Author: Race Director

Just an old slot car racer and Race Director at Stewart Raceway.

Thursday Night “Under The Lights”: A Feast of Speed and Fellowship at SR3 Road Course! Jul-09-2026

⚠️ This report was primarily generated by an AI model.

Thursday Night “Under The Lights”: A Feast of Speed and Fellowship at SR3 Road Course! Jul-09-2026

The roar of tiny motors and the scent of burning rubber mingled delightfully with the aroma of fantastic food and drink at Stewart Raceway’s SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane this past Thursday. It was a night of incredibly competitive slot car racing, showcasing both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all fueled by camaraderie and culinary delights generously shared by all participants. From photo finishes to stunning comebacks, the track delivered an unforgettable evening, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next showdown. We extend our sincere thanks to all who participated and contributed to such a wonderful night!

Overall Event And Series Standings

The evening’s four thrilling races culminated in a tight battle for overall supremacy. Using data synthesized from all race events, John Rogers emerged as the top performer of the night, demonstrating exceptional consistency and speed across different classes. Dustin Jolley also showcased impressive form, securing the third spot. The team of John Rogers and Cece Caro, affectionately known as “Team Jolly Rogers,” are rapidly establishing themselves as major contenders at Stewart Raceway, consistently pushing the limits and achieving strong results.

A special shout-out goes to our new visitors, Bobby Graham (Greg) and Rad Raca (Rachel). Despite having very little track time and facing fierce competition, both drivers performed exceptionally well throughout the evening, impressing the paddock with their quick learning and determination.

(Note: No dedicated “Overall Scoring” file was provided. The overall summary table below is compiled from the final standings of each individual race report provided, sorted by total laps, then total points.

Rank Driver Total Laps Total Points
1 John Rogers 351 218
2 Steve Stewart 339 232
3 Dustin Jolley 327 218
4 Cece Caro 324 161
5 Dean Donaldson 317 202
6 Joe Clarke 304 167
7 Tracker Clay 148 74
8 Rad Raca 123 68
9 Bobby Graham 118 70

Race 1: AW X-Traction Hardbody (i)

The opening race of the night saw intense competition in the AW X-Traction Hardbody class. Dean Donaldson claimed a decisive victory with a commanding performance, setting the pace early on. Newcomers Bobby Graham and Rad Raca made their presence known, securing points and showing great potential on the challenging SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane. Dustin Jolley and John Rogers also delivered solid runs, hinting at the competitive evening ahead.

Race 1 Results – AW X-Traction Hardbody (i) Date: Jul-09-2026 18:40 Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane

Rank Driver Laps Points
1 Dean Donaldson 80 64
2 Steve Stewart 79 52
3 Dustin Jolley 76 55
4 John Rogers 76 50
5 Cece Caro 71 46
6 Joe Clarke 69 44
7 Trakker Clay 65 38
8 Bobby Graham 58 42
9 Rad Raca 50 32

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 176_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 2: Jag NC-2 Lite BOX STOCK Mustangs (i)

Race 2, featuring the Jag NC-2 Lite BOX STOCK Mustangs, was unfortunately marred by an RMS (Race Management System) glitch that necessitated a resumption from a previous segment, creating a scoring challenge for the Race Director. However, the resilient participants powered through, and accurate points were ultimately calculated. John Rogers showcased a brilliant performance, taking the top spot. New visitors Rad Raca and Bobby Graham once again performed commendably, displaying increasing familiarity with the track despite the technical difficulties.

(Note: Due to the RMS glitch and specific instructions, the table below reflects the explicitly provided corrected ranking order, with laps and points derived from the RaceReport_177_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html file’s “FINAL Standings” section.)

Race 2 Results – Jag NC-2 Lite BOX STOCK Mustangs (i) Date: Jul-09-2026 20:11 Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane

Rank Driver Laps Points
1 John Rogers 100 64
2 Steve Stewart 80 58
3 Dustin Jolley 74 53
4 Dean Donaldson 76 52
5 Cece Caro 95 51
6 Joe Clarke 73 45
7 Trakker Clay 83 36
8 Rad Raca 73 36
9 Bobby Graham 60 28

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 177_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 3: Viper V-SPEC Hardbody SPEC STOCK

The Viper V-SPEC Hardbody SPEC STOCK class delivered another dose of high-speed action. Dustin Jolley continued his strong showing, securing a respectable second place. John Rogers also maintained excellent form, landing himself in the top three. The competition was fierce, with narrow margins separating many of the drivers.

