Drag Racing
 

How many of you drag racers have a good way to practice? You spend thousands of dollars to build you car. How much would you spend to practice to help you win? How many of you know what your reaction time is? If you know would you like to make it faster. Do you know how fast your car is after every adjustment you make? Do you know if your adjustment makes your car faster over all or just at the start or not at all?
Now this is not an add so there is nothing for sale yet. We have the equipment, but are looking for interest. This is being made for bigger vehicals as of now but can be made to fit the R/C world. So for around $700 would you be willing to buy a system that would tell you reaction time, overall time, and average speed. With a tree and a LCD display screen, or for a little more a printer.
Let me know what you think. What you would need. We want to help you win, we need to hear from you the racers.
Thank you
Billy Brown

RE: Drag Racing
 

That thread starter is the closest thing to spam without being spam that I’ve ever seen.

I’ve been drag racing for years (real cars, not the little ones). I already utilize TAG Systems for that. However, from the weather station to the laptop programs, it’s all virtual and still leaves “guess work” and “lone decisions”. It’s merely a tool and that’s it.

When it comes to R/C drags, although the software or device may be a useful tool, cost effectiveness is very important. The people that are spending thousands of dollars on one R/C drag car are fools. It’s only important to be consistent and run your numbers. For those who want that 2.5 second dragster or funny, have at it, in the end, the 3.5 second R/C Dodge Avenger I’ve been running (the past year) for a friend will be dead on it’s dial each and every time and I’ll send those super quick cars home boo-hooing.

I ain’t buying it.

RE: Drag Racing
 

I think both of you are looking at it with tunnel vision. Drag racing in
my book is by far the most diverse motorsport of all. Everthing from
"run what ya' brung" to high dollar secret science projects. As far as
RC cars go, no one makes a living drag racing. You can make house
and car payments supporting it (selling parts) but thats all. RC as well
as full scale drag racing has always been divided into a few groups.
Bracket racers are not the same as pro racers. Its a different kind of tree
and a differnt kind of race. On one your trying to beat the other lane and on
the other your trying not to beat yourself. I see hobby cars (RC) as guys/girls
that want to race and win, others that just have fun racing once in a while and
the few that just want a real fast top fuel car and never race at all. My point is
that there is only a small percentage that take it serious and can afford and
justify additional practice equipment. What kids these days need is more
exposure to RC drag racing. We need races everywhere, every weekend.
We need more than one or two manufacturers selling cars. We need it to be
more of a family thing and not just some flakey club meeting where a few guys
think they are all that. The couple of races me and my son went to were pretty
seedy at best. I know this was a long rant..... but to spur the interest it has to be
frendly and affordable first. Then the sport will evolve itself. Get on all the big
name RC car manufactures and get them to take is serious. You know what
they say..... If you build it they will come. Or maybe Im just full of crap. I dunno'.

Ron

RE: Drag Racing
 

Hang on there guy, read what I wrote again (in response to your “tunnel vision” comment)

I am debunking the theory of need for Billy Brown’s software/equipment for the exact reasons you have posted.

As far as bracket racing goes: No, you can’t make a living at it, it’s more hobby than anything just as 98% of R/Cers (whether that be drag racing, dirt/road track, motorcycles, planes, helis, etc….)

And I agree with about every weekend event’s and am still working with our local track owner to at least have every other Saturday night races. :)

RE: Drag Racing
 

Your right.... sorry. I just didnt agree with the "fools" comment. Drag
racing has always been, and should always be more of a gentlemens
motorsport. Its not full of young european aholes that walk up to their
car (that they probably dont own) with some blonde on there arm like
KART or even NASCAR sometimes. Its a contrast between old and young.
Participation starts with spectatorship (< is that a real word?). So those
fools who have really expensive cars that shred tires and blow motors are
what we come to see. They draw them in for you. I used to own a slot car
raceway (Supertracks, Fremont) and our drag races were the biggest hit of
all. Every saturday night. A week to prepare for a run that lasted half a
second. We designed it around everybody being able to compete. We started
out each race with a car show. After awhile we had like fifty cars lined up for that
alone. We had a reaction time money pool going. But as a rule, I learned to
cater to all of the classes. As far as equipment goes, it would be nice to see
a drag racing tree/timer that is almost like a toy. One that someone on any
given street in the suburbs has. I have a nitro touring car that will do triple
digits. It has an N2O system also. Its freakin' bad. I bought a cheap speed gun
off Ebay ($90.00 I think). You can spend a whole lot more if you want. But my
point is it was all speculation until we saw the numbers on the gun. Now Im
getting more serious about tuning, although I will never race the car competitivly.
I dont want to scratch it. I dont like it to get dirty. So...... while my train of thought
wanders aimlessly, we need drag racing equipment that is in both ends of the
price structure. We need it. I myself am thinking about maybe producing some
pro modified inspired bodies and/or parts or something. Damn the rules, show
me the outlaws. I guess Im trying to encourage anyone who has an interest
in a hot rod, drag race RC car to just do it, and keep the drag oriented equipment
coming. It can happen, Ive seen it.
P.S. My 911 touring car will kick your avengers ass!!
Ron

RE: Drag Racing
 

You guys are all over me like I'm the bad guy. I'm just doing a survey to find out the interest in this product. What about the guy that wants to race but never has the time to make it to the track but once a month or less. What if he wants in the race what you brought? He doesn't stand a chance not doing it but once or twice. This is a way for him to practice not wondering if someone is starting the watch in time.

