GENERAL RULES
CLASSES
For 2019 we will run two "Toy" classes in our club Championships, an Open Wheel (F-1 and Indy style bodies) "BoxStock" class, and Closed Wheel (NASCAR style bodies) "BoxStock" class. These classes are designed for beginner racers and offer an inexpensive way to get into racing.
In addition we will race three classes of "Hobbyist" chassis, the "Spec Stock" class, "Superstock", and "Polymer Modified" class. The rules for these three classes are borrowed from the HO Professional Racing Association (HOPRA). These classes are for advanced racers.
Sub Group Racing
Racers are sorted into age groups for purposes of determining Group winners. Ages 16 and up are in the Adult group, ages 11 to 15 are in the Junior group, and ages 8-10 are in the Cadet group. We are flexible concerning the "8 years old and over" rule. If a younger child can demonstrate the needed motor skills and control, even at slower speeds, the child will be allowed to participate. While all racers compete with all other racers in the actual race, Cadets are actually competing against the other Cadets for determining their group winner, and so on.
Class and Club Championships
Points will be awarded to drivers after each event as follows:
160, 130, 110, 90, 70, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 28, 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
There are a total of seven Championships, one championship for each class among the Adults (Ages 16 and up), one championship for each class among the Juniors (ages 11-15), one Championship for each class among the Cadets (ages 8-10), and the Overall Club Championship. Drivers of all age groups race together, and points are awarded based on overall finish. All drivers are eligible to win the Club Championship.
Class Champions and the Overall Club Champion will be awarded trophies at the end of the season. The Overall Club Champion will keep the official Club Championship trophy for a period of one year, and the name of the Champion, and the year the Championship was won, will be engraved on the trophy each year. A substitute trophy will be given to the Overall Club Champion when that racer surrenders the trophy to the next season's Overall Club Champion.
Racers are sorted into age groups for purposes of determining Group winners. Ages 16 and up are in the Adult group, ages 11 to 15 are in the Junior group, and ages 8-10 are in the Cadet group. We are flexible concerning the "8 years old and over" rule. If a younger child can demonstrate the needed motor skills and control, even at slower speeds, the child will be allowed to participate. While all racers compete with all other racers in the actual race, Cadets are actually competing against the other Cadets for determining their group winner, and so on.
Class and Club Championships
Points will be awarded to drivers after each event as follows:
160, 130, 110, 90, 70, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 28, 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
There are a total of seven Championships, one championship for each class among the Adults (Ages 16 and up), one championship for each class among the Juniors (ages 11-15), one Championship for each class among the Cadets (ages 8-10), and the Overall Club Championship. Drivers of all age groups race together, and points are awarded based on overall finish. All drivers are eligible to win the Club Championship.
Class Champions and the Overall Club Champion will be awarded trophies at the end of the season. The Overall Club Champion will keep the official Club Championship trophy for a period of one year, and the name of the Champion, and the year the Championship was won, will be engraved on the trophy each year. A substitute trophy will be given to the Overall Club Champion when that racer surrenders the trophy to the next season's Overall Club Champion.
Tracks (new)
Cars will travel in a clockwise direction on all road courses, and a counter clockwise direction on all variations of oval courses.
Race Meeting Format
Doors open for sign in and open practice at 6.00pm. Racers are randomly sorted by the race management computer software to determine their positions in heat rotations. Racing begins at 7pm.
NEW: Each meeting will consist of two races, one in the Open Wheel class, and the other in the Closed Wheel class. The Open Wheel class will be featured on road courses with Closed Wheel supporting, and Closed Wheel will be featured on oval courses with Open Wheel supporting.
All racers are guaranteed to race at least five heats in the course of each race. Heat rotations are constructed in a way that mixes the drivers as much as possible so that drivers can compete with as many different drivers as possible during the race.
All racers compete in four 3 minute heats, one heat in each lane. Full and partial laps completed are recorded. Each racers heat scores are added together, and racers are seeded into Step Up Finals "Mains" groups based on their results.
Step Up Final Mains races consist of a single 3 minute heat, beginning with the lowest seeded drivers. Lane choice is determined by qualifying order, the fastest racer gets first lane choice, the next fastest gets second choice, etc, The winner of each Step Up Final race moves up to face the next fastest Main group, until all Mains races are completed, and the race winner is determined
Finishing position determines points awarded to the appropriate championships. If a racer is unable to complete their heats or finals, their finishing position will be the last place of the final they have qualified for.
