DIECAST RACING REPORT August 15, 2020 – Vol. 1 No. 5
Inside: #8Modders – On The Track – Speedy Rat Rods Stunt Driving Down Under & Much More
2 | Diecast Racing Report
In This Issue
Table of Contents Editor’s Notes News Briefs Calendar Resources
4 5 6
QuickTips
8
7
Features 8 Modders, 1 Car OnTheTrack
8
3DBotMaker
20
Chaos Canyon
21
Jackson Pass
22
Fast Rabbit Racing Club 22
23
RTR Diecast
Columns 7
20
Live from the Rust Belt
24
24
Cover Art: Christopher Kidder-Mostrom Diecast Racing Report is a publication of Kit Kayem LLC, 7511 Greenwood Ave N #112, Seattle, WA 98103, USA Comments or letters to the editor: comments@diecastracingreport.com Are you a writer, photographer, artist, or other ne’er-do-well? Drop us a line: submissions@diecastracingreport.com Staff: Christopher (Kit) Kidder-Mostrom, Ali Kidder-Mostrom, Steven King, Josh Paufler
August 15, 2020 | 3
Editor’s Note
S
ince our very first issue (this is issue 5), we have been planning something big. Actually, a few somethings big. But, today is when we present the first major project. You may remember that our debut issue came out on June 15. It was only a few days later that I started recruiting some fantastic modder, many of whom are household names to longtime fans of diecast racing. What I talked to them about was a project that would get together a bunch of folks who have been at the top of the modding game. If you go back and look in the discussion groups at Redline Derby, or check out the 2018 or 2019 videos at 3DBotMaker, you will come across many of their names. And others on the list, while newer to the sport, have had success in the modding community modding for other purposes (Gaslands, shelf displays, miniature car shows). The best way, in my eyes, to get the magazine into the community is to engage the community directly. Luckily it seems that these modders agreed with me, and bought into the project. So, today I present #8Modders. You might notice that about half of this issue is filled with that one article. It’s massive. And it has been a bear to pull together. But, I have to thank the participants profusely. While the project was daunting, their enthusiasm and efforts have been wonderful. So much so that we will be doing the #8Modders project with a new batch of participants again in November, and continuing on quarterly thereafter. As part of the #8Modders, DRR received its first shipments from modders, and we ran into a difficulty that affects everyone right now. The US Postal Service is going through a rough patch, and packages (and other mail) are taking a longer than usual time to get where they are going. For us, this means that a number of the cars got here just in time for us to get this issue out, but not in time to produce a race video that would be released in conjunction with this issue. That race will still be happening, and will be released next Saturday morning (9/22/2020), with the participants and our Patreon supporters receiving it a couple of days earlier. I’m sorry that the video isn’t ready today. But, without the cars here in Seattle, there 4 | Diecast Racing Report
was no way to hold the race. The good news? They’re all here now, so we’ll get that race run as soon as this issue hits the press, and I’ll get directly onto editing video. The deteriorating condition of the Post Office is affecting other mail-in races, and has been for a while now. Diecast racers have probably noticed Kit Kidder-Mostrom that races often post a few days Editor-in-Chief or weeks later than otherwise expected. Often that is because the race host knows that packages are on their way, but they aren’t yet present at the race location. My thoughts on this are that if you’re set to be in a race, be patient. None of the race hosts I know are thrilled with having to delay filming, but they also don’t want to leave participants out of the fun due to the current postal slow-down. Finally, let me take a moment to thank our Patreon patrons. They are making it possible to keep this magazine going twice a month. My sincerest thanks to you!
News in Brief
ILC Announces Series of Rematches Commissioner Sammy of the I Like Cheese Racing Series announced on Friday that a new opportunity will exist for drivers whose cars were good in the past, but just not good enough. The opportunity is termed Second Cheese, and will take former Friday Night Cheese racers, and give them a go against the reigning Big Cheese. It’s all about second chances. Friday Night Cheese Race 46 debuted the new aspect of the ILC, with Chris Smith returning to the track after a many months-long hiatus. Participating modders who have left their cars in Chapman Films’ care
over the last year will likely be rewarded soon with a new spin down the track. This will be great news to anyone who’s heard their race end with the words “Maybe next time.” Finally, “next time” has arrived at the Man-Pams Motor Speedway.
