Tue Mar 17, 7:03 pm PT
BUENA PARK - It is with a heavy heart that I
must write of the passing of an integral member
of our slot car family. BPIR owner Chris Gallegos
succumbed Saturday, March 14th, after a lengthy
illness. The sad news was announced by Chris’
wife Lenore.
“Yes sadly, Chris passed away last night,
Saturday [the] 14th at approximately 10:30 pm.
He wasn't suffering any nor felt any pain, just
closed his eyes and took his last breath.”
Chris’ love for our hobby began with a small
store on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, California
in the mid-90’s selling everything from comic books and toys, as well as slot car
parts for his roundy-round track. Upon moving to a larger store just down the
road on Orangethorpe Ave., a new, 1/4 mile drag strip was constructed and
developed a loyal following.
So successful was the business that, in 1999, Chris moved the shop a final time,
to its current location on Lincoln Ave, still within the city of Buena Park. Settling
for nothing but the best for his racers, Chris hired expert drag strip builder Tom
Cleland to build what would turn out to be, in many people’s opinion, the finest,
most state-of-the-art, 1/4 mile strip in the world.
Never showing favoritism among the roundy-round and drag racers, Chris was
the type of individual that you would want to own your local track. A “Hey, Bud”
and a smile always greeted every racer as they walked through the front door.
Always keeping up and knowing the latest in new technology, Chris never
hesitated to offer a tech tip to anyone that asked. If there was a part or tool one
of his racers needed that he did not have in stock, Chris made sure that item
was ordered and at the track in just a few days.
If the measure of a man is how others felt about him, Chris measured up with
the best of them.
Said Larry “Cuda” Andrews, “To me this is like losing my parents all over again.
I will surely miss Chris' smile and him calling out to me ‘The Cudaman’ or him
laughing at my attempt to speak Spanish. I was always proud when Chris would
tell people that I was just about his longest customer. That I was there when they
first opened as comics, toys, and slots back on Beach Blvd. To their move to
the old Yamaha shop on Orangethorpe to the store where it is now on Lincoln
Ave.”
SCCEC Board Member Vince Ito had this to say, “Even though you know in your
heart that this day would come, it doesn't make the news of Chris' passing any
easier. I am deeply saddened but take comfort in the knowledge that, after his
brave and courageous battle, Chris is now at peace. You will be missed my
friend...God speed and God bless you Lenore.”
“What can I say about Chris that hasn't been said already,” said Gary Lum.
“Chris and Lenore have always made me feel welcome. I'm going to miss the
handshake, smile and ‘hey buddy’ that greeted me when I walked in the door.
Chris was the one that motivated me enough to come back and play after 10
years. I'm truly going to miss him.”
Even thoughts from those who never met Chris rolled in. “The hobby of slot car
racing has lost a great track owner,” said Cal Starcher, owner of FAS TRAX OF
MD. “I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, but do not recall ever hearing a
bad word about him.” Cal continued, “He's going racing in the sky with so many
others that passed before him. They needed a good track ‘Promoter’ to get
them organized.”
A memorial for Chris has been planned for this coming Saturday, March 21st. It
was Chris’ wish to be cremated, however, a viewing followed by a 45-minute
service will take place.
Said Lenore, “I have hired a caterer and we can all join and celebrate his life
together at Chris’s most loving surroundings and favorite place in the whole
wide world, Buena Park Raceway. Please, if you do not already have prior
commitments, try to attend. I know this would mean so much to Chris, to be
surrounded by his slot car friends.”
Times of viewing/services:
Viewing: 1:00 to 3:30 pm.
Service (Rosary): 3:30 to 4:15 pm.
Address:
First Congregational Church of Anaheim
515 North State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806
Dinner/celebration of Chris’ life to be held at Buena Park Raceway at
approximately 6 pm (raceway will be closed to the public). If you cannot attend
the viewing and/or service, you are still welcome to meet at the raceway.
A donation site has been set up to offset some of the cost of the catering, as
well as the purchase of flowers for the service. Please click HERE and follow
the instructions.
Lenore concluded, “He was a good man, good husband and father and a good
friend to so many. He will be missed and I am broken-hearted. I lost my soul
mate and will be hard to live without him.
“Thanks to everyone for being his friend and thanks to all for your condolences.
Please know he loved all of you slot car racers and he loved Buena Park
Raceway more than life itself.”
I think I speak for everyone when I say:
Lenore, we all loved him, too.
of our slot car family. BPIR owner Chris Gallegos
succumbed Saturday, March 14th, after a lengthy
illness. The sad news was announced by Chris’
wife Lenore.