The race Winner, the highest finishing Junior (age 15 and below) and highest finishing Cadet (age 10 and below) receive medals.
Drivers Meeting
A short briefing of the drivers will begin at 6:55 pm. Racing begins at 7pm. The meeting is used to explain the format for the evenings race, and answer any questions the drivers may have,
Practice
The track is open for practice at 6pm, and closes at 6:55pm for the drivers meeting. Please be courteous and share the various lanes of the track with other drivers. Due to tight time schedules, drivers are not allowed to drive practice or do warm up laps before a heat once the race begins
Track Segments
The track is divided into 20 segments which are marked by numbered bright orange colored chips next to the track. Drivers are awarded segments to be added to their lap total when any part of the stopped car is even with or has passed any part of a segment marker. The Chief Marshall shall make all judgement calls, and his/her decision is final.
Spare Cars
Racers are allowed to bring a maximum of two cars to the drivers' station for each pair of heats and for the finals. Racers may only change from one car to the other if the first one has mechanical problems, and they will not be allowed to switch back again. The spare car should be given to Race Control to place on the track.
Inspections
Racers are assumed to follow the spirit of the rules, however a racers' cars may be inspected at any point during a race event to see they comply and are within the rules. All inspections will be carried out by THORN Racing organizers and their decisions will be final.
Maintenance
Tires may only be cleaned with tape or by washing in water. No spray oils, lubricants or cleaners to be used indoors. Use of lighter fluid or any form of tire treatments is not allowed. The organizers reserve the right to request competitors to use less lubricants if they feel it interferes with others or the condition of the track.
Controllers
Controllers must terminate with alligator clips. Our tracks are wired to the worldwide HO standard, with positive (+) left rail. Controllers wired for positive (+) right rail should not be used without consultation with the manufacturer, in all events racers use such controllers entirely at their own risk and we accept no responsibility for any damaged caused. The track is wired for brakes, and drivers may use controllers with braking adjustment capability. Drivers may use controllers of any ohm rating. The club will provide a controller for use to any racer who needs one. The club controllers are Parma Economy 45 ohm, and do not have any braking adjustment capability.
Marshaling
Marshaling the track is an important part of the racing experience, and a serious approach should be taken. As a racer, you want the marshals to pay attention to their duties when you are driving, and other racers want the same. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or using your cell phone when you are acting as a marshal.
Drivers are to make themselves available to marshal or run race control whenever requested to do so by the organizers. A chief marshal may be appointed for the evening to ensure racing is not held up by a lack of marshals around the track. Marshals should stay at their positions during each heat.
Marshals should follow the basic principle of replacing crashed cars in the correct lane without interfering with the other cars. Accuracy is more important than speed. If another car is de-slotted by a marshal or crashed car, the 'innocent' car should always be placed in the correct lane first.
Drivers should respect marshals at all times. It is not the marshals fault that YOU crashed! Thanking a marshal is considered good racing etiquette at THORN Racing events.
Etiquette
We race slot cars because they are fun, and the first priority of all THORN race meetings is to have fun, and provide a positive atmosphere for young racers and adults alike. While a a serious attitude and fierce competition on the race track is encouraged, we ask all of our racers and visitors to display good sportsmanship when the battle on the track is over. Racers are reminded that everyone is at the meet to have an enjoyable time,
Safety
The race track is an electrically powered device, and there are cabled wires within easy reach of small curious hands underneath the tables. While the track is safe to the touch under normal use, parents are advised to keep a close eye on their small children, and not allow them to wander under the tables or the center of the race track. Additionally the track tables are not designed to bear heavy loads. No leaning or sitting on the tables! No food or drink is allowed on the racing tables.
Personal Conduct
The Texas HO Racing Network strives to provide a safe and non threatening environment for all of our racers, regardless of sex, race, color, creed, or sexual orientation. Abusive behavior, foul language, or harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian. Juniors over age 12 but under the age of 16 not accompanied by a parent or guardian require permission slips from parents allowing them to attend race meetings. Anyone in violation of our personal conduct policy will be disqualified from the race, and asked to leave the event immediately. Persons asked to leave a Texas HO Racing Network event will not be allowed to return to future THORN events until a review of the incident in question by a Review Panel consisting of no less than three THORN officers and the person in question. The Review Panel will determine whether to re-admit the offender or suspend membership. The decision of the Review Panel is final.
Cars will travel in a clockwise direction on all road courses, and a counter clockwise direction on all variations of oval courses.