Four Tracks Team-Up for International Series While the hobby/sport of diecast racing is a truly international phenomenon, there has been a limit to how world-wide an individual’s participation could be. For those who are drivers, and participate in races from afar, the internet provides
a way for participation to be global. But, for modders, mail-in races tend to be held in the continental United States, and that limits participation from elsewhere. As a bit of an experiment in logistics, Warwick Rule of Chaos Canyon has pulled together a group of four tracks (three in the US and his own in New Zealand) to host a four-site truly international tour. Granted, it’s only two countries involved, but if the project is successful, there are plans to add additional tracks, and Rule has stated that he’d like to see more non-USA tracks involved. For now the tour will see 4 teams of cars (two cars each) traveling to the included tracks, which are Jackson Pass Raceway, Flat Rabbit Racing Club, Mayes Mountain, and Chaos Canyon. DRR will be following this closely.
August 15, 2020 | 5
Calendar
Mail-in Race Deadlines Stock: Redline Derby Racing League July Races in August - Deadline for Entry: August 22, 2020. Drag strip. Weight limit 65 grams for stock vehicles. Field limited to 32 participants. One car per participant only. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Redline Derby Racing League August Races- Deadline for Entry: August 22, 2020. Drag strip. Weight limit 65 grams for stock vehicles. Field limited to 32 participants. One car per participant only. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Diecast 64 Open Stock and Hot Off The Shelf (September) – Deadline for Entry: September 19, 2020. Drag strip. Two of five divisions are stock. Open Stock is any 1:64 scale cars. Hot Off The Shelf must be 2019 or 2020 Mainline cars. Entrance fee. More Info: RaceHotWheels.com Pinks for the Cure – Deadline for Entry: October 1, 2020. Road course. 70 gram weight limit. Cars must be pink in color. Entry Fee. Racing for
Charity. More Info:: RedlineDerby.com
Modifieds: Battle Zone – Deadline for Entry: August 21, 2020. Road course. 175 gram weight limit. Limit of 4 entries per person. More Info: War on I-4 Cavalcade of Calamity Custom Competition – Deadline for Entry: August 22, 2020. Road course. 90 gram weight limit. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Redline Derby Racing League July Races in August - Deadline for Entry: August 22, 2020. Drag strip. Weight limit 60 grams for modified vehicles. Field limited to 32 participants. One car per participant only. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Redline Derby Racing League August Races - Deadline for Entry: August 22, 2020. Drag strip. Weight limit 60 grams for modified vehicles. Field limited to 32 participants. One car per participant only. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Nick of Time Open - Deadline for Entry: August 29, 2020. 5-race series. Drag strips. 105g weight limit. Only full-size vans (no minivans, or commercial step vans). Always solo runs against the clock.. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Honda City Turbo Throwdown Deadline for Entry: September 5,
6 | Diecast Racing Report
2020. 5-race series. Road courses. 50 gram weight limit. Honda City Turbo only acceptable model. Modifying for speed and appearance, with limits. More Info: Rust Belt Diecast Racing Grocery Getter 250 - Deadline for Entry: September 12, 2020. Road course. 70 gram weight limit. Production model station wagons only. Must modify for appearance. One car per participant. Limits on axles (mainline only). More Info: Rust Belt Diecast Racing Dixie Grand Prix 3 - Deadline for Entry: September 16, 2020. Road course. 50g weight limit. Only Indy Car and F1 style vehicles permitted. Two cars per team. More Info: RedlineDerby.com Diecast 64 Open Modified & Modified Street (September) – Deadline for Entry: September 19, 2020. Drag strip. 57 gram weight limit in both categories. Entrance fee. More Info: RaceHotWheels.com Diecast 64 Six Wheel Big Rig Race - Deadline for Entry: September 19, 2020. Drag strip. 6-wheeled SemiTrucks only. Modifying for speed. Limited modifying for appearance. 100 gram weight limit. Entrance fee. More Info: RaceHotWheels.com Pinks for the Cure – Deadline for Entry: October 1, 2020. Road course. 70 gram weight limit. Cars must be pink in color. Entry Fee. Racing for Charity. More Info:: RedlineDerby.com Friday Night Cheese– Deadline for Entry: rolling (open submissions). Road Course. 150 gram weight limit. More Info: ILC Race Series If you have a race you would like to see on this calendar listing, please add it to the listings at RedlineDerby.com. Doing so just makes everyone’s lives a little easier. Thanks! Kit K-M
Resources
Quick Tips
Blow By The Competition Without Blowing The Bank
H
