planning a new oval

[chappy]

Hey all, I have been really getting into, the oval scene lately, I mean really really.
So here is a decision I need to make, sooner than later.
I currently have a 90 foot 3 lane routed track in my garage. I seem to neglect it except for race meets.
I rarely use it for test and tune which is crazy.
I have a smaller road course in the basement measuring approx 17 feet x 5 feet. I use it to test and tune my road course cars, and any new builds even oval track racers.

So my thought is to, take it up and put in a 17 x 5 flat oval. The current track is mdf and sits ontop of a sturdy table with ply under neath.
Now I would stay with 2 lanes due to, space and equipment .
Somemof the questions are should I cover the whole table with mdf and rout the lanes in it, or should I route the track and cut it out so the non track areas are lower than the track.
I am thinking 3 and 1/2 " spacing, copper tape and the power supply and lap, counter I am alread using.
Imwould really appreciate some input into, the design and any other aspects of the build I have not mentioned. I havent built an oval like this before, so, its a new one for me.

Although I do have a 3 lane routed oval that gets set up outside once in a long while.
it measures 4ft x 32 feet andnis way to long for a decent set up. Andnthe shoulders are too narrow for decent slide on the corners. So any dimensions re shoulders etc would be appreciated.
Thanks all
Bob. :text-thankyouyellow:

[Nor Cal Mike]

Cutting out and lowering the non track areas would be a nice visual feature but not necessary. 3 1/2" spacing is good for most 1/32 closed fender racing and you could also run some closed fender 1/24 but with a lot of fender rubbing. but is tight for open wheelers if you want the ability to pass other cars without tangling wheels. As to outer apron width, I would set it by the longest car that you want to run. If the angle of the car is too extreme to allow efficient rail rubbing in the outside lane, you have enough. I run 6" on my 1/32 sized oval. I think that would be enough for 1/24 sized sprint cars but might not be enough for big & long 1/24 sedans.

[4424ever]

I agree with Johnny and Mike on the spacing and banking but after visiting your wonderful track in the past I'm going to throw out a purely personal reply about replacing it! First of all I wish I had room to take the roadcoarse of your hands but I don't. Your track sits in a space that most sloters can only dream about and having a space like that if it were me rebuilding I would try to incorporate the best of both worlds. A perimeter oval with a simple roadcoarse through the infield. I realise this doesn't really answer your question but I thought I'd throw it out there! Think Daytona :music-rockout: . What ever route you take I'm sure it will be excellent! Happy sloting Dave :music-rockout:

[chappy]

Hi Dave, yes your right about the big track in the garage , luckily for both of us it is not going away.
You must come down again some time.
The rack I am replacing is the one in my dungeon where the workshop is.
it is about 17x5 and currently also a road course. Thats the one I want to replace with an oval.
I figure I can still test cars on it, and yet race oval track too.

So Mike do you think I should go with 3.75 or 4 .00 inch lane spacing for the open wheelers then .
Im not planning any squeeze areas either.

John I agree. I am fortunate to have the big track in the garage so I get my fill of road racing.
But some of the lads on the forum here have inadvertently hooked me onto some open wheel mods etc.
It will be 1/32 scale, so I will have a little bit of room to play with.
By the way I sent you those pics you asked about.
Bob

[4424ever]

WOW you have no idea how much of a relief it is to here the big track is staying, after running it I new I needed some wood of my own! Since there was already a roadcoarse running I built a small oval for the other side of the cave. I wanted 4 lanes and didn't have a hole lot of room so I ended up with a small bullring. It's on the tight side 3X11 but it fits the space perfectly and it's a blast to drive, lots of fender banging and running the open wheelers takes some skill or they go airborne. Lane spacing is at 3 1/4 because of space restrictions so I shortened the outside lane to get a 6 inch apron with the wall tapering away and back in through the turn. This eliminates riding the wall because if you try it deslots the car. Building the oval has been one of the best decisions I've made! Many times the oval is the only track touched for a hole night of entertaining racing, I can't begin to imagine how many laps have been run on it. The most to date was 4000 laps(1000 per lane) ECR just hade to run enough to even them up, A night to remember :laughing-rolling:

[HomeRacingWorld]

For the open wheelers, I would go 4 if you can. My lane spacing is 3 1/2 and can be tricky with them. 4 inch allow more breathing room for them and reduce the wheel contact.



1/25 scale. The outer apron is enough for us, but personal preference of course.

[chappy]

Thanks Guys for the tips ,, I really appreciate it.
Thanks ShotgunDave, watch it you'll get hooked says one of the guys responsible for this lol
Peterborough Dave , I am hoping it will be the blast everyone else is having, and looking forward to it.
We should see about an oval get together at some point.
Well I will likely do a post when I get things ready for the build.
Thanks Harry for, the pic, its worth a thousand words lol
Bob