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Midwest Offroad Racing League 2010 - Litchfield

HandyRacing — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:59:00 GMT

The summer racing season in Mid-Michigan is one of those things folks wait for all winter long...

The tracks, the camping, the weather, the friends, the good ole Mid Michigan innovation, and the racing...

Seeing the people we've all known all these years...

For me, the first race of the season at Litchfied is always special. Maybe that's why I waited to write this one, I had to think about it a bit to gather my thoughts.

The first time we ever raced was at Litchfield in 2002, when my son was 9. He had Tyco and similar wired and non wired "RC" toys since before he could even talk. Then one day while out and about we happened across "something" going on at the old Kroger store in Jackson, met Sam Sprang, and the rest is history...

Thanks Sam, from the bottom of my heart.

And my old High School buddy was there too (providing technical back up for a couple of rookies)...

And then fast forward 8 years later, and now I'm honored to have had the pleasure to watch my son race with his friends. Priceless times.

And we watch countless other Fathers and sons and daughters race together, and Grand Fathers too. The RC community in our area is far more than just racing, its gotten to be a family reunion. Whether it be the Washtenaw Program in the winter, the FTMS, the new tracks at The Proving Grounds or AMS, all points in between, or running into friends at the hobby store, this game is far and above anything else I've ever known. Thank you, Nat / Pat / Ken - this means more to me than you'll ever know.

BUTT - AND - Its also about the racing. GO FAST - and laugh about it too (after its over).

It's awful hard to pick the best shots, but here's some of the Litchfield 2010 action:

And for those of you with a little more patience, here's a few more shots of the action:

And since this is a points series, lets get down to business with the A-Main action...

Novice A-Main

Masters 19T Truck

Stock SCT

Open SCT

Stock Truck

Mod Truck

Mod Buggy

4WD Buggy (1/10)

8th Scale Electric

Special thanks to the Hamiltons for always hosting a first rate racing venue...

Extra special thanks to Chris Peterson for helping with the video production.

Midwest Offroad Racing League 2010 - Jones

HandyRacing — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:17:00 GMT

Race 2 of the MORL 2010 off road summer season is in the books.

Results are posted here: www.MidwestOffroad.org

As usual, the M-40 Raceway in Jones was a wonderful venue for true Michigan glacial till racing. The potholes and ruts moved around all day making it a challenge to run a good technical racing experience, everyone had to pay close attention with the driving skills separating the men from the boys - all running the same tough track.

The M-40 Crew also did a great job of keeping the track groomed in reasonable fashion, and also maintaining a tough challenging track to run. Even with the high powered rigs tearing it up...

While threatening, the storms all went South and we had a great day of racing.

Well at least all but the last. But since the racers voted to call it quits after two rounds of qualifying and run the Mains, we got the Mains run before the rains finally came.

That makes two races this season, and great racing weather. Is that anew record?

I was able to get some Buggy, Truck and 1/8 buggy pics. No SCT pics as I was going to shoot them during round 3. Sorry.

But here you go, for your viewing pleasure:

The Mains proved to be some exciting door to door and nose to tail racing.

Heres the last race of the evening:

Stock Truck A-Main:

The rest of the A-Main vids will be posted as an update when the editing is done.

And here's what the weather looked like if we had run 3 qualifiers and then the Mains:

I'll also be posting the Litchfield pics and video shortly.

Special thanks to Chris Peterson for helping with the video.

Dirt Burners Hobby and Raceway - 1st Annual TQ Challenge (2010)

HandyRacing — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:04:00 GMT

With one of Mid-Michigans newest indoor RC racing venues, what better place to host
the 1st Annual TQ Challenge?

Coming to you from:

Dirt Burners Hobby and Raceway
38101 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia MI 48150
(give them a call for the latest schedule @ 734.591.1000)

- and -

Sponsored by one of the newest 1/10 buggy and truck makers on the scene:

TQ Racing

While Michigan continues to showcase the BEST in RC Offroad Racing action...

the Short Course Trucks are also rocking. HARD...

Michigan is also still the HOME of electric 1/8 buggy and truggy racing...

of course - the 1/10 stadium trucks still kick arse...

and fly - both down the back straight, and over the jumps...

And of course, the Marshals ROCK too...

They sure get a work out.

As usual, it was some of Michigan's RC offroad racing at its best.

19 heats of racing, 130+ entries, and fun the whole way...

(with a FULLY stocked hobby shop on site)

A re-cap with a few extra pictures of the action...

