Over the Hill Raceway

How it began...
Some of my neighbors are avid modelers. Mostly line control and some rc. Last year I purchased a RTF electric deciding to join in the fun. Two things became crystal clear. 1. I needed lots of open space to fly, meaning I would have to drive somewhere and 2. Because I'm in a wheelchair, I needed someone to fetch when I crash landed. Solution was to sell the plane and get a SCT.
Once I had my truck it wasn't long before others got theirs.
We started using the clubhouse parking lot and still do occasionally. But the curbs plus speed made parts breat alot. So with the help of the ablebodied, a track was born.

We currently have the permission and privilege of using an area destined for future development.
This is within the gates of the community so we also got an Okey-Dokey from the board of directors. The unspoken reality is... If it ever becomes a nuisance, we will be shut down.

We didn't have or couldn't find specs for a short course track but did read a few suggestions.
The result is an old guys version of a not so short course track.

That looks great for a backyard bash/race area, kudos to you and your crew.  If you ever want a little bit more technical track your welcome to send me the measurements of the area and I can design something up for you. 

Hey Smitty, That's a pretty cool track.  Do you have any pictures of you guys racing or your friends with their trucks?

I'm sure someone here has a few pics that I'll post later.

As for a more technical track... most of us have enough of a challenge just completing a lap or two without jumping the pipe. Although, we are improving.

And The Winner Is...

Last week we held a raffle for a new Slash 4x4 to encourage more participation at our private track. So now our number has increased to 6 with at least 1 more on the verge.

Ben P. was the lucky winner.
He's pictured holding his new Greg Adler edition with our only (so far) female driver Jean M.
Ben was in LV when he got the news last Friday afternoon and was home bash'n by Sunday evening.

The multi colored bug is mine!

How did you hold your raffle?  Does one need to register with the state somehow?  How much were tickets, and how many did you sell?

I found this:

http://licenseinfo.oregon.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=license_seng&link_item_id=14519

The raffle was conducted under the rules of "social gaming" where the conductor of the raffle does not profit from the raffle.

I concur, the government does not need to profit from a public gathering/fundraiser/awareness raiser of any sort.  Just my .02 cents

Does that mean you did not need to get a permit?  You did not answer how many tickets you sold and how much each ticket cost.

I am interested because I was considering a raffle on here, but my understanding was that one was required by Oregon law to be a federal tax exempt organization and having to have held that status for one year.

That's why we didn't hold a "public" raffle.
We held a private party where guests were invited to participate.
Much like a football pool.
We sold 75 squares at $5 each.
First prize was the Slash 4x4 ($357.70), Second prize was a Brookstone RC toy (value >$60) and Third prize was the residual cash ($17.30) plus a Tee shirt.
We used a computerized bingo calling program to pick the random winners.
Again, we did not do this as a charity or fraternal organization and no one profited except the winners.

Where did the $60 Brookstone RC toy get funded from?

75 * 5  =  375
$357.70 (slash) + $17.30 (cash) = $375

I found this:

http://www.doj.state.or.us/charigroup/howtoraffle.shtml

Quote:
"
Social Gaming
A "social game" is one in which all the money wagered is returned to the players in the form of prizes. The house cannot take a "cut" or percentage of the money or otherwise profit in any manner from the operation of a game. Social games in businesses, private clubs, or places of public accommodation can be conducted only if there is an enabling ordinance (usually a social gaming ordinance) by the local jurisdiction. Social games that are conducted in private residences are permissible.
"

The Brookstone RC was donated by me.
It was my insurance that no profit would be made.

You found exactly what I had found.
"Social games conducted in private residences are permissable."

So... holding a raffle on a forum would not meet that test.

I don't see how we can hold a raffle on here now either.  I wonder if this website could be considered a "Private" venue since each member must register?

Smitty, how often do you guys race?  Once a week or more than once a week?  Is your track used daily by people practicing?

I would have to say almost daily. There are 6 of us now so it's likely that one or more will be at the track most days. I usually spend an hour late morning and an hour late afternoon, that is when my truck is 100%. Of course with everyone, other interests and events play a role.

To date, we have held only two "races". The first one was a 10 lap main (free for all). The second race was preceeded by what we hoped were some timed qualifying, followed by a 5 lap main.
Both events ended with side busting laughter from the spectators and drivers.

I hope to have the lap counter/timer up and running for a debut maybe as early as the 23rd.
With the weather beginning to change that will make the next event more comfortable and with could cloud cover the lap counter should work better.

Are any of your colleagues/racer friends on here also?

No, I don't believe so.
Most if not all of the others here are satisfied with driving their stock.
I'm a different story. I enjoy doing the maintenance and modifications as much, if not more than driving.

You might be surprised. I think there are several on here who enjoy the thrill-of-the-build as much as the racing.