2014 ISF Review Movie generic music

Catch all the action from the 2014 ISF season!
New champions in all three divisions.
Larry Rotter's last race.
New rookies.
Farewell to two friends.
Even a cute dog.
Lots of action in this season!

Lack Wins 2014 GTP Shootout

Mike Lack climbed another rung toward a GTP championship with a
victory in the GTP Shootout at Lack Track. 
Lack bested a field that included four rookies. 
John Wiedemann took pole position and promptly won the first heat race to set himself up for the final. Transfering to the semi final was Lack and the last GTP champion Mike Fitzlaff. Both drivers narrowly beat rookie Keith Lindbeck who qualified third. Lindbeck is showing better speed in the GTP division and now needs to work on his handling to keep up with the series vets. 

Veteran Everet Kamikawa turned a poor qualifying into his advantage and won the second heat race and transfered to the semi-fianl with rookie Bill Black who was making his third career ISF start. Black kept a steady pace to beat fellow rookies Pete Dorn and Andy Black, both making their first ISF appearances. Black's steady pace kept him in the semi-final to the end of time, however he doesn't quite have the pace of veterans Kamikawa, Lack, and Fitzlaff who advanced to the final to take on Wiedemann.

The final was a good old fashioned slug fest as the powerful GTP cars can never stretch their legs on the short twisty Lack Track. Kamikawa led early but ran into two offs that dropped him to fourth from which he couldn't recover. Fitzlaff stubled throughout the first three quarters of the race before finally finding his footing toward the end to finish third. Wiedemann and Lack were quick in short order and traded the lead several times. Both jumping to a far lead on the other competitors. Lack took advantage of  three quick spins by Wiedemann and then carefully kept the faster car in sight to take the checkered flag before Wiedemann could recover.

The next race in the 2015 ISF season is the first edition of the Larry Rotter Memorial race, in honor of the former ISF champion, at the new location for Turtle Creek.  
Until then...it's not bad being in the pits!
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-07
GTP Shootout Grand Prix presented by RacingNation.com 
December 11, 2014

Lack Track

GTP Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar
2. John Wiedemann-Silk Cut Jaguar
3. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan GTP
4. Everet Kamikawa-Marlboro Shell Ferrari
5. Bill Black-Shell Porsche
6. Keith Lindbeck-Mercedes
7. Pete Dorn-Mercedes
8. Andy Black-Peugot GTP

Pole position: John Wiedemann 3.750
Heat Winners: Wiedemann, Kamikawa
Semi Final: Lack

Want to Race a SHMUC?

The ISF has been racing since 2000. Indyslotcar since 1993. Most drivers in both series race in both series in some capacity. You wouldn't think there would be room for another series.
There is!
Sometimes racers just need to jump into a car and race for the pure joy of it.
Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt, Tony Stewart all race other cars just for the fun of it.
ISF champion John Wiedemann came up with just an idea for drivers to imitate those legends.
The Super Hot Modified Unlimited Championship.

Rules for the rule-less racing series to be known as the Super Hot Modified Unlimited Championship (SHMUC).

Chassis: Tyco 440 chassis. Any Tyco (440, 440x2, 440x3), (USA, Malaysian, European), (wide or narrow) chassis can be utilized.  Chassis must not be modified, shaved, or cut in any way.  Chassis must be stock and not physically altered (chassis can be mentally altered).

Body: Any slotcar body that you can get to fit on the chassis without altering the body or chassis and will remain on the chassis during normal racing conditions is allowed.  All wings and windows that are stock to the body must remain.  Older bodies can be missing items like side pipes, exhaust but any larger holes in the body caused by the missing pieces should be filled or taped up (this will be on a case by case basis with majority vote by event drivers ruling).

Electrical system:  Any way that you want to modify/replace the way the power gets to the motor is up to you, as long as there are no modifications to the chassis or body as noted above – they cannot be altered.

Armature:  Any arm that fits into the chassis without modification to the chassis is allowed.

