20 replies to this topic

[wire banger]

So since the rules changed and we have a new year, who is going to be tops in the truck class this year? Or do u think the rule changes are going to equal the field out this year?

[OGRE]

Just my thoughts: I think the rule changes will effect the following: The guys that were pulling people down the straights will be throttled backa little due to valve sizes being reduced. Keywords there are "a little". I think HP wise it will bring the trucks a little closer Some things that won't change: You'll have more gear selection the way I understand the rules. I understand them as anyone can run any rear-end as long as it's not a 9". This allows anyone to get multiple "final drive" ratios. You may scatter more engines but people will be able to hold the R's up longer with the right combo packages. Secondly, something that wasn't addressed by the new rules was the racing clutches. This would also "help" to equal the palying field some. That being said, anyone in this class should be advised to get a good racign clutch whether it be triple disc or single.....lightweight as possible! Most notable for you doing your homework: No question that the 33 truck has been the top of the field lately (nothing wrong with that at all!!!). A big advantage that he has over most of you is that he launch's so hard on a re-start that he can pull at least 10 lenghts on anyone! Figure out how he launch's and that will give you a better chance because those 10 lenghts are hard to make up....let me tell you! I know what it takes to acheive this but that's the joy of racing....figuring something like this out on your own =) Have a great season everyone!

[racer50]

Before you go out and spend big bucks on Lightweight clutches you better ask around and see if other drivers using them got a benifit from them. Last year we tried an alunimum flywheel and found out that we lost too much momentum through the corners to make up down the straights with the limited horsepower we have. The flywheel we had was 6#s lighter than stock we went back to the stock flywheel and ran better. JMO

[Dr. Speedy]

Now this is good for "racestud" , real tech talk. It's interesting and helpful to a lot of folks. I know that sounds dopey, but it is true.

[wire banger]

Now this is good for "racestud" , real tech talk. It's interesting and helpful to a lot of folks. I know that sounds dopey, but it is true.

your right dr. ,this is more calming than wondering if someone is gonna go pysco on here about things that dont matter. now this is just my opinion I think the truck class should be completely stock class no extras, stock carb to the stock rear end that was made for these trucks.it should be a learning class but it just like the stock cars out of control and ur average joe cant afford to race them like u could when they started the truck class. I know the class is still growing, u should see a couple new trucks out on the track this year. I know the truck is cheaper than any other class but it still takes alot money to run up front unless these rule changes make them more competitive. which it should help. cant wait to get some dirt in my drink and on my sandwich, it always taste better with race track dirt in it. lol

[OGRE]

Before you go out and spend big bucks on Lightweight clutches you better ask around and see if other drivers using them got a benifit from them. Last year we tried an alunimum flywheel and found out that we lost too much momentum through the corners to make up down the straights with the limited horsepower we have. The flywheel we had was 6#s lighter than stock we went back to the stock flywheel and ran better. JMO

Maybe it was just the Iron Duke but when I ran it back when the rules said "stock appearing" =) we had a triple disc clutch and a Saginaw 3- speed in the truck. That combo allowed for a nice powerband similar to what the stocks get. However, I never tried the triple disc with my stock engine combination. I do know that there are a few teams that are running the racing clutch's....not sure on the flywheel. Common sense would tell you that less rotating weight is better....not sure why you lost momentum in the corners though. When I had my S-10 I never had to lift off the throttle. I could control my corner exit by controlling my corner entry line. In other words if I wanted to crossover then I would simply enter the corner higher and diamond the corner without lifting losing very little momentum. Occasionally I would have a little trouble off turn 2 if i tried to cut it down to the bottom.

[reggiegirl]

So since the rules changed and we have a new year, who is going to be tops in the truck class this year? Or do u think the rule changes are going to equal the field out this year?

rule change are good makes all trucks allmost equal no body come to see arun away race ?? this year i hope all trucks will be there

[paintman60]

Maybe it was just the Iron Duke but when I ran it back when the rules said "stock appearing" =) we had a triple disc clutch and a Saginaw 3- speed in the truck. That combo allowed for a nice powerband similar to what the stocks get. However, I never tried the triple disc with my stock engine combination. I do know that there are a few teams that are running the racing clutch's....not sure on the flywheel. Common sense would tell you that less rotating weight is better....not sure why you lost momentum in the corners though. When I had my S-10 I never had to lift off the throttle. I could control my corner exit by controlling my corner entry line. In other words if I wanted to crossover then I would simply enter the corner higher and diamond the corner without lifting losing very little momentum. Occasionally I would have a little trouble off turn 2 if i tried to cut it down to the bottom.

on the clutch i asked at last truck meeting and they said racing clutches were ok .i think the biggest change will be the tires, some guys will adjust well and some wont because between the racing tires and the limited engine mods it will slow some of them down and if you change rear gears to compensate you are spending more money and dean wants to keep this class low buck but it still has to be fun to watch for the fans, i believe the same people will run up front because experience and a well thought out approach will probably prevail.plus another thing if they are going to weigh us it should be real eye opener for some in the difference in weight between the different trucks ,ill bet some guys put there truck on a diet after first race. by the end of the year we will see a closer field but the first few weeks it could be intresting adjusting to the changes

