Any interest in Portland OR area

[JW]

Hi new to this board, have been drag racing for 3 years now but just with a few friends, was wondering if there were anymore HO Drag Racers in the Portland Oregon area? At present running a 1/8 scale mile cheap tyco track with a modified Expertracer timing/start system powered by a electric scooter system (modified of course) running either 24v @5amps or 36v @5amp. You can see a video of it on youtube, just type in jwmoor at search prompt. Hope to hear from other enthusiast in the Portland area

[allstarhr]

I looked at your video on youtube and you've got me puzzled. What is a Expertracer timing/start sytem powered by an electric scooter system? Are you really running the cars at 36 volts and 5 amps? I didn't think the arms would hold up much over 27 volts.
Regarding the Portland area HO drags it sounds like your it till you build up some other groups by letting people know what you have. Daniel of Trakmate does most of the current timing systems that I've heard of. He's located at 14624 -102 Ave - Surrey BC - V3R 7E5 - Canada and his website is www.trackmateracing.com. Take a look at HODragRaceRegistry.com as you might wish to list your track there. You never know what will shake out when you make it known your there.

[SKR]

Welcome to the forum jw. Do you road race with any of the HOPAC groups around there? I'm not sure of any other drag tracks in your area.

Sam

[JW]

OK, if you go to www.expertracer.com you can see what I mean by a start/ timing system, with a little modification this system can be used for slot cars. Yes there are many more features with a Trakmate system but for the money or cost going without RT is no big deal for us. As to the track power we use the electrical system from electric scooters like you can find at TNC scooters. Each lane has a choice of 24v or 36v electronic speed controller and both lanes or controllers are powered off 3-10 amp 12v rechargeable batteries. The only real modification needed is making the thumb throttle fit in ones hand but this is done easily with 1/2" pvc. What I really like is you can make an entire drag strip for under $200.00:) As to the cars handling the 36v.... I don't run or even have any pancake style cars so i don't know but the in-line style cars seem to do ok, you just have to make the call of rebuilding or not after each round, and yes there are major burn downs on occasion for not rebuilding. For the most part we use 24v for stock cars and 36v for neo's. Hope this answers some of your questions.

[JW]

Thanks SKR, there used to be a drag track about 20 miles from me but can't find them anymore. One would think due to the crappy winter weather more people would enjoy slot cars but....

[SKR]

Our bad weather hasn't hit yet. Usaully after a few snow storms the racers return to slots.