ot Wheels only cost a dollar, but modding them costs a lot. Right? Wrong! It’s possible to save money and still make a great mod. These quick tips demonstrate that you can hold on to your hard-earned dollars by using common sense. 1. Think outside the brand. You can save money by buying alternatives to brands and products specifically designed for diecast modding. Wasteland Games takes you through a variety of products (many from the Dollar Store) that you can use to create rust and other details on your car in his video “Gaslands Mad Max Buyers Guide Part 2: Cheap detailing on a budget”. 2. Buy secondhand. By shopping at flea markets, garage sales and resale shops, you can
get a lot of cars (which means a lot of parts) for not a lot of dough. Check out the possibilities when you build with used cars in Fastback Customs’ video “Hanson’s speed shop budget gasser build off”. 3. Use what you have. You don’t always need to buy new things to mod your car for speed. In “How to modify Hot Wheels or Diecast axle”, Jakartown The Journal shows you how a plastic cotton swab doubles as the perfect axle tube. 4. Waste not, want not. You can save a lot of cash if you get creative with your trash. JHMiniatures takes budget building to the next level in his video “255 Corvette Challenge”. By using bits and pieces pulled from household waste, he manages to do a full Gaslands
modification for the cost of one bottle of paint. 5. Prioritize your spending. To get your best build, spend your money where it matters most. For Flying Valiant, the priority was paint (under a school glue clear-coat). You can see him beg, borrow and steal the rest in the video “How to Build a Custom Diecast Car on a Budget – Hansen’s Speed Shop $5 Gasser Build w/1963 Corvette”.
If you have a topic you would like to see us tackle in Quick Tips, drop us a note at comments@diecastracingreport.com Thanks! Kit K-M
August 15, 2020 | 7
Feature
8 MODDERS 1 CAR RODGER DODGER EDITION
by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
As has been seen over the last 8 months or so, watching diecast races on YouTube often leads the viewer to want to get involved, and the best way to do that is to enter a race. Not all races require an entrant to have modified a car, but many do. Naturally, when first starting out, one might look to the more experienced builders to learn how to make cars faster. And one might turn to other more practiced individuals in order to learn how to make the care look just right. Luckily for folks entering the hobby/sport of diecast racing, the community welcomes new participants with open arms, and those with experience and wisdom share it pretty freely. We at Diecast Racing Report asked two of our staff and six other top modders to all have a go at modding the same model of car. We provided each with an identical Rodger 8 | Diecast Racing Report
Dodger, and we gave them free rein to do whatever they wanted to the car. Our hope? That we and our readers would get a chance to witness the methods of those masters of diecast customization. Some of the participants in this project have videos online that explain their methods. Others haven’t been as public previously. If you have ever watched a race and wondered, “How does so-and-so get their car to go so fast?”--well, today might be the day that you find out a trade secret or two. On the following pages, you will witness what 8 spectacular customizers can do. They modified for speed, they modified for appearance. They made a classic Hot Wheels car their own, and told us how they did it. Oh... And because this magazine is dedicated to racing, we are taking them out for a spin later this week, and will be posting the resulting race on our new YouTube channel on Saturday, August 22nd!
Feature
The Rodger Dodger first hit the shelves in 1974 as part of the Flying Colors series of Hot Wheels. It was available in two colors that year: plum and blue, each with orange and yellow flames on top. Since that year, there have been over 40 different released versions made by Mattel (including retools of the car’s design in 2000 and 2015). It is a popular model. It is a familiar shape. It is an iconic Hot Wheels car.
The Car
So, when Diecast Racing Report came up with the idea of the #8Modders project, the Rodger Dodger was a natural choice. It also seemed like a natural choice for an event that coincides with Redline Derby’s Charger Summer. After all, the original Rodger Dodger casting was based on the 1973 Dodge Charger SE.
The Participants
Three versions of the Rodger Dodger hit the shelves in 2020, all in the HW Art Cars line: matte black, gray, and gold. All three have the same tampos: The words “Steam” and “Punk” each adorn a side of the car. The wheels are stylized to look like gears, following the steampunk theme.
Joey Clemons David Currin Nick Deavers Amanda Jewell Ali Kidder-Mostrom Michael Mathis Mike Mayes Josh Paufler
Our modders were each given the gold version of the car (a Kroger exclusive). Some of them loved the casting, and it inspired their creativity. Others felt revulsion in regard to the car’s appearance, and that inspired their creativity in a divergent way. Prior to the 2015 retooling of the Rodger Dodger, the engine had exhaust pipes coming out of both sides. The current model no longer exhibits pipes over the hood. Instead they are on each side of the vehicle, just aft of the front wheels.
