Slot
car racings popularity has dwindled since the 1960’s and 70’s and has
evolved more into a hobbyists sport. However some racers and slot car
enthusiasts from Long Island and the New England area have come up with a
cool new concept that could very well bring slot car racing back to the
hobby forefront.
Pete Pernesiglio, a NEMA Midget driver from Long Island and Ray Brown former
Late Model driver from Attleboro, Massachusetts collaborated with friends
who share their passion for this hobby and have formed the Reality Modified
Tour.
“Slot car racing has kinda died out over the years, there aren't many stores
or tracks to race at anymore.” say’s Pernesiglio. “Now, more and more people
are building tracks in their home and inviting friends over once a week to
race and have fun.”
Ray Brown from Reality Raceway.net started building a spec 1/24th scale
asphalt Modified to resemble an actual NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour car.
Unless you are a model guru, you wont be able to find a more actual looking
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour car.
“Ray advertised an open competition race at Whiterock Raceway in
Massachusetts on his website. Three of us from the Island ventured to the
track for a good day of racing and fun. On the ride home, I thought since
these cars were becoming more and more popular , it would be cool to meet
once a month at different venues. Ray and I collaborated on the idea along
with friends we slot car race with weekly ,” said Perrnesiglio.” Soon after,
the Reality Modified Tour was born.
Fourteen competitors from five different states appeared for the first open
race on
December 3rd at Whiterock Raceway in Swansea, Massachusetts. The first
official points race was held on January 28th at South Shore Speedway in
Patchogue, Long Island, NY. Gifts and prizes were awarded to the podium
finishers of their respected races. The most important part...a good time
was had by all at an affordable price.
The cars are a spec class, with little or no modifications.. all of the
motors are low dollar and there is no tampering . All chassis’ must stay to
Reality Modified specs. Weight placement gearing , and driving style are a
few of the adjustments that can be made. There are many different body
styles to choose from and custom bodies can be made by request. Replicas of
your favorite asphalt modified can be made by sending him pictures of your
favorite car.
You can purchase cars in various phases. A rolling chassis, or for the
hobby/model builder, a chassis to build a complete car at home. A complete
RTR (ready to run) car runs approximately $90. Full price listings can be
found at
www.realityraceway.net.
Three
states will host four races so far this season. Any slot car racer with a
home or commercial track can inquire about adding a race to the 2012/2013
schedule, by contacting www.realityraceway.net. Beach Oval in Southampton
LI, NY has already secured a race for the 2013 season.
2012 Reality Modified Tour Schedule
1/28 - South Shore Speedway - Patchogue LI, NY
2/11 - Rapid Raceway - Plainville, CT
3/10 - Reality Raceway - Attleboro, MA
TBA - Whiterock Raceway - Swansea, MA
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