Magnets:  Any magnets that fit into the chassis without modifications to the chassis are allowed.  Magnets can be glued or attached to the chassis in any way as long as they stay attached under normal racing conditions and do not alter the chassis.

Tires/Wheels: Run any tires/wheels that you would like.

Races
Heat races will be 6 minutes: two 3 minute halves with ISF style lane switch.
Top four drivers by lap/distance transfer to feature.
Feature race will be 8 minutes: two 4 minute halves with ISF style lane switch.

Unlimited offs for all races.  Race is only stopped for multicar accidents.

Race Schedule (in conjunction with ISF events)
10/23     RAPIDS
11/13     BADGER RACEWAY
1/15       TURTLE CREEK

1/29       DECKERTRING

3/26       RAPIDS

Points Awarded

1st                          18
2nd                        15

3rd                         12

4th                         10
5th                         7
6th                         5

7th                         3

8th or less           1

Have fun drivers!
Anything that keeps me employed can be all bad!
Until then...it's not bad being in the pits!
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett

Fitzlaff Double Win Muskego Grand Prix

Mike Fitzlaff finished a dominating first half of the 2015 ISF season with two more wins.
The F1 division saw Fitzlaff take pole position by two-tenths over John Wiedemann.
Fitzlaff then used that speed to come from the back of the pack in the final to blitz the field in the second half of the

race to win by six laps. Wiedemann dropped to fourth in the final order just behind Everet Kamikawa and second place Dean

Strom. Mike Lack took fifth with Bill Black finishing 6th and Keith Lindbeck seventh with handling problems.




The LMP division was much the same story.
Fitzlaff on pole by two tenths of a second.
The rest of the field bunched close behind but in the end it was another runaway race win by Fitzlaff.
Dean Strom finished second. John Wiedemann pipped his teammate Mike Lack for third.
Everet Kamikawa took another fifth for the season. Bill Black outpaced Keith Lindbeck as both struggled to learn the newer
LMP cars.




The 2015 season continues with the Larry Rotter Memorial at Turtle Creek Raceway Park. 

Until next time...

It's not bad being...In The Pits
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett 

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-04
Rapids Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com
October 25, 2014

Rapids International Raceway

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordon Peugot
2. Dean Strom-Williams
3.  Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
4. John Wiedemann-Jaguar
5. Mike Lack-Red Bull
6. Bill Black
7. Keith Lindbeck

Pole position: Mike Fitzlaff 4.087
Heat Winners: Everet Kamikawa
Semi Final: John Wiedemann

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final

Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
2. Dean Strom-Annex Wealth Management LMP
3. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot 
4. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar
5. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black
6. Bill Black 
7. Keith Lindbeck Dan Margetta-Ford Mustang LMP

Pole position: Mike Fitzlaff  4.081
Heat Winners: Fitzlaff, Lack
Semi Final: Lack

Fitzlaff Doubles Again!

Stop me if you've read this before.
Mike Fitzlaff winning the F1 and LMP events at an ISF event.
That is exactly what happened again, for the third time this season, at the Maxim Grand Prix at Southshore Speedway.

The largest field of the season kept Fitzlaff honest by leading at several points in both the heats and final races, however Fitzlaff again had the speed to pull away from his rivals. Fitzlaff's constat winning over the last three years have crowned him the distinction of the nickname "Michael Fitzmacher" as a spin on Michael Schumacher and following John Shea being called "Sheamacher" during his period of dominance. This is to take nothing away from Fitzlaff as he is having a dominate season after suffering massive foot injuries last year.

Fitzmacher couldn't quite pull off the threepeate as the GTP event was won by Everet Kamikawa.
Keith Lindbeck qualified third in GTP and raced in his first semi final in the division.
Bill Black returned for his second ISF career appearance and raced in a steady fashion that could make him more of a factor in races once he finds speed.

Until next time...