#8MODDERS August 15, 2020 | 9
Feature Mike Mayes (RTR Diecast Racing League): Like many of us when we were kids, Mike Mayes would paint diecast cars with his mother’s fingernail polish. When Mike’s son was born he started collecting again. Whenever his son would get a duplicate car in his collection, Mayes would paint it a different color for the child. With age, the collecting stopped, but then a few years ago, Mayes came across a YouTube channel that restores Hot Wheels and he was hooked. He pulled all of their cars out of the closet and found a few to modify. Since then he has entered into a few YouTube competitions. “It’s such a fun little hobby to have,” says Mayes. “And, now that the racing community has grown so much, it gives me even more of an excuse to do more mods.”
Got the car in the mail and what is it? The ugliest Rodger Dodger Hot Wheels has made. Looks better already, but those wheels...do a wheel swap? I’m not in the mood to do all that. I have another Rodger Dodger. Why don’t I steal the base and wheels off that one? Do a little kit bashing...
Paint. Used Testors Icy Blue, Rust-Oleum Gloss Red for the stripe, and Testors Color Shift Pink Champagne afterwards to give it a little shimmer.
Looks much better with the other base and wheels.
Add a few decals.
Rodger Dodger by Mike Mayes
37.8 grams
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August 15, 2020 | 11
Feature Nick Deavers (Nick Deavers Racing): Since the age of 6, Nick Deavers has been in some form of racing, starting with HO-scale slot cars in his basement. At 8 he started 1:24th slot cars and raced them all over Indiana, until age 21. From 2000-2005 Deavers raced 1:1 dirt oval in a Mustang at Crown Point Speedway. In 2011 Nick got into modifying Hot Wheels shelf pieces, mostly Roadkill cars. He was even featured in their magazine. Deavers got into racing Hot Wheels in 2014. “I don't really think I have a style to my builds,” says Deavers. “I just enjoy trying to make them as fast as possible.” Nick has made some wonderful friends and hopes to continue to make great friends while enjoying competitive racing.
Reducing friction however you can. Using a file to knock imperfections off the insides of the axle heads.
Sanding the axles smooth on this set of non-nickleplated axles.
Polishing the axles can gain you valuable time in a race.
Another place that most people don’t think about. You can reduce friction and gain speed by polishing the chassis at the wheel wells.
Sanding the surface of the wheels with progressively finer sandpapers removes imperfections and makes the wheels go smooth.
Rodger Dodger by Nick Deavers
69.9 grams
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Feature Ali Kidder-Mostrom (Xanthippe): Ali Kidder-Mostrom is a new kid on the block. In February, her husband was modding for 3DBotmaker’s KotM and “you know what I would build” became actually building the Zap-Em van from MiB. She named her team “Just Another Pop Culture Reference” and everything she builds is exactly that. Past favorite mods include a 1969 Captain America for Charger Summer and Papa Smurf for the Poppa Speed Invitational. Ali mods for speed, but aesthetics take priority – she loves detail painting. Her next project (with Gen-X Vintage Racing) begins this month: races at their home track, Psychedelic Speedway.
“Research”. It’s been a LONG time since I last watched Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Now’s the perfect time to fix that.
Painting the base coat. My first time using spray paint on a diecast mod. It’s nice and even and thin, but I think I prefer hand-painting enamel.
Decals. After the first round of detail painting, I like to use waterslides for things that I can’t free-hand (like words).
Wheels! I love quirky wheels, but these will not work for the aesthetic I have planned. Benny the Cab has white wheels with red hubcaps, so I tore apart a Santa’s sleigh, and that’s what I got.
More detail painting! This car included: over the decals, painting the engine to look like Roger Rabbit’s bow tie (the shape of this engine and Roger Rabbit’s bow tie is what ultimately sold me on the design), and other bits/bobs.
“Roger” Dodger by Xanthippe
38.4 grams August 15, 2020 | 13
Feature David Currin (League of Speed): He's called the League of Speed and he's been involved with the sport of diecast racing since 2016. He's not only a builder of modified diecast cars, but the #2 man at Redline Derby Racing and its lead Event Coordinator. He loves to teach and coach the Art of the Build in hopes of helping people solve the Riddle of Speed. He also has built several tracks and hosted races out of Redline Derby Racing...but his favorite thing is being in the workshop and building cars for the next event. He has earned respect from the diecast community over the years and considers that his most rewarding accomplishment in the sport. He's been a driving force in the sport and has no plans to watch it stagnate. “The best is yet to come,� he says.