[racer50]

The tires make the trucks handle a lot better, we were able to run them the last 2 years at Laweranceburg Funfest . Good used tires will work as good as new ones as the trucks really don't have the power to spin them, but really makes them stick through the corners. Another benifit is going to be to the mod guys, as they will have an outlet to get rid of tires they can no longer use, they will be able to get a few bucks for them instead of throwing them away. One hint we found out the hard way is to start out with a 2" offset wheel on the right rear as the mod tires flex a lot more and will hit the frame and leaf springs we lost 2 tires because of this. Had a 4" off rubbed a hole, went to a 3" off didn't rub as much but enough to flatten it, finally went to a 2" offset and was fine.

[truck5s]

The tires make the trucks handle a lot better, we were able to run them the last 2 years at Laweranceburg Funfest . Good used tires will work as good as new ones as the trucks really don't have the power to spin them, but really makes them stick through the corners. Another benifit is going to be to the mod guys, as they will have an outlet to get rid of tires they can no longer use, they will be able to get a few bucks for them instead of throwing them away. One hint we found out the hard way is to start out with a 2" offset wheel on the right rear as the mod tires flex a lot more and will hit the frame and leaf springs we lost 2 tires because of this. Had a 4" off rubbed a hole, went to a 3" off didn't rub as much but enough to flatten it, finally went to a 2" offset and was fine.

Well racer50,I'll have to remember you are handing out hints next year .I dont think the rule changes will
make that big of a difference.From what i have heard it only hurt afew people.The truck class is faster then when OGRE ran people are really thinking outta the box you could say......not saying that putting a boat motor in a truck is in the box?lol My fear is that WMP is creating more cost by the rule changes for 09.I realize had everybody
fallowed the rules it wouldnt be a issue. BUTTTT everybody that races will agree, its no fun getting butt handed to you every weekend either.Stock appearing is a pretty gray term for a motor rule!!!I wish the trucks could get sanctioned so the rules would stay and be enforced the same from promoter to promoter.It would also be nice to be able to run different tracks on a regular basis.WMP is home but one race at Lima Land per year with a 12 lap feature is not cool.I dont have to have a smoke break for at least 25 laps!I also think that afew new drivers are going to be shocked when they hit the track this year, it might look slow but..........well you'll see Thats all i got tc
The Punkin

Edited by truck5s, 12 March 2009 - 11:32 PM.

[OGRE]

Now Tom........I understand what you are saying about the rules. BUT to say the truck were slower when I raced...that's wrong. I promise you that the Iron Duke would blow any of the trucks away out there! As a matter of fact it was out there one night (not going to metnion any names or who) but it 3/4 tracked everyone in a heat race after 3 laps prior to expiring again =) Along those same lines....when that Iron Duke was in my truck, Mr Noffsinger wasn't far off of me and he was using a GM 2.5 engine I'm sure a little modified but not expensivly). What I'm trying to say is that ever since this class has began we've been innovative and take the hand that was dealt to us (the rules) and adapted to them. That is what you'll se happen again this season. People will adapt and grow to find the edge. It's no different in any other class. I promise you that myself, Brad Webb, Dyllan, Luke Kattahenreich and Derrick Noffsinger (all the guys that started the trend in this class( could get out there and still run at the front if we had the time to do it. The reason we're all out of it is due to time. The passion is still there and could be triggered at any time =) Remember Tom you're still climbing your way to the top and you'll get there with innovation.......keep digging!

[truck5s]

Now Tom........I understand what you are saying about the rules. BUT to say the truck were slower when I raced...that's wrong. I promise you that the Iron Duke would blow any of the trucks away out there! As a matter of fact it was out there one night (not going to metnion any names or who) but it 3/4 tracked everyone in a heat race after 3 laps prior to expiring again =) Along those same lines....when that Iron Duke was in my truck, Mr Noffsinger wasn't far off of me and he was using a GM 2.5 engine I'm sure a little modified but not expensivly).

What I'm trying to say is that ever since this class has began we've been innovative and take the hand that was dealt to us (the rules) and adapted to them. That is what you'll se happen again this season. People will adapt and grow to find the edge. It's no different in any other class. I promise you that myself, Brad Webb, Dyllan, Luke Kattahenreich and Derrick Noffsinger (all the guys that started the trend in this class( could get out there and still run at the front if we had the time to do it. The reason we're all out of it is due to time. The passion is still there and could be triggered at any time =) Remember Tom you're still climbing your way to the top and you'll get there with innovation.......keep digging!

