Indoor over the winter period

[wylie]

Not sure if it's been discussed or not but I for one would'nt mind doing my racing in the warm, so if anyone knows someone who can rent a hall perhaps on a Friday night?
I'm not wanting to break away from TORCH but to run it the same as the club with the same committee running things.
Just looking for more options :thumbsup: to help the club grow and we get to have more racing time.
So let the chat begin.:)

[wayne]

i think its a good idea ....when i left the track yesterday, there were huge puddles forming up by the table top n surrounding areas....so may be as a back up ..be a good idea

[mikeyscott]

Hi,

OK a few questions:
1) Find a hall that would allow racing on Friday nights or something
2) That doesn't cost the earth and cause us money problems & impact outdoor racing. I.e. People race indoors and then only five turn up on the Sunday.
3) Track carpet / jumps etc. would need to be built, purchased etc.

indoor racing costs I expect would have to be higher

Personally if people want to race indoors I'd get another laptop up and running and would like to see other members run the meeting etc. I don't believe we should stop racing outdoors over winter

[wylie]

It was'nt aimed at stopping racing on Sunday it's as well as, i can assist with laptop

[wayne]

nor me ..ill continue also on a sunday racing as i do prefer it outside ..especially now the durango is sorted .. i can see what mike is saying ,n i guess wont be easy to sort out an indoor place .

i dont mind helping out with anything i can do ..ppl just have to ask

[mikeyscott]

Hi,

I would suggest once a month or every other week. My gut says once a month

[wylie]

That would be fine.
Right everyone, start looking for a venue and asking the right questions.
All we need is enthusiasm
oh! and some carpet, wood and a site.
Easy if you say it quick.

[dibble34]

I'd be up for it, on one of the council websites there are a list of halls available, will see if i can find it.

One thing i would say is that a midweek night may be better for some. From a family point of few, going out Friday evening and Sunday is not ideal. Tues/weds would be much better.

[dibble34]

Best list i can find

http://e.volve.org.uk/Listings.aspx?index=563&item=2848

[Nige]

Racing indoors over winter does seem appealing though believe the catchment area of members is quite widespread. So for many to get there at say 7pm would be quite a struggle.

It might be worth starting a poll to ascertain how many members could and would actually attend an indoor TORCH series. The roads are fortunately a lot more empty on Sunday mornings.

Alternatively what about starting a thread asking for some suggestions on how to cope with racing at TORCH over winter + in the rain. It might be a lot easier to make a few modifications to your car and to buy a few waterproofs then it would be to set up an indoor series.

What do other clubs do on rainy cold days?

:)

[wylie]

I like the poll idea,:thumbsup: but as stated I would like it to be a mid week affair, so as not to affect Sunday's meetings
Most ESC are fairly water tight, brushless systems do require a bit more care blue-tak or that new stuff by RC-Lazy over the sensor lead and any exposed connectors + receiver.
I used to travel to Newbury and do there indoor series and its good fun.
Thanks for the link Dibble will do a few e-mails on Wednesday and see whats what.
Lets keep chatting.:)

[Nige]

I know Newbury only do touring cars at the moment, but what about contacting them and seeing if we could share their equipment on a different night to their club events. Would be easier than starting from scratch at another venue.

[martin so16]

think newbury a bit to far to go most people dont finsh work to five be hard to get there for a 7 o.clock start.
i like the sound of indoor raceing but it takes time to set it up each meeting and if you dont get the numbers its alot of work for nothing plus it will cost to set it all up think money would be better spent on the track we got

[wylie]

I would like to scrounge, beg, borrow and steal, well not the last one but on the cheap as possible.
Are there any touring car tracks throwing out there old carpet? Newbury is a bit to far I think for most of the TORCH regulars but I think that quite a few would travel 10 to 20 miles to race for an evening.
Lets ask around.

[SteveB]

For some who remember there were indoor meetings run on a Thursday evening at Wickham Community Centre a few moons ago??

I used to get involved running these meetings before Chris W got involved.

Realistically setup needs completing by 7pm and that usually takes 2 hours. So we would need 4 - 6 people to make the venue by 5pm and make the racing happen every meeting.
Then the clear up about 1/2 hour with help from all.

The carpet may even still be at Wickham still?

I would suggest this is an opportunity but should run in conjunction with the committees support and only should run every other week.

This is a big ask, and the fact that we get little support to make big changes to the outdoor venue, I would say the pressure would be apparent.

We have had a 3 - 4 work party days this year, I can honestly say we only a small number of people support the club and my appreciation goes out to those members who did. Also not to forget the select few who have gone out there way to help outside of these days.

My aim was to relay the track this year but with so little support we have not had the ability to develop the track to the standard we so much desire.

Personally we need to get our own house in order before we venture out to other challenges/opportunities.

Remember there will be a AGM and things can change. When proposals are required you will be notified.

Steve

[wayne]

hi i can understand what steve sais n i agree ...home first

[RobW]

Just to give us an idea of what we are looking at, just checked the Wickham Hall website and the main hall there is £24.80 an hour off peak so just under £150 for the six hours (5.00 til 11.00 to allow for set up and clear up). We could probably do a deal if we booked a period of weeks in advance but it is still going to be a chunk of cash – at £150 if you only get 15 drivers, which is not untypical for a Sunday morning meeting, then you are looking at £10 each just to cover the hall.

Need to find a much cheaper hall and some hard working volunteers as the present committee are already stretched (as per Steve’s comments)

I’ll e-mail Chris to find out what he did with the remains of the carpet (most of it got wrecked when vandals broke in and poured paint on it).

Rob

[mikeyscott]

(most of it got wrecked when vandals broke in and poured paint on it).