The Wheel Farming is now complete and the fronts will be extracted from the Datsun Bluebird
I did a little more Wheel Farming and found the Front FTE package off a Bedlam that fits the bill...so the Datsun Bluebird 510 gets spared from axle extraction...for now.
Speed Force helping League of Speed with some body prep on the project
Polishing the axles and some install.
Working on weight placement and weight dynamics. I set my axles before I add my weight, but I like to figure out what kind/shape of weight I need and how much, before I take the chassis and axles to the axle jig.
The Marauder by League of Speed
72.7 grams 14 | Diecast Racing Report
Feature Amanda Jewell (Killer Bunny): Amanda has many titles: Medical Laboratory Scientist, wife, mother, diecast race streamer, and modder. She currently resides in Northeast Ohio with her husband and three sons. She did not always modify diecast cars, but started off by painting and modifying table-top gaming pieces. Her husband got her into the diecast community by showing her Rust Belt Diecast Racing videos during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time she has developed many friendships within the community. Her love of the sport shows in her work.
After stripping the paint, used sand paper to remove the excess paint.
Before adding the weights and after using the sandpaper. Before spraying the paint.
Hand painted the engine, tires set and weights in place.
Showing off the metallic flakes in the paint.
Top view of the decals after placement.
The Killer Bunny by Killer Bunny
55.1 grams August 15, 2020 | 15
16 | Diecast Racing Report
Feature Joey Clemons (Custom LED Bikes): Joey Clemons originally became interested in diecast racing in the same way as many others: through 3DBotmaker’s King of the Mountain. He did his research – including watching hours and hours of YouTube videos – before he starting modding his own. Once he stepped away from the sidelines, he quickly rose to become one of the biggest names in the sport and sees the sport as a labor of love. Joey really enjoys the camaraderie and friendships among fellow builders and has spread the word, inviting friends to join in the fun.
Weighing the car for its original weight.
The whole car pulled apart. Tampos are off!
Making room for weight by getting rid of unnecessary innards.
Wheels swapped in the front. Using Redline Derby’s axle jig.
Bringing the car up a few grams. And a few grams more.
Rodger Dodger by Joey Clemons
73.6 grams August 15, 2020 | 17
Feature Josh Paufler (Rust Belt Diecast Racing): Josh Paufler, a graphic designer from Buffalo, NY, has been customizing diecast cars and toys for over 2 decades. That was how he discovered diecast racing. Racing was a new creative outlet for Paufler and he fully embraced it by starting Rust Belt Diecast Racing, a Facebook group and YouTube channel. Paufler, along with Mike Rader and David and Amanda Jewell, runs live daily races in the Facebook group. He takes pride in creating an accepting, encouraging, and fun environment for customizers and modders to hang out and enjoy the art and sport. He believes cars shouldn’t only be fast but also look cool...or at least just look cool.
I’m not a fan of the engine through the hood look and I was building a dirt track street stock car, so I needed to cover the hole. I used a piece of styrene and some Gorilla gel glue to accomplish that, gluing the piece on from the inside. I then filled the remaining gap and the door gaps with Testors contour putty.
After the putty cured, I sanded it down with 300, 450 and 1200 grit sand paper. I primed the casting to show any flaws. I filled them in and sanded again.
I primed again and sprayed with white automotive paint. Once dry, I used masking tape and Frog Tape with newspaper to cover any parts I wanted to stay white. I then sprayed with Rust-Oleum 2X orange.
My favorite part is my homemade waterslide decals. I have this process illustrated step by step in a video on my YouTube channel.
Kit’s Kannonball by Josh Paufler
35.6 grams 18 | Diecast Racing Report
Feature Michael Mathis (MDG, Michael’s Diecast Garage & Racing): Question: Who is Michael Mathis? Is he The Professor of Speed, OG Brotherhood of Speed, #adultdiecastracer, Winner? Answer: All of the Above. A modest customizer, Mathis does rattle can paint jobs with mild effects. His specialty is making diecast go fast. Michael prefers to use castings often overlooked. Whether Stock or Mod races, he tends to go rogue and pick outside the box. Many being Hot Wheels Originals/Fantasy castings that have produced big wins. Diecast downhill drag racing is his preference, but he has raced and won on many types of tracks.