Race 3 Results – Viper V-SPEC Hardbody SPEC STOCK Date: Jul-09-2026 21:39 Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane

Rank Driver Laps Points
1 Steve Stewart 80 61
2 Dustin Jolley 79 58
3 John Rogers 77 51
4 Dean Donaldson 72 44
5 Cece Caro 71 36
6 Joe Clarke 71 32

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 178_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 4: Misc Road Course (Retro Vips) Team Jolley

The final race of the evening, “Misc Road Course (Retro Vips) Team Jolley,” saw drivers pushing their limits for one last push for glory. John Rogers delivered an impressive performance, securing second place and solidifying his strong overall standing. Dustin Jolley continued to demonstrate his talent, finishing third. The consistently competitive spirit was evident as drivers navigated the complex Squeeze Lane.

(Note: Race results are generated from the “FINAL Standings” section within the provided RaceReport_179_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html file, sorted by total laps, then total points.)

Race 4 Results – Misc Road Course (Retro Vips) Team Jolley Date: Jul-09-2026 22:45 Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane

Rank Driver Laps Points
1 Steve Stewart 100 61
2 John Rogers 98 53
3 Dustin Jolley 98 52
4 Joe Clarke 91 46
5 Dean Donaldson 89 42
6 Cece Caro 87 28

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 179_Jul-09-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Amidst a backdrop of incredibly competitive racing and a spectacular spread of food and drink, Stewart Raceway illuminated the night with thrilling slot car action, showcasing both seasoned veterans and impressive newcomers. The racing was exceptionally tight across all divisions, culminating in John Rogers’ impressive overall victory. New visitors Bobby Graham (Greg) and Rad Raca (Rachel) shone brightly, demonstrating remarkable skill despite their limited track experience and the high-pressure environment. The strong performances from John Rogers and Cece Caro further solidify Team Jolly Rogers as a major force at Stewart Raceway, continuing the tradition of fierce competition at Stewart Raceway. While an RMS glitch in Race 2 presented a challenge, the Race Director successfully navigated the issue, ensuring accurate point calculations for a fair outcome. A huge thank you to all participants for a wonderful night of racing and contributing to the amazing spread!

Overall Series Standings

Place Name Laps Points
1 John Rogers 351 218
2 Steve Stewart 339 232
3 Dustin Jolley 327 218
4 Cece Caro 324 161
5 Dean Donaldson 317 202
6 Joe Clarke 304 167
7 Trakker Clay 148 74
8 Rad Raca 123 68
9 Bobby Graham 118 70

Division Standings

Master Division

Place Name Laps Points
1 John Rogers 351 218
2 Steve Stewart 339 232
3 Dustin Jolley 327 218
4 Cece Caro 324 161
5 Dean Donaldson 317 202
6 Joe Clarke 304 167

Amateur Division

Place Name Laps Points
1 Trakker Clay 148 74
2 Rad Raca 123 68
3 Bobby Graham 118 70

Advanced Division

No drivers from the Advanced Division participated in this overall event.

Junior Division

No drivers from the Junior Division participated in this overall event.

Race 2 Corrected Results

It is important to note that Race 2 was marred by an RMS glitch, requiring a resumption from a previous segment. The Race Director diligently ensured accurate point calculation, and the corrected results for Race 2 are as follows:

  1. John Rogers
  2. Steve Stewart
  3. Dustin Jolley
  4. Dean Donaldson
  5. Cece Caro
  6. Joe Clarke
  7. Tracker Clay
  8. Rad Raca
  9. Bobby Graham

⚠️ End of AI‑generated content.

2026 IROC Championship “Under The Lights”: A Spectacle of Speed and Precision, Where Every Lap Counted!

⚠️ This report was primarily generated by an AI model.

Event Dates: July 2-3, 2026

The SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane was alive with the roar of tiny motors and the scent of ozone this past July 2nd and 3rd, hosting the highly anticipated 2026 IROC Championship “Under The Lights.” This year’s event delivered a nail-biting display of slot car racing, with championship points fiercely contested across four official races, culminating in an electrifying finish. Beyond the intense competition, the camaraderie was palpable, fueled by the fantastic array of food and drink brought by all participants – a testament to the vibrant community spirit that thrives at Stewart Raceway. As always, the track, meticulously maintained by Stewart Raceway, provided a challenging yet fair battleground for all classes.