But don't take our word for it, check out the action for your self...

Stock 2WD Buggy - A Main:

Stock Short Course Truck - A Main:

Master's Truck - A Main:

Stock 2WD Truck - A Main:

E 1/8 Buggy - A Main:

4WD Buggy (1/10) - A Main:

4WD Short Course Truck - A Main:

2WD Buggy Open - A Main:

2WD Short Course Truck Open - A Main:

2WD Truck Open - A Main:

E 1/8 Truggy - A Main:

Special Thanks to Bill Bridges from Dirt Burner Hobby and Raceway, John LoGiudice of TQ Racing, John Corey calling the shots, and the Michigan RC racing community.

Disclaimer. Dirt Burners Hobby and Raceway is a supporter of the HandyRacing website. But - we cover and film the local racing scene at no charge for our services. This "free service" is for the racing community. There will be no "Membership fees" at www.HandyRacing.com

All content Copyright by HandyRacing. Video editing by Chris Peterson.

Big Kahuna Shootout - 2010

HandyRacing — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:55:00 GMT

This is the Michigan / Great Lakes Region's RC Racing community at its best.

The Big Kahuna Shootout is a long standing tribute race put on by the friends of a fellow RC racer.

I don't want to say too much, or try and tell the story, rather let the event speak for itself.

Folks traveled from a far to visit and take part in this annual event. Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, even Canada. The racing community honored the man's legacy in the best way I can imagine...

25 heats of racing, 244 entries...

On the track.

For my part, I tried to capture the action in one small flash of color at a time...

The evening's Mains program began with a tribute lap by the young racers, led by Johhny LoGiudice:

And then the action heated up...

(4WD SCT A-Main was filmed, but not yet posted)

We filmed the Stock SCT Main, but the video cam battery died just as the race was ending. I'm very sorry to Kyle Munson and the rest of the racers, it was one heck of a race with a great finish.

Special thanks to Chris Peterson for helping with the HD production and post-processing.

CRCRC - Midwest Winter Championships 2010

HandyRacing — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:40:00 GMT

Columbus Radio Control Racing Club, Midwest Winter Championships 2010

Columbus, Ohio USA

Electric races action, coverage by HandyRacing....

After track build began on Monday, within two days the track was roughed in. One day later, with a LOTof TLC, the finishing touches were added. Curt Schlichter and about a dozen guys created a venue fit for the pros. Practice began Thursday, continued Friday, qualifying began Saturday, and as of Saturday night at Midnight HandyRacing was on-site, and there was STILL MORE qualifying to do. Yes, there are a LOT of entries. The qualifying action will resume Sunday morning at 08:00 sharp, then the Mains will commence, and continue for as long as it takes...

Our first pics from Saturday night (late):

More details and updates tommorow (actually, since its after 3:00 AM, that would be later today) ...

Washtenaw RC Raceway, Points Race 4 (January 2 2010)

HandyRacing — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:56:00 GMT

Washtenaw RC Raceway
Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

Winter Points Series, Day 4

Results are on the www.WashtenawRCRaceway.com site at this hotlink

First a few pics from the day...

And the Racing action vids...

Novice A-Main

Stock 2WD Buggy A-Main

4WD Open Buggy A-Main

Masters Truck A-Main

Stock Truck A-Main

Stock Truck B-Main

Mod Truck A-Main

Slash Spec A-Main

Stock SCT A-Main

Open SCT A-Main

Electric 1/8 Buggy A-Main

Electric 1/8 Truggy A-Main

When's the last time you saw a Garbage Truck hauling arse around an RC track?

Check it out...

Washtenaw RC Raceway, Points Race 3 (December 19 2009)

HandyRacing — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:32:00 GMT

Washtenaw RC Raceway
Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

Winter Points Series, Day 3

Results are on the www.WashtenawRCRaceway.com site at this hotlink

First a few pics from the day...

And the Racing action vids...

Novice A-Main

Stock 2WD Buggy A-Main

Mod 2WD Buggy A-Main

4WD Open Buggy A-Main

4WD Buggy Open B-Main

Masters Truck A-Main

Stock Truck A-Main

Mod Truck A-Main

(this video isn't posted, looking for it)

Slash Spec A-Main

Stock SCT A-Main

Open SCT A-Main

Electric 1/8 Buggy A-Main

Electric 1/8 Truggy A-Main

Wastenaw RC Raceway, Points Race 2 (December 05 2009)

HandyRacing — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:40:00 GMT

Washtenaw RC Raceway
Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

Winter Points Series, Day 2

Results are on the www.WashtenawRCRaceway.com site at this hotlink

First a few pics from the day...

