Event: Summer Indoor Nationals
Date: July 31 – August 1, 2010
Location: Outback Raceway – Chico, CA
Race Reporter: JConcepts Racing Team

Steven Hartson, Jason Ruona, Nathan Lavery and Kendall Bennett clean-up at the first annual Summer Indoor Nationals.

Outback Raceway hosted the first annual JConcepts Summer Indoor Nationals at the brand new state of the art R/C facility in Chico, California. With an air conditioned pit area, fully stocked adjacent hobby store and friendly staff, Outback has turned into the new hot facility in Northern California. A strong turn-out in 2wd modified and SCT indicated a perfect blend of the experienced “old school” and fresh “new school” racer.

Qualifying started out on Saturday morning at 10:00am and it was JConcepts / Associated driver Cody Turner taking round 1 TQ in the 2wd modified class. Cody put in a near perfect run to hold the early TQ in the most popular class. Steven Hartson and Tyler Vik held the round 1 TQ in the 4wd modified and SCT modified classes respectively. It was clear early on whom the favorites were and as qualifying progressed, it appeared the fast only got faster.
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Event: JConcepts Summer Tour round 2
Date: July 24, 2010
Location: eXtreme Hobby Zone, Winter Haven, FL
Race Reporter: JConcepts Racing Team

Not your ordinary Joe; Joe Davis takes 2wd modified while Joshua Wade and JR Mitch take charge in 4wd modified and modified Short Course. Felix Law serves and protects in 4×4 SCT.

Business casual is the theme during the JConcepts Summer Tour events, mixing the pleasure of food and entertainment with the competitive racing of the popular Super Cup series. eXtreme Hobby Zone was the designated host track and with a fresh layout and fresh clay, drivers were ready for a continued battle. Race director Jimmie Cooper had the racers on task all day with a tightly run program.

Weather was in the vicinity but had no affect on racer turnout and preparation. A slight rain came down late Friday night which provided a grippy Saturday morning surface. A grippy surface quickly turned to slippery as it dried out and the hot tire was the JConcepts Flip Outs in green compound.
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I can’t say enough for the Amain crew as Kendall Bennett, JT and others are right on top of everyone’s needs and the facility and customer service is second to none

It was the Steven Hartson show today in 2wd modified and 4wd modified. Steven put down the TQ runs and really blistered the track in round 3. Heavy duty driving.

I had some ups and downs with 4wd and SCT being my better classes. I kind of blew out in 2wd in the fast round so I have to wait until tomorrrow to redeem.

Zack Genova looked great out there running lap times only slightly off the A qualifer guys. He seems to always finish in the top 3 in his qualifiers so he can be really proud of that. He has a good chance in the truck class of finishing in the top 2 so we’ll see what happens.

Tyler Vik picked up Chris Denney (Tanners dad) late last night at the airport which I appreciated greatly. Tanner has really showed some fantastic speed today on the track and currently sits in 2nd in 2wd and 7th in 4wd. His 2wd run was quite magical.

What else can I really say about today? The racer crowd is definately getting younger and watching the enjoyment these guys are having is refreshing.

Nick Black and the OCRC crowd drove up in the RV from southern California and they appear to be having a blast. Cody Turner is laying down the hot laps and is one of the fastest drivers here while Zack Rogers is really consistent and is at the top of both classes.

Jason Sams from Air Age / RC Car Action is in the house so check out the latest coverage on rccaraction.com.

I met the guys from R/C insider the new website that is all the rage in southern California right now. We did a few interviews so hopefully those come out respectful.

Stay tuned for more photos today and some video action when I return….

- Jason

Tanner was the first one up this morning. Are you kidding me? Nice work.

Ok, so I’ve run all 3 of my vehicles now and the 4wd and SCT are by far my best vehicles. My 2wd has been hit or miss today. After setup changes I didn’t improve my hero lap. Time to get serious!