While all races showcased incredible skill, the championship title for the 2026 IROC event was decided by the cumulative results of the first four official races. The competition was incredibly tight, with mere laps separating the top contenders, making for one of the closest IROC finishes in recent memory at Stewart Raceway. The spirit of IROC (International Race of Champions), designed to pit top drivers against each other in equally prepared cars, was on full display, pushing every racer to their limits.

Cece Caro, an advanced class driver, showed incredible grit and consistency throughout the official championship races, securing a remarkable 3rd place overall finish in the coveted IROC event. Her performance, accumulating 308 laps and 185 points, clearly demonstrates her rising prowess on the track, making her a formidable competitor in the Advanced class.

Amateur driver Tracker Clay continued his steady ascent in the ranks, demonstrating consistent improvement across the races he entered. His dedication is clearly paying off, as he posted solid lap counts and points, constantly pushing his personal bests.

We also extend a warm welcome and highlight the impressive debut of our newest driver, Carlo Fernandez. Carlo quickly adapted to the competitive environment, putting in respectable performances and showing great potential for future events. His eagerness and speed hint at a bright slot car racing future.

While the top spot for the official championship went to Steve Stewart with 315 laps and 229 points, the battle for the podium was incredibly close, with Dean Donaldson hot on his heels, just 7 laps behind, and Cece Caro tying Dean in total laps for the official races. John Rogers also delivered a strong performance, securing a high overall finish with consistent driving. Kevin Webster and Andy Gersh both showed strong competitive spirit with solid lap counts and points in the official races. Dustin Jolley, despite only participating in one official championship race, made his mark with a win in the MegaG+ 1.5 Lexan Team Jolly Rogers class, showcasing his potential.

These events continue to uphold the rich tradition of slot car racing, echoing the history and passion often shared on stewartraceway.org, where every race is more than just a competition – it’s a community gathering, a test of skill, and a celebration of speed and precision.

2026 IROC Championship Overall Standings (Official Races 1-4)

Driver Total Laps Total Points Best Fastest Lap (Overall in Class)
Steve Stewart 315 229 5.281
Dean Donaldson 308 218 5.379
Cece Caro 308 185 5.522
John Rogers 304 203 5.374
Andy Gersh 298 185 5.764
Kevin Webster 291 179 6.058
Carlofornia Fernandez 270 140 5.756
Trakker Clay 199 114 6.083
Dustin Jolley 80 51 6.004

Race 1: MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (Official Championship Race)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-02-2026 18:44
Class: MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (i)

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Steve Stewart 79 58 6.122
Dean Donaldson 78 56 5.799
Cece Caro 78 52 5.803
Andy Gersh 74 42 5.982
John Rogers 71 47 5.685
Kevin Webster 71 47 6.202
Trakker Clay 66 40 6.341
Carlofornia Fernandez 65 34 6.362

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 167_Jul-02-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

 

Race 2: MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (Official Championship Race)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-02-2026 19:36
Class: MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (i) 18v

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Steve Stewart 79 61 5.281
John Rogers 76 54 5.374
Kevin Webster 76 53 6.058
Dean Donaldson 75 53 5.379
Cece Caro 77 50 5.522
Andy Gersh 72 45 6.028
Trakker Clay 64 32 6.083
Carlofornia Fernandez 60 28 5.756

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 168_Jul-02-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 3: Wizzard Storms (Official Championship Race)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-02-2026 20:58
Class: Wizzard Storms (i)

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Steve Stewart 79 54 5.908
John Rogers 78 53 5.768
Andy Gersh 76 52 5.764
Dean Donaldson 76 51 5.674
Cece Caro 77 49 5.756
Carlofornia Fernandez 73 38 5.964
Kevin Webster 71 37 6.074
Trakker Clay 69 42 6.215

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 169_Jul-02-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 4: MegaG+ 1.5 Lexan Team Jolly Rogers (Official Championship Race)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-02-2026 21:54
Class: MegaG+ 1.5 Lexan Team Jolly Rogers

