DODC in the Heartland

[racerjmh]

Why do you guys think there is a lack of DODC interest in the heartland? Only track I know of that is imterested isn't even open yet, just talking about it? I like the concept but wonder if it's just the rubber tire thing? Oh well, just asking.

Jim

[kipp]

the dodc rules package includes rubber tires.

[racerjmh]

For sprints, that's why the Chili Bowl guys get points for mod sprint and Nitro Sprint. None of the tracks in the KS andsurrounding areas have went for DODC rules and I am wondering why?

[plipitkc]

We are Outlaws and Gunfighters out here Jim. Besides, change is difficult for some to swallow and the economics of change can be frightening.

Phil

[Offutt Racing]

I dont get it either they are basically the same rules. Look's like away to get some FREE advertisement.


Gary

[air8]

The other thing I have been noticing is the guys in north Kansas aren't here on DO very much. So they just use their own rules and it's working for them I think. I can think of a handful of you guys that are here on DO but for the most part I'm not sure how many actually know about this site. Maybe I'm way off though as this is just my experience so far.

[racerjmh]

Well the only talked about DODC track is in St Louis- MO- like me- LOL- cept KC,MO.
Checkered Flag is doing great here. No need to mess with sucess. Just wondering about the lack of interest in the other areas of the midwest. Looks like east coast will have local DODC stuff.

Jim

[Rob Cutman]

Our hope is that in time most tracks will adopt the rules we have made available for them to use. I think it will just take some time for all the benefits to be seen and in some cases they just may not want to change what they already have in place. I am very happy with the growth to this point and have been hearing from tracks in the midwest and out in CA over the last few days who are expressing interest in the rules package and the programs we are working on. I think in time our programs will be widely accepted and utilized by a majority of tracks thoughout the country.

Thanks,
Rob

[ed gaines]

How about bringing 4wh back:D

[pup70]

This is only my opinion, I am not interested in the dodc due to the spec battery and motor. I understand that there are open classes to run. I don't want to spend $100 on a battery when I have too many now, And I don't want to buy more motors. I also have one of the wide havoc sc sprints and won't spend another $100 to make it fit the width rules. And alot of the guys racing in this are are just having fun using what they have, b3 with a cage fabbed on, b4 with bodies, no special chassis and putting what ever motor is working. When you start talking "spec" with guys already spoiled with buying cheaper stuff and being able to win, that sorta scares em off. I mean no disrespect to anyone who enjoys the DODC.

[racerjmh]

But thhe only way to become a national champion is to run DODC races. If there are no DODC races in the heartland then it takes us out of the hunt. And I mean all of the heartland states and area not just our lil hotbed in KC.

Jim

[plipitkc]

Ron,

Is the national points free to enter with the only requirement is the track adopts the rules? So how can indiivduals, who want to be a part of this become involved when there is not a DODC track within the state or further away?

Do they have to travel to, I don't know where, but its a lot further than the local area track and then these rules will probably only be adopted during a special race to attract more racers on the national level.

Yes, I am thinking of the guys who were up in the points after the Chilli Bowl Jr.

I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it with running L8M and the NSCS type EDM.

Thanks

Phil

[Bulldog_Wally14]

The DODC program has a lot more to offer than just "spec" racing, but for some reason the first thing that everyone thinks about, when they think DODC, are the spec motors & batteries.

While I think the spec programs are great, especially for the guys who are not "out for blood", there are also modified classes available where you can run the brushless motor & Lipo of your choice. This does not help the "wide cage" issue, but I believe that was discussed at great lengths back in October. The simple solution was to shorten the cage cross bars and slightly tip in the top of the cage, since that is where the measurement is to be taken. The best part is that this solution is free!

Also, there is nothing against running a buggy chassis with an oval body.

