Thank you for this web site. I am in charge of finding a track for our pack to purchase this year. Our former leadership has left us with no other options as they burned all bridges with neighboring packs to borrow their tracks.Stan Pope wrote:The most important considerations are (1) whether the two tracks filter the same cars to the top and (2) whether the track yields consistent results, race after race.Da Graphite Kid wrote: Although I still like the BestTrack stop section better and like the idea that the pwd cars will be going faster, I think that I will end up going with the Piantedosi aluminum track. The main reason being that the track geometry - curved section - matches that of the track that our 'Cubs' will be racing on at District.
If you repeated a heat several times with the same cars in the same lanes, each carefully staged each time, you rightfully expect almost identical results and separations. I observed 1/8" maximum variance in separations on the wooden Piantedosi track. I'd like to think the aluminum track would do as well. But, if you can, make the observations and post the results, please!
I'd also like to think that a car's elapsed times (ET) would be consistent under similar circulstances. We weren't able to measure ET's. If you can make those observations and post the results, please do.
I recall reading that one of the reasons for extending the aluminum track is that the track did not sufficiently differentiate the cars ... they were finishing too close together and giving inconsistent results. A likely cause is that the higher speeds amplified the effects of random influences. If true, then it argues against selecting a faster track.That sounds like a very familiar scenario!Da Graphite Kid wrote:Now to convince my accountant. Sweetheart, honey, sweety...
I have been searching and am beginning to lean toward the Piantedosi Aluminum track. Another committee member is leaning toward a plastic track. Opinions from anyone out there with more experience at this is much appreciated.
Thanks again!