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Dustin Jolley 80 51 6.004
Dean Donaldson 79 58 5.879
Steve Stewart 78 56 5.692
John Rogers 79 49 5.872
Andy Gersh 76 46 6.330
Kevin Webster 73 42 6.058
Carlofornia Fernandez 72 40 5.897
Cece Caro 76 34 5.955

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 170_Jul-02-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 5: MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix (Unofficial)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-02-2026 23:02
Class: MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Steve Stewart 77 55 5.947
Dustin Jolley 76 51 5.655
John Rogers 76 47 5.717
Dean Donaldson 75 47 5.833
Cece Caro 73 42 5.792
Kevin Webster 69 40 6.231

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 171_Jul-02-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Race 6: Tyco 440-X2 Wide-Pan Porche 935 Hardbody (Unofficial)

Track: SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane
Date: Jul-03-2026 00:01
Class: Tyco 440-X2 Wide-Pan Porche 935 Hardbody (i) Jolle

Name Total Laps Total Points Fastest Laptime
Steve Stewart 78 55 6.498
John Rogers 78 49 6.448
Dustin Jolley 75 53 6.699
Cece Caro 73 42 6.699
Kevin Webster 67 36 7.083

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 173_Jul-03-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

NEW TRACK RECORDS

The following new track records were established during this event:

Class Lane Driver Time Lap Time
MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (i) 18v 2 Steve Stewart 20:22 5281
MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (i) 18v 4 Dean Donaldson 20:22 5379
MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix 2 Dustin Jolley 23:45 5655
Tyco 440-X2 Wide-Pan Porche 935 Hardbody (i) Jolle 2 Steve Stewart 00:33 6910
Tyco 440-X2 Wide-Pan Porche 935 Hardbody (i) Jolle 4 Steve Stewart 00:33 6498
MegaG+ 1.5 Lexan Team Jolly Rogers 2 Dean Donaldson 22:49 5903
MegaG+ 1.5 Lexan Team Jolly Rogers 5 Steve Stewart 22:49 5692
MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (i) 2 John Rogers 19:27 5685
MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (i) 3 Cece Caro 19:27 5803
MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (i) 4 Dean Donaldson 19:27 5967
MegaG+ 1.7 Modified (i) 5 Dean Donaldson 19:27 6129
Wizzard Storms (i) 2 Steve Stewart 21:46 6146
Wizzard Storms (i) 3 Dean Donaldson 21:46 5674
Wizzard Storms (i) 4 Cece Caro 21:46 5756
Wizzard Storms (i) 5 Andy Gersh 21:46 6120
MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix 3 Steve Stewart 23:45 6162
MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix 4 Dustin Jolley 23:45 6257
MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix 5 Steve Stewart 23:45 5947

These new records highlight exceptional driving performances across various classes and lanes on the challenging SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane. Drivers like Steve Stewart, Dean Donaldson, Dustin Jolley, John Rogers, Cece Caro, and Andy Gersh pushed the limits, setting new benchmarks for speed and precision. Notably, Steve Stewart established multiple fastest lap records in various classes and lanes, demonstrating his mastery of the track. Dean Donaldson also made his mark with several new records, particularly impressing in the MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e and Wizzard Storms* classes. Dustin Jolley showed impressive pace in the MegaG+ 1.7 FireBird Camaro Deans Mix, while John Rogers set a blistering pace in the MegaG+ 1.7 Modified. Cece Caro and Andy Gersh also contributed to the record books, underscoring the high level of competition and individual achievement at this event.

* Wizzard Storms were run at a higher voltage than previous records were set with.

⚠️ End of AI‑generated content.

Thank you all for making our 2026 IROC Championship a great success!

Okay, shut up and drive!

The Demise of the American Slot Car Boom

I ran across this video, a history of Russkit (Jim Russell) and the AFX story. I highly recommend watching this sometime. I lived through the slot-car boom way back then. I raced at the commercial tracks, club tracks, and home tracks, mostly in the 70s and early 80s.

What Killed Russkit?

While I mostly stayed in the HO (1/64) scale racing, I did dabble in 1/24 and later 1/32 stuff. Anyway, this is a fairly good historical review of the grand years of the American slot-car era.

Russkit’s last days, or what could have been…

Early on in the video, the narrator discusses some of the reasons why the slot car boom ended. There were many reasons, but the one that hit home for me was the “competition” issue.