The practice line lengthened today which made track time a little harder to come by. The 6 minute practice sessions were awesome and limiting to 10 cars was great but the 2wd and 4wd SCT trucks were pure havoc. I’ve decided that 4wd SCT is the next truggy class. Hopefully no 45 minute mains are in my turnmarshalling future. Going to need therapy after that. Where is Dave Soloman my truggy therapist?

The pits really started to fill up today and everyone was really into it. This is shaping up into a great race.

Amain has a couple of sales people that just take orders and bring them to the drivers while they are in the pits. I would make this the equivelent to say, pizza delivery during a sporting event. This is awesome! I want to order stuff just because it’s fun, I really don’t need anything. What’s up with that?

Zack purchased the Much More pit light today just as I predicted. That is 2 I’ve sold thus far. Amain Hobbies sales employee of the weekend?

More familar faces from southern and northern California have showed bringing back some memories from the early 90’s. There are some fast old and new school drivers here so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. I’m really tired of using the word school in these situations. I’m going to do some research and bring in a new word tomorrow.

As far as equipment we are using the gold and blue Bar Codes and it’s completely up in the air as what to run at a given time. Reading the track is tough but it doesn’t appear you can go wrong either way. I’ve mounted golds but as I’m writing I want to switch to blues….

I’ve heard guys compare this track to Hobby Haven in Livermore from the early 90’s. Others say it’s comparable only by them being indoors…

We are only missing the Francis brothers, JD Beckwith and Jimmy Jacobson to make this an official reunion.

Ok, that’s it for now…time to place a JC order at Amain because it’s fun to get a delivery.

A few more photos form the track…

After a tour of the A-main facility and getting the pits setup it was time to hit the track. The computer was on and it was all about trying to get the hot lap between us.

This turns me into a freak because now there is a constant goal while you are practicing. I took over Tanners car early and tried to put down a quick lap but it was tough. I think I ran half his battery pack going for it. Tanner finally said, “you drive good, now get your own car”

This is going to be an interesting race because there are no stock classes. They run everything here as open with the exception of novice and maybe a stock SCT class. Open is going to be very difficult because the way the track is, the power really doesn’t matter. It’s about traction and corner speed and at the moment I need some corner speed. Setup changes are in order..

Tanner has hot lap in our group btw. He’s sitting on a 17.6 and I’m sitting on a 17.7. I’m not happy about that right now. Zack is getting close at an 18.0. Some more artillery is coming in today to try and crush our lap-times so hopefully Hartson and others take it easy on us.

I put the short course on the trailer already. I ran it a few laps and it was so dialed with the new green compound Bar Codes I put it on the trailer. Tanner drove it a few laps though and broke it! Broken shock tower in the front. I didn’t have any so I went up front to Amain and purhased a new one and then I made Tanner replace it. $6 crash….ouch. It’s like buying TV on the airplane.

While I was A-main shopping I bought a Much More pit light and an MIP 1/16th to replace my broken one from a few months back. $100 down the drain but at least I improved the looks of my pitting area.

Gold and Blue compound Bar Codes have been the ticket so far on the 2wd. We are checking which inserts we to run now. Im thinking about buying more of them from A-main today to get the demand really jumping.

Now is the time where I get frustrated that I never had a home track this good. The track size is roughly 50×92 which actually seems about right for 8-10 cars. I’m ready for a test / practice facility.

I’ve already bumped into several buddies from Nor Cal that I’ve raced with in the past so it’s been a lot of fun thus far.

We have a Hella status to report. Aaron Biner was the first I heard say Hella so he wins the competition. Track is Hella fun!

We had a late lunch at Arbys and then back at it for more practice. Track closed at around 6:30 which was nice because I would still be on the drivers stand going for hot lap otherwise.

We hooked up with Aaron Biner and had dinner downtown Chico. We couldn’t find outback so we settled on whatever was closest and nearby. Tanner and Zack kept Aaron and I in the loop if any pretty girls walked by which was often. Hearing Zack say, “Ladies let’s be honest” was especially funny. Of course he thanked his Yoda Matt Mosieur for the pick-up lines afterwards. If I’m mis-representing Star Wars I’m sure Matt will let us know (Jedi Master would be the correct term**Matt**). After he finishes sending us photos of all his cats anyways. Thanks for the heads up guys.

