A Few More Potential Podium Threats

 As I was giving the cars the once-over in preparation for the upcoming race starting Monday, I started thinking about all of the cars that have yet to race under the timer at my track. Many of the cars have been casually driven ONLY. That all changes in a couple of days. I'm excited by the idea, as it's something I've been wanting to do for awhile, but things. So now we're here, knocking on the door to race day, and here are some of the cars that could make a difference:

Whenever I see this car, I think about how beautiful it is. What I always seem to forget is just how fast this car runs. It's not a slouch, by any means. It's lightning-fast and quiet as can be, which is a lethal combination. And to think I've got two others. That makes the Ferrari a Top-10 finisher for sure.

This page consists of a handful of cars that came out and kicked ass right away. This Thunderslot Lola T-70 was one of them, often topping everyone else without much trouble. It excels at middle to long tracks, and still has the handling to compete on the short tracks. I expect this car in the Top-10 as well.

The Porsche 908 makes a great package for a slot car: short, tight, maniacal, head-snapping handling and speed. Short burst king. Doesn't slow down in the corners. I have FIVE of them, ready to go. This #1 might just end up #1.

Of course this is going to be on this list. There's no way I could keep this GT40 off this list in good conscience. This car is my benchmark racer. It's the car all the others look up to. It was the first car I got, and it's still one of the best cars I have. It's clocked way more miles than any other cars I have by far. I would be surprised if this car didn't land in the Top-10.

If you've been following things around here, you'd know that the Slot.it Matra 670-B is the car that I think makes for one of the best slot car racing packages available. Although a middle and long race special, it's short front end gives it much tighter handling than you'd expect. Couple that with a nice long wheelbase and you've got a mighty fine all-rounder. Top-10.

And then I pick up this car. Holy crap. NSR's GT40. That right there should scare the pants off most competitors. I couldn't even begin to tell you where this guy is going to end up, other than it'll be very near the top, I'm sure. From early laps, the sky's the limit with this guy. Contender.

Another selection that very much wants to remind me that there's no way of telling whose going to win this, one of the FIVE NSR 917/10's that I have will certainly have a say in who does. Basically the big brother to the 908, except with a harder head and a more aggressive attitude. Another great racing package. Contender for sure.

The Alfa. There's always the Alfa. Sleep on this one and you'll regret it. It has won so many races, set so many lap records, beat cars I never expected it to beat. And it still does it. Not afraid. Very not afraid.

Well, there you have it. A handful of cars, for your consideration. I think the winner is somewhere in these last few posts. 

I've decided that each race is going to be a single, timed 100 lap race. At first I was thinking 50 heats with eliminations, but there will be a lot of cars, and I want to have some time with each of them. I've been through this before, and I always swear to myself that 100 laps is the way to go, so I'm going to do that. It'll make the overall race a little shorter, but that's okay. The field will spread out a little, which is needed as they're running so close to each other. The length also gives each car a chance to run as many good laps as it can. It's easy to fall in and out of a groove 3 or 4 times in a 100 lap race. The car that stays most planted and can get a good flow is going to win it all. 

Also, scoring. I'm going to go ahead and give points the entire way through the field. from 0-54, with single point gaps up the field until you get to the Top-5, where extra points will be available. This will make the race to the top much more worthwhile. So Top-5 cars will get their standard points, with 5th getting 50+1, 4th getting 51+2, 3rd getting 52+3+1 podium point, 2nd getting 53+4+2 podium points and First getting 54+5+3 podium points added. So it goes up steadily and then curves pretty dramatically. That's an 11 point difference between 1st and 5th. That should make for some interesting challenges in later races.