The wet weather continues but progress is still being made. We’re almost ready to start laying down track after finishing the table over the weekend.
Initial painting was completed on Christmas Day and sidewall installation started today. Once the sidewalls are in place, the next step is adjusting the lift system to the new table size and connecting the monster table to it.
After that, it’s all about laying out the track and getting it placed perfectly on the table. The SR3 table is much larger than SR2 at 16×6 vs. 14×5, which suggested the table sides should be a bit higher due to the increased speeds and velocity in the corners.
Once the track is mounted to the table it’ll be time to wire power, driver stations, timing sensors, and all the other electronics required to run the kind of races we run.
Like SR2, SR3 will support Trackmate, SlotTrak, and Race Coordinator timing systems.
Some new features planned for SR3 are:
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- Programmable lane voltage: each lane will have it’s own power source, drivers can set individual lane power for testing/tuning of different car types.
- Individual lane brake control (Enabled/Disabled)
- Individual lane direction control (counter-clockwise or clockwise)
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We’ll see how things go with the skyrocketing inflation trajectory but we’re hoping to be able to open the track with the above additional features.
In any case, the new track will support at least what we have with SR2 but with a very cool new layout and the ability to run up to six racers at one time. Not to mention the longest banked 1/64-scale oval track in the western U.S.
Oh, we’re planning on a Test/Tune session this coming Wednesday. Please email if you’re interested in joining us. Reminder: Please get registered for Round 1 of the 2022 Formula “e” Series on Saturday, January 1.
Okay, shut-up and drive!
Excavation and geology work has been difficult with all the much needed rain. But construction is progressing and we’re on schedule!
The base table is almost complete now as you can see. I just need to finish fastening the table top sheets to the frame, cut and route the side and end panels, then paint and assemble. After that, it’s all about laying out the track, oval first, and securing anchor points to keep it in position as the wiring and electronics are installed.
Lots of decisions to be made so I’m anxious to get some veteran racers over to comment on things. A couple key decision needed are what side of the garage the main start/finish straight will be on, what pit spacing to try first, and what layout to employ for the grand opening race day.
All construction materials arrived today, December 20, 2021. But not without drama, of course. I won’t bore you with the details but I did have some issues with the lumber supplier.
In any case, all the lumber products
I’m also considering flush-mount driver’s stations instead of the horizontal platforms that SR2 has. I really like the platform-style stations but SR3 is over a foot wider as it is. Adding the platforms would make it almost 8-feet wide! So, bring your Fray pit-box hanger and deal with it! Sides will be 3/4 MDF. More construction reports to come as construction proceeds. Oh, and I’ll have Bowman or Viper controller holsters, haven’t decided on that yet.