[Rob Cutman]

We are hearing from more and more tracks everyday that are interested in adopting the DODC rules package. As Wally said the "spec" part of the rules package is just a small portion of the total package and only applies to those classes directly. Most of the racing in the midwest that I am aware of is open modified anyway, so the spec class rules would not likely apply to much of it. Certainly didn't apply to any of the classes at the chili bowl jr event. We will have a more up to date schedule shortly that will list the DODC National points event races that will be coming up this year. Each DODC track will be able to designate one of their races as a DODC national points race.

Rob

[sps3172]

Check the Tracks forum....there are now 2 DODC tracks in the Heartland!! I see Allan's RC Raceway has adopted the rules package as well and is now listed in the 'DODC Tracks' forum.

I doubt we (the Midwest) will be taking over as the dirt oval mecca anytime soon, but I think the DODC Rules are going to be a very healthy thing for DO racing in the midwest. We have lots of willing participants...but until now, they have been scattered across too many obscure classes.

Let's hope the momentum continues....

[Rob Cutman]

Have a few more in the works that we hope to add in the next few days as well.

Rob

[Dlan44]

The DODC rule concept and national Points is a good one and will definitely help things grow. The largest number of the racrs right now are in the east. They have run the basic cars that fit the DODC rules for years The vast majority of their racers have started with a platform that can be made to fit the rules easiy and be somewhat competetive.

West of the Mississippi the weekly grass roots racer began with a truck, and now 1/8 scales. Consequently today their overwhelmingly popular classes weekly are 1/8 Latemodel and trucks, or truck based Modifieds (EDM's). Neither of these classes are supported by the DODC rules, nor can they be made to fit competetively. With the new 1/10 slider, CW low cost sprint and the resurgence of electrics in time things could change. Right now however the bulk of the racers in the central/west, and a good many in the souheast run classes that do not fit the base rules.

The guys that can and will travel, have sponsors, or are just that good will race DODC. The average midwest racer just has fun with his truck or 1/8 scale every week at his local track. For them there is no incentive to build a whole new car that there may be only 5-6 at his track, when he can run against 20-30 Modfieds or 1/8 latemodels every week. Bottom line, they race as economically as possible and have a ball doing it.

[racerjmh]

NSCS has the only two DODC classes that are poular here west of the Mississippi- Open electric sprint and open nitro sprint. Most of the tracks we visit have those two classes at a minimum. I like the DODC rules and will race under them in the two sprint classes just doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm for the spec classes.

Jim

[jhoover74]

I know of at least one other track here in the heartland that is working on or possibly getting DODC Sanctioning, which will be awesome for our area

James

[Todd Putnam]

Our 3 local tracks here in the Albany, NY area adopted the DODC rules with huge success and acceptance.

Like Wally and Rob stated, the DODC is more than just Spec/Standardized equipment:

-Having a uniform set of rules nationwide is a huge asset.
-Standardized equipment
-Retail programs setup up so that the DODC motors/batteries are only available thru the DODC tracks and shops
-A free forum here for every DODC track.

Great program-:thumbsup:

[curtisp]

I think that some tracks would be surprised to see how similar their current rules are to the DODC rules. I know that the rules at the two tracks closest to me are very close to the DODC rules. I also compared the rules for Checkered Flag R/C Raceway (http://www.checkeredflagrcraceway.com/) and noticed that they are very similar.

There are some very nice dirt oval tracks in the Midwest...and although they do very well with their current rules...I think that they could benefit from the DODC rules.

This past weekend at the Freeze, I had a chance to talk with Rob Cutman about the DODC rules and he answered a few questions that I had. I posted some info that I got from Rob on the Brinks Speedway forum (http://brinksspeedway.com/phpBB2/index.php?sid=b435d6b8b7c93f7ae166b1d0f4dcf960)... it might help clear up a few things...

