Subject: DRIVER OPINIONS WANTED
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/19/2009 5:38:30 PM
We would like to know "drivers" opinions on using raceceiver radio's. This small communication device is starting to be used at short tracks across the nation. It will make it safer for drivers and officials. It will also save time by allowing officials to talk directly to drivers. Officials can warn drivers about cautions, wrecks and debris on the track. Officials will also be able to give lineups promptly. It is a small device that will fit into a pocket, has ear buds to LISTEN to communications, you will not be able to talk to anyone. It takes a AAA battery to run. Lexington, McCook and North Platte are considering using this devices this summer. They cost approxiately $100 for device and ear buds. We would like drivers purchase them from one of the tracks. You will be able to use them at all three tracks. You would be able to use them for the next few years as long as they are not damaged. Here are some reasons why we want drivers to purchase them. 1)If you own them you will take better care of them, 2)It will be very hard to get 60-100 receivers to each track each night for use, 3)Tracks would not be able to afford to purchase a set for each track, 4)It would be hard to "rent" them out each night. It would benefit the driver as well as the track. Most area tracks charge $25 pit passes, but we decided to leave them at $20 for regular nights of racing to offset the cost of the receivers. We would have some recievers to rent for the night for cars that occasionally race at a track for $5 a night. We would like to know what your thoughts are on this topic.
Edited on: 2/19/2009 5:38:30 PM
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| 4k stockcar | Posted on 2/19/2009 8:40:24 PM
I think this is an awesome idea.This hopefully will help with re-aligning the cars after a yellow, saving us fuel and time. And also making us aware of a possible wreck will help keep us all safe. Fantastic idea, and I for one am all for it.
And,if you race all three tracks, the radios are payed for in 20 races basically. A great investment for all drivers.
Edited on: 2/19/2009 8:40:24 PM
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| BondZeroHobby | Posted on 2/19/2009 8:50:54 PM
Sounds fine Allen, I think that would be a huge improvement. I wil be happy to buy my own. Will you tell me which way to block the guy behind me? LOL Kyle Bond
Edited on: 2/19/2009 8:50:54 PM
I didn't hit you, that was just a little bump.
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| dolanmotorsports | Posted on 2/20/2009 12:00:01 AM
great idea
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| iwillflybyu | Posted on 2/20/2009 7:29:44 AM
Heck, it could pay for itself after one night of racing if it helps you from tearing up your car by letting you know about whats going on ahead.
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| Hobby Stock 8c | Posted on 2/20/2009 7:35:36 AM
I also think it is a great idea. It will make the show run fast and smoother and help us save fuel. And the fewer caution laps we run the cooler our cars will stay. Our Hobby Stocks get pretty hot after running a few caution laps so I think this would really help!
2007 IMCA Hobby Stock Northern Region Rookie of the Year!
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/20/2009 8:32:53 AM
Kyle, if you want us to direct you on which way to block other cars that is another $100, in cash-behind the bleachers!! LOL I really believe these radios could save time and money, and most of all be alot safer for all. All of the reasons you guys have mentioned above are great view points. I think we need to take advantage of the technology that we have available. Thanks for your input.
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| racer31x | Posted on 2/20/2009 5:07:34 PM
IF I get my mod going this season I'd sure buy one. I've used 'em before in my LM at NCRA shows. They sure beat making multiple laps under caution while waiting for the feild to get lined up, and the safety aspect is a good deal too.
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| Formerly Frogman | Posted on 2/20/2009 5:20:56 PM
I think this could have benefits but the one thing I would suggest is to do a good deal of research before a decision is made on which brand, etc. to go with to make sure everything is as compatible as possible.
In recent years several tracks have gone with transponder systems and have asked racers to buy their own transponders. But because all tracks didn't work together, it turned out that each had different systems where transponders from one wouldn't work at another track and vice versa. As a driver, I wouldn't mind paying for a transponder if I knew my one purchase was going to work at any track in the area I went to, but I sure can't justify buying a separate one for every track.
I have no idea whether these radios have any of these same type of compatibility issues, but someone should do very thorough homework to make sure, including finding somebody who is willing to be a liaison that would try to contact all tracks in the area to get them on the same page.