B@stards

[Samspeed1]

This is a great idea. Maybe i'm getting old but i much prefer to race indoors in the winter^^

[makinwaves]

All in favour of some nice indoor racing. Just as a thought, some indoor venues use the natural floor surface and not carpet. Be a lot quicker to set up too.

You could approach other (TC) clubs with a decent venue who may be willing to share the venue on different nights. SHMCC may be worth approaching in New Milton.

If we are outdoors I can recommend the rcLazy Goo. We covered Simon's speedo and receiver in it and dunked it in a bucket of water and it worked before during and after the dunk. Brilliant stuff.

[Nige]

To avoid setting the track each meeting what about looking for an empty commercial unit/ farmer's barn - the track could then be permanently set up over the winter months.

Q what about the timing loop, would another need to be purchased?

[SteveB]

To avoid setting the track each meeting what about looking for an empty commercial unit/ farmer's barn - the track could then be permanently set up over the winter months.

Q what about the timing loop, would another need to be purchased?

Hi Nigel

The timing loop would be a major investment, but a backup to the club as well.
A barn would be ideal, but this would still be very cold, but dry. Anyone been to tiverton, great track and venue, but very cold in winter.

[simoncrabb]

I agree, the South could really do with an indoor off-road venue.

As always, getting the venue at good value is the key.

(BTW additional loops can be made very easily, there's instructions on the 'net, much cheaper than buying another genuine one.)

[wylie]

I'm glad this has generated so much interest it's going to keep me motivated to move this on, as i said i don't want to divide the existing club and if that happend i would abandon all ideas of this because TORCH has such a good atmosphere around it and the people are real nice and helpfull

[Crazy L]

I'd be up for a bit of indoor action, I enjoyed the Newbury days, but, Like Browner said, there's a big enough problem getting people to help out with the outdoor one let alone an indoor one too.

Which reminds me, When I used to do Newbury, out of 20 or more drivers, only around half dozen used to help pack away, myself included. Also, a midweek jobby would be out of the question for me, I don't knock off till 6, and I'm not keen on spending the evening wearing my work gear (engineering workshop, stinky)

Friday nights best for me, even then it wont be all the time, I have trouble finding the time for a sunday meet.

[k3v1n8]

Hi Nigel

The timing loop would be a major investment, but a backup to the club as well.
A barn would be ideal, but this would still be very cold, but dry. Anyone been to tiverton, great track and venue, but very cold in winter.
whats the point of racing off cars indoors, thats why you race out doors unless u have a barn with a offroad track setup .

[SteveB]

whats the point of racing off cars indoors, thats why you race out doors unless u have a barn with a offroad track setup .

:wtf::rolleyes:

[wylie]

If you've raced indoor before you'll know that it's just as much fun as outside with out the elements. It's just another aspect and versatility of this great hobby.

[Samspeed1]

I have happy memories of Tiverton trying to cut and shut glueing tyres in the freezing cold. Dirt in a barn :thumbsup:

[AmiSMB]

I would like to race at an indoor venue. I am making some enquiries as we have a new hall being built near where I live. I think if the club, setup and racing is good enough then people will come.

[mikeyscott]

We may have secured a venue, no more details as such but who would be interested in racing Wednesday nights every other week for example?

[jamiekerr14]

depending on location=me

[mikeyscott]

depending on location=me

Not too far from the main track (between Southampton and Portsmouth). Will disclose more once we have discussed things further with the building owner etc.

[jamiekerr14]

Ohh sounds good! should be within 30 mins from home and uni -Double whammy!:)

[MrMagoo]

Would be up for that as long as I can fit it around the family!

[super gripper]

We may have secured a venue, no more details as such but who would be interested in racing Wednesday nights every other week for example?


Every other week would suit me because of the travelling distance. I haven't raced buggy's indoors for ages so am looking forward to it if we get it.

[mikeyscott]

It wouldn't be anymore than every other week as we also need time away due to work and family etc.

[Nige]

We may have secured a venue, no more details as such but who would be interested in racing Wednesday nights every other week for example?


I'd like to, really depends what time it would start/finish?

[mikeyscott]

Ok positive feedback so far.

I'd also like to remind members that our priority is still the outdoor track and the track work.

This weekend Saturday and Sunday

[AlisdairO]

I'd definitely be up for some evening racing action :)

[wylie]

Just to keep you updated, i have been busy phoning around but so far have not found a venue, i didn't think that would be the hard part but i'm still looking and if anyone else has suggestions or know a suitable site please PM or see me trackside.
Tony.

[DHB]

Sounds good to me, but agree with Mike, the outside track is our top priority. Dont forget that we have members that dont use oople, so get the word out to them if you speak to our see and get the thoughts on indoor racing in the week and feed that info back to Mike or Steve.

[SteveB]

Guys

A little more detail:

1. Location near Fareham
2. On polished floor at moment!
3. AMB cable needed for loop?
4. space for 30 people to pit with 240v
5. Heating
6. Can cater for different classes, 1/18th scale, 1/12th, 1/10th on road?
7. Permanent track and no need to remove.
8. Lots of parking.
9. Timing 6pm for 7pm start and finash 10pm.
10. Wednesday or Thursday tbc

More details to follow, further investigation is required before all is disclosed

[wylie]

Top work Steve :drool:

[martin so16]

sounds good to me im up for it

[simoncrabb]

Sounds excellent Steve, especially the permanent track bit... How big?

Making a loop thread:

http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-1564.html

It's just a bit of co-ax joined to a loop of multistrand with a 470ohm resistor half way along the loop (ie at 'the other' side). Easy to make and test?

[AmiSMB]

I am up for that. Great night for me and local!