[Scott]

Two stage wins and second overall: I should probably retire now.  

[Graham]

I would add that the more recently released Avant models have a shorter drop arm, as we have one in our proxy (i.e NERC entered Mitsubishi Lancer). So in effect this is just as good as the earlier models on the Ninco based tracks, but unlike the older versions the drop arm is too short for the elevated bridge challenges of the SCX track add ons.

[BigMac]

2026 WHO Dakar Results



One of the many exciting things about the evening was a first proper trial run of Kev's fabulous new spreadsheet, which allows individual stage times to be sent via mobile phone to the laptop from the stage. Kev kept a close eye all evening and I've poured over the spreadsheet and compared entries with the physical time cards - it appeared to have worked flawlessly. Bravo to Kev for developing this!

The spreadsheet also outputs class podiums, so there was no waiting around...

Congrats to Rob for winning the Dakar class with his SCX Nissan Patrol, ahead of Scott's SCX Touareg and my Mitoos Bowler Nemesis...




The club car competition saw me set the fastest time of the evening, followed by Rob and then Ash...



Here are those results, first the overall...



And then split into the two classes - Dakar and Club Car...



This competitive side of our fun night brought up the issue with running Rally-Raid events - what to do with cars that don't have the drop-arm length to successfully overcome the extremes of the SCX off-road track system? Only run Ninco-friendly stages - and so miss out on the best of SCX? Or remove the obstacles for the short-arm cars - and penalise the more capable cars? Or do as we did, focus on each individual stage as it is - where the Ninco cars can battle for some stage wins, but won't win overall? We'll keep looking at that...

For Jeremy and me it was brilliant to set these stages up in the Barn - and we thank everyone for coming along, having a lot of fun, whilst treating the track with respect. It was a long day for Jeremy, Scott and me - but definitely worth it. Next year (without a proxy to worry about) we're pretty confident we can set up in the usual 2-ish hour window. A 2027 date is pencilled in for Wednesday 25 August.




If you're thinking of buying a car for next year, don't look at eBay - prices are mostly eye-wateringly expensive. Do check out swap meets, Weevils and Phil Smith's site - Ninco and SCX Rally-Raid cars do appear for £40-60 boxed and sometimes unboxed for as little as £30. These are all old cars, so need a good lube, running in and often the tyres are rock-hard. Replacement tyres are produced by Mitoos and these are stocked by Pendles.

For our events, getting one Ninco and one SCX gives you two quite different cars in terms of speed and capability over obstacles (Ninco are faster, SCX more capable). If you fancy something more esoteric (and expensive), the Mitoos metal chassis is another completely different driving experience. Pendles no longer stock these, but they can be bought direct from Mitoos in Spain. Chat to Jeremy if you're interested. Another expensive option is the MSC / Scaleauto cars with the Dakar chassis - this plastic chassis is very nicely engineered, but sadly really difficult to find.

The only manufacturer currently making complete Ready-to-run Rally-Raid vehicles is Avant Slot. Their Dakar Mitsubishi Lancer is similar to a Ninco in performance, but £75+ to buy. Personally, I'd go for a Ninco and/or SCX. They won all the stages at the Barn.

I don't know what you mean Mr P I feel fleabay is an absolute bargain!

[BigMac]

   

[BAracer]

I bought mine a year ago. You just need to keep your eye out for the barn finds...

   

[woodcote]

Although our Dakar Rally-Raid events will continue to be 'fun nights', I thought it might be good to introduce just a little structure, based on the amazing FOLM Danton Dakar annual get-together in France.

There are these classes...

●    C1 Classic - Box stock cars: Ninco, SCX, Powerslot 
●    C2 - Box stock cars: MSC/Scaleauto, Avant Slot and bodies mounted on these chassis
●    C3 Ultimate - Scratch-built car: free
●    C3 Eco - Box stock cars: Mitoos and bodies mounted on these chassis
●    C4 - Quads box stock: Avant Slot, Powerslot etc
●    C5 - Quads scratch-built: free
●    C6 - Trucks box stock: Avant Slot
●    C7 - Trucks scratch-built: free
●    C7 Eco - Trucks box stock: Mitoos and bodies mounted on these chassis

That might help WHO racers with purchasing Raid vehicles, as will this English version of a very useful FOLM graphic...

   

And some basic regulations...

1. General
●    Eligible models are 1:32 scale replicas of Raid vehicles that participated in an event such as the Dakar or any Raid event approved by the FIA or any original bodywork agreed by the organisers.

2. All categories
●    Traction magnets are prohibited and must be removed, if present.
●    Ballast is permitted, but must be located above the bottom plane of the chassis.
●    Tyre choice is open, but must cover the entire rim.
●    Guides and braids are free.
●    Length & width: free
●    Height: Maximum 110mm for passing under bridges.
●    Addition of external accessories (e.g. mirrors, light bar, spare tyre etc.) are not considered scratch-build modifications

3. Scratch-build classes
●    No constraints on parts. Everything - including chassis, motor, shock absorbers, guide arm, tyres - is free.
●    Replacing the guide arm is considered a scratch-build modification.

4. Entries and format
●    You may enter up to 3 vehicles, with a maximum of two per class. 
●    Club cars are available on each stage for drivers with no vehicles or who enter just one vehicle. Club car entries compete in a separate competition.
●    Times for each stage are calculated by the time (in seconds) taken to complete a set number of laps.
●    The event result for each vehicle is the sum total of its stage times (in seconds).
●    If a vehicle fails to complete a stage (or takes longer than the maximum stage time) a stage time of 120 seconds is awarded.
●    When not driving, every driver is expected to marshal for the other members of their group.

All ready for August 2027...