And the Racing action vids...

(Don't have the Novice Race)

Stock Buggy A-Main

4WD Open Buggy A-Main

Masters Truck A-Main

Stock Truck A-Main

Mod Truck A-Main

Slash Spec A-Main

Stock SCT A-Main

Open SCT A-Main

Electric 1/8 Buggy A-Main

Electric 1/8 Truggy A-Main

Addictive Motor Sports Raceway, in Grand Blanc Michigan. NEW Track serving points North...

HandyRacing — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:40:00 GMT

We took a field trip over the holidays to the Flint area to check out the new track everyone has been talking about, and what a place they're building! Let me tell you, Mike and Nicki Sontag are going all out.

Open 7 days a week, and this place has LOTS of room to grow.

6434 Dort Highway, Grant Blanc (Michigan USA) - 248.830.0046

While still under construction in general, they already have the track, the driver's stand, the pits, and the hobby shop in place and open for business. This place rocks! Wide lanes, long straights, LOTS of jumps, even a mid-lane rumble bump here and there just in case you aren't watching your line close. Here's a basic pan left and right of the huge track:

And the best part, after a long long wait, all those loyal die-hard race fans from points north like Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, and other places who drove through snow sleet and driving rain to race in the traditional locations around the Detroit Metro area and Ann Arbor, finally have a premium place to race closer to home.

AMS is building a large open pit space with room to grow, and additional private (secure) rooms available:

A well built, sturdy, and elevated driver's stand...

With a lot of potential for future expansion, this place will get better and better.

The night we stopped in happened to be a Wednesday Night Points Series. With 70+ entries, not too shabby for a new track in this economy. Look for the track to be very successful as they continue to build out the facility and host the upcoming FTMS well known racing series.

Stay tuned for FTMS Program updates and the Big Kahuna Shootout race on February 6 at www.RCRacingExtreme.com and link for more information here.

In my opinion, collaborating with, and hosting the well known FTMS programs is a great thing for not only the track owners and the FTMS racers, but also the area's racing community in general. For tons of reasons. There's all the potential to help grow the sport, serve a region long in need of a track of this caliber, and keeping the high quality Michigan RC racing scene growing in general.

We were able to take in the action with both pics and a few vids. I even snapped a picture or two with one hand while catching an 1/8 buggy as it cart wheeled over the wall with my other.

One "Smash" endo'd over the wall too, and I almost got a picture of a 1/8 Truggie's underside as it flew over. If I only had snapped the pic one second quicker.. ROCK AND ROLL!

Following are a few additional shots for slideshow viewing.

Take your time, there's a few - plus...

Due to camera man operator error, I wasn't able to get the 2WD Buggy Race A-Main on film...

Oops, tin foil...

(I was chatting instead of listening to the program as it transitioned from qualifiers, to posting the Mains, the starting the Mains).

Sorry.

But following is a taste of the high quality racing action at this exciting new premium RC racing venue:

Thanks to Mike and Nicki Sontag for letting us cover their new facility, and thanks for checking out our Michigan RC race action coverage.

Glenn "Handy" Remington.

The Proving Grounds, 1st Annual Northern Nationals (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

HandyRacing — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:48:00 GMT

Reporting from December 12, 2009...

The Proving Grounds
Grand Rapids, Michigan   USA
(actually Jenison, just a hop skip and a jump west out Chicago Drive)

Leave it to the folks from Team Virus Racing and The Proving Grounds to not only put together a first rate racing venue, (and put together a first class racing facility, they did)...

But also, they aren't so shy to put the big challenge out there. Invite the best of the best to come and show what they've got.  And the invite didn't just just go out in Michigan, the challenge also went out to the pros in the traditional racing circles in California too.

(this author personally invited Michigan native Adam Drake to come and race back at home)

Maybe none of the Pros from California showed up to the blustery cold stereotypical Michigan...

But Kevin Myers from Stateline Raceway in Indiana made the trek.  Dakotah Phend and Allen Horne traveled clear across the state. Jackson native Fred Baumgartner and local Grand Rapids favorite Jason "Boatman" Jakubczyk were there.  And countless other familier faces too many to mention making up the best of the best from the hottest racing community in the country came out for a whale of a good race day. The racing action was as good as it gets.

Guys showed up in some of their finest new racing colors...

There was a lot of driving through traffic to keep up with, let alone stay ahead of the pack...