Race Meeting Format
Doors open for sign in and open practice at 6.00pm. Racers are randomly sorted by the race management computer software to determine their positions in heat rotations. Racing begins at 7pm.
NEW: Each meeting will consist of two races, one in the Open Wheel class, and the other in the Closed Wheel class. The Open Wheel class will be featured on road courses with Closed Wheel supporting, and Closed Wheel will be featured on oval courses with Open Wheel supporting.
All racers are guaranteed to race at least five heats in the course of each race. Heat rotations are constructed in a way that mixes the drivers as much as possible so that drivers can compete with as many different drivers as possible during the race.
All racers compete in four 3 minute heats, one heat in each lane. Full and partial laps completed are recorded. Each racers heat scores are added together, and racers are seeded into Step Up Finals "Mains" groups based on their results.
Step Up Final Mains races consist of a single 3 minute heat, beginning with the lowest seeded drivers. Lane choice is determined by qualifying order, the fastest racer gets first lane choice, the next fastest gets second choice, etc, The winner of each Step Up Final race moves up to face the next fastest Main group, until all Mains races are completed, and the race winner is determined
Finishing position determines points awarded to the appropriate championships. If a racer is unable to complete their heats or finals, their finishing position will be the last place of the final they have qualified for.
The race Winner, the highest finishing Junior (age 15 and below) and highest finishing Cadet (age 10 and below) receive medals.
Drivers Meeting
A short briefing of the drivers will begin at 6:55 pm. Racing begins at 7pm. The meeting is used to explain the format for the evenings race, and answer any questions the drivers may have,
Practice
The track is open for practice at 6pm, and closes at 6:55pm for the drivers meeting. Please be courteous and share the various lanes of the track with other drivers. Due to tight time schedules, drivers are not allowed to drive practice or do warm up laps before a heat once the race begins
Track Segments
The track is divided into 20 segments which are marked by numbered bright orange colored chips next to the track. Drivers are awarded segments to be added to their lap total when any part of the stopped car is even with or has passed any part of a segment marker. The Chief Marshall shall make all judgement calls, and his/her decision is final.
Spare Cars
Racers are allowed to bring a maximum of two cars to the drivers' station for each pair of heats and for the finals. Racers may only change from one car to the other if the first one has mechanical problems, and they will not be allowed to switch back again. The spare car should be given to Race Control to place on the track.
Inspections
Racers are assumed to follow the spirit of the rules, however a racers' cars may be inspected at any point during a race event to see they comply and are within the rules. All inspections will be carried out by THORN Racing organizers and their decisions will be final.
Maintenance
Tires may only be cleaned with tape or by washing in water. No spray oils, lubricants or cleaners to be used indoors. Use of lighter fluid or any form of tire treatments is not allowed. The organizers reserve the right to request competitors to use less lubricants if they feel it interferes with others or the condition of the track.
Controllers
Controllers must terminate with alligator clips. Our tracks are wired to the worldwide HO standard, with positive (+) left rail. Controllers wired for positive (+) right rail should not be used without consultation with the manufacturer, in all events racers use such controllers entirely at their own risk and we accept no responsibility for any damaged caused. The track is wired for brakes, and drivers may use controllers with braking adjustment capability. Drivers may use controllers of any ohm rating. The club will provide a controller for use to any racer who needs one. The club controllers are Parma Economy 45 ohm, and do not have any braking adjustment capability.
Marshaling
Marshaling the track is an important part of the racing experience, and a serious approach should be taken. As a racer, you want the marshals to pay attention to their duties when you are driving, and other racers want the same. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or using your cell phone when you are acting as a marshal.
Drivers are to make themselves available to marshal or run race control whenever requested to do so by the organizers. A chief marshal may be appointed for the evening to ensure racing is not held up by a lack of marshals around the track. Marshals should stay at their positions during each heat.
Marshals should follow the basic principle of replacing crashed cars in the correct lane without interfering with the other cars. Accuracy is more important than speed. If another car is de-slotted by a marshal or crashed car, the 'innocent' car should always be placed in the correct lane first.
Drivers should respect marshals at all times. It is not the marshals fault that YOU crashed! Thanking a marshal is considered good racing etiquette at THORN Racing events.
