re ;
last years first three cars being illegal .
This is not a slag at you stig - just a general comment on how the proxy racing has been this year in my eyes .
From what I can remember without wasting my time trolling through all the post the "illegal" cars were
0.5mm too wide at the front , my car being one of those three at the top in the end . I measured the car when it arrived home with an "electronic" micrometer and to me it was 0.46 wider across the front wheels than across the front wheel arches . Does anyone really think that 0.46 over width gave the car a huge handling advantage ? The real advantage my car had was the Ninco brand name on the chassis . Now that its all over I must confess the two driver figures were lightened up to reduce the weight above the axles - A 1/8th drill bit up the drivers backsides eliminated at least 8 grams of unnecassary weight , However the car did develop a distinct whistle afterwards.
Seriously though are we really worried about 1/2 a millimeter ? I copped a penalty and to be honest it left me thinking , those people with electronic micrometers spoil the proxy fun . Maybe those pedantic types should consider seeing a doctor to get some laxitive tablets . Build rules are fine but how far do we really need to go ? A few basic build rules should be enough to cover it.
* Ground clearance - so the track isn't at any risk of damage
* Tyre rules - some tyres (silicones) will mess up some tracks grip levels and some track owners don't want them used , so we do need a tyre ruling.
* Other rules such as a car class rule as mentioned earlier 60's 70's 80's 00's so the field represents a certian type of car .
Im sure there are some more rules needed but Im not making or suggesting any rules here just making a point that too many rules can spoil the fun
re ; penalties - sending a car home or points against someone before it even starts .
Its a bit anal to say sorry put that one back in the box and send it home because its 1/2 or even 1mm over track . Most SCX and Ninco cars I have seen have there wheels hanging out 1mm or even 2mm when they are brand new . Why not let it go and allow the wheels to hang out a little - Only a little , say a 2 mm maximum , would it really hurt ? It could save some grief and maybe all the negative posts would be gone from Auslot so we can all sit back and enjoy the proxy for what it should be , a bit of fun on the side thats set apart from our local racing .
re 2010 rally car of choice I would prefer something different but if its the same again I will re enter the green machine with its front tyres trimmed 0.46mm narrower . Suppose I will also have to plug the driver and navigators butts with something - now that the weight reduction secrets out of the bag