Many of the races went the full 6 minutes of neck and neck battling it out for the lead from start to finish.  In at least one A-Main race, one stumble half way around the last lap was the difference between first and second after 5 minutes and 45 seconds of literally a few tenths of a second apart the whole way...

That little kicker up in the back corner just before the over the hill and turn down to the back straight ruined many a lap for many a driver, all day long...

Every now and then someone pulled ahead and looked like a rabbit too, way ahead of the pack and in dominating fashion...

While often a slight miss of the fast line, or missing the soft touch timing on the throttle caused someone to fall just a little bit short, the guy with the soft touch always prevailed.. Sometimes by only thenths of a second. And that deep Grand Canyon of a pit placed perfectly for the landing zone of the triple? Some folks just couldn't quite land it clean, while some made it look like art work.

Yes folks, like folks have been saying for years, smooth is fast. And that day, on that track, it was proven loud and clear. Proven, yes.  Proven at the Proving Grounds...

Thanks to everyone who ventured out, the weather was threatening, but turned out great, and a great time was had by all...

Don't just settle for my (beginners) pics, local (professional) photographer Jim Stafford stopped by and literally took hundreds of really great shots. His work can be seen @ JSPhotography and warrant a close look. Many of his pics would be worth the price of a re-print. Tell him Glenn @ HandyRacing sent you. : )

But, since the real action was fast moving, the real play by play can only be experience with moving pictures... special thanks to the Proving Grounds Race Directors as they called the shots...

Following are the racing action vids...

Stock Buggy A-Main:

Mod Buggy A-Main:

Stock SCT A-Main:

Super Stock Truck A-Main:

Mod Truck A-Main:

4WD Buggy Open A-Main:

Electric 1/8 Buggy A-Main:

Special thanks to Chris Peterson for helping with the video editing. With Chris' help, we're able to bring our racing action coverage to a higher level.

And if all that wasn't enough, Steve Kaminski from the Grand Rapids Press not only stopped by for a quick look at what this RC racing thing was all about, but also spent several hours talking in depth with a lot of folks. He genuinely took an interest in what was going on, making special note of the family friendly aspect, noticing young folks and seasoned veteran racers alike, all racing together and having a ball. And the whole thing pretty much cheaper than a day at the movies. He wrote a very nice article for the Grand Rapids Press, and its carried on the web via MLive here. Thanks Steve, we appreciate the extra time you gave on a Saturday, and the kind words.

Thanks to everyone for a great day, and for visiting the HandyRacing blog.

Glenn "Handy" Remington.

ROAR Electric 1/8 Championships 2009

HandyRacing — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:18:00 GMT

The time of noise, fumes, and fuming neighbors is quickly having an equal peer on the block.

When it comes to speed and fun.

Quiet. Durable. Fast. And now, official. Did I mention quiet?

Born in Michigan. Coming to a track near you...

For the first time, a ROAR sanctioned Electric 8th scale championship.

Held in the heart of Pro RC racing country, Revelaton Raceway in Ontario California.

What can I say? We from Michigan, who race at the Washtenaw RC Raceway have waited a long long time for this day to come...

Official recognition by ROAR, the "Remotely Operated Auto Racers" sanctioning body.

Electric 1/8 buggy and truggy racing was practically born at the Washtenaw RC Raceway under the guidance of Dan Burnham, owner of RC Product Designs. Hand made buggies dating back to before you could just buy an off-the-shelf motor, speed control, and battery. For this exciting "new" class, Dan and a few others were taking helicopter motors, bolting them to hand made motor mounts, searching far and wide for electronics and batteries that could stand up to the task... AND racing. Organized racing with scoring and balls-to-the-wall full tilt action. And failing too, not finishing a race now and then. As happens to many still when not done right. These high powered heavy duty racing rigs are not for the faint of heart. 14 Volts to start and often more, high amp draw, 2 horsepower plus. Often plus quite a bit...

Check this out, from 2003 Ann Arbor News:

(Two of the four Michigan racers at ROAR's Revelation event are on the driver's stand in this picture)

For years now, the faithful innovators at Washtenaw have been building their own and putting them through their paces on the track, under normal race conditions.

Well. Normal? I think not.

Check out these home made buggies:

Going faster. Flying farther. Braking harder. And weighing more than any normal electric RC offroad race car or truck.