Here is what I found out:



There is NO cost for tracks to use the DODC rules.
There is NO membership fee for the racers.
The rules are only for the listed classes: Sprint, EDM, Late Model.
Support classes not covered by the rules are fine, those rules are up to each track.
A Spec Class is NOT needed, but can be used if the track chooses too. The Spec Classes were actually designed with the National events in mind.
Tracks can choose to have a Mod 17.5 or 13.5 (or any motor limit they choose) class. So, it would be possible to have an Open Mod Sprint class and a 17.5 Mod Sprint class that would limit the motor size to 17.5
Each track gets (for free) a section in the DODC forum.
Each track gets (for free) to choose one of their local races to count towards the DODC National Points. This can be a weekly show or a BIG race.


It seems to me like most tracks like to have a BIG race each year. I would think that having a section in this forum dedicated to their track along with the use of a common set of rules could help the attendance at their BIG race. Plus...they could submit the results from their BIG race (or whichever race they choose) to DODC National Points.

[spdrcer1]

so basically your saying everyone should be using these rules? so who is gonna buy me the spec stuff after i spent all this money to be fast and competiteve? thats why we have a break out sportsman class for those who wish to participate in a (stock) class..and this also brings me to another point..now that everyone is pushing this dodc spec stuff why do i have to buy all new stuff just to race at another track that i can get to in a couple hours..ya know its very discouraging that evryone is putting limits up to what you can and cant run..its getting to the point where i dont care if i run anywhere else because its gonna cost more than what i got into it now..its not fair to the rest of us who already have the money in it to be fast and competative and cant run it just cause what seems every one is pushing the dodc rules onto every track..and if they dont adapt to the rules anyone who races there is what everyone on here considers to be an outcast..like we are not good enough cause we dont use the sacred rules..i think it sucks that it limits my racing...my two cents

[FossilRC]

so basically your saying everyone should be using these rules? so who is gonna buy me the spec stuff after i spent all this money to be fast and competiteve? thats why we have a break out sportsman class for those who wish to participate in a (stock) class..and this also brings me to another point..now that everyone is pushing this dodc spec stuff why do i have to buy all new stuff just to race at another track that i can get to in a couple hours..ya know its very discouraging that evryone is putting limits up to what you can and cant run..its getting to the point where i dont care if i run anywhere else because its gonna cost more than what i got into it now..its not fair to the rest of us who already have the money in it to be fast and competative and cant run it just cause what seems every one is pushing the dodc rules onto every track..and if they dont adapt to the rules anyone who races there is what everyone on here considers to be an outcast..like we are not good enough cause we dont use the sacred rules..i think it sucks that it limits my racing...my two cents

I have to agree with u spdrcer1. All the tracks around here are adapting DODC rules and I am in the same boat as u. I now either get all new batts. and motors to conform or my cars get to sit on a shelf.:tire:

[curtisp]

so basically your saying everyone should be using these rules? so who is gonna buy me the spec stuff after i spent all this money to be fast and competiteve? thats why we have a break out sportsman class for those who wish to participate in a (stock) class..and this also brings me to another point..now that everyone is pushing this dodc spec stuff why do i have to buy all new stuff just to race at another track that i can get to in a couple hours..ya know its very discouraging that evryone is putting limits up to what you can and cant run..its getting to the point where i dont care if i run anywhere else because its gonna cost more than what i got into it now..its not fair to the rest of us who already have the money in it to be fast and competative and cant run it just cause what seems every one is pushing the dodc rules onto every track..and if they dont adapt to the rules anyone who races there is what everyone on here considers to be an outcast..like we are not good enough cause we dont use the sacred rules..i think it sucks that it limits my racing...my two cents

I have to agree with u spdrcer1. All the tracks around here are adapting DODC rules and I am in the same boat as u. I now either get all new batts. and motors to conform or my cars get to sit on a shelf.:tire:

I don't know that I am "pushing" the DODC rules...and maybe you weren't refering to my post.

One thing that I would like to point out that seems to be something that spdrcer1 has an issue with...and I admit that I had a problem with too...is the whole "Spec Class" thing. I know that when I first read the rules, I thought that tracks would have to have a "Spec Class". However, the tracks that decide to use the DODC rules do NOT have to have a "Spec Class".