It's not bad being...In The Pits
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett 

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-05
Maxim Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com 

November 6, 2014

Southshore Speedway

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordon Peugot
2. Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
3. John Wiedemann-Jaguar 
4. Mike Lack-Red Bull
5. Dan Margetta-Jordan Peugot
6. Bill Black-Force India
7. Keith Lindbeck-Marussia

Pole position: Mike Fitzlaff
Heat Winners: Dan Margetta
Semi Final: John Wiedemann

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final

Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
2. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot
3. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black
4. Dan Margetta-Ford Mustang LMP
5. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar
6. Bill Black-Peugot
7. Keith Lindbeck-Peugot

Pole position: Dan Margetta
Heat Winners: Wiedemann, Lack
Semi Final: Margetta 

GTP Category -- 16 Minute Final Pos. Driver Car

1. Everet Kamikawa-Shell Marlboro Ferrari
2.  Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
3. Dan Margetta-Shell Porsche
4. John Wiedemann-Silkcut Jaguar
5. Keith Lindbeck-Merceedes
6. Bill Black-Tenoras Toyota
7. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar

Pole position: Mike Fitzlaff
Heat Winners: Kamikawa, Fitzlaff
Semi Final: Kamikawa

Lack LMP Rapids Grand Prix Winner

"You better win this race again before you retire someday. We already have a car with your team colors painted for the trophy," said Gill Grump, Director of Media Relations for RIR, told Mike Lack several years ago after Lack had won the event for the first time.

It took five tries, however Lack eased Grump's worries by winning the 2015 Rapids Grand Prix in a hard fought battle with John Wiedemann. The two traded the lead often and only a late spin by Wiedemann allowed Lack the separation he needed to go on to the victory.

 "It was  a hard fought win, but those can be the best rewarding," said Lack. John and I have raced each other for so long we know each other's tactics so it is just a matter of seeing who can beat who."

Third place was held by pole sitter Dan Margetta. His hard charging style lead to a crash halfway through the event that left his fans disappointed but full of love for the drivers "wreckers or checkers" style. Mike Fitzlaff had speed but not handling as he crashed early in the event and wasn't able to return. Dean Strom finished fifth giving Audi its best show of the event finishing ahead of the 2014 champion Everet Kamikawa. 

The F1 division was another walk over by Mike Fitzlaff. It wasn't without drama however. Fitzlaff had a  massive crash early in the event. When marshalls determined it wasn't a racing incident they allowed him to enter the race again. he made the most of the opportunity by beating the field by six laps. John Wiedemann in his silver Jaguar  finished second after a hard battle with both Kamikawa in the Ferrari and Strom in the Williams. Mike Lack wasn't quite as quick and settled for fifth over Dan Margetta who had handling problems after cracking a front wheel hub. Margetta wasn't last however as that was saved for Hiroshi Kamikawa as he finished 7th in his ISF debut, even leading the field by two laps in his heat race at one point.

The next ISF event is the Maxim Grand Prix at Southshore Speedway.

Until next time...

It's not bad being...In The Pits
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett 

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-04
Rapids Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com
October 25, 2014

Rapids International Raceway

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordon Peugot
2. John Wiedemann-Jaguar 
3.  Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
4. Dean Strom-Williams
5. Mike Lack-Red Bull
6. Dan Margetta-Jordan Peugot
7. Hiroshi Kamikawa-Stewart Grand Prix

Pole position: Mike Fitzlaff
Heat Winners: Mike Lack
Semi Final: Everet Kamikawa

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final

Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar
2. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot 
3. Dan Margetta-Ford Mustang LMP
4. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
5. Dean Strom-Annex Wealth Management LMP
6. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black

Pole position: Dan Margetta
Heat Winners: Fitzlaff, Lack
Semi Final: Fitzlaff

Kamikawa King Capturing 3 in 2015

It was a record breaking night for the ISF in two different ways.
1. A depleted field due to injuries and trips made it the smallest field in ISF history.
2. For the first time an ISF driver sweeps all three divisions in one event

The former Road Westallica returned to the ISF schedule after a several year abscence under a new name: The Streets of Elkhart Lake.
The circuit under went some minor changes that improved the track even more.
Wide radius turns connected by several medium length straights.
"It's my kind of track," said Ferrari/Audi driver Everet Kamikawa.
"A quick, medium length, point-and-squirt type of track."