They brought those high powered racing skills developed in Michigan, to California and put them to the test:

After years of product development, countless hours of track proven design improvement and innovation, racing quality mail order conversion kits were first offered by Dan and RCPD. Finally Castle Creations, Tekin, Novak, RC-Monster, Losi, Associated Electric and a few others began to take notice and only recently began to offer some off-the-shelf motor, ESC, battery, mounting hardware, and slowly and gradually a new racing class was born.

But, it started in Michigan, where the regular program racing history is firmly rooted at Washtenaw RC Raceway in Ann Arbor.

With Dan Burnham's faith and perseverance in coaxing this electric 8th scale game to where it is today, finally with the first set of "rules" published just last year, the "main stream" sanction has come to pass.

It was time to tear up the track on the Pro's home turf ...

For the first ever ROAR sanctioned Electric 8th Scale Championship, over 120 entries were in the field and obviously some of the best of the best were present and ready to run.

This past Thanksgiving weekend, four friends from Michigan gathered in California to race. And race they did. The rumble strips looked brutal:

They also waited to practice while the mud ruled the hour, not un-like a typical summer outdoor race day back home in Michigan.... it does rain in Southern California now and then.

(it rained four out of five race weekends for the Michigan 2009 summer outdoor season)

Tom Frei and Nick Vasquez shipped their gear and flew out, Dan Burnham now from Oregon drove down the coast, and Nick Sava now from Southern California made plans, they all met at the track, and showed the west coast folks how its done....

Day 1 practice and qualifying pictures:

Day 2 practice and qualifying pictures:

Day 3 race day pictures:

Take your time and enjoy the pics above. Between the rumble strips of the infield, the 9-pack, the mountains in the background, as well as the war paint by electric pioneer racers...

There's a lot to see.

Before we get to the race action footage, I should also mention there was some Pro level marshaling too:

However, it was also down to business on Sunday. And time to race:

Our friends from Michigan also captured some of the action in HD video. Enjoy:

ROAR (hard case battery) Expert Buggy:

Open Expert Buggy (non-hard case battery) :

And, take a good close look at the finish on this one...

ROAR (hard case battery) Pro Truggy:

Qualifying, Mains, and Final Championship results are posted at Revelation's website, here.

Thanks guys, its a privilege to be able to post this material for you.

(Disclosure. The Editor in Chief @ HandyRacing.com was not able to make the trip to California to cover the race first hand. It is however an honor to be able to share the pictures and videos recorded by four of our local Michigan racing friends)

All pictures and video Copyright, Dan Burnham, Tom Frei, Nick Vasquez, and Nick Sava. All rights reserved.

Thank you also goes out to Chris Peterson for the wonderful job of video editing.

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

HandyRacing — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:28:00 GMT

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

Opening Night / Day at The Proving Grounds - HALLOWEEN HAVOC? Yup.

HandyRacing — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:20:00 GMT

Uh. How many times can I say wow in one post and get away with it?

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Redundant? It barely begins to describe the opening night and next day of a truly world class racing venue and program.

An alternative title for this post would be "The 24 hours of Jenison" and in all honesty they crammed one heck of a lot of racing into one night, then raced again the next day, and it really was about 24 hours from when the doors opened to when we left.

Wow.

Then we finally slept about 14 hours and drove home Sunday afternoon.

I'm sure the Proving Grounds staff put in not just many weeks building the place, but also the last couple of days must have been around-the-clock getting ready for the doors to open. My hat's off to the Proving Ground and Team Virus Racing crews. A HandyRacing SALUTE!

The guys from Team Virus Racing set out to build a world class indoor off-road racing facility in Jenison Michigan (which is just west of Grand Rapids). And they did just that.

But, these guys didn't just want to build a premium racing venue, they also want to promote the sport. We all know bringing it to new people who may not have had the chance to race on a track like this before is the real gift we can give back to the RC community. Interested in trying it?  They offer three free outings to get a taste of the action. Car, batteries, and radio provided.

Just show up and give it a whirl. 3X!

Setting out to do it was easy, the hard part was actually pulling it off.  It was not only one whale of an undertaking, and not only did they build it, but also the Michigan RC Racing community came in full force.

It was a home run, right out of the ballpark.

190+ entries for opening night electric action. Starting at 6:00 PM they raced, and they raced, and they raced some more, with the last Main of the night starting at 03:55. Then with 1/8 nitro buggies and truggies and more electric 1/8 buggies following on the heels the next morning.

The drivers meeting would have been standing room only at a smaller track:

They even ran an exhibition nitro vs electric 1/8 buggy race, just 4 fun.

( I asked and they delivered).