“Yes sadly, Chris passed away last night,
Saturday [the] 14th at approximately 10:30 pm.
He wasn't suffering any nor felt any pain, just
closed his eyes and took his last breath.”
Chris’ love for our hobby began with a small
store on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, California
in the mid-
developed a loyal following.
So successful was the business that, in 1999, Chris moved the shop a final time,
to its current location on Lincoln Ave, still within the city of Buena Park. Settling
for nothing but the best for his racers, Chris hired expert drag strip builder Tom
Cleland to build what would turn out to be, in many people’s opinion, the finest,
most state-
Never showing favoritism among the roundy-
and a smile always greeted every racer as they walked through the front door.
Always keeping up and knowing the latest in new technology, Chris never
hesitated to offer a tech tip to anyone that asked. If there was a part or tool one
of his racers needed that he did not have in stock, Chris made sure that item
was ordered and at the track in just a few days.
If the measure of a man is how others felt about him, Chris measured up with
the best of them.
Said Larry “Cuda” Andrews, “To me this is like losing my parents all over again.
I will surely miss Chris' smile and him calling out to me ‘The Cudaman’ or him
laughing at my attempt to speak Spanish. I was always proud when Chris would
tell people that I was just about his longest customer. That I was there when they
first opened as comics, toys, and slots back on Beach Blvd. To their move to
the old Yamaha shop on Orangethorpe to the store where it is now on Lincoln
Ave.”
SCCEC Board Member Vince Ito had this to say, “Even though you know in your
heart that this day would come, it doesn't make the news of Chris' passing any
easier. I am deeply saddened but take comfort in the knowledge that, after his
brave and courageous battle, Chris is now at peace. You will be missed my
friend...God speed and God bless you Lenore.”
“What can I say about Chris that hasn't been said already,” said Gary Lum.
“Chris and Lenore have always made me feel welcome. I'm going to miss the
handshake, smile and ‘hey buddy’ that greeted me when I walked in the door.
Chris was the one that motivated me enough to come back and play after 10
years. I'm truly going to miss him.”
Even thoughts from those who never met Chris rolled in. “The hobby of slot car
racing has lost a great track owner,” said Cal Starcher, owner of FAS TRAX OF
MD. “I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, but do not recall ever hearing a
bad word about him.” Cal continued, “He's going racing in the sky with so many
others that passed before him. They needed a good track ‘Promoter’ to get
them organized.”
A memorial for Chris has been planned for this coming Saturday, March 21st. It
was Chris’ wish to be cremated, however, a viewing followed by a 45-
Said Lenore, “I have hired a caterer and we can all join and celebrate his life
together at Chris’s most loving surroundings and favorite place in the whole
wide world, Buena Park Raceway. Please, if you do not already have prior
commitments, try to attend. I know this would mean so much to Chris, to be
surrounded by his slot car friends.”
Times of viewing/services:
Viewing: 1:00 to 3:30 pm.
Service (Rosary): 3:30 to 4:15 pm.
Address:
First Congregational Church of Anaheim
515 North State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806
Dinner/celebration of Chris’ life to be held at Buena Park Raceway at
approximately 6 pm (raceway will be closed to the public). If you cannot attend
the viewing and/or service, you are still welcome to meet at the raceway.
A donation site has been set up to offset some of the cost of the catering, as
well as the purchase of flowers for the service. Please click HERE and follow
the instructions.
Lenore concluded, “He was a good man, good husband and father and a good
friend to so many. He will be missed and I am broken-
“Thanks to everyone for being his friend and thanks to all for your condolences.
Please know he loved all of you slot car racers and he loved Buena Park
Raceway more than life itself.”
I think I speak for everyone when I say:
Lenore, we all loved him, too.
January 7, 1942 - March 14, 2009
Wed Dec 10, 2:27 pm PT
Psssst...
Log in and make a post
on the SCCEC
Message Board!!
Log in and make a post
on the SCCEC
Message Board!!
Mon Dec 8, 11:40 am PT
BUENA PARK - In order to help racers become more familiar
with the basics of each of the SCCEC classes, a
comprehensive overview of all classes is now available for
download in PDF format. This “quick-reference guide”
includes class abbreviations, indexes, motors, body styles
and weights acceptable for each SCCEC class. Classes
highlighted in yellow are new for 2008. While this overview
includes the most pertinent guidelines for you as you set up your SCCEC class-
and guidelines concerning each class.
comprehensive overview of all classes is now available for
download in PDF format. This “quick-
and weights acceptable for each SCCEC class. Classes
highlighted in yellow are new for 2008. While this overview
includes the most pertinent guidelines for you as you set up your SCCEC class-
and guidelines concerning each class.
