The Washtenaw RC Raceway 2009 / 2010 Winter Point Series is off and running...


This was a tough one to write.

We all miss Dan very much.  Yet, we all also clearly understand the great care and effort the new "host" is putting into maintaining the legacy atmosphere and success of the Washtenaw RC Raceway program.

There was at least a little bit on my part, and I think a little on the part of many, actually, a lot of speculation about how the Washtenaw RC Raceway program will go this year.  The Michigan economy is in the crapper, and with Dan Burnham's moving to the west coast and familier face not hosting the "biggest and best" indoor (offroad) electric racing program in Michigan...  There have been some quiet conversations during the off-season (summer racing season) about what this winter indoor season would look like...



After something like 10 years total, with the last two years including our running at Washtenaw, Dan has now passed the baton to James "Memo" Raupp to run the program at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.  We have been very fortunate to meet and be part of the "Washtenaw racing community" these past two winter seasons, and I'm pleased to say the tireless work by Memo getting the details worked out and ready over the summer, the countless volunteers who helped build the track in the week or two leading up to the opening, and the last minute adjustments the morning of the season opener "Run-For-Fun" have resulted in not just our familier race program, but also the place is put together in first rate racing order.

But, it isn't just about the drivers stand (solid and wheel chair friendly), it isn't just the bright lights or what seems like fresh white paint on the walls.  It isn't that Memo has extension cords run for every table.  It isn't the new tubes he brought in to outline the track.  It isn't the new updated timing system / software Memo purchased over the summer, and it isn't that Rider's Hobby Shop is still there providing on-site emergency repair parts to keep people on the track and ready for the next heat.

It isn't about the place.

It's about the folks who race at Washtenaw that makes it special.  And the atmosphere is again the same high quality place its always been.  Its the place where parents are comfortable bringing their young children to race, knowning its a safe place where they can learn the hobby / sport of RC racing, and also the sportsmanship.

You can just feel it in the air.  This place absolutely ROCKS.




Rest assured Dan, the place is in good hands.

Not just with Memo staying on top of things and keeping the program in order, but calling the races are some of the most experienced Race Directors in the game.  Also, the seasoned veteran racers who race at Washtenaw round out a very special place.  I'm happy to say we've been racing with some of these folks at various tracks around Mid-Michigan since 2002 - and we're in good hands...




Young folks are still coming out to run, including many many new faces.  There were also a lot of new faces (adults) who came out, and quite a few familier faces came back too.





The Opening Day Run-For-Fun on November 14 brought out over 150 entries, on the opening weekend of deer season no less (a Michigan holiday weekend by many standards).

And the racing action was as good as it gets.  The Short Course Truck was busy in 3 separate classes, running the tried and true Slash Spec (2 heats), as well as Stock SCT and Open SCT, the 2WD stock and mod buggy classes and 4WD (2 heats), stock and mod stadium trucks(1 heat of stock and 3 heats of mod) , and the big boys - the electric 1/8 scale buggies (3 heats) and open truggies.  There was high quality competition for all types of racing taste.

The usual fun and games were had by all...








For a recap of the action, here are the A-Main action videos from the Run For Fun...






For the folks who are visiting here as casual readers and may not take the time to look at the entire videos, Johnny LoGiudice was in the house with a brand new TQ chassis put together the night before and running in Mod Buggy.  That's the class known as the Grand Prix of RC racing, the one that separates the men from the boys...

Here's the Mod Buggy A-Main from Opening Day (Nov 14) as a stand alone vid:





AND THEN - if the weeks and days leading up to the opening day weren't enough to think about, the short few days following went by like a blur, and we were off racing again just seven days later...



The following Saturday was the opening of the Winter Points Series.

It was still fun, but it was also down to business...




And get down to business we did:







The racing action was as good as it gets.  My hat's off to the many racers that truly make the Washtenaw Program what it is.  The best Mid-Michigan has to offer, and among the best in the region.

And welcome to the new folks either coming out for the first time, or coming back after being away for a while.

Following are the A-Main action videos from Day 1 of the 2009 / 2010 Winter Points Series:


Novice A-Main:


Slash Spec A-Main:


Stock Buggy A-Main:


Stock Truck A-Main:


Stock Short Course Truck A-Main:


4WD Open Buggy A-Main:


Master's Truck A-Main:


Mod Buggy A-main:


Mod Truck A-Main:


Open Short Course Truck A-Main:


Electric 1/8 Buggy A-Main:


Electric Truggy A-Main:



If that all wasn't enough for back to back Saturday racing action, we even had a visit from the artist(s) formerly know as the Ann Arbor News.  A local staff writer with photographer in tow from the new AnnArbor.com stopped by and did a very nice review of the program and folks who race there.
 Check it out here.

Yes folks, the 2009 / 2010 Washtenaw RC Raceway indoor electric Winter Point Series is off and running with lots of familier friends and lots of new faces too.  But, and, the family friendly atmosphere is as good as it's always been and the racing action is still second to none...

Dan we miss you.  The program you nurtured into one of the best is alive and well, and in good hands.


(pic from Spring 2009 end of the season Run for Fun)


Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to support those who support racing.



Reporting from a track near you, Glenn "Handy" Remington



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Posted by HandyRacing at 11/26/2009 10:28 PM
Categories: Washtenaw RC Raceway
Tags: washtenaw rc raceway handyracing panther castle creations rc product designs rcproductdesigns
 

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