HSLmotorsports and the 2026 Nittro Series & Ratings Chat

Well I sent my team of cars off to the 2026 Nittro Nascar Series! Good luck to all who entered!

I thought I would write this article, to relate my experience with HSL (I also entered the 2025 Series,) and also highlight some of my thoughts into “His ratings” , so I will cover all of the areas currently rated, and discuss, other points, that well currently do not appear as a rating factor. Hopefully this will raise fair discussion for thought.

History: Back around 2019 one of the most successful racing series was on youtube, run by sub4ra, Nascar Series. Grass roots rough and tumble racing, various open tracks used, not polished, at that point, no entry fees, and in my opinion the best race caller at that time. Indeed some of the best people ran in that Series, ie Red Pill, MDG, LCDRL guys, Nero 64, Po Boy Nick Deavers, myself etc. There were a few guys that really did it tough with that opposition and found it hard to qualify. HSL was one, Zach from Queensland another. Had to cheer those guys on, they “had a go!”

Well 2020 came along and  as with many other things sub4ra got caught up and things stopped….. The series disappeared...

So roll down to 2024 and HSL,..starts and records his own “inhouse” Nascar Series somewhat replicating  the sub4ra days.

2025 rolls on and HSL opens up two concurrent Series for builders, broken up into Stocks and Mods. Given I had been watching his effort into his trial Series, and his sub4ra days, I weighed up several factors and decided to support him.

What were some of those factors I took into consideration? (Not necessarily in priority order)

Well, as I mentioned before, I saw HSL racing, and doing it tough several years earlier, so I thought he is in it because he likes the hobby. I could also see he had produced several vids of his own in house racing, so he knew what it took. He also is on social media. I was able to contact him easily and discuss my thoughts on the rules at that time. During the 2025 series, I, at times easily contacted him with my thoughts, which he took on board, So he was open to hearing suggestions on how to improve things etc.

To me this answered one of the questions (in my experience) with HSL

Communications How well did the host communicate before, during and after the race? Answer, Great!

To me, one glaring question/factor that is not currently considered in the ratings, is An entry fee. Back in 2019 virtually no race attracted an entry fee. It was seen at that time primarily as a hobby, where I guess mates, didn’t want to take/earn money off mates.

There was NO entry fee for the 2025 HSL Nittro Series, nor is there one for the 2026 Series. I am not against entry fees, In fact many decent hosts charge them to assist with good trophies, and costs associated with running the event. Some may use for track upgrades, and you can fill in your thoughts what a couple of hosts have done with your money.

But to me once I am charged an entry fee, a service charge, the expectations change !!

So, to me, no fees for the HSL  event would  indicate this is run by a grassroots enthusiast. No return postage fee was asked for upfront.

I had done my due diligence on what to expect from his Series, and well, HSL  did not hide the fact.  Rough and tumble at times! Like sub4ra. One had to build cars that could take a beating for 10 races and associated qualifying sessions. I did not use wheels and axles that were AAA+. I think of all the cars I sent only 2 or 3 came back with some axle damage. But ! I could send in replacements during the Season!

So for no entry fee, I got to race in 10 (or was it more?) races and qualifying. The amount of work, wow. 10 races in a timely manner, with associated point scores for the Series. Check out his youtube channel if you don’t believe me in how much content was put out.

Shipping & handling How well did the host manage shipping and handling of cars before and after the race?
I am almost embarrassed to rate this point. I did well in the Series, and won some prize packs. All my cars arrived back about a month after the Series concluded packed well, and with so many wonderful premium and other cars. The box was huge, and the postage cost left me floored! (Im in Australia) Po Boy also messaged me to say he also had a large box gift cars, and I know Berowra Bangers also. Left me gobsmacked, and certainly helps balance the ledger with other hosts who take your stuff and disappear. Thanks again HSL.

Execution Was the race carried out and presented in a manner that met your expectations?
This is an interesting question depending on how you perceive it. As mentioned earlier I did my due diligence on what to expect. Some of the racing reminded me of being a young lad with all your  mates, racing Hot Wheels on the driveway, in the early 70s! Nostalgia!  Not pretty racing, cars flying, but, the same for all, and works out in the end, racing. Most of all, we had fun!

But in saying that, yes there were times I thought, Ugh, he, HSL, needs a new start gate, better track joiners, timer, a little  bit better track design, Barriers,etc.

If I lived local I’d say can I come around and assist?! Yep, where I thought necessary I made a private comment, and I know HSL has got some things in for this season to try and make some improvements. But bear in mind, HSL is charging no fees, a hobbyist, so, yeah, a little slack needs to be cut at times, well I think that is fair.

Recommended Based on your experience, would much would you recommend others to race with this host?
Well I am racing again in this Series. Do I recommend it? I sure do.

. Proven Host long time diecaster

. No Entry Fee

. Runs event on time and multiple events in the Series

. Returns Cars in a timely manner

. Can replace cars during the Season

. Is contactable

.Is a hobbyist

I have a different expectation as to how my cars will come back after a Junkyard Joust, compared to a LCDRL drag race. I would not take a collectors mint unboxed Nascar and race it here, but would take to LCDRL drag race.

But for new builders, HSL a great opportunity to bang and bash with fellow racers over the course of several months. You soon learn what glues can hold weights, and what survives!

I'd like to say, great amount of tracktime and Bang for Buck. But no Buck involved other than postage.

Like in real racing, you can experience days of euphoria, and then days where nothing goes right, and gloom!

But over the course of a season the cream usually rises.

Take care and good luck all!

Marc D