The video describes how many enthusiasts of the day were driven away by the incredible technological innovation and the ever-increasing level of sophistication in preparing cars to compete, even at the club level, let alone at the more serious commercial and professional levels.

There were plenty of other issues, of course:

      • Lack of persistent regional/national racing organizations and standardized rules
      • Overemphasis on top-level (pro) racing and car building
      • Lack of emphasis on entry- and mid-level racing (core of boom)
      • Barriers to entry and the path to higher levels were too complex

All of these issues still persist today.  Which is exactly why Stewart Raceway focuses its racing programs on entry- and fun-level rules. We mostly run out-of-the-box (off-the-shelf) cars and IROC-style racing. We also emphasize four different levels (divisions) of competition: Junior, Amateur, Advanced, and Masters.

Because of the time it takes to run a typical slot-car rotational race, we mostly run all divisions together in the same race but score each division separately. This isn’t ideal for a level playing field, but it does allow lower-division drivers to be measured competitively against their peers and to achieve commensurate accolades and recognition for their successes.

The point of this post is to illustrate that slot car racing has always been and remains driven by the core principles of friendly competition, fun, and ease of entry into the hobby/sport. Oh, and lots of racing!!

Yes, we have heated competition and support Masters-level racing, but even at our top level, the ability to compete is easily attainable, even for those with little or no technical expertise.

Okay, shut up and drive!

 

 

Thursday Night Under The Lights, Round 5 Finale: A Symphony of Speed and Shifting Tides!

⚠️ This report was primarily generated by an AI model.

Thursday Night Under The Lights, Round 5 Finale!

Event Date: June 25, 2026

In a night that epitomized the thrilling unpredictability of slot car racing, Stewart Raceway’s SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane delivered another unforgettable “Thursday Night Under The Lights” session, Round 5. The air crackled with anticipation as drivers navigated the challenging circuit, renowned for its tight turns and strategic fuel management, a hallmark often celebrated in the race recaps on stewartraceway.org. This evening was characterized by exceptionally close battles across multiple classes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last lap. A standout narrative of the night was the meteoric rise of Advanced driver Cece Caro, whose consistent top-tier performances strongly suggest her imminent ascension to the Master division. Adding to the excitement, new driver Andy Gersh demonstrated an impressive knack for adapting quickly to the unique demands of the SR3 squeeze lane and fuel-intensive racing, showcasing the talent pipeline thriving at Stewart Raceway.

Race Summaries and Analysis

Race 1: MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (i) 18v

The MegaG+ Formula e class kicked off the evening with a fiercely contested race on the SR3 Road Course. After a series of intense segments, Master driver Dean Donaldson emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional consistency on the challenging Squeeze Lane. The top of the leaderboard was incredibly tight, with four Master drivers separated by mere laps.

Race 1 Results: MegaG+ 1.7 Formula e (i) 18v

Race Place Driver Total Laps Total Points Class
1 Dean Donaldson 78 61 Master
2 Steve Stewart 78 56 Master
3 Dustin Jolley 75 55 Master
4 John Rogers 78 52 Master
5 Joe Clarke 69 44 Master
6 Cece Caro 72 40 Advanced
7 Andy Gersh 68 40 Advanced
8 Ramsey Wright 63 28 Advanced

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 161_Jun-25-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Highlights:

  • Dean Donaldson’s Triumph: Master driver Dean Donaldson clinched a hard-fought victory, demonstrating superb control and strategic driving.
  • A Photo Finish: The race for the top spots was exceptionally close, with Dean Donaldson, Steve Stewart, and John Rogers all completing 78 laps, highlighting the precision required on the SR3.
  • Advanced Drivers Impress: Advanced drivers Cece Caro and Andy Gersh both notched up 40 total points, showcasing their increasing proficiency on this demanding track. Andy Gersh, in particular, continues to rapidly adapt to the intricacies of the SR3 Road Course Squeeze Lane.

Race 2: Viper-Jet NAStruck Lexan (i)

The Viper-Jet NAStruck Lexan race proved to be another high-speed affair, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit. The competition remained incredibly tight, particularly among the Master division.