The field was small but the racing was big.
Kamikawa finishing ahead of John Wiedemann and Corey Galbraith in F1, GTP, and LMP races.
Several drivers have won two divisions during one race event.
In 2004 John Shea won the GTP race and the twin F1 races, however Kamikawa was the first to win in three separate divisions.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-03
West Allis Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com
October 8, 2014
Lack Track

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
2. John Wiedemann-Jaguar  
3. Corey Galbraith-USF1

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final

Pos. Driver Car

1. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black
2. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot
3. Corey Galbraith-Orange Peugot 

GTP Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Everet Kamikawa-Marlboro Shell Ferrari
2. John Wiedemann-RacingNation.com Toyota
3. Corey Galbraith-Tenoras Toyota

Another Double for Fitz! Wolf Wins Too!

Another Double for Fitz! Wolf Wins Too!

Mike Fitzlaff was the dominant force in the races with wins in the F1 and LMP divisions in the It's Nacho Cheese, It's My Cheese West Bend Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com.
Where have we heard that before? I know. Last race! Fitzlaff took pole positions for both events.
Fitzlaff used the pole positions to put the the other drivers to shame as he ran away with the win in the F1 event over Everet Kamikawa, Mike Lack, John Wiedeman, Todd Wolf, and Keith Lindbeck.

Fitzlaff then converted his second consecutive pole position to win the second LMP event by another big margin over Mike Lack, John Wiedeman, Everet Kamikawa, Todd Wolf, and Keith Lindbeck. Fitzlaff now has a growing margin in the championship point standings for both divisions. 

The surprises of the night came in the GTP division.
Keith Lindbeck and Todd Wolf gave the crowd, paddock, and this writer something to talk about.
Both drivers were making just their second career start in the division. Leading off as the first driver to qualify, Lindbeck surprised everyone with a super fast lap. He downplayed his chances of retaining pole position because of the veteran drivers qualifying after him, however one by one all those drivers failed to top the time and Lindbeck had his first career pole in any division!
"Holy ....I'm not last!" was the second year drivers quote.
Lindbeck had to sit as he waited for the results of the semi-final to see whom he would race in the final to see if he could get his first career ISF win. The shot layoff may have hurt his feel for driving the ultra fast and grippy cars as he briefly led to the cheers of the crowd only to start having handling problems after the first quarter of the race. Rooting members of the paddock couldn't help as he dropped from first but did recover and gained some confidence and managed to score his first podium finish in his ISF career with a third place finish with Kamikawa fourth and Lack fifth.

While Lindbeck's race went down and up, Todd Wolf started with handling problems but found his stride after the first quarter and dispatched Kamikawa, Lindbeck, and second place finisher Wiedemann to score his first ISF win. 
"I love these cars!" screamed an excited Wolf.  
That's good. The ISF loves success for newer drivers.
Lindbeck and Wolf gave the league and fans that fun at this event.

Until next time...It's not bad being in the pits!
Steve The Wrench Ratchett

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2014-02
It's Nacho Cheese It's My Cheese West Bend Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com
October 2, 2014
Lack Track

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordan Peugot
2. Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
3. Mike Lack-Jaguar
4. John Wiedemann-Jaguar  
5. Todd Wolf-Caterham
6. Keith Lindbeck-MaRUssia

Fastest Qualifier -- Fitzlaff
B Main Winner --Wiedemann

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan Peugeot
2.  Mike Lack-Toyota Peugeot 
3. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot
4. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black 
5. Todd Wolf-Design Engine Peugeot
6. Keith Lindbeck-Digital DJ Audi R15

Fastest Qualifier -- Fitzlaff
B Main Winner --Lack

GTP Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Todd Wolf-Shell Porsche
2.  John Wiedemann-RacingNation.com Toyota
3.  Keith Lindbeck-Tenoras Toyota
4. Everet Kamikawa-Marlboro Shell Ferrari
5. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan GTP
6.  Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar

Fastest Qualifier -- Lindbeck
B Main Winner --Kamikawa

Fitzlaff Doubles Wins ISF 2015 Opener

Fitzlaff Doubles Wins ISF 2015 Opener

I almost just reposted a story from 2013 when Mike Fitzlaff won the two races that open the ISF season. He did it again this year in almost the exactly the same way as the 2015 ISF season started at the Deckertring for the first time. 