After going through my bits bins, I'm laying out possible parts. Brass tubing, aluminum wire and brass wire create the plumbing, since it runs on steam. Up-cycled balsa wood from a cheese wheel provides the wood for the interior floor pan. Mad Fast gold motor, console and seat are being set. RAs in front & OH5s (not FTEs) in the rear look gear-esque enough. The rivet effect was done using a pin vise and very, very small drill bit.
Apparatus and chassis details painted. Wood interior door panels installed. Leather seat cover, wooden floor stained and weighting has begun. Body is the only part used from the original car.
Open air cockpit so the driver can race with the wind in their face. Final rivet effect and plumbing secured. Steel putty used like 'pitch' in a few spots. {Homage to shipwrights and my sailor heritage}.
A family photo driving off into more diecast racing history. Red version and black 50th Anniversary own winning records. This view of "Steampunk'D", shows the intricacy of the apparatus that provides all that awesome steam power!
Steampunk’d by MDG
55.8 grams August 15, 2020 | 19
On The Track
On The Track: 3DBotMaker by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
The Camaro Summer Tournament is about to wrap up, and it has come down to four cars, as is the way with 3DBotMaker races in 2020. Jeremiah Logan is the heaviest car left in the field, and likely has to be the favorite. Not only is the car the heavyweight, it also runs remarkably true on the straightaways. Maya Bailey is better in the corners, and it the second heaviest, but she doesn’t have the closing speed on the long downhills. That being said, she beat Jeremiah Logan in two of the four heats in round two. If she can pass in the corners (something she does with consistency), and get far enough ahead, she can maintain that lead. While Jeremiah Logan has to be the odds-on favorite, Maya Bailey would be a good dark horse candidate for the championship. None of the four remaining cars are
20 | Diecast Racing Report
helmed by veterans of 3D’s series. So no matter who wins, the commemorative t-shirt will be graced by someone exciting and new. If TheloniousJawnMcBatmanorama wins, that immensely long name is going to be splashed across a lot of chests. Of the four in the finals, it seems he’s the least likely to take it all, given his inability in round two to separate from the group. Mad4Robots, conversely dominated the laps in which he wasn’t caught up in traffic. No matter who wins, it’s going to be an exciting final. Good racing has been plentiful over the past fortnight in the KotM series. More Camaros hit the
track as customized cars from the featured brand made their way down the track in what at first appeared to be a cut and dried victory for The Retro Rebel in Stranger Racer, but discussion during the week pointed to a minor error in starting gate positioning in one of the races, which could potentially have led to Gus Greenfield in Busted Luck making the tournament instead. So, a ruling was handed down from the powers
On The Track means that after 6 races7 cars had advanced to the big tournament.
that be, and Busted Luck is now into the tournament, too. Stranger Racer’s spot is also secured. This
A green van named Limelight (driven by “That Van Guy”) won a match-up of four work trucks. The four trucks were remarkably well matched, but a high level of carnage thinned the field so
that Limelight became the eighth vehicle in the tournament, and the heaviest thus far, weighing in at 100.2 grams. Even with the weight, Limelight is squarely in the middle of the pack, currently 5th in the qualifying standings. The two Camaros are currently at the tail end of the field, which has an average qualifying time of 17.919 seconds.
On The Track: Chaos Canyon by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
Chaos Canyon has been fully renovated, and is now in full swing after a month’s hiatus. The new track is no longer all white, but completely decorated, and the races are exciting as ever. It has only been two weeks since the track went live, but what a couple of weeks! There have already been two
tournaments, and a couple of special videos as well. Tournament-wise, the first go on the new track went to the champions of the old track. The original Canyon Overlord, the winner of “The Redemption”, the Looney Mooneys champion, and the overall winner of the Chevy Showdown. All of these champs brought their best to the new pavement, and the series was a blast to watch. Up next was a new installment of the Looney Mooneys. The Mooney family are regulars at the track now, and they always put on a good show. The structure of the tournament is such that it
creates a fun sense of family rivalry, as well as a bit of sympathy for the father, as he is consistently trounced by his sons. In a fun development, Chaos Canyon seems to have discovered its newest fan-favorite personality. Sure, “Spanners” Watson and “Guru” Gibbs are still popular, but Stuntman Sam is giving them a run for their money. So far, in two videos, the Stig lookalike has taken a monster truck down the track, straddling both lanes in order to fit. And then, in an attempt to out-do himself, he took a semi-trailer, rig and all, down the track. The videos are something to see. They also make it clear that there have been some adjustments made to the track that mean almost everyone clears the jump cleanly now. August 15, 2020 | 21
On OnThe TheTrack Track
On The Track: Jackson Pass Speedway by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
Philip DeTank and Tyra Marks are back on the scene after a brief vacation. Which is good, because Jackson Pass is in the middle of their summer tournament. The Battle of the Centuries continues on with the eighth and ninth races of the series. All of the 21st century cars have had their first-round turns, so the cars now are all classics from the 20th century. Race 8 featured a beautiful blue Ford Thunderbolt against a Corvette displaying Gumball 3000 livery. The drivers were Andrew Warwick of ItsBobsGarage, and Jon Tran of
TranSport Diecast Racing, respectively. Warwick was his own worst enemy, forfeiting his chance at round 2 by spinning about on the track and letting himself be passed early and often. Rex Humansen of Spirit of ‘64 Racing took to the track with a Mercury Cougar, and David Moyes of the ubiquitous Silverback Racing drove a Lincoln green Lotus Esprit S1. The accident in the first race involving Moyes seems to have
started to identify a hot-spot in the second turn. It will have to be seen if that pattern will continue in future matches. Will turn two be a hazard that keeps drivers from finishing the race? Perhaps a small adjustment to the track is in order. Or, perhaps the carnage is what viewers want. Time will tell.