We bumped into the General Lee in the parking lot. Don’t you think if the General Lee existed today on a current car it would have sponsors on it? Lots of dead space for decals on the General Lee. RockStar energy General Lee?

Watched a little X-games and I couldn’t help think that every year I see these kids with uglier clothes on. They look like a cross between halloween costumes from Karate Kid 1 and Nascar driver driving suits. I guess if I was sponsored by Monster Energy I would let them dress me like a clown as long as the checks kept rolling in?

Anyone notice that they have these competitions and the stadiums are so empty? Obviously they need the space and getting 100,000 people to watch backflips at 2 in the afternoon is probably difficult but maybe some CG are in order.

Time to put some silver springs in the rear of the 2wd, take out some toe-in and add some weight. I’m even considering adding and antenna cap for more steering.

I’ve been told that Chico is a college town…… I just heard “Ladies Lets be Honest” in the background….

I’m off once again and this time to California where A-main Hobbies is hosting the JC Summer Indoor Nationals. Zack Genova and I headed out from Orlando to Houston then finally into Sacramento. Our flight was delayed leaving Orlando by a serious rain storm. We sat on the runway for roughly an hour waiting for the storm to blow over.

The pilot reported everything to us and kept us in the loop from traffic control. They changed their minds about 3-4 times on departure direction and runways. I started to think if this was like a typical senerio at the track where it had just flooded and you are trying to decide if you should run the first round of qualifying or not. They eventually decided to throw down and get it muddy.

I was hoping to spot some oil off the coast so I had some conversation, or the ability to top a Tim Davis report from a few months ago. Too many clouds.

Our flight had Direct TV for $6 but I didn’t purchase. I figured I would save up for the longer flight to Sacramento. I’m on the lookout this weekend for the
first driver to say Hella. Years ago all the Nor Cal guys would say Hella. I will be listening!

After running to make our flight OJ Simpson style we got on. We didn’t kill anyone in the airport. I’m referring to the commerials he used to do before Isotoner gloves, Bruno shoes and Judge Ito.

$6 TV purchased and I’m settling into some channel surfing. American Pickers caught my attention on the history channel and I watched all of that. The guys found some nice stuff and claimed a $60 dollar profit here and there. This is interesting and I don’t know why. Then Pawn Stars came on and I got sucked into the guys selling a flame thrower and 1960 model 2wd climbing motorcycles.

Then I realized by today’s standards my dad is a reality TV Star. He needs to be a consultant on all these type of shows.

Switching over to Pros vs. Joes it was some former NFL stars vs. some former college football players. Michael Vick was on and was getting killed by the former college players. I wasn’t impressed by the Pros. The NFL and NBA need to put a stop to this show before LeBron gets dunked on by a House Husband or WNBA player.

Woah, Curb Your Enthusiasm was on regular TV. One of my favorite episodes the Doll Head was on and it was interesting to see them edit the dirty language from Larry and Suzy. 4 eyed freak just doesn’t work for me.

I finished up the trip by watching Steven Segal in Marked For Death. He wasn’t winning any acting awards but he was good with a pool stick and a cue ball. Whatever happened to this guy? I expect to see him on Dancing with the Stars or Pros vs. Joes soon. Michael Vick better watch out. Dog fighting? really? Why can’t everyone just be perfect like Tiger Woods?

There was a young girl sitting next to me and she was jealous that I had TV and she didn’t. Her mom was trying to hold out but my channel surfing got the best of them and soon they both had TVs as well. It was nice to see that Hanna Montana was on the other TVs now and it’s like they were right at home. Interestingly the mom was offended when the little girl stopped on the street crime show COPS and someone was getting arrested. The mom actually covered the screen and had her turn the station. Hanna Montana sets a better example I suppose? I believe they were looking for an option squared. According to the Daily Dispatch, the TV series held a global audience of 200 million viewers in 2008. If Miley’s viewers were a country, they would be the fifth largest population in the world – just ahead of Brazil. By February 2008, the Hannah Montana franchise had become so important that Disney convened an 80-person, all-platform international meeting to discuss Hannah Montana’s future. All Disney business segments were represented at the meeting.