Race 2 Results: Viper-Jet NAStruck Lexan (i)

Race Place Driver Total Laps Total Points Class
1 Steve Stewart 80 61 Master
2 Dustin Jolley 77 56 Master
3 John Rogers 78 53 Master
4 Dean Donaldson 78 53 Master
5 Cece Caro 75 51 Advanced
6 Andy Gersh 74 46 Advanced
7 Joe Clarke 68 28 Master
8 Ramsey Wright 67 28 Advanced

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 163_Jun-25-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Highlights:

  • Cece Caro’s Stellar Performance: Advanced driver Cece Caro once again demonstrated her formidable talent, securing 5th place and narrowly missing a podium finish against a field of seasoned Master drivers. Her 75 laps were just three shy of the joint 3rd place Masters, underscoring her readiness for the next division.
  • Consistent Showing for Gersh: New Advanced driver Andy Gersh continued his strong adaptation, securing 6th place with 74 laps, keeping pace with more experienced competitors.
  • Tight Master Battles: Dustin Jolley, John Rogers, and Dean Donaldson engaged in a thrilling contest for the secondary podium spots, with John and Dean tying on total laps.

Race 3: Mega G+ 1.7 Corvette C8 (i)

The Mega G+ Corvette C8 class brought more intense competition. This race was particularly noteworthy for the exceptional performance of the Advanced drivers, who truly pushed the boundaries of their division.

Race 3 Results: Mega G+ 1.7 Corvette C8 (i)

Race Place Driver Total Laps Total Points Class
1 Dustin Jolley 79 55 Master
2 Dean Donaldson 77 53 Master
3 John Rogers 78 52 Master
4 Cece Caro 78 51 Advanced
5 Steve Stewart 77 50 Master
6 Joe Clarke 71 41 Master
7 Andy Gersh 72 38 Advanced
8 Ramsey Wright 67 36 Advanced

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 165_Jun-25-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Highlights:

  • Cece Caro’s Breakthrough: In a truly remarkable performance, Advanced driver Cece Caro finished 4th, matching Master driver John Rogers’s total laps (78) and securing 51 points, just two points behind 2nd place. This incredible drive further solidifies her status as a top contender and makes her ascent to the Master division all but certain. This achievement is a highlight for lone advanced drivers.
  • Dustin Jolley’s Victory: Master driver Dustin Jolley secured a convincing win, navigating the Corvette C8 with precision.
  • Gersh’s Steadfast Performance: Andy Gersh continued his consistent run, finishing 7th with 72 laps, underscoring his quick proficiency on the track.
  • Ramsey Wright’s Endurance: Advanced driver Ramsey Wright completed 67 laps, showcasing endurance and determination in a competitive field.

Race 4: OS3 TFX (i) Ramsey Set

The final race of the evening, featuring the OS3 TFX Ramsey Set, brought the action to a dramatic close. This class often demands a different driving style, testing versatility and car control.

Race 4 Results: OS3 TFX (i) Ramsey Set

Race Place Driver Total Laps Total Points Class
1 John Rogers 77 59 Master
2 Steve Stewart 76 56 Master
3 Dustin Jolley 73 53 Master
4 Dean Donaldson 73 48 Master
5 Cece Caro 69 38 Advanced
6 Ramsey Wright 69 28 Advanced

View Detailed Race Report: RaceReport_ 166_Jun-25-2026_SR3RoadCourseSqueezeLane.html

Highlights:

  • John Rogers Dominates: Master driver John Rogers took a commanding victory in the OS3 TFX class, demonstrating his adaptability across different car types.
  • Advanced Drivers Side-by-Side: Cece Caro and Ramsey Wright, both Advanced drivers, concluded the race with an identical 69 laps, emphasizing their competitive drive and skill even in a less familiar car class. This closely matched performance highlights individual advanced driver achievements.

Conclusion

Thursday Night Under The Lights, Round 5, was a testament to the thriving slot car racing community at Stewart Raceway. The consistently tight finishes and the remarkable performances from both seasoned Masters and ascending Advanced drivers like Cece Caro and Andy Gersh made for a memorable night. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cece Caro’s continued journey, anticipating her official entry into the Master division, while Andy Gersh’s rapid development promises more exciting races to come. These events continue to uphold the vibrant, competitive spirit that Stewart Raceway is known for.

⚠️ End of AI‑generated content.

⚠️ This report was primarily generated by an AI model.