Injured during most of 2014 and still not fully recovered from his foot injury, Fitzlaff proved he is still the most dominant driver in the ISF since the departure of John Shea to the American Racing Alliance.  Fitzlaff ran away with the the win in the F1 event over John Wiedemann, Everet Kamikawa, and Mike Lack. Fitzlaff then won the LMP season opener by another big margin over Wiedemann, Lack, and Kamikawa.

Not everything went quite Fitzlaff's way on the night though as the ISF also ran the GTP division which was taken by Kamikawa. The next event is the RacingNation.com West Bend Grand Prix at Lack Track.

Until next time...It's not bad being in the pits!
Steve The Wrench Ratchett

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2015-01
ISF Season Opener presented by RacingWisconsin.com
September 26, 2014

Deckertring

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordan Peugot
2.  John Wiedemann-Jaguar 
3.  Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
4. Mike Lack-Red Bull

LMP Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan Peugeot
2. John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot
3. Mike Lack-Toyota Peugeot
4. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black    
   
   GTP Category -- 16 Minute FinalPos. Driver Car 
   1. Everet Kamikawa-Marlboro Shell Ferrari
   2.  Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan Peugeot 
   3. Mike Lack-Tamiya Jaguar
   4. John Wiedemann-Silk Cut Jaguar
   

What Is the ISF

Welcome to the website for the International Sportscar Federation (ISF) and the American Racing Alliance (ARA), and a place for stories about Indyslotcar and
Super Hot Modified Unlimited Championship

Formed in the year 2000 the ISF has become one of the premier slotcar racing leagues in the United States.

Started by local slot car legends, Everet Kamikawa and John Shea, the ISF concentrates on the fun and strategy of racing, while trying to remain fair to all competitors and innovative in its approach to each event.

Looking to run different cars than other local leagues, while also taking advantage of cars people already had in their collections, the ISF originally ran an eight race schedule and consisted of two divisions, Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) and Grand Touring (GT). As the league expanded in membership and events, Formula 1 Grand Prix (F1GP) and Le Mans Prototype (LMP) divisions were added. The series runs two different divisions each race night and has at least 18 events per year (traditionally run between March and September) with 10-12 GTP and F1 events, and 5-7 GT and LMP events. Races are divided into heats, semi finals, and a final event giving all drivers plenty of track time.


One of two premier divisions, GTP cars are based on the Le Mans sportscars that ran the famous race in the late 80’s and early 90’s. All cars are stock AFX Super G+ chassis and bodies, with the exception of the rear hubs being replaced and a league sanctioned replacement tire instead of the stock rubber.

 
F1GP is probably the most popular division. Cars are based around the Tyco 440X2 chassis. Drivers run stock Tyco F1 bodies and are allowed to paint bodies to match any team in F1 history. The last few years has seen the F1 division mimic real Formula 1 races wherein drivers have to switch to an “option” set of tires (a.k.a. stock Tyco tires with groves and a white line painted around the tire).



GT cars were originally based around the Tyco 440X2 pan chassis, however starting in 2009 that chassis has been replaced by the AFX SRT chassis. Drivers can choose to run any grand touring racecar body that currently runs in any GT series world wide.

LMP cars are resin cast open cockpit cars and based on the Tyco 440X2 pan chassis. Drivers can paint these cars to match any in the ALMS series, or create teams and sponsors of their own.



For a brief period of time, the ISF ran a winter league based on the Indy Racing League. Known as SlotIRL, the series copied the IRL’s ovals only format and never caught on with drivers. For a few events it was paired with the ISF on race nights alternating with the newly formed F1 division, however the popularity of F1 soon overtook SlotIRL and it folded after 20 events.