Getting off in Sac and still no signs of Hella. I’m concerned at this point.

We met up with Tanner Denney at the airport in Sac and grabbed the rental car. We packed our “full-size” car to the roof and took off for Chico.

- Jason Ruona

The JConcepts Summer Tour Kicks off at Shiverville Raceway July 3rd.
Ken Shiver is going to be providing the food, Smoked Chicken, Pork, Slaw and Beans.

Registration is only $15!

Early sign up here

Event: Spring Nitro Nationals           
Date: May 29-30, 2010
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Race Reporter: JConcepts Racing Team
 
Tony Bacon and Kendall Welch own the Spring Nationals, take 1/8th truck and 1/8th buggy respectively.
 
The JConcepts Spring Nitro Nationals took place Memorial Day weekend in Omaha, NE at the HobbyTown USA Hobbyplex. 120 entries strong, the participants were treated to indoor pitting, a great track and a great atmosphere. Jason Ruona was on hand to answer questions and turn a few laps with everyone in the expert truggy and buggy classes. 4 rounds of qualifying took place on Saturday. The qualifying was especially tight, with a few tie breakers determining the TQ spots. Omaha local Travis Hatcher snatched the TQ in expert truggy away from Jason Ruona after the final two rounds.  The Plex’s very own Alex Sturgeon TQ’d three out of four to secure the top spot in expert buggy and then had the faster two rounds to take electric buggy as well.
 
Omaha local Jim Winkelbauer took the top spot in sportsman truggy and Wichita’s Jason McAllister came back from a rough first two rounds to TQ the sportsman buggy class. Main day was a good one. The Sportsman classes were dominated by its respective TQ’s, but it was a different story in the expert classes. Expert truggy saw Travis Hatcher fall back early with Jason Ruona taking command.  Ruona led almost all 45-minutes until a broken caster block finally gave way and forced him to slow way down, dropping him to third. Fort Dodge, Iowa’s Tony Bacon drove and excellent race, coming from the 10th qualifying spot to take the win. He also posted the fastest lap of the race. Hot Bodies driver Jason Porter was there to capture second.

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Event: Super Cup round 5     
Date: May 22, 2010
Location: Treasure Coast Raceway – Port St. Lucie, FL
Race Reporter: JConcepts Racing Team
 
With a reported weather storm on the radar, a quick change of itinerary from Coral Springs to Treasure Coast Raceway made round 5 of the Super Cup even more exciting.   With this being a make-up and additional race to the 2010 series, drivers were hyped and ready for action on the technical Treasure Coast track.   Huge thanks to both the Coral Springs club and Treasure Coast Speedway for their constant effort and support of the racers in Florida.
 
Setup and practice was a snap and racers piled in and got ready for qualifying.   The track started a little on the wet side but it quickly became grooved and wheelies became normality.   Can everyone say Bar Codes?
 
JR Mitch got us started off in the A-main in the electric 1/8th E-buggy class.   JR outdistanced the field with a heavy dose of trigger and traction courtesy of the Blue compound Bar Codes his RC8b-E was on rails setting fast lap for the entire event on numerous occasions.   Finishing in the 2nd position was Dan Borkowicz, with Eric Varney in 3rd. 
 
The vintage vehicles hit the track once again on the Super Cup and Jeremy Harris meant business in the 2wd stock class.  With a slow start Jeremy had a close battle early on but the strength of the tried and true RC10 never relented.  Choosing the brand new Flip Outs tire in Green compound Jeremy’s RC10 was stuck to the track taking the win.  Consistency and speed was the name of the game for Jader Lopez who finished in the 2nd position, while Dan Borkowicz rounded out the top 3.   (more…)