As for putting money into your car. I know allot that do it for looks more than speed, but they still need to practice/race allot to win. Another thing my buddy was telling me about his truck. He can run low 11's but gets in trouble cause he doesn't have a cage. So is he a fool to put money into his truck to get the cage so he can run to the trucks potential?

I know this is supposed to be more for fun than anything. There are the ones that will do anything to win. Anyone can come up with extra money if you really want something. If they want something they shouldn't be criticized for getting it. I didn't ask anyone in particular about this. If it doesn't fit you than say why don't rag on anyone for it.

Thank you
Billy Brown

RE: Drag Racing
 

I really didnt mean it that way. What could you produce, for say
150 bucks? Or is that impossible if it is not made overseas? Maybe
something modular and upgradable. If I saw a tree that stood even
a foot tall and measured ET (maybe wireless?) for under 150/200
dollars I would buy it. I would then eventually get all the add ons.
RonO

RE: Drag Racing
 

The tree is really nothing in the cost. All that is is a few LED lights wires and a box. The cost is the software and the programing. Wireless would cost more. I to said you dont have to buy it your self. Find three other people and practice together or set times to use it. Then you each pay $175 and its not as hard on the wallet.

RE: Drag Racing
 

For what it’s worth guys….

Those people that spend all that money on those overly expensive bracket cars……well…….a vast majority in my surrounding area spend their money at the shop I work at and the work is done by my hands. We are a complete machine shop, service department, aftermarket parts dealer, performance and production for all vehicles. My boss (Jeff Warren ’99 IHRA Hot Rod World Champion son of Bobby Warren NHRA Super Stock Champion a few times over and inducted into Don Garlits Drag Racing Hall of Fame in ’95) and I head up the performance department.

From chassis engineering to the final wire attachment, from the bare engine block to turn key, I do it all. Drags, roundies, and street. Nos, superchargers and turbo’s. I make cars/trucks go fast and make fast cars/trucks go faster. It’s my job.

So I first handedly see these guys (and sometimes ladies) that spend ridiculous amount of money just go bracket racing. Are they fools? In my opinion, yes. But I’m non-bias when it comes these guys; in fact, I love to see them coming. Their mere existence is the reason I get a paycheck.

After the third round, some of the $30,000 cars get loaded onto trailers just as the $3000 cars do. I don’t care that the guy spent $15,000 on his engine. If he has the money and that’s what he wanted, who am I to say he’s wrong? But when the guy with the junkyard motor and rusted out Nova puts him on the trailer in the second round, I can’t help but to say he’s fool. But I’ll still smile as we discuss that $600 NOS progressive controller he wants me to install for him on Tuesday. :D

Ok, back to you Billy B.

I came on way to strong and was a bit harsh in my first response to you and I apologize for that. The thing that set me off was the price. As lasershop pointed out, something cheaper and cost effective would really be thing to gain interest. The $700 figure will surely scare many a R/C dragger away. At that price, the only people that would be able to capitalize on the advantage of the equipment are the ones that already have the advantages in the first place. The ones that already have the best motors/engines, the best electronics, battery packs etc…It kinda puts the “poor man” out so to speak.

So, with that in mind: What do you think you could develop and sell for a coupla hundred or less? It’s something to think about anywayz.

Think about like this. My local R/C drag strip is owned by Corbett Marshburn. He has put together some complete drag started kits (car, radio, all electronics, batteries, and charger). Basically “out of box” ready to go. His kits are $350 for the whole shebang. Now I’d consider equipment like that you speak of for maybe $200 but not $700.

However, if you build it, they will come. :)

Rock on

RE: Drag Racing
 

Ok the names you gave me and where you work mean nothing to me. We dont even live in the same state. I will never see you or them so why would I care. I dont race real cars so I dont care about that either. So why is it back to me?

This was made for drag racing 4-wheelers and dirt bikes. People are all over them for that. Its marketing, they are made for one reason and I am out to find other places they can be used or might be wanted. Like I told lasershop get a few guys and go in on it.

I didnt go to anyones office/shop to ask if it was ok to make it. If you dont like it dont buy it. I am just asking for opinions not ridicule.