While separate from each other, the ISF has a shared history with another local league.
The American Racing Alliance (ARA) is a league formed by John Shea in 1994. Based on oval short track stock car racing, the ARA was innovative for running metal bodies on Tyco HP7 chassis in four different divisions: Heavy Metal Challenge Series (current NASCAR Cup cars), Winston Racing Series Late Models (former Cup cars), Outlaw Late Models (dirt late model cars), and Nostalgia (Cup cars from 1984 and earlier).

  

Currently the ARA runs four divisions: Challenge Series (Current Cup COT cars), Super Stock (pre-COT cars from 1998-2000), Sportsman (1990’s Cup cars), and Nostalgia. The metal bodies have been replaced with stock bodies, and the divisions based around the Life-Like, Tyco 440X2 pan, and the Tyco HP7 chassis. The series now includes road courses in addition to ovals.


In addition to their innovative formats and chassis/body combinations, both the ISF and the ARA have been innovative in other areas as well. Races have been run “in the wet,” on a 1/64th scale version of Monza, the above mentioned option tires for F1, as well as a number of proprietary scoring and timing functions.

2015 ISF Schedule

The 16th season of ISF racing is here!

F1 and LMP will be in action again at all the tracks and joined by Road Westallica, back after a several year hiatus.
Lets go racing!

9/25 DECKERTRING=ISF SEASON 16
10/2 LACK TRACK=Racing Nation.com Nacho Cheese GP
10/9 ROAD WESTALLICA=Celebrating New Name GP
10/23 RAPIDS=Ev's Birthday GP
11/6 INSIDE EDGE=Maxim GP (who has the "trophy")
11/13 BADGER RACEWAY=Muskego GP
12/11 make up date or possible added race
1/15 TURTLE CREEK (IF AVAILABLE)=Larry Rotter Memorial Run (GTP Cars too)...
1/29 DECKERTRING=Waukesha GP
2/12 ROAD WESTALLICA=West Allis GP
2/26 INSIDE EDGE=St. Francis GP
3/12 LACK TRACK=Racing Nation.com West Bend GP
3/26 RAPIDS Invitational (GTP cars too)

Unused Racetracks

The above picture is North Wilkesboro Speedway. An original NASCAR track that hasn't been raced at since 2004. They say the saddest thing is an unused racetrack.
I can top that.

The saddest thing is an unused racetrack that belonged to a friend that died too early.
Racing season is here again.
We'll miss you Larry!

Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett

Raven Raceway in January 2014 and silent in August 2014

Turtle Creek in April 2014 and silent in August 2014

Tributes to Larry Rotter

Larry has passed away but his memory will live on in all of us for years to come. Like so many others, I met Larry - and Barb - through racing slot cars. Larry was a reserved sort of guy when you first met him, but once you got to know him - and he got to know you - that great personality and dry wit of his came shining through.

I'd known Larry for a few years and when I was getting married in 2003, I invited Larry & Barb to our wedding. It was great to see him & Barb having a nice time on our big day. He loved her so much.



Through the years, Larry helped many of us with our race tracks as he was the "official electronics guy" in our group. I recall in 2005 when I began building my large road course, Larry offered to wire the track - an offer I happily accepted because I knew that Larry would do an impeccable job of making sure everything was right.

Larry soldered eight power jumpers with recycled wires before he ever came over to my house. He bought project boxes & switches for the controller stations. He spent a good two and a half hours on a Saturday afternoon crouched under my track table, running wire, stripping & capping ends, and making everything just perfect. When done, for all this, all he wanted was the money for the parts he bought. He seemed genuinely shocked when I also gave him a gift card to a restaurant so he & Barb could have a nice meal out together. "Are you sure," he asked?



The last time I spoke to Larry was 2011. I was moving to South Carolina and needed to take down my two race tracks. Larry came over and installed some splitters, so the wires could be disconnected at my house and re-connected later. My big road course is still in use in the slot car leagues in Milwaukee, while my oval track is currently in storage. I guess I know when I set it up, it will power up just perfectly as Larry designed it to do. I always secretly hoped, however, there might be a small glitch that would have required a call to Larry for some long distance assistance - and of course some catching up. Sadly I will never get to make that call.