Click the image to
download the PDF file
download the PDF file
Recap and Results
Hynd sweeps Comp; Rosales, Wilde also score
Sun Dec 28, 8:24 pm PT
BUENA PARK -- TJ Hynd notched the
Competition Eliminator victory this past
Saturday at the Comp Collision at the
Park, coming from the number one
qualifying position and defeating a red-
event marked the first race thrown by the
Southern California Competition
Eliminator Club in nearly five years. A
record turnout of 51 Comp cars made the
call for the first round of qualifying, trying
to bump their way into the tough 48 car
field.
Saturday at the Comp Collision at the
Park, coming from the number one
qualifying position and defeating a red-
event marked the first race thrown by the
Southern California Competition
Eliminator Club in nearly five years. A
record turnout of 51 Comp cars made the
call for the first round of qualifying, trying
to bump their way into the tough 48 car
field.
TJ Hynd shows off the 2003 Lexus GS300 he
drove to victory at the Comp Collision @ the Park
drove to victory at the Comp Collision @ the Park
Thurs Jan 8, 11:17 am HST
HONOLULU -- AHORA Raceway
on the island of Oahu has
announced the formation of a
Competition Eliminator Series,
scheduled for five dates, running
through November, 2009. The
Series, which will be the first to
feature Competition Eliminator
under the current SCCEC rules
outside of Southern California,
will establish Indexes and class
records for eighth-mile racing. More information on this developing story will be
announced as it is becomes available.
announced the formation of a
Competition Eliminator Series,
scheduled for five dates, running
through November, 2009. The
Series, which will be the first to
feature Competition Eliminator
under the current SCCEC rules
outside of Southern California,
will establish Indexes and class
records for eighth-
The preliminary 1/8 mile Indexes have been established and posted.
Sun Jan 11, 8:24 pm HST
BUENA PARK – Ladies and
gentlemen, boys and girls……
Get out the Stick-it Brown and
glue rollers for the shut-down
area because the return of the
original bad boys of Pro
Modifiedare going to take to the
Strip on December 27th!! These 160 gram beasts return to BPIR after a seven-
The rules for the SCCEC "throw back" Pro Modified classes (BB/PM and
B/PM) can now be found in the 2008 Rulebook, just as they were in 1995 when
the ORIGINAL Pro Modified was created as a stand-alone class for the
gentlemen, boys and girls……
Get out the Stick-
area because the return of the
Modifiedare going to take to the
Strip on December 27th!! These 160 gram beasts return to BPIR after a seven-
The rules for the SCCEC "throw back" Pro Modified classes (BB/PM and
B/PM) can now be found in the 2008 Rulebook, just as they were in 1995 when
the ORIGINAL Pro Modified was created as a stand-
inaugural running of the venerable Hardshell Nationals that same year. BB/PM
and B/PM will be treated as two individual classes (analogous to AA/PM
and B/PM will be treated as two individual classes (analogous to AA/PM
and A/PM), each running on a 0.980 Index
Fri Dec 5, 10:44 pm PT
If the heads-up categories are the champagne
of slot car drag racing, then Competition
Eliminator is the vegetable soup of slot car
drag racing. A hearty, stick to the bones, kind
of category. Champagne is great but you can't
live on it, you need substance to fill the void
and a healthy Competition Eliminator program
is just that. However, Competition Eliminator
is so different that no announcer will try to fully
explain the details of this eliminator over a
microphone. Therefore, this feature is meant
to answer the questions you want to know
about SCCEC Competition Eliminator but
were too afraid to ask.
Eliminator is the vegetable soup of slot car
drag racing. A hearty, stick to the bones, kind
of category. Champagne is great but you can't
live on it, you need substance to fill the void
and a healthy Competition Eliminator program
is just that. However, Competition Eliminator
is so different that no announcer will try to fully
explain the details of this eliminator over a
microphone. Therefore, this feature is meant
to answer the questions you want to know
about SCCEC Competition Eliminator but
were too afraid to ask.
Fri Jan 16, 10:44 pm PT
Mon Jan 19, 4:56 pm PT
BUENA PARK - The SCCEC is
proud to announce the publication of
the 2009 SCCEC Rulebook. The
new rulebook has some minor
changes, as well as some clarification on existing rules. Highlighting the new
rules are three new classes for 2009: the introduction of A/Factory Experimental
(A/FX) and the addition of A/ND and B/ND to the Nostalgia Dragster category.
