Ninco World Cup '07-qualifying results

From a thread on Slot Car Illustrated.com by The Old Jaybird

Hot off the wire from Germany, Team qualifying results for lane selection for the Ninco World Cup race tomorrow. Mark Azarraga driving for Team USA. Team Spain is the defending 2006 Champions. For those of you who have viewed the track diagram the cars are running down the main straight from the esses into the 180. George says the track is shorter than last year, maybe only 150-155 feet, but more fun to drive. Driving rotations are 1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2, Team USA starting on Lane 14. Lanes 1,8,9 and 16 are the "gutters", with inside R1s to deal with.

FASTEST QUALIFYING LAP

ITALY 1-9.99
SPAIN 10.07
BELGIUM 10.16
ITALY 2-10.22
USA 10.23
PORTUGAL 10.27
SWEDEN 10.46
HOLLAND 10.47
GERMANY 3-10.53
GERMANY 1-10.61
ARGENTINA 10.67
ANDORRA 10.67
GERMANY 2-10.81
FRANCE 2-11.47
MEXICO 11.54
FRANCE 1-11.62

George says almost all teams are running 15" wheels all-around. They were allowed to glue the tires to the wheels, but followed Italy #1s lead and glued so that they can change tires during the race, as I don't think you can just change out the whole wheel/tire like in 1:1 racing. Italy #1 is very fast, smooth, and has an excellent car. Team USA drew a good motor and the guys are looking forward to a good finish tomorrow.

The UK team was a no show, so host Germany got to add a third entry. It would appear that France 1&2 didn't benefit very much from having about 4 or 5 months to prep their cars before the World Cup. I think they ran their National Qualifier in July.

TOJ

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Thanks to TOJ for the commentary!

And if there are any readers of Slot Car News that will attend the Finals Race Sunday I welcome any stories and photos from the race! So send any photos or commentary from the Finals to dave@bmwi8.net.

Thanks
Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News