And while I am sad today, I know that Larry lives on now in eternal life. He is in our hearts and minds, and his handiwork is on display wherever you look. And to Larry's family, which was always such a source of comfort and pride, I pray that God gives them peace & serenity in the days & months ahead knowing that he is with the Lord now and his struggle is over.

Thank-you, Larry. Rest in peace, my friend.
John Shea


Larry Rotter was a funny guy. It might not always have been apparent – he came across as a quiet, unassuming guy – but he had wonderfully dry sense of humor that never failed to crack me up because I never expected it.

Here is a classic story about Larry. It takes place in November 2004 at Ned Wicker’s Lake County oval – a big, fast track. A car comes out of the slot on the front stretch and rather than pick the car up – the track marshal attempts to push the car back into the slot. Larry clips the stranded car and ends up on the floor. The immediate question was whether or not it was a valid DNF. I had a clear view of the incident so I was sequestered back behind Ned’s furnace with Phil – who was commissioner at the time – and asked to make a judgment call. I decided it was a valid DNF – though it did later lead to the creation of the “Rotter Rule” which stated that a poorly marshaled car could not cause another car to DNF.

At the next race – the Turkey Trot, which was being held at Jim Kaehny’s house for the final year – Larry handed me a pair of black gag glasses in reference to my “bad” call the race before. I thought that was really funny.



We have a lot of clowns in our group. Our series has always been as much about fun – as it has been about actual racing. The races at Larry’s house always brought out an extra dose of insanity – I think because he always had such wonderful props. For Dan Margetta and me, it was always like being set loose in a candy shop.

How many jokes did we make about the large – but empty (thankfully) – jar of Ma Baensch’s Pickled Herring that was always on the shelf? I recall we once did a whole skit based upon that jar: Charlie and the Pickled Herring Factory. There was even a “golden ticket” found inside the jar!

There was the segment we did on the large amount of electronic devices that Larry had out by his television – or the segments we did about the multiple boxes of dry pasta and tomato juice and bottle water that were stored in the basement – there was always some insane story to explain why he had so many dry grocery items stashed in his basement!

I’d be remiss to not mention the famed “Austin Incident” back in 2002! Larry did not drink – but he always had a nice selection of liquor for the rest of us. Dave Austin – who would occasionally have a “few” – was having a good time that night. I can’t remember the exact sequence of events – even though I was filming the entire thing – but somehow Dave ended up falling, crashing into a card table, knocking over a bottle of rum – which then slowly rolled across the table before crashing onto the floor. Dave received a nice cut on his nose from the broken glass.

On a side note – as I was looking at the box score from the race – I see that Mike Kristof completed one lap before crashing – in fact – I don’t think he even completed a lap – I think we “gave” him a lap because the notation next to his result mentions a “pity” lap!

It was always fun at Larry’s house. The food was always good, too. I think Larry won the best food award something like 5 years running. You always knew it was going to be some sort of baked spaghetti dish and that you were going to eat way too much!

I also want to talk about his tracks. Larry had the most beautiful tracks around. His tracks truly were like slot car tracks set into the middle of a model train layout. The attention to detail was amazing. I always felt bad when I’d wreck and knock down a tree or maybe a figurine of a fisherman who was fishing in Turtle Creek. Larry would always watch us with a wary – yet resigned – eye whenever we’d monkey with one of his tracks for our broadcast. I think maybe one reason I had so much fun at Larry’s was because I seldom did very well on his tracks. Raven used to give me massive headaches. I think I did well there once – my rookie year – when you actually still had to qualify to even make the heat races. It was one of two heat races I made that year. Turtle Creek always gave me fits – that damned bridge! On a humorous note – I think Raven had the only “nude” viewing area in slot car racing! It was funny little touches like that which I think shed some light on his fun personality.