“Thursday Night Under The Lights, Round 5: Close Quarters Racing and a Stellar Performance Propel Cece Caro Towards Master Division Stardom! (June 26, 2026)”

Another electrifying night of slot car racing unfolded at Stewart Raceway for Round 5, delivering thrilling competition across all divisions. The SR3 track, with its infamous squeeze lane and demanding fuel racing, pushed every driver to their limits, resulting in some incredibly tight finishes and significant shifts in the overall points standings. While the track owner continued his strong run, the spotlight truly shone on the fierce battles brewing just behind him, particularly with the stellar ascent of Cece Caro.

Points Standings by Driver Division

Here are the summarized points standings after a gripping Round 5:

Master Division Standings

Place Driver Laps Points
1 Dustin Jolley 1487 901
2 John Rogers 1442 844
3 Dean Donaldson 1398 842
4 Joe Clarke 383 201
5 Kevin Webster 330 175
* Steve Stewart 1536 996
Note: Steve Stewart’s results are presented for record-keeping purposes as the track owner. Competition for championship points in the Master Division remains fiercely contested among the other top drivers.

Advanced Division Standings

Place Driver Laps Points
1 Cece Caro 1391 748
2 Max Dunn 332 180
3 Andy Gersh 214 124
4 Ramsey Wright 266 120
5 Jeff Seltzer 204 112

Amateur Division Standings

Place Driver Laps Points
1 Trakker Clay 441 230
2 Rip Rippen 14 17

Key Insights and Statistics:

  • Cece Caro’s Breakthrough Performance: Cece Caro delivered an astonishing performance, securing the top spot in the Advanced Division with an impressive 748 points. Her lap count of 1391 was remarkably close to the Master Division front-runners, marking her as a significant talent. This outstanding showing clearly signals her readiness for the Master division, and we anticipate her formal ascension soon, making her a formidable contender among the sport’s elite.
  • Andy Gersh: A Rising Star: Newcomer Andy Gersh quickly demonstrated his prowess, adapting seamlessly to the challenging SR3 track. His 124 points and 214 laps are a testament to his rapid learning curve, especially concerning the SR3’s notoriously tricky squeeze lane and strategic fuel management. Andy’s performance suggests he will be a driver to watch in future rounds.
  • Amateur Division Highlights: Trakker Clay showcased strong, consistent racing, leading the Amateur division with 230 points over 441 laps. His dedication and skill continue to impress, demonstrating the depth of talent emerging from the Amateur ranks. Rip Rippen also made an appearance, garnering 17 points, indicating a desire to join the competitive fray and hone his skills.
  • Close Battles in Master Division: Beyond the overall leader, the Master Division saw extremely tight competition. Dustin Jolley (901 points) maintained a solid lead, but John Rogers (844 points) and Dean Donaldson (842 points) are locked in a battle for the podium, separated by just two points! This intense rivalry promises an exciting conclusion to the 2026 season.

Historical Context from Stewart Raceway:

Stewart Raceway, a cornerstone of the slot car racing community, has always prided itself on fostering both fierce competition and a welcoming environment for drivers of all skill levels. The challenging SR3 track, with its unique layout featuring the “squeeze lane” and sophisticated fuel racing mechanics, is designed to test not just speed, but also strategy and driver discipline. This philosophy, rooted in years of racing tradition documented on stewartraceway.org, ensures that natural talent and dedicated practice are rewarded. The tiered division structure (Junior, Amateur, Advanced, Master) serves as a clear progression path, allowing drivers like Cece Caro to steadily advance based on consistent, high-level performance, creating new rivalries and pushing the limits of the sport.

⚠️ End of AI‑generated content.

Okay, next up, possibly next Thursday, but could be a Saturday, is our annual IROC Challenge. Six IROC races determine our 2026 season IROC champs in each division. Stay tuned for details.

Again, a big thanks from the Stewart Raceway for participating and making this Thursday Night Series so fun and successful. Oh, and don’t forget to work on your MegaG+ 1.7 Modified platforms. We’re going to start running that class soon.

Okay, shut up and drive!

MegaG+ 1.7 Modified Class: New Rules and Build Guidance

The earliest version of this car class had very limited rules, allowing only the super-light photo-paper body and aftermarket rear axles, tires, and rims. The new rules allow for much more performance enhancements, transforming this rig into a true “builder” class platform.

