New Modified Tour Starts in New England
Slot car racing’s 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 kind of died out over the years, there aren't many stores or tracks to race at anymore.” says 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 won’t 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
For more information contact www.realityraceway.net.
Sources: Derek Pernesiglio/Reality Modified Tour PR