But let's get back to the track for a moment. 9000+ square feet of open space with high ceiling and bright lights (with marshals for scale, it looks bigger than some outdoor tracks):

A driver's stand not just made from Select Grade lumber, but also has a premo wheel chair access ramp:

(check out the custom fitted and welded hand rails)

and even fire sprinklers beneath the structure (likely the local Code guy called for that one).

The pit area doesn't just have a great sound system keeping the racing action current for everyone...

high quality craftsmanship carpentry for the pit tables...

but also ample electric at each table, AND piped in compressed air...

But, this isn't about me telling you the story, the racing action WAS the story.  It was not just non-stop, it was NON STOP until after 4:00 AM.

Let the fun and games begin...

First up, Super Stock Truck A-Main

(sorry, I had camera trouble and did not get the Stock Truck Main)

Mod Truck:

Stock 2WD Buggy:

Mod 2WD Buggy:

Electric 1/8 Buggy:

1/10 4WD Buggy:

and finishing up the evening (morning) Stock Short Course Truck:

Then we went out for breakfast, and returned at 10:00 for more 1/8 Nitro and electric action.

after Nitro qualifying was over...

How about some friendly Nitro vs Electric 1/8 Buggy head to head action?

After a quick setup for the names and transponders following the nitro qualifying, there were a few glitches and the the results got a little wonky. We had a Driver's meeting after the race and were pretty sure of the following:

1 - Electric with 15 laps
2 - Nitro with 15 laps
3 - Electric with 15 laps
4 - Nitro with 14 laps
5 - Electric with 14 laps
6 - Nitro with 14 laps
7 - Nitro with 13 laps
8 - Electric with 13 laps

Fastest times:

23.340 - Nitro
23.591 - Electric
23.624 - Electric
24.196 - Nitro
24.649 - Electric
25.261 - Electric
25.650 - Nitro
25.797 - Nitro

Names withheld as to who ran what and finished where but special thanks to Nolan, Mike, Charles, Terry, Max, Edwin, Kenny, and Andy for participating.  But, we're pretty sure the winning buggy driver was wearing a HandyRacing T-Shirt...

: )

(if anyone thinks I didn't analyze the results correctly, please email me for corrections)

and then the Nitro 1/8 Buggy A-Main:

Nitro 1/8 Truggy A-Main:

And that concluded the opening of West Micigan's new premier indoor RC Offroad Racing venue.

When visiting, head Southwest out of Grand Rapids on Chicago Avenue, make a right on Port Sheldon, and watch for this sign on the left as you make the first curve:

That folks, was our Friday afternoon through Sunday racing adventure on the left coast of Michigan.

Special thanks to Chad and Keith of Team Virus Racing / Proving Grounds

- and -

Race Directors Hank, David, and Steve for helping keep me organized through the long haul.

Race Results, program, schedule, and updates can be found here Team Virus Racing

Looking forward to visiting again soon.

(all content Copyright by HandyRacing, except the "Halloween Havoc" flier)

Thanks for visiting, Glenn "Handy" Remington and the HandyRacing team.

The HandyRacing Crew takes a "Quick" Field Trip to the International iHobby Expo 2009

HandyRacing — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Yeah right, a quick field trip for the day. Like they say, in the beginning there was the plan...

With so many things to do in way too short a time, we originally planned a quick day trip to cover what I thought would be a cool show with enough neat things to see to make it worth a day trip... while the other friends would stay over and run a "few packs" at Leisure Hours Raceway, in Joliet on Sunday morning.

Once the guys all met up at the Expo and began putting their heads together, they quickly decided the show was too big to see in one day, and that they had "new" ideas for the weekend.  How about we tour the Expo only part of the day Saturday, then go and run the full Saturday night race program at Leisure Hours, then come back and see even more of the Expo on Sunday?

For starters, the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont is a world class facility / the show was HUGE, and the entrance banner said it all...

The show floor was a true field of dreams.  It was kind of like the electronics store commercial where the guy goes running off towards the gadgets... yeah that was us too:

Aside from casual perusing the general layout of the place, the first thing that REALLY got our attention was the big demo -track set up that had various programs scheduled throughout the day, and the BigSquidRC program ROCKED. HARD. Like carpet over concrete, hard.

Those bashers really showed what hard surface abuse can do to RC rigs.

The hit of the Saturday morning show was Castle Creations Team Driver Tim Mohr, nailing not one over the banner back-flip, but TWO, back to back (in an electric 1/8 buggy):

FYI note, the electric 1/8 buggy drove away after the landings...

