test track and race track different

[roosclan]

We have an interesting dilemma this year. Last year we used an aluminum track that was rented from another Pack for our Derby. Tune and Test was for 3hrs before the race using the same track we raced on.

This year the Best Track is staying at its home pack and we have to go there. Due to time constraints, we will have Tune & Test the night before, using our pack's old rough wood track. The next evening (after school) will be the race on the Best Track. Weigh-in will be the night before. Once we get to the track on race night, we will check in and start racing -- no trial runs at all.

I was planning on aligning the boys' cars to rail ride on the aluminum track. My problem is that I don't know how it will perform on the wood track. Rail riding is generally considered a no-no for wood, correct? How will I know I have it tuned right to rail ride for the aluminum track?

[roosclan]

ichiban said:

Within the past week, one of the threads has a post refering to a post made by Racer X. In it he talks about setting the alignment based on measurements from the surface your pwd car is parked on up to the axle head. Other racers have followed it and gained time. Look for it as it may help.

Is it the one about setting camber for the rear wheels? I think I saw it. I'll have to find it again.

For rail riding you dont need a track. Do you have a smooth flat board around 4-5 feet long and at least a foot wide? Mark a line down the middle lengthwise. Raise one end an inch or two. Place your car at the higher end centered over the middle mark you made and release the car. You want it to slowly travel to the left or right and at the 4 foot mark you'd like it to have moved an inch into the imaginary rail. I got our rail riders to move 1.5 inches over in that distance and we took 1st and 2nd in pack so I'm not complaining.

So should I just do that and not even have the boys test it on the wood track? Will setting it to RR and then running it on the wood track mess it up any?