A little working together by everyone could make this a great thing that would benefit the entire region of drivers, fans, and tracks alike.
The Final Croak
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/20/2009 6:10:26 PM
I have looked into different brands available. There are currently 2 brands on the market that I have been able to find. RaceCeivers have been out awhile and Racing Electronics have just released one this year. The deal with these radios is that they operate on a UHF frequency and it doesn't matter what brand of receiver tracks use, its just important that they can operate on the same frequency. Each receiver is programmable to operate on several different frequencies. They are basically a mini scanner, but you set them to a particular frequency. I have talked to both companies and I am working hard to get the best deal on the quantity that we are looking at. Plus looking at service and repair in case we have trouble. I am doing my best to get the best deal on receivers that will fit our needs and budget.
Edited on: 2/20/2009 6:10:26 PM
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| Hornet 5s | Posted on 2/21/2009 12:20:02 AM
This sounds good. Transponder systems would also benefit all the points stated above.
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| randy34 | Posted on 2/21/2009 6:02:20 PM
as maybe other tracks pic up on this, can they operate on the same system freq?
just a littttle dirty
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/22/2009 6:16:23 PM
Yes, all they need is a reciever that receives the UHF frequency. They are programmable to receive 1600 channels ranging from 450.00 to 470.00 MHZ. It operates much the same way as a scanner. A track must determine a frequency to transmit on and every driver can program their receiver to operate on that channel. Go to racereciever.com or racingelectronics.com to learn more. The RaceReceiver model is the Elite 1600 and the Racing Electronics is the Solo II model. We are leaning more towards the RaceReceiver because they have been out longer and perfected a little better. The United Rebel Sprint Series (305 Sprint Cars) and the Mod Dakota Tour used them last year and loved them. Some mod drivers already have them.
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| Formerly Frogman | Posted on 2/23/2009 12:57:07 AM
One other thing that tracks need to consider with this is to make sure there is an efficient way to keep teams from using these systems to receive communication from their crews or family/fans in the stands in order to gain an unfair advantage on the track, such as being told where to run to block a competitor, etc. If a driver has a receiver in his car, what prevents him from changing to a different frequency to pick up communication other than what they are supposed to be receiving? Again, a lot of good research and investigation ahead of time could prevent opening up an whole can of worms. Often times when a new idea comes along that sounds like it will be great for local racing, there always comes some unexpected bad side affects that weren't thought through enough (cough, cough, crate motors, cough) 
The Final Croak
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/23/2009 10:03:20 AM
We can have somebody monitor a scanner for illegal use and when somebody is found misusing it we will suspend driver from track. It may also look a little obvious if someone sees a person talking on a radio that isn't wearing a official's uniform too. We all will have to keep on eye on things to make it work. It's not a perfect situation but the benefits sure out weigh the negatives.
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| animal | Posted on 2/23/2009 2:10:13 PM
Better check with imca, arent radios illegal???
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 2/23/2009 2:59:09 PM
They are illegal if its a two way radio. I have talked to Brett at IMCA to make sure thats it's okay. We will monitor the frequencies and if someone is found to be aiding a driver during competition, that driver will be fined and suspended from track. Brett said other tracks that are using them put the recievers in a sealed pouch and then drivers are checked to see they are on the tracks frequency and if they are not they are disqualified. It would be part of the tracks rules.
Edited on: 2/23/2009 2:59:09 PM
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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| randy34 | Posted on 2/23/2009 11:36:33 PM
how about a led small sign inside the back window that all could see, it would show the freaq. numbers being used by the driver? do they have this technology and how affordable can it be? probably cost prohibative but was a sugestion.
just a littttle dirty
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| Hornet 5s | Posted on 3/5/2009 12:48:24 AM
Any new news on the radios?
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LEXPROMOTER
Dawson County Raceway Rep | Posted on 3/5/2009 8:37:09 AM
We are moving forward with them, will go with the raceceiver radio. I am still working with the company to get a better quantity discount but it looks like they will cost $100 for radio and ear buds. They offered better warranty & replacement.
Dawson County Raceway-Where only the best will go three abreast!
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