This was weekend we spent at the RCPro Series race in Red Deer, Alberta. This event was hosted by “The Clutch Nuts” at their outdoor track.
The Clutch Nuts track is large, very large. It contains areas for full throttle straight ways, as well as 180 and 90 degree turns. It also has a table top with a three foot drop into chicanes. Not to mention the off camber corners and railway tie bumps. However, the hardest section is probably the “whoops”, which is six jumps in a row, that if driven correctly can be made in three jumps. This is followed by the large jump right in front of the driver stand with a massive table top that you can easily clear.
For me, the whoops are the most difficult section, you must have your timing and power down precisely or you can only make one of the jumps and lose a tonne of time. During time trials, I could consistently do two of the three sections perfect, with the odd time I would pull all three. This is an area I would love to be able to do more practice on.
The race was a one day event that encompassed three rounds of qualifying and main events. With 150 entrants and multiple classes, it was a very competitive field.
As always I was running the Intermediate Buggy class. With a full heat it was essential that I drive calm and clean, getting speed on the straights and cutting the corners close. During the time trials I was able to execute my plan fairly well over and over. Going into the main event I was starting in third position nine tenths of a second out of second place. With that sort of time spread I knew it was going to be a hard fought main.
During the main I was trying to stick to my plan, however I had two consecutive laps that I botched with major crashes and inconsistent driving. This was enough to let the leader gain about 20 seconds on my place. Unfortunately I was unable to make up the difference, but still finished a respectable 2nd!
My Losi 8ight 2.0 held up well over the weekend. I had one minor issue, having a grub screw come loose on the front drive terrain and lost 4wd. However, this happened in practice so I was able to get the buggy back into tip top shape an on the track. From stock setup I changed the ride high to 28mm in the front and 30mm in the rear. As well as drove 5,7,2 for diffs. After trying a few tire selections the AKA I-Beams were the ones that gripped like glue!
Next time I might lower the ride high a mm each, however it’s such a ruff track you my really need that extra height.. Dunno.
I'm so proud of you! You sure are kicking butt!
Congrats on 2nd. The whoops sounds super cool. Would've liked to see that!
Nice!