One major change will be the realignment of Nostalgia Funny Cars into two
classes: AA/NFC and T/NFC. AA/NFC will allow minor body modifications as
well as the use of rebalanced SpeedFX S16D armatures. T/NFC will continue
to be run as the tribute funny car class with no body modifications and stock
SpeedFX S16D armatures.
Other minor changes include the following;
- Maximum magnet length in the C-can classes of 0.535 in.
- Clarification to the limits of modification to SpeedFX S16D armatures
- Introduction of funny cars into the Econo Altered classes
- Clarification to the body rules for the Super Modified classes
- The addition of all automotive-originated bodies into the Modified classes
- Clarification of the guide flag location on all Sport Compacts
the 2009 SCCEC Rulebook. The
new rulebook has some minor
changes, as well as some clarification on existing rules. Highlighting the new
rules are three new classes for 2009: the introduction of A/Factory Experimental
(A/FX) and the addition of A/ND and B/ND to the Nostalgia Dragster category.
One major change will be the realignment of Nostalgia Funny Cars into two
classes: AA/NFC and T/NFC. AA/NFC will allow minor body modifications as
well as the use of rebalanced SpeedFX S16D armatures. T/NFC will continue
to be run as the tribute funny car class with no body modifications and stock
SpeedFX S16D armatures.
Other minor changes include the following;
-
Two addendums to the 2009 SCCEC Rulebook have been approved.
Fri Jan 23, 9:22 pm PST
Motors: Group 20/Group 12
DELETE:
Width: 0.150 in. (3.81 mm)
REPLACE WITH:
Width: 0.170 in. (4.32 mm)
SCCEC Accepted Body List
ADD:
Chevrolet Lumina and Beretta (accepted for competition in A, B, C, D, G &
H/SC)
DELETE:
Width: 0.150 in. (3.81 mm)
REPLACE WITH:
Width: 0.170 in. (4.32 mm)
SCCEC Accepted Body List
ADD:
Chevrolet Lumina and Beretta (accepted for competition in A, B, C, D, G &
H/SC)
Tue Feb 10, 10:05 pm PT
BUENA PARK - New to the web site this week is
the official SCCEC Chat Room. The Chat Room
icon and link is located in the left column, below the
Photo of the Week.
icon and link is located in the left column, below the
Photo of the Week.
Tue Feb 17, 5:54 pm PST
The people have spoken and the official time for the weekly SCCEC chat will be
every Tuesday at 6 pm, PT. That time slot received 13 of 29 votes (44.8%)
during the week the poll was open.
every Tuesday at 6 pm, PT. That time slot received 13 of 29 votes (44.8%)
during the week the poll was open.
Tue Mar 3, 6:55 pm PT
BUENA PARK - If April showers
bring May flowers, there should be
no shortage of daisies this year because a thunderstorm of action-packed, high-
intensity Competition Eliminator racing is sweeping through Buena Park
International Raceway as the SCCEC throws its second race since returning
from a five-year hiatus. The first big race on the West Coast this year will
happen Saturday, April 25th at BPIR. All new Comp Eliminator classes for
2009 top the docket, including A & B/ Nostalgia Dragster, as well as the
infamous, altered-wheelbase A/Factory Experimentals.
no shortage of daisies this year because a thunderstorm of action-
International Raceway as the SCCEC throws its second race since returning
from a five-
2009 top the docket, including A & B/ Nostalgia Dragster, as well as the
infamous, altered-
In addition to the feature of Competition Eliminator, the always
exciting North vs. South “Race for the Wallys” Shootout will
also be contested. This biannual event is a tradition in
California that pits the best Index racers on the West Coast
competing for the coveted “Wally” in Super Gas (1.200) and
Super Comp (1.000). The Wallys will be be displayed at the
winning racers’ home track until the next Wally Shootout over
Labor Day weekend.
exciting North vs. South “Race for the Wallys” Shootout will
also be contested. This biannual event is a tradition in
California that pits the best Index racers on the West Coast
competing for the coveted “Wally” in Super Gas (1.200) and
Super Comp (1.000). The Wallys will be be displayed at the
winning racers’ home track until the next Wally Shootout over
Labor Day weekend.
Please join us for this great event that will also celebrate Michael “The Hitman”
Ito’s 20th birthday. So, even after that tough first-round loss, you can still enjoy
some birthday cake and ice cream!
For more information or any questions you may have, or if you would like to
sponsor a class or donate to the event, don’t hesitate to send an email to
info@socalcompeliminator.com. You can also call Buena Park raceway at
(714) 827-9979.