I'm not sure where you guys race...or what your rules are like...maybe they aren't even close to the DODC rules. For the tracks that I race at...the rules aren't that much different than the DODC rules.

[BrianD]

I don't know that I am "pushing" the DODC rules...and maybe you weren't refering to my post.

One thing that I would like to point out that seems to be something that spdrcer1 has an issue with...and I admit that I had a problem with too...is the whole "Spec Class" thing. I know that when I first read the rules, I thought that tracks would have to have a "Spec Class". However, the tracks that decide to use the DODC rules do NOT have to have a "Spec Class".

I'm not sure where you guys race...or what your rules are like...maybe they aren't even close to the DODC rules. For the tracks that I race at...the rules aren't that much different than the DODC rules.


You are right, I don’t think anyone is forcing the DODC down on anyone or treating anyone like outcasts. Everyone gets caught up in the whole spec aspect of the rules, but nowhere has it been said that to be a DODC supporting track you have to run a spec class. The spec classes are simply a tool that has been developed for those tracks/series/races that feel their programs can benefit from them. If you take the Chili Bowl Jr (a DODC National race) there was not a spec class run. The DODC group is solely focused on one thing and that’s protecting and growing a segment of the hobby we all love through unified rules, race track promotion, unity among racers, all in addition to classes that were put in place to help control costs.

[spdrcer1]

i was not refering to your post directly but just in general..everything on here revolves around the sacred rules and getting tracks to join..well then my question is what happens when i wanna go race somewhere else and find out i cant even try to compete on a higher level simply because i dont have the right equipment that everyone mandates i have..i am not gonna go spend more dollars on it when i already have thousands invested..i would llove to go to other races bu6t i dont see spending the money on the spec class requierments just because thats the biggest class they have and thats where i gonna race against the better drivers only if i get the motor batterry foams and whatever else the rules say i have to have just to go out and race and try and have fun..basically the way i see it..they are putting a price on fun..and thats not fun at all

[BrianD]

i was not refering to your post directly but just in general..everything on here revolves around the sacred rules and getting tracks to join..well then my question is what happens when i wanna go race somewhere else and find out i cant even try to compete on a higher level simply because i dont have the right equipment that everyone mandates i have..i am not gonna go spend more dollars on it when i already have thousands invested..i would llove to go to other races bu6t i dont see spending the money on the spec class requierments just because thats the biggest class they have and thats where i gonna race against the better drivers only if i get the motor batterry foams and whatever else the rules say i have to have just to go out and race and try and have fun..basically the way i see it..they are putting a price on fun..and thats not fun at all

The reason why you see a lot of things revolving around the DODC rules and racing on this site is because this site is DODC. It’s the same reason that the WorldofOutlaws.com focuses on the promotion of the WoO.
The whole concept of the DODC was put into place to address your concerns about being able to go to another track and compete. The rules are uniform and with the majority of tracks on the same page rules wise you should be able to go anywhere and run without having to worry if your body is ½ an inch too long or you have too big of a side panel on your wing.

As far as the better drivers only running the spec classes, that’s not the intent. The racer intended for the spec classes is the less experienced racers not the more experienced. You’re not going to see a Billy Fisher or a Nathan Dean running one of the limited classes. I was talking to the guys about what has happened out at C&S raceway lately. The limited late model class for the first year was EXTREAMLY competitive, now you’re seeing a lot of the fast limited guys putting open motors in their cars (the same cars/bodies) and moving up a class. Now the open class is growing strong after nearly fading away. This is also opening up the door for newer racers to make limited A mains. This is awesome the limited/spec classes are doing exactly what it was put into place to do.

As far as having to buy motors and batteries for all of the big races, if you happen to run one of the spec classes you only have to buy one set for the year (or longer) and you never have to worry about not having the flavor of the week. As far as tires go, there has always been a difference in tire preference from region to region and that was the purpose for the loose dirt options under the DODC umbrella.