How many races did he save? The power would go out or a lane would suddenly stop working and all eyes would turn towards Larry. He’d soon be down on his hands and knees – soldering gun in one hand – troubleshooting the problem – fixing it – and then getting the show back on the road. He was always generous with his time when it came to the building of new tracks – probably because he loved the hobby so much. I know he was over at my house numerous times because I kept changing my layout. I’d imagine that most tracks in the series have his handiwork on them somewhere.

Larry curtailed his level of participation over the past several years – but in his heyday – he was the man! When I started racing he was a mid-pack finisher – but then he took off and started winning race after race. It was like someone lit a fire underneath him. He went on to win three championships in five years, along with a boatload of race wins and pole positions. It got to the point where he won so often that we staged our “Who Shot LR?” skit at the close of the season. The gist of the plot was that someone was so tired of Larry winning all of the time that they attempted to shoot him – the cliffhanger being to find out if he’d live to race again. I got to be the disembodied hand that fired the starter’s pistol from behind a tree in Jim Kaehny’s backyard!

He also had two of the best nicknames in series history: Larry “Hot” Rotter in reference to his quickness on the track and “El Gato” – The Cat – because you could never count him out. He seemingly had nine lives like a cat.



I’m sure some of you remember the song “Rotter’s on the Pole” (set to the tune of “Rider’s on the Storm” by the Doors). Sing it in your head right now as you read this – or sing it out loud!

He was a good sport. As one of the “personalities” of our series – I had the chance to interview Larry before many a final. Our interviews are always off-the-wall – and Larry always rolled with the punches very well. For anybody who didn’t really know him – they might think he would be ill-at-ease on camera because he was quiet – but that was never the case. He always kept up with me and quite often delivered a classic line that would just crack me up.

There was a point late in his career when he went through a lengthy winless streak – and whenever he would make a final – we’d point out that fact. The length of his winless streak grew with each interview: 10 races, 20 races, 200 races, 1000 races and so on. I think I was almost a little sad when he finally broke the streak – though happy for Larry – because we could no longer use that gimmick in our interviews.

I guess when all is said and done – Larry was a guy I liked being around. He was a nice guy – a genuine guy. He loved racing toy cars with us – and I think it’s safe to say that we were all a little sad when he retired from full-time participation. It was always nice seeing him a couple times a year when we’d race at this track and it truly saddens me deeply that we’ll no longer be seeing him. I’ll never again take that right at the bottom of the stairs into Larry’s Laundry Room of Slot Car Racing – where his immaculate tracks were on full display, the mini fridge (which was located adjacent to the shelf that was always stuffed with 20 boxes of Rotini and a cases of diced peaches) was stocked with a cold bottle of Sprecher Root Beer, there was a bowl of Peanut M&M’s waiting to be consumed and a fun night of racing and camaraderie ahead.

God speed, Larry! Thank you for the memories and the friendship. We’ll miss you!
Chris Spehert


I was honored to know Larry Rotter through our association with the electric car house parties that began in Milwaukee 20 years ago. That hobby, which we called our little slot racing series, gave us friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

One thing I remember about Larry is his tremendous spirit of generosity. I once asked him to wire our race track in Chicago at the last minute. I had invited everyone, including Larry himself, to the party. Everyone had traveled two hours to arrive, and they were very tired. Yet when Larry understood that we would be unable to have our competition without his help, he stepped up to make sure our program would run successfully. He agreed to do in an hour what it took weeks to do at his own home. While most of us recall who won the race, the real result was how Larry saved the day through his unselfish attitude.

I also remember his quiet sense of concern. I often drove outrageous distances, from Chicago or from Indianapolis, to be with my good friends at these gatherings in Milwaukee. Larry was always one of the first to ask me how my drive went and made sure I remembered to make it home safely.

Larry didn't say much, but he revealed his high sense of character in every moment with us. We could see it in the careful attention to detail in the electric hobby tracks he built. We could hear it in his good humor while putting up with our bizarre basement-quality jokes. We could feel it in his kind hospitality whenever he hosted one of our events.

It is a bit much to think that all of us who made friends though our love of racing would grow old together. We are mostly old men already. But we will miss Larry greatly, as a fair competitor, a good friend, and a fine man to know.
Tony Perkins