Etiquette
We race slot cars because they are fun, and the first priority of all THORN race meetings is to have fun, and provide a positive atmosphere for young racers and adults alike. While a a serious attitude and fierce competition on the race track is encouraged, we ask all of our racers and visitors to display good sportsmanship when the battle on the track is over. Racers are reminded that everyone is at the meet to have an enjoyable time,
Safety
The race track is an electrically powered device, and there are cabled wires within easy reach of small curious hands underneath the tables. While the track is safe to the touch under normal use, parents are advised to keep a close eye on their small children, and not allow them to wander under the tables or the center of the race track. Additionally the track tables are not designed to bear heavy loads. No leaning or sitting on the tables! No food or drink is allowed on the racing tables.
Personal Conduct
The Texas HO Racing Network strives to provide a safe and non threatening environment for all of our racers, regardless of sex, race, color, creed, or sexual orientation. Abusive behavior, foul language, or harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian. Juniors over age 12 but under the age of 16 not accompanied by a parent or guardian require permission slips from parents allowing them to attend race meetings. Anyone in violation of our personal conduct policy will be disqualified from the race, and asked to leave the event immediately. Persons asked to leave a Texas HO Racing Network event will not be allowed to return to future THORN events until a review of the incident in question by a Review Panel consisting of no less than three THORN officers and the person in question. The Review Panel will determine whether to re-admit the offender or suspend membership. The decision of the Review Panel is final.
BoxStock Chassis Setup Rules
Open Wheel (F-1/Indy)
Eligible Chassis
Chassis must be one of the following: Tyco/Mattel 440x2, Life Like M, Micro Scalextric (with braids), Tomy Racing Turbo, Tomy Mega-G, Tomy Mega+, or Tomy Super-G+. No part of the chassis may be cut, sanded, drilled or otherwise interfered with. All wear must be by natural means only. No components may be glued in place. No part of the car can exceed 34mm in width and 17mm from centerline to sides.
Bodies
Bodies must be open-wheeled and constructed entirely of molded plastics, cast resin, or 3d printed F-1 versions available from
Michael Schmidt on ebay (see Michael's website MTS 3D Innovations on our Links page) ). Lexan bodies are not permitted. Bodies may be lightened or ballasted, but ballast must be glued firmly in place. Any method of body fitment is permitted. Devices designated as clips are not considered a chassis part and must not be glued to chassis, they can be glued to bodies. Front wings can be re-enforced or removed. Rear wings must be intact at the start of the evening, and may be glued to the body. No body should be permanently glued to a chassis or any of its components. Fantasy livery schemes are permitted, but all bodies must display a number.
Motors
Motor magnets must be stock items and in stock location. Magnets must not be shimmed or glued in place. Magnets may be marked to indicate polarity. Armatures must be stock and therefore not be 'worked up' in any way (examples: commutator tied-off, windings epoxied, windings removed, commutator cut or diamond-trued, or any other blueprinting/balancing techniques, or solder on tabs beyond factory-applied). Armatures with balance marks or material removed from rotors by any means are not permitted. Armature timing may not be altered, except via legal devices fitted as part of chassis. Tomy Mega G+ must run with stock can motor, Micro Scalextric must run with stock can motor with 'fly-wheel'. 'Tomy Turbo must run with standard red-wound Mabuchi motor. Super-G+ must run with standard Tomy armature.
Rolling-element bearings (ie with ball bearings) are not permitted.
Traction Magnets
Traction Magnets must be stock items in stock location. Magnets must not be shimmed or glued in place. Magnets may be marked to indicate polarity. Mega G traction magnets may be flipped to increase or decrease downforce. (See the Car Tech page for details and graphic on how this is done).
Guide Pins
Any make is permitted, one per car, but it must only have one protuberance The protuberance must have a consistent outside diameter (no blades). It is permitted to reduce width or length of the protuberance.
Electrical System
Any make of pick-up shoe and spring is permitted. Micro Scalextric chassis must run with pick-up braids (any make). Shunts (wires) are not permitted. Parts may be reshaped but no material may be added or removed. For chassis with barrel brush systems, any make of brush and brush spring is permitted in all chassis. Barrels must be stock and unaltered. For chassis with endbell brush systems, in all chassis all parts must be stock, and unmodified. Endbell tabs may be reshaped but no material removed or added.
Axles, Hubs & Tires:
Any make of wheels and solid axle is permitted, unless expressly prohibited, no sharp edges will be permitted. Independent Front ends are not permitted. Wheels may be built up with tape to aid tire retention. Any type of rear wheels can be used, but must have no sharp edges. Tires must be single compound and black in color. O-rings or 'thinnies' may be as front tires. All permitted tire types may be re-shaped or reduced in diameter and width.
