Here’s where the AE pits where … And the new smaller pit area

East Coast to West Coast

Event: JConcepts Winter Indoor Nationals (WIN)
Date: Feb 6-7, 2010
Location: SmacTrac, St. Louis/ St. Charles, MO

Jared Tebo wins all 3 modified classes at Indoor Championships.

St. Charles, Missouri was the location for the first annual Winter Indoor Nationals.  It was cold outside but warm inside the SmacTrac facility as practice started Friday with drivers coming from all over to test the new track layout.  It was apparent in practice that the track layout was a challenge, especially the split lane in the center of the track.

The separation of the split lane provided many drivers the opportunity to showcase their best driving tricks and stunts as the narrow lane sometimes provided the ultimate test of control in a narrow space.  By weekends end everyone looked comfortable and everyone just remembered, when in doubt steer a little to the left.

194 entries made this first annual event a smashing success.  Local drivers Rod Rippee, Chris Baumgartner and Matt Gosch were always hospitable to everyone traveling from out of the area providing a much needed personal touch whenever necessary.  SmacTrac snacks and Wayne Snider made sure everyone was fed with the most interestingly named food.

The hot tire setup at SmacTrac was the Blue Compound Bar Codes all the way around.   The only question was full tread or partical tread.   After switching back and forth several times the locals went with partical tread and the out of towners were enjoying success on full tread.  Either way, tire wear and traction was not an issue.  One set of tires was all that was needed for the weekend.

Friday practice went smoothly with a club race warmup Friday night.  
18 laps seemed to be a quick run in the 2wd and truck classes and 19 laps in 4wd.  As predicted, Jared Tebo was running exceptionally well and TQ’ed the club race.  World Champion skills on display in Missouri.

As everyone got ready Saturday morning for qualifiers they put a slight mist on the track and we were off.   3 complete rounds of  qualifying took most of the day but racing and time moved quickly  indoors.   It was snowing outside but you would hardly know with all  the drivers wearing t-shirts inside.  The heat was on inside.  Thumbs up!

After qualifying was completed for the day, quite a few went to Show Me’s (looks like Hooters) next door.  Zack Genova, Matt Gosch made some new friends but soon it was time to call it a night.  Sunday had 1 more qualifier remaining and mains should be quick to follow.

It was an early start on Sunday morning and quite a few guys were running a little late. Racing at 7:00am just seems too early to operate an M11x.  Not many of the drivers improved in round 4 and it was time to prepare for the mains.

Personally, I installed a new motor in my buggy to hopefully gain some more control.  I also had just rebuilt the front and rear end with new plastic so my buggy was pretty fresh.  I’m still running my same magic  diff from the Super Cup a week before.   The 4wd wasn’t nearly as choice for A-1 but I was going to power through it.

I noticed something so cool as we moved into the mains.  In the 2wd stock class an RC10 was sitting 2nd on the grid.  1993 technology was looking good!  If you really want to get technical I think the RC10 with a Steath transmission was around in late 1989 early 1990 in 
prototype form.   20 year old technology racing at the Winter Indoor nationals and doing well.  Impressive; makes me want to build my old dream car.  Need an Illuzion for an RC10!

One of the race announcers was wearing a 35 year anniversary Bigfoot 4×4 t-shirt.  It’s good to see the locals supporting the Foot crew.

A-1 in 2wd was up and after a good start I was sitting in the top 3.  
Sweet!  Time to reel in Tebo….wrong.  I tried but it didn’t happen and I settled for 3rd behind Jared and Chris Baumgartner.  I was really happy with my changes and going to partical tread on tires.  I was fighting a slight push but it’s better than fighting a tweak right?

A-2 started and Jared checked out again and the battle was for  2nd-4th.  I held off Rod, Chris and Josh Wheeler for 2nd.  I wish I was sitting on pole for round 3.. .

A3 started very cleanly and without Jared, it was quite a race.   Rod got into the lead with Chris and I 2nd and 3rd.  For a moment I thought it was going to be a 3-way battle for the lead but Rod began to stretch it.  Sitting in 2nd with 2 laps to go I made a small mistake on the step-up jump allowing Chris by.  Small mistake = case and flip…ugh

The overall finishing order was Jared, Chris Baumgartner and myself.   Great racing.

Modified truck was once again owned by Tebo with wins in A-1 and A-2.  
A-3 saw Rod Rippee take advantage of a great start and pull out a win giving him second overall.  Justin Driemeier finished 3rd in the overall standings after qualifying 2nd.  Great job!

The bad boys of R/C race 4wd modified.  At least that is what most announcers say before they start.  I believe it!

As the Bad Boys started, Jared was in control once again. However, Josh Wheeler with his B44 was giving him fits early in the main and seemed very quick.  Laptimes were fairly equal early but mistakes from Josh put the rest of us in contention. I believe Rod, Josh and I all held our own in 2nd but it was Rod that looked a little more consistent and ultimately held down the 2nd spot.  I started suffering some electrical issues which didn’t help but I was happy to be on pace.  Jared was checked out.

In A-2 once again it was Jared, Josh, Rod and myself.  Positions were up for grabs but Josh and Rod finished up front in 2nd and 3rd while I  suffered some more electrical issues.  Ok, I will change it for A-3.  
Haha

With the title clinched Jared sat out A-3 once again and let the rest of us battle.  Rod pulled the lead with me and the others in tow.   With my motor changed out I was on pace but a mistake on the step-up (huge nose dig)  toward the end finished my race bumping me out of top
3 potential for the 4wd class.  Homer Simpson, doh!