And of course, BigSquidRC owned the T-Shirt business:

And then not long after the bashing program, what we went down to get a look at, was a first hand look at the new Slash 4x4.

From the side...

The rear drivetrain arrangement...

The front drivetrain arrangement...

And following the basher program from the BigSquid folks, we also got a look at the Slash 4x4 on the track showing what it can do as narrated by Peter Vieira:

According to Peter V, the truck comes ready to race right out of the box:

1) Velinion brushless system
2) 2.4 ghz radio set
3) 7-cell 3000 battery nickel metal, (Lipo upgrade would be a HandyRacing recommendation)

List at $399 (all you need is a charger)

Look for a WHOLE NEW 4x4 SCT racing class to be created by Traxxas, setting the pace in RC.

Again.

And there was so much more to see, with so little time to take it all in...

We took off in the early afternoon and ran the Leisure Hours evening race program.

And then returning Sunday morning to take in the rest of the show, where else does on stop for an Espresso while en-route:

Continuing on with the Expo on Sunday morning, Richard Trujillo, Product Manager from Team Losi showed amazing know-how as he negotiated the demo rock mountain with two of the big rigs, then the littler desk size "bump" with the 1/24 Micro.

Watch closely as Richard shows how its done:

RedCat Racing had a big booth with lots to show in the Crawler department,
like the BIG 1/8 scale "Rock Slide"

And, Novak seemed to have a lot to show in the crawler game too:

We also got a special treat.  We got a close look at the new RC-Monster 1/8 scale conversion Slipperential on display at the Tekin booth. While checking it out up close and personal, Team Tekin Chief Jim Campbell not only let us take some close up pictures of the set up (as powered by Tekin ESC and motor with an RC-Monster Conversion kit), he also gave a hot off the press Tekin banner for the New Proving Grounds Raceway in Jenison Michigan. HUGE thanks, it was delivered in time for the inaugural race help Friday night Oct 30.

When we found out RC-Monster had a booth at the show, we headed over to find "The Monster" Mike Cronin at his booth. Not only was he very nice to chat with, he agreed to do an impromptu interview to tell us more about the Slipperential...

And - if that wasn't enough RC fun and games for one weekend, we checked out the BigSquidRC bashing show one more time.... keep an eye out for the ceiling / rafters decor near the end...

I tell you, those guys really rock and know how to beat on the RC trucks an cars

(and move T-Shirts)

All in all it was a real busy whirlwind tour of the RC world.

We stopped an chatted with the folks at AMB about timing systems and personal transponders...

Looked at tires, looked at steering servos, looked at radios....

We saw an example of some amazing quality aluminum chassis custom work at the XTremeRacing booth - I really think they deserve a closer look. I wish I had taken some pictures but we were really pushed to our limits by Sunday afternoon. The bevels and anodizing were amazing, and the fit feel and finish of their hop up parts looked second to none.

Tried to think of all the things we wanted to see but forgot to look for...

Then, as if all that wasn't enough, one of our HandyRacing Crew won the PRO-Line line decked out Slash Bug in the end of the show drawing.

AND - he raced it the very next weekend at the new Proving Grounds Raceway...

ROCK AND ROLL

Smash racing, coming at you in all its glory...

Tons more pictures in general including more Castle Creations and other stuff...

More pics already posted at the HandyRacing Facebook page...

Thank you to everyone who was very generous with their time and talked to us / let us film / take pictures of the RC products we were most curious about and wanted to share with our readers here.

AND, pictures of the freshly hung banner at The Proving Grounds along with racing action videos from the opening night coming soon...

ROAR Region 5 Fall Championship 2009 @ Pheasant Runn

HandyRacing — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:34:00 GMT

Pheasant Runn, in Holly Michigan (that is).

All right, lets get something ironed out right from the get go. The MidwestOffroad Racing League started the outdoor racing season in May freezing our tails off by the time the Mains came around. It rained the night before a race FOUR out of five times, including heavy storms the evening before the Jones Race, we even raced in the rain at Stateline...

When the MORL Series race at Pheasant Runn took place, it was the nicest day of the season up to that point (OK, it did rain the evening before, but it was clear skies by morning and beautiful for race day).

And then, when MORL season was over we wrote it off to "that's racing in Michigan" and we're just pleased to have premo tracks to run on.

But, those guys at Pheasant Runn have some high placed connections. Big Time.