Because of the “can” motor construction, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to put together a competitive car. The basic, easiest mods are relatively cheap to procure and easy to install.

This guide will provide you with links for sourcing the parts and components needed to transform any MegaG+ 1.7 rolling chassis into a speedster racing platform.

The first thing to focus on is what type of body you want to run. Smart money says the photo-paper body will likely be the best choice for raw speed and handling. However, you can choose any snap-on plastic, resin, or 3D-printed hardbody to get started in this class. Right now, the rules call for a Whelen-style body similar to the above paper bodies. F1/Indy bodies are not allowed.

Here is a 3D-printed body we’ve used at Stewart Raceway on IROC sets.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285415821110?_skw=sk&itmmeta=01KVHNDBQYGH1F0V4CRPWCJC59&hash=item42741bcf36:g:-5UAAOSwIwlgEEQI

Right now, the only sources for photo-paper bodies are through Stewart Raceway or Webster Motorsports (Kevin). Kevin’s body is probably a bit heavier than the Stewart Raceway design, but might be a bit more durable.

Right-click and open in a new tab for a larger image.

Stewart Raceway will provide a pre-designed body upon request for any regular participant at Stewart Raceway. If you’d like custom graphics, please email them to me, and I’ll see what I can do. I’m also thinking about creating a Lexan Whelen-style body. We’ll see where that goes.

The next important upgrade is an aftermarket rear axle assembly. You can do multiple options here. I suggest just purchasing one or two complete Viper rear ends. I think you can purchase without tires also.

This mod gives you a significant performance boost and lets you run any Viper Narrow PST Slip-On tire set.

Both 25-tooth and 23-tooth gearing are allowed. No metal gears! The lower tooth count provides higher speeds on larger tracks.

https://viperscaleracing.com/product/mega-g-g-pro-rear-end-setup/

The next upgrade would be an independent front-end assembly. This component provides for smoother corner entry and exits, which means better handling and faster lap times.

Brass, Delrin, or Alloy hubs are allowed.

 

The jury is out on which setup will work best and which courses, but my thinking is that the heavier (brass) material will allow a heavier pickup shoe spring tension. In theory, this will provide a bit more speed and keep the front end planted better.

This setup also allows a wide range of tire circumferences, giving you more tuning options to dial in your car for any track or course layout.

https://viperscaleracing.com/product/mega-g-brass-390-independent-front-end-setup/

 

Up next would be a motor upgrade. There are several options available here.

This is a motor and electronics board available from either Jag Hobbies or Viper. Viper also makes their own replacement motor assembly, which should be available on their site soon.

There are various motor options out there. The original MG+ motor had a green endbell. Newer cars have a red or orange endbell. The Jag and Viper assemblies appear to have black endbells as shown here.  Some are faster than others, but any of these motors can outperform another at times.

https://viperscaleracing.com/product/jag-replacement-motor-assembly-mega-g/

https://jaghobbies.com/ho_slot_cars/parts_tomy.htm

In any case, aftermarket motor assemblies with stripped electrical boards are, at a minimum, lighter in weight. If you’re running a brass independent front, this can help the car come off the start line and through the corners a little faster.

I don’t want to get into the weeds with the details here. The above parts and components will get your MegaG+ 1.7 chassis in the ballpark and competitive at Stewart Raceway.

Of course, there are many other ways to improve this platform’s performance. From front and rear axle shimming to replacing or otherwise changing pickup shoe spring tensions, this class provides builders with a very flexible, highly tunable racing platform.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment below or email any Master division driver. We’re hoping to start racing these new cars as soon as we have enough drivers with race-ready cars.

Parts List:

Front Axle Spacer .010″ (10 pcs) $2.95
NEW COLORS V2 Aluminum Independent Front End Setup – Black $8.95
V2 Independent CNC Retainers 3 pr. (Delrin) $4.50
Independent Front Tires – .326 $2.50
Independent Front Tires – .336 $2.50
MG+ Lexan Body Clip (Fits Viper Pin out) $3.99
JAG Replacement Motor Assembly Mega G+ $9.95
Brass Pinion Stopper .025″ (10 pcs) $3.95
Polypro Mega G 23T Crown Gear $3.95
Mega G+ Pro Rear end setup .250 NDFR $13.95