On The Track: Flat Rabbit Racing Club by Ali Kidder-Mostrom
Over the last two weeks, something new has been coming across our scanner. Since the last issue, Diecast Racing Report has picked up a 22 | Diecast Racing Report
transmission out of the dystopic city of New Westrock. It seems Flat Rabbit Racing Club (FRRC) has welcomed a set of eight visiting drivers in their newest tournament: Rabbit Run. This tournament pitted
the eight drivers against one another over two rounds, in a contest where the racer with highest accumulated points wins the day. Fans of diecast racing will recognize
On The Track many well-known names from the racing community among the abbreviated one-word handles for drivers participating in this tournament. They must really love racing to risk capture and repossession by Steel Corp Auto Repo (SCAR). The tournament started in inclement weather; but a slick track was not enough to deter these drivers. Gnocchi in the red Siesto Elemento took a quick lead in the first race which set him up for success coming out of the first round of competition. The cars in the second race were well matched, but Kit was able to pull ahead for the first round. Unfortunately, his vintage Lotus couldn’t quite make the jump the next time around the track. This mix of successful speed and unsuccessful jumps made him a bit of a wild card in this tournament. Other top contenders included Reverend, Spanners, Boxer and Maze. Whether due to the wet from the rain or the heat from the authorities,
eventually the club had to call it quits and finish racing another day. There were a lot more crashes and missed jumps in round two, which is a bit surprising considering that each car (led by Maze) had to perform well enough to land an amazing new jump to evade the authorities before racing could even begin. Perhaps it was the constant threat of repossession by SCAR that led to riskier driving this round. Regardless, not every car escaped unscathed. FRRC may need to stage another jail break, if they want to see these cars live to race another day.
If you haven’t checked out Flat Rabbit Racing Club’s YouTube channel yet, start at the beginning to get the full story and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s well worth a watch and won’t take too long. However, you can still hop right in to this Rabbit Run tournament if that’s more your style. This tournament was a tight competition, with many drivers tied for point levels going into the second round, but ultimately one driver was able to pull ahead in the rankings and drive away with the carrot.
On The Track: RTR Diecast Racing League by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
The Camaro seems to be the car of choice in the summer of 2020. But unlike other leagues, RTR Diecast Racing League seems to really want to test the Chevy muscle car to find out if it should be top dog.
Mayes Mountain is the home of RTR’s Firebird v. Camaro tournament. And thus far the action has been solid from both GM models. Some other tournaments have kept two warring models separate until the final round wherein the top of one would go
against the champ of the other. In RTR’s contest, the brands are intermingled in both a round robin set, and a round of head-to-head matches. In the end, one car will be supreme. But, they are also competing for team points. So, if you have a favorite brand, you can cheer August 15, 2020 | 23
On OnThe TheTrack Track on the whole make and model, rather than just one driver. Viewers of past tournaments at Mayes Mountain will be pleased to know that the quality of the production continues to rise. Track owner Myke Maze (Mike Mayes) has never stopped tweaking his show. One fan favorite is the Jumbotron that is used for score keeping. It’s not specifically new, but it does show the innovative ways that Maze keeps his track growing. Most recently, the overall sharpness of the presentation has noticeably risen to a
higher level. Each race video is now preceded by a twenty-ish second preview on the day prior to the main video’s release. The short clips heighten the anticipation of the races just a little bit more, and it’s fun to be led on in this way. The previews feature a mostly still shot of the next four racers in their garages. Simple and effective. So far it’s been pretty well matched between the Pontiacs and the Chevys. Only two groups into the round robin round, there is a lot of racing yet to go down.