What i meant was that the truck class is faster meaning everybody.I went through afew friends lap times from the last few years and the stop watch doesnt lie.The class is faster for the most part.I seen you run the Duke,you ran away with it when i was in the stands.Noffsinger always has a front running truck but Racer50 has been at this game for awhile and Derrick is no slouch thats for sure, the entire group has good knowledge and attitude!I realize im still climbing..... the only thing I can win is a B~MAIN!There is no EGO on my end at all,Im happy running top 10 not content but happy to even have the chance.Im not saying you or anybody else has to agree or disagree,so lets not take this to the extreme.As long as I can surround my self with cool headed knowledgeable people my time will come.And thats exactly what I am doing.

[racer50]

Punkin I'm willing to help almost anyone if I can, Not saying my advice is always right, but I would hate to see someone go out and buy a brand new tire and flatten it in the hot laps. Just make sure the RR has 3-4" clearence to the spring and frame then play with the offset as you go.

[racer50]

Yea the trucks were about 1 sec. faster this year the fastest I timed was 16.8 way faster than the 18.8 when we started 4 years ago. All of the faster trucks were in the low 17s

[truck5s]

Yea the trucks were about 1 sec. faster this year the fastest I timed was 16.8 way faster than the 18.8 when we started 4 years ago. All of the faster trucks were in the low 17s

Heya 50 I remember my first win.......You were the first hand shake and congrats I received.Like I said
everybody on your team has class,my best was 16.87 avg was lower 17.0's.The class is faster.3 years ago high 16.0's
would have walked away from the pack in my OPINION. Thanks as always 50
The Punkin

[paintman60]

Heya 50 I remember my first win.......You were the first hand shake and congrats I received.Like I said
everybody on your team has class,my best was 16.87 avg was lower 17.0's.The class is faster.3 years ago high 16.0's
would have walked away from the pack in my OPINION. Thanks as always 50
The Punkin

tom im sure you will be faster with all the upgrades, you are taking it to the next level as the cup boys say . your supplier is a double agent. LMAO

[denoffsinger]

Now Tom........I understand what you are saying about the rules. BUT to say the truck were slower when I raced...that's wrong. I promise you that the Iron Duke would blow any of the trucks away out there! As a matter of fact it was out there one night (not going to metnion any names or who) but it 3/4 tracked everyone in a heat race after 3 laps prior to expiring again =) Along those same lines....when that Iron Duke was in my truck, Mr Noffsinger wasn't far off of me and he was using a GM 2.5 engine I'm sure a little modified but not expensivly).

What I'm trying to say is that ever since this class has began we've been innovative and take the hand that was dealt to us (the rules) and adapted to them. That is what you'll se happen again this season. People will adapt and grow to find the edge. It's no different in any other class. I promise you that myself, Brad Webb, Dyllan, Luke Kattahenreich and Derrick Noffsinger (all the guys that started the trend in this class( could get out there and still run at the front if we had the time to do it. The reason we're all out of it is due to time. The passion is still there and could be triggered at any time =) Remember Tom you're still climbing your way to the top and you'll get there with innovation.......keep digging!

Orge,

I wish that were still the case. Last year we couldnt get anything going. I think our best finish was 3rd and we had a lot of 7th and 8th place finishes. We didnt start well all year. We only won 1 heat race. A couple of years ago I dont think we ever finished any worse than 3rd in any given heat and won a lot of them. I think that is why the flywheel didnt work out for us. If you were out front and could run wide open it was fine but we found ourselves in the thick of things every race. There was a day that we could start 12th and have no problem getting to the front, but that is not the case now unless you have a really nice engine. The top 10 or so guys are pretty close and are getting harder to pass every year.

[OGRE]

Tom, I'm sorry if it came off as if I were saying you aren't a contender......you ARE a strong contender and you have a group of great guys around you! You are absolutly correct, you're day is coming you WILL win an A-Main for sure!!! You are easy to work with and that is what I was trying to say in my other post...is that you are climbing your way to the top. Eveyone is correct in saying that the class is much faster and continues to grow. People will learn and find that edge it's natural! The best laps that I turned while running the Duke was 15.5's and 8's. That was great then but that obviously was a thing of the past =) When I switched back to the stock Chevy I would turn low 17's just as you all said =) In the Toyota I absolutly flopped like a fish out of water...that truck wasn't my cup of tea at all!!!! Derrick, you will get back on your game...I'm sure of that. It's hard to do when you can't race as much as you used to. It's just like golf....you have to keep at it or else you'll lose it. Good luck to everyone this season. The class has some VERY smart guys and gals in it and it can only get better. I can tell you that watching from the stands it was fun watching you all!

[truck18]

I dont know my lap times and it dont really matter to me right now because I wasnt in the front leading the pack but when I get up there maybe someone will let me know Im not sure when that will be but it will happen someday Tim

[racer50]

Boy OGRE those 15.5s must of been when you had the sprint engine in your truck. The mods are turning in the high 14s . The fastest truck I timed was Hicks at 16.8 with Jessica not far behind that.