Ito’s 20th birthday. So, even after that tough first-
For more information or any questions you may have, or if you would like to
sponsor a class or donate to the event, don’t hesitate to send an email to
info@socalcompeliminator.com. You can also call Buena Park raceway at
(714) 827-
[Click to view & print event flier]
[Click to replay the live announcement of the event]
Thurs Mar 26, 1:01 pm PT
BUENA PARK - After discussion with
die-hard VW fans, Volkswagen-bodied
cars are now legal in the Altered Turbo
and Sport Compact classes of Comp
Eliminator. All VW bodies running as a
Turbo must have an air box positioned
behind the driver’s compartment or a
turbo inlet protruding from the rear stock
engine lid. Stock deck/engine lid
without a turbo inlet is prohibited.
and Sport Compact classes of Comp
Eliminator. All VW bodies running as a
Turbo must have an air box positioned
behind the driver’s compartment or a
turbo inlet protruding from the rear stock
engine lid. Stock deck/engine lid
without a turbo inlet is prohibited.
Tue Dec 16, 11:31 pm PT
Click the image to
Download the tech card
Download the tech card
Recap and Results
Comp turns into a “Wilde” ride while
Shaw and Hynd claim Index titles
Shaw and Hynd claim Index titles
Thurs April 30, 12:55 pm PT
BUENA PARK -- Paul Wilde scored the
Comp Eliminator victory this past
weekend at the 2009 SCCEC
SpringNationals @ the Park at Buena
Park International Raceway. In a final
round decided by a mere 17-thousandths
of a second, Wilde motored to victory with
his AA/NFC over Scott Stephens D/D. In
total, a record 63 entries vied for the title
during 6 grueling rounds of eliminations.
Lil’ Art Shaw claimed the win in Super
Gas after a five-year lay off and TJ Hynd
managed to get a piece of the pie in
Super Comp after failing to defend his
Comp title.
weekend at the 2009 SCCEC
SpringNationals @ the Park at Buena
Park International Raceway. In a final
round decided by a mere 17-
his AA/NFC over Scott Stephens D/D. In
total, a record 63 entries vied for the title
during 6 grueling rounds of eliminations.
Lil’ Art Shaw claimed the win in Super
Gas after a five-
Super Comp after failing to defend his
Comp title.
Paul Wilde drove his AA/NFC to
victory at the SpringNationals
victory at the SpringNationals
Real time hit counter shows
the number of visitors since
the introduction of the web site
the number of visitors since
the introduction of the web site
Sat May 9, 6:56 pm PT
On Wednesday, May 6th, the SCCEC
website reached the milestone 5000th
hit since the web site was created on
August 15th, 2008.
Here are the stats:
Average hits per month: 556
Average hits per week: 133
Average hits per day: 19
Editor’s note: Thank you all for visiting the SCCEC website to check out results,
photos, rules, ect. Thank you all also for participating in the two SCCEC events
thus far. Vince, Octavian and I created this organization for you all, the racers, to
help draw some much needed interest back to slot car drag racing. Of their
behalf, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for all of your help and support.
We will get the ball rolling again soon in order to announce the next SCCEC
sanctioned event.
--T.J. Hynd
SCCEC Webmaster
website reached the milestone 5000th
hit since the web site was created on
August 15th, 2008.
Here are the stats:
Average hits per month: 556
Average hits per week: 133
Average hits per day: 19
Editor’s note: Thank you all for visiting the SCCEC website to check out results,
photos, rules, ect. Thank you all also for participating in the two SCCEC events
thus far. Vince, Octavian and I created this organization for you all, the racers, to
help draw some much needed interest back to slot car drag racing. Of their
behalf, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for all of your help and support.
We will get the ball rolling again soon in order to announce the next SCCEC
sanctioned event.
-
Sat May 9, 7:31 pm PT
Push play to view movie
Sun July 5, 11:38 pm PT
The 2007 Mustang Cobra driven in the IHRA
by Robert Patrick I will try to replicate
by Robert Patrick I will try to replicate
By T.J. Hynd
Originally, I wanted to do four
or five installments of this blog,
however, I think I can fit the rest
of the project into two more
chapters of “How to...a
guide to building a modern
Pro Stock replica from a stock production model” . In this second installment, I
will continue to detail step-by-step how I built the 2007 Mustang Cobra.
Originally, I wanted to do four
or five installments of this blog,
however, I think I can fit the rest
of the project into two more
chapters of “How to...a
guide to building a modern
Pro Stock replica from a stock production model” . In this second installment, I
will continue to detail step-
My interpretation of the 2007 Mustang Cobra Pro Stock
Tue Jan 26, 9:43 pm PT