Finishing order once again was Jared Tebo in 1st with Rod Rippee in 2nd, Josh Wheeler in 3rd and myself in the 4th position.

Congratulations to all the winners.  I would really like to thank John Piant for suggesting the race and the SmacTrac crew on an outstanding facility and event.  I’m looking forward to next year.

I’m flying…

Going to Motorama this year. I’ve wanted to go the last 2 years but I couldn’t make it. With the Nitro Challenge going on the same weekend it feels the R/C world is a bit split on their alligence to each race. I’m keeping up with my fellow racers on Facebook while I travel. Mark Pavidis has wi-fi on his flight, no fair. With all due respect to both races and drivers, from what i have heard, talent wise I think the Motorama is the B level event but the A level event overall.

I began to wonder about the name motorama. How many Ramas can I name? I’m stuck at Moto and Banana….

Layover in Cleveland means more Lebron gear and sightings. Or does it? Actually I haven’t seen one thing relative to the Cavs or Lebron in the airport so far. Maybe he does need to sign with New York?

Thinking about all the Kings now…. King James, King Saxton, Cody King, ……pretty select group.

Turning my attention over to my method of travel into Harrisburg, PA. Prop plane….ugh

Free pretzels! These pretzals are making me thirsty. I could have some water or Sprite, going with Sprite to take some of the edge off.

I really don’t know want to expect at Motorama. Building, track, layout, weather, surroundings….pretty unknown right now. I’ve shipped up pretty much the entire JC tire selection. I didn’t bring any different bodies so I’m hoping the Hi-flow works on the 2wd and Scoopless on 4wd. I did however bring two bodies for the Short Course class. Yes, we are tuning short course by the body now. I don’t believe we are looking at on-road technical but if I yell out body tuck, don’t be surprised.

I’m flying in with Chad Due and we are picking up JR Mitch later on at the airport. I need to do some wrenching tonight. B44 first and SC10 second. Ugh, I just remember I forgot glue. Home Depot run!

I brought along my tires from Missouri so if partical tread is dialed I will look genius. I’m thinking freshy Bar Codes first in gold and then in Blue. 3 classes. Am I nuts?

It will be interesting to see where we are pitting compared to the track and the rest of the action. If we are close I will be burning up the battery on my phone.

I’ve brought some warm clothes with. Allison wouldn’t let me leave without them. I’m even borrowing the trendy North Face jacket. Look out for the red-ish puff jacket with JC decals on it.

Almost time to store electrical devices so I’m wrapping up.

Oh, & it’s weird having someone announce to an entire plane of 40 via an intercom.

-jason-

 Orange Compound Meal

 Electric Track almost done!

Ryan Maifield prepares a week before the Nitro Challenge, by running an electric KBRL race at the world famous SRS Raceway.   Check Out that B4 and SC10 completely fitted by JConcepts.   The Manta body is hot.

Super Cup results make appearance on Team Associated.com.
 
http://67.199.85.166/racing/racereport.php?IDno=200

For Immediate release –
 
Illuzion – Kyosho ZX5-FS – Hi-Flow body
Part # – 0098
UPC Code – 845937003874
Retail price – $22.00
(Fits Kyosho ZX5-FS buggy kit)
Click Here to Purchase this Outstanding Product

 
For the ultimate in form and function, JConcepts introduces the Hi-Flow body for the Kyosho ZX5-FS 4wd off-road buggy. The Illuzion “Hi-Flow” styling presents a flowing design while incorporating many radical edge styling details for additional style and performance.  Race inspired aggressive styling, Illuzionized cab and side pod impressions combined with a durable flowing design are just a few of the features of the new Hi-Flow. 
 
Features:
Original Illuzion styling
Race inspired body design
Includes 2 – 6.5″ wide high down force V- wing (replacement part # 0116)
Illuzionized cab and side pod impressions
Clear heavy-duty thickness polycarbonate with protective film
Window masks and detailed Illuzion decal sheet
 
Replacement wing information:
 
Part # – 0116 – Illuzion – 6.5″ wide high down force wing (0047 and 0098 – direct replacement)
Direct fit for Kyosho RB5, RB5-SP and Kyosho ZX5, ZX5-SP and ZX5-FS

The “Show Me State” of Missouri, was the location of the JConcepts Winter Indoor Nationals. Smac Trac, located in St. Charles, twenty-five miles west of the Gateway Arch, is in it’s fourth year of operation, and is quickly getting, or already has, the reputation of a great facility. With a strong local group of racers, turnouts for weekly races over 100+. Some of the fastest guys in the region, call this home. Challenging, and technical track layouts, that are changed frequently, are just part of the draw, and a top notch race program. This made the perfect setting for the first race in 2010 for JConcepts Events.
But unlike a race report, this is going to be random observations. I am not claiming to have seen it, heard it, or done it all, but just, observed.

With any event, most of the faster racers from the region are going to come. The only problem might be the weather. With the forecast of snow, no one knows for sure. But it worked out. There was only a few inches. Not the five they predicted. I was looking forward to taking Jason out, and giving him driving lessons. Rally drift anyone?

Another problem is, what if Jared Tebo lives in your region? Here is your race report: Jared Tebo TQ’s and wins all Mod classes. The End.

First thing Friday, Jason up on the stand, looking at the layout. He says, “I sometimes forget how small of an area, you can make a really cool 1/10th scale track in.”

First practice session, track builder and SMAC man Scott McDonald yells up to the driver stand, “You guys act like this is your first time on the track”.

Big Hi-Five to who ever came up with the menu for Smac Trac Snacs, too funny.

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