Tyco 440x2, Tomy Racing Turbo, Life Like 'M' and Micro Scalextric (with braids) have the option of using any size tires.
Tomy Mega-G and Tomy Super-G+ have a minimum tire height of .453” (11.5mm). For example, stock hubs and .458” 'Tomy' Supertires. Tire heights will be checked at the start of racing and may be re-checked at the start of each set of heats and finals.
Gears
Any make of gear (crown or pinion) is permitted, but they may not be altered from their factory specification in any way other than as a result of the usual 'lapping in' procedures. Lightening or sanding/boring to improve fitment is expressly forbidden. Any make of gear boss and axle spacers is permitted. Pinions must have 7 teeth, crown gears must have 25 teeth. The Tomy Racing Turbo may use its stock 22 tooth crown gear.
Closed Wheel (NASCAR)
Eligible Chassis
Chassis must be one of the following: Tomy SG+, AFX Mega-G (MG 1.5 & MG 1.7), Tomy Mega G+ (1.5 and 1.7 MG+), Life-Like T and M chassis, Rokar X, Tomy Turbo/Irwin Turbo+, Tyco/Mattel 440x2, Micro Scalextric (with braids). No part of the chassis may be cut, sanded, drilled or otherwise interfered with. All wear must be by natural means only. No components may be glued in place. No part of the car can exceed 34mm in width and 17mm from centerline to sides.
Bodies
Bodies must match in appearance that of a NASCAR and carry at least a racing number and a sponsor. Body color and paint scheme does not need to match that of a real life NASCAR. Bodies must be closed-wheeled and constructed entirely of molded plastics or cast resin. Lexan bodies are not permitted. Bodies may be lightened or ballasted, but ballast must be glued firmly in place. Any method of body fitment is permitted. Devices designated as clips are not considered a chassis part and must not be glued to chassis, but they can be glued to bodies. No body should be permanently glued to a chassis or any of its components.
Motors
Motor magnets must be stock items and in stock location. Magnets must not be shimmed or glued in place. Magnets may be marked to indicate polarity. Armatures must be stock and therefore not be 'worked up' in any way (examples: commutator tied-off, windings epoxied, windings removed, commutator cut or diamond-trued, or any other blueprinting/balancing techniques, solder on tabs beyond factory-applied). Armatures with balance marks or material removed from rotors by any means are not permitted. Armature timing may not be altered, except via stock devices fitted as part of the chassis. 'Can' motors must be standard red-wound Mabuchi units and must not be altered in any way. Tomy Mega G+ chassis must use stock can motor, Super-G+ must run with standard Tomy armature.
Rolling-element bearings (ie with ball bearings) are not permitted.
Traction Magnets
Traction Magnets must be stock items in stock location. Magnets must not be shimmed or glued in place. Magnets may be marked to indicate polarity. Mega G traction magnets may be flipped to increase or decrease downforce (See the Car Tech page for details and graphic for how this is done).
Guide Pins
Any make is permitted, one per car, but it must only have one protuberance The protuberance must have a consistent outside diameter (no blades). It is permitted to reduce width or length of the protuberance.
Electrical System
Any make of pick-up shoe and spring is permitted. Micro Scalextric chassis must run with pick-up braids (any make). Shunts are not permitted. Parts may be reshaped but no material may be added or removed. For chassis with barrel brush systems, any make of brush and brush spring is permitted in all chassis. Barrels must be stock and unaltered. For chassis with endbell brush systems, in all chassis all parts must be stock, and unmodified. Endbell tabs may be reshaped but no material removed or added.
Axles, Hubs & Tires
Any make of wheels and solid axle is permitted, unless expressly prohibited, no sharp edges will be permitted. Independent front ends are not permitted, except Life Like T, which must run with stock front end. Wheels may be built up with tape to aid tire retention. Any type of rear wheels can be used, but must have no sharp edges. Tires must be single compound and black in color. O-rings or 'thinnies' may be as front tires. All permitted tire types may be re-shaped or reduced in diameter and width.
Gears
Any make of gear (crown or pinion) is permitted, but they may not be altered from their factory specification in any way other than as a result of the usual 'lapping in' procedures. Lightning or sanding/boring to improve fitment is expressly forbidden. Any make of gear boss and axle spacers is permitted. Pinions must have 7 teeth, crown gears must have 25 teeth. The Tomy Racing Turbo may use its stock 22 tooth crown gear.