rule still applies to Kits that come with it standard.) Most RTRs come with .15 engines that are legal to run. I do like the rule for them to be unmodded, but having to utilize a pullstart or rotorstarts is a bit of a stupid rule since there are .15 engines still out there that don't come with pullstarts or rotorstarts.

[RacerX11]

That is possible. I'm actually working on my truck right now to get it ready for next Wed. I would like to run it with you guys if at all possible.
I guess I'll have to run my truck and late model the same day.:p

[BOOSIER RACING TIRES]

That thing (RB V15) is an animal that is hopefully chained down while in storage........That is a lot of hp for the money, all I can say is if you have the stones to pull this thing full-throttle be prepared to hold on!:revs::redyellow:Hello Mr RACERX11,

Couple of quick notes:

A) B&J "DID" have a Novice Truck Class, but everybody wanted to run "Open"

B) I agree with you, that no matter how well your truck handles, it's no fun when big HP rips you up the straightaway.

C) For the Record, a "Dirt Oval Gas Truck" isn't the easiest thing to drive, but it WILL make a Good Driver out of you!

D) To help with your HP Issue, I have a Fresh Excellent Condition RB V15 (5 port / Slide / Std Short Crank / Full Mods) that makes to much HP for a LM (ask Bowie!) plus the 2009 PA LM rules are now 12's only.......... This engine in my truck will run 50 laps (with good track conditions like we'll have at the Freeze) Average Single Lap time about 4.50.......... Your Cost $150 (plus shipping)

E) Warning, with extra HP you may be out of control and go a little slower at first and you won't be able to blame the engine, also Big HP is hard on parts (out-drives, CVD's gears) and harder to drive, you'll have to learn throttle control...... but I must admit, it is fun to have a little extra HP!

john oddone

[JohnnyO]

Sounds like B&J should have a good turn out for this weekend....... I'll try and gather up the NJ troops for a road trip......... Thanks Brian for the Engine Review!........ a V15 is a little easier to drive in a truck with the extra weight and bigger tires........ the one on e-Bay is the one I let you try, and Brad ran it a few times in a LM (stupid fast).......... I have a 2nd V15 that's basically a clone to that one, only with a standard glow plug, and a standard 5.5mm carb (that actually helps calm these beast down!)........ That's the engine I offered to RacerX11 for $150 to try and help him with his HP issue........ RacerX11 get 1st chance......... if some other truck driver want it, let me know, I don't care either way, I sell most of my engines to Australia

johnO

[Smokinnitro]

John I'll be there with the new FB enginerring chassis.

Brian get that Rustler ready.

I love when the Jersey boys show up. Cause if you want to be the best you need to beat the best.

[JohnnyO]

What's a FB Engineering chassis?? (Sounds Fast!).............. I guess my 10 year old Barts chassis is in trouble...... Brian with his 08 and now Greg with a 09, ........ I'll have to try and keep up and maybe I can get you guys through traffic......

Be Safe Tonight!

Be careful with the Nitro!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

johnnyO

[ctsieber]

Maybe ill even show up at bumps this weekend :confused:

[Animal]

Maybe ill even show up at bumps this weekend :confused:

That there is Funny, I dont care who you are!

[ctsieber]

That there is Funny, I dont care who you are!

yup it is!

[signman501]

Maybe ill even show up at bumps this weekend :confused:

I'll belive it when I see it.:yellowflag:

[RacerX11]

Amazing how off subject this got...:rolleyes:

[mike1976]

What's a FB Engineering chassis?? (Sounds Fast!).............. I guess my 10 year old Barts chassis is in trouble...... Brian with his 08 and now Greg with a 09, ........ I'll have to try and keep up and maybe I can get you guys through traffic......

Be Safe Tonight!

Be careful with the Nitro!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

johnnyOFlyin brick? :D

[OTR SPEEDWAY]

I think for most Truck Class drivers more HP is more of a handicapp than it is a helpful thing. Although when you have experience, patience, and setup skills more HP is a definate advantage. With the high-bite Clay and wider truck tires on PA ovals the extra HP is an advantage to those folks. Do I think it changes the outcome of the races? Not all that much. The Fast guys will always run out front. But I think it does handicapp some of the drivers out there that can't get through the corner but can power down the straights to makeup time. Ever seen that before? I personally hate it. You'll see a guy who is relatively new and every race he powers down the straight with BIG HP and hardly EVER makes the turn. You just hope you can roll through the center quick enough to get away before he plays Mister Snowplow! LOL. Oh well I guess you have to learn at some point!!!! At least in trucks is a $150 truck instead of a $450 Sprint!

BUT. Overall I think that if you feel the need to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on a TRUCK class motor then you've got bigger issues than lack of HP!:ha:

[WYD]

Guys like alot of HP for when they are on tracks that have loads of traction but then cry when the track is alittle loose and then they actually have to setup the truck/car and actually have to drive. I hear this at least once a week or more. Racing is about changing setups to match the track conditions. Real dirt tracks change hourly and you have ot read the conditions and setup for them not have the track owner add tons of water to make up for your bad driving and setups.

Big problem I hear is typical, god forbid if traction isn't so high that you don't have to lift because when its not everyone cries. I wish some of these guys could go back in time to see what it use to be like when tracks didn't have massive traction and you would have to learn to setup and drive the damn thing.

[RacerX11]

I see what your getting at. I have had nights where I have finished 2nd or 3rd and the guys that finished in the back were the ones that were complaining about the track being slick or wrecking.

[Dan D]

I see what your getting at. I have had nights where I have finished 2nd or 3rd and the guys that finished in the back were the ones that were complaining about the track being slick or wrecking.

hummmmmmmmmm........thats funny right there

[JohnnyO]

I'll 2nd That Dan!, now that's Funny!!!!.... and Brian is 100% Correct, dirt racing requires constant adjustment, personally I adjust all day, and it's the last and final adjustment just before the Main that has given me all my wins (or loses when I miss)................... Well, it 6:45 AM & Brad should be here soon and we're on our way to knock some rust off and have a few laughs, I'm bringing my "Backup" truck which will be going up for sale on e-Bay next week.......... so if anybody is interested in a Front Runner for the Freeze & 09 PA Tour season, stop by and lets talk......100% complete (less receiver & transponder) $450........Powered by a RB X-15 5 port Turbo List price on the engine was $300+

johnnyO