Wheel Bearings .... Seperate Class ??

VoxxerRacing Sunday, 5/15/2016

After reading 72 Chevy C10 post about his new wheels with bearings, I have to applaud the technical skill required, to make such wheels.  I too have been working on a " bearing " wheel and chassis. 

That brings me to the point of this tread.

I have gone by the principle, of the race cars, basically run by the " pinewood derby " rules of gravity downhill racing.   Body, weight, axles and wheels.  No bearings. 

Under current RLD rules stated " Bare Muscle III ", wheel bearings are allowed.  I understand that point. 

Hot Wheels and Matchbox, in most part ( Sizzlers ), over the 48 plus years, has never had wheel bearings

In Conclusion, I feel as a " club" we should make a ruling on whether " wheel bearings" are allowed or.....   create a separate new class or race.    

Thanks

Jon Soffa

Voxxer Racing

  


Discussion

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72_Chevy_C10 5/15/16

Yeah, I kinda figure these will end up in a separate class...an 'open' or 'unlimited' class. 

As I said, right now I haven't gotten them to perform any faster than a good set of ftes...but that potential  is definitely  there. 

As for future rules, I think it would be easy to regulate...rules could just state, 'must be a production wheel...fte, 5-spoke, etc. 

The Outlaw races that I am planning will allow open wheels...whatever you can come up with...but they are also winner take all, so, you'd have to be will to lose what you built. I hope to see some cool innovation come out of those races.

Ya gotta keep building faster stuff, otherwise, somebody else will! :)


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redlinederby 5/15/16
Site manager

I agree, bearings will need to be their own class while also included in any "no rules" type of racing.

And I think denoting "Retail wheels only" or "Production wheels only" in tournament rules is fair, as long as it's specified what that means and otherwise does not allow. So like...

"Retail wheels only. No FTEs/HSWs."

I'd think that would be enough. 

Although, I gotta say, with you two shooting to the head of the class with bearings on your wheels, it might take a while for everyone else to catch up...at least enough to have a solid bracket to race against. Otherwise it's gonna be shootouts between Chevy and Voxxer...place your bets!



  • paid exibition runs ? — fordman
  • The new Snake and Mongoose !!! I will take Snake. — VoxxerRacing
  • Okay, I'll be Mongoose! I like it! :) — 72_Chevy_C10
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kylejake 5/15/16

I agree these wheel bearings need a to be in a separate class. 

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aircooled 5/15/16

In the world of pine wood derby racing there is a separate class called "Unlimited" and it is just that.  They run bearings and are the fastest class for that reason.  The cars also have custom wheels called "razors" that are very narrow, light and fast.  I would think a class for bearing cars would be a good thing and be at the high end of Die Cast racing. 

As for restricting the use of FTE's, and HSW's I still don't understand the reason for that.   For the average guy who is racing here FTE's and HSW's are available rather easily.  Both FTE's and HSW's were both retail wheels or production wheels at one time.  Racing cars with one arm behind the back I think goes against what this league is about which is to modify cars and go fast.    

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Eastbound357 5/15/16

I think restrictions are good for competition, competition breeds quality, it's not just build and go fast it's build, but do it only with this and that and see what you can do. Whether it's no FTEs or HSWs, or no casting longer than two inches,or common chassis, it keeps it exciting and interesting with the variety and challenge of restrictions. I like to be challenged with certain "race criteria" or restrictions. Just my opinion nobody has to agree or disagree with it.

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CrzyTrkrDude 5/15/16

What about a " Axles made from sources other than blister pack stock axles " class? 

Using items such as the stick pin idea I mentioned. 

That might be interesting to see what creative minds might come up with...

I’ll start off by saying I am always impressed with how much innovation comes out of the C-10 racing compound. He continues to push the boundaries, and elevate the way we all think about building cars.  Lots of focused and custom parts, milling, molding, chassis, tubes, … this guy is the Smokey Yunick of RLD, and diecast racing.  Much respect my brother BUILD ON!

 

Until any new technology proves itself on the track,… Why outlaw it, or make a separate class?  I want to see these cars run, and run against fast cars… with or without bearings.  I don’t see a need for another class at this point.

Chris & Voxxer built these to race, let them... no need to shelve these builds while the waiting for others to catch up.  Lets let the Bare Muscle series decide if a new class is warranted...


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72_Chevy_C10 5/16/16

Thanks TE! I appreciate it!

I have some more bearings on their way and hopefully, this set will prove a little better than the last. I'm sure that these bearings are very cheaply made, so quality is the issue here. But, the good ones do spin VERY well!

There are actually ceramic bearings the size that I need...but I don't really feel like shelling out $15 a bearing! I think they are used in high performance RC car engines (the bearings that the main shaft spins on). So, I know that REALLY good bearings are out there, I'm just trying to find a source of affordable ones right now.

As for competing in a separate class, the bearing cars will probably end up in one, yes...but, for right now, the ftes are still a little faster...just give me some time!

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redlinederby 5/16/16
Site manager

As far as limiting use, that will be up to event organizers. If they want to limit wheel types, they can...just like always.

There's nothing official here, we just have another option now. Eventually, if there's enough players in the game, then yeah, we can have a "bearings only" event but that's a long way off.

Although, given how creative we all get, it's more likely we'll end up with 2 simple class options...retail wheels and custom wheels. One limited to Mattel-made wheels/axles, and the other is builder's choice. This would also help settle any confusion around restrictions as we've had in the past...hmmm...

All good talk, lets keep digging...


  • Maybe a locked thread or two, could be linked on an event thread to avoid confusion. — CrzyTrkrDude
  • Specifying what "level" of axle or wheel type is allowed per the event coordinator. If it isn't specifically posted as allowed, it isn't all — CrzyTrkrDude
  • Example, "all wheels all axles all makers" "all wheels no FTE axles" "all wheels all axles no bearings" — CrzyTrkrDude
  • With photos as examples on each with "allowed" "not allowed" next to photo. — CrzyTrkrDude
  • I dunno... I think I think too much. — CrzyTrkrDude
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