By next issue, it should be more clear who has emerged as the favorites.
Live from the Rust Belt Josh’s Takes on Tracks by Josh Paufler
Westfield 500 While many of us are building cars, Jim Desaulniers of Indiana Diecast Racing is using the sport to build his local community. Jim has created a wild road track out of Augmoto, Crash Racers, coroplast and, in his words, "lots of duct tape and popsicle sticks". "Pretty much anything we had laying around for the support structure. There's a dining room table and inverted stools under the first straight." says Jim. He even went through five different start gates before landing on the Slanman Customs 3D printed model he
uses now. And he made all of this to run a race that showcases the goodness of the diecast community. The Westfield 500 was started to raise money for Desaulniers' local library. With the $5 entry fee per stock car, he ended up raising $180. The group races are running almost daily as the 4-car groups compete with 2 cars moving on from each group. What’s fun about stock, dry lube-only races is that you get to see what castings are the fastest. It’s like having the community do research for you. While many of the cars in this race are currently on the pegs, most of the winners are not. There were a few older and some premium castings that hit the track. The top qualifying car is the Drift King of Harper Hamilton. No surprise there since the Drift King is known stock performer. However, it surprisingly only posted 2/10th faster than the second fastest car, Kit Kayem’s “Golden Ticket”, a 70 Chevelle SS. As you review the list, it’s a rundown of the usual suspects with a few exceptions. The HW Hypertruck of “Jimmy John” Hanson stood out to me as one I haven’t seen often at other races. It didn’t post a great qualifying time, a full second below the top, but it did win its group race. Same goes with the Donatello RRRoadster submitted by
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Column Daniel Johnson of Silverback Racing. While it’s the casting that comes with most track packs and it (“Baby Orange”) runs great at my Sky Drop™, I don’t remember ever seeing it at a race before. Yes, there’s your Lamborghinis and Escorts well represented but the variety at the Westfield 500 is still impressive. Cars to look out for include George Stackert’s red Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, who won out the second group of round 2, and that sneaky fast 70 Escort RS1600 of “Ironman” Jim Houtman, who just beat my “Shorty” Porsche 917 LH in that same race with a runoff following a tie in points. And although I always say, don’t sleep on Gold Snow, he had a disappointing run in round 2 taking the track as the points leader in the next race at the Westfield 500.
Rowdy Rat Rods Invade Shrubbery Lane From the first word of this race, I was in. David and Amanda Jewell of the Racers That Say Ni organized this multi-race event to showcase their tracks at Shrubbery Lane in Ohio.
with with some solid fun.
Racers were challenged to build 2 rat rods. The event started with an old school car show to show off all the builds in detail.
Ken Olsen brought his winner of Most Unique Rat Rod to Group B and dominated.
It was obvious by the car show that the builders brought their A game. Blind voting took place at the Rust Belt Diecast Racing Facebook group and ribbons were awarded for best rust, best pre-1940, best post-1940, most unique and best of show. After the car show, it was time to race. The first race is currently running at the Shrubbery Lane drag track. The track starts with a dead drop and transitions into a length of straight orange track that cuts through a small town, complete with a gas station and car dealership. This little town has been the backdrop to some highspeed rat racing action. Group A kicked off
Yours truly won the first group, knocking out Dribbly Bob and Danny Murray to move on.
Group C saw the first unmodified vehicle win the day, driven by King Yardie of Silverback Racing. The action started heating up in Group D as we saw another stock car competing, but it wasn’t enough for the lightning fast Ragtag Jim. DRR’s very own Kit Kayem debuted in Group E where he had a tire blow on both runs, disqualifying him, as Nick Deavers went on to take the group. A few new racers came out of Group F. David Moyes ended up winning the group amid some sort of earthquake on the track just as he crossed the finish line. Deavers returned in Group G but the results were quite different as Tooth Fairy edged him out and then went on to take the final group of round 1. Round 2 starts this week on “The Racers That Say Ni” YouTube channel. After that, the Rowdy Rat Rods move to the road course, Fossil Rock Run, the site of Midnight Shrub and King of the Belt live races. August 15, 2020 | 25
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