Not only are they RC Racing Central on the east side of the state, but the sun seems to follow them around:

For the second time this season that we visited Pheasant Run, the Factory Tracks Crew really delivered - they must have put in a reservation for good weather. And with the weather again behaving, the folks did come out to play:

The track was maintained in the usual first rate order. Terry McDowell somehow races all day, grooms the track - AND keeps the grounds in order:

Our host:

Racing his stadium truck...

and his Electric 1/8 buggy...

It was the nicest day of the entire summer 2009 season. AND, while the turn out wasn't as big as some might have hoped, it was the ususal Michigan racing crowd, with first rate competition.

(there is an economic depression in Michigan).

Most everyone was smiling and having a ball, the kids big and small were laughing, including the wide-eyed vistors...

as usual there was first rate racing action from the Stadium Trucks:

the Buggies:

The Michigan Racing Community does put on a great show, including big air.

The electric 1/8 buggies and truggies were throwing lots of dirt, where are the goggles when you need them?

They take a BIG beating and keep on going...

And drive like an F1 in the right hands, for a pass on the inside line...

Follows are the A-Main live action, enjoy:

Thanks for visting...

Glenn "Handy" Remington

What's faster on the track, Slash or the new SC trucks?

HandyRacing — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:57:00 GMT

With all the debate about which truck would perform better on the track, why not side by side A-Main times comparison between Slash Spec and non-Slash Short Course trucks such as the Associated SC10 and others.

This could be fun?

Below, in the SC class are a smattering of mostly SC10s, a few Slashes with stock motors, one home made Academy Short Course Truck, and at least one if not more Rustler based home made trucks.

The SC Class rule were meet ROAR "Provisional" rules and stock motor. So, after the home made trucks passed tech they were allowed to race. The Slash Spec class was with the Titan motor.

Keep the motor difference in mind when looking at the times...

What I can't do is tell you which driver was driving which type of trucks (except for a few), so I hope the drivers will chime in and volunteer which truck was their's, in which race, and what it was.

In the meantime, the times are what they are.

The Midwest Offroad Racing League 2009 season rules, results and information us here:

http://midwestoffroad.org/

It is a tricky evaluation, we could make it as complicated or as simple as we wish. How about we just look at the average speed per class on the same tracks on the same day. It seems pretty close, alternating a slight bit, but pretty darn close.

What do you think?

**************************************************************************
Race #1 Litchfield (Video of the action is via this link)

Slash Spec

Short Course Truck

**********************************************************************
Race #2 - Jones (Sorry, no video yet for this one)

Slash Spec

Short Course

************************************************************************************
Race #3 - Stateline (Video if the action is via this link)

Slash Spec

Short Course

*********************************************************************************
Race #4 - Pheasant Runn (Video of the action is via this link)

Slash Spec

Short Course

*************************************************************************
Race #5 - Battlefront (Video of the action is via this link)

Slash Spec

Short Course

***************************************************************************

No log in required to share your observations. Lets us know what you think, thanks.

Midwest Offroad Racing League 2009 - BFG Race Action

HandyRacing — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:13:00 GMT

It was a nice summer day on the "Left Coast" of Michigan... Finally.

It didn't rain. Didn't threaten snow. The sun was out and the racing was great.

And the name of the game was innovation. They have something for everyone at Battlefront Gaming and RC including both an indoor and outdoor track for offroad RC, slot cars, rock crawling, even a lake for boat racing...

Check out the indoor pits, complete with windows for viewing the indoor track:

And rock crawling - this place has it all!

The Battlefront crew seems to have invented the leaf blower method for track maintenance, which on the one hand saves the bother of brooming off the track... and because the water was used sparingly, there was no dry time, while it did also allow for pot holes and ruts to form gradually though the day. There was a lot of discussion during and after the race about it, and there are some interesting pros and cons to the discussion...

The hard right at the end of the straight did grow some small pot holes and make for an interesting driver's challenge to hold on when braking and setting up for the jump off the cliff.

(watch as Chad's Short Course truck goes up on two wheels, hint, hint)

As I was filming, more than one truck rolled across my shins, hehehehehe, no - I didn't put down the camera and marshal the corner (thats kind of in inside joke, no harm no foul)...

But, and here's the "kicker" - I think it was GREAT.

The thing about this track discussion (all season long someone had something to say about this track or that one) that amuses me is when we're running a program that includes Slash and Short Course classes and the driving style they inherently provide, and also 2WD buggies and trucks, 4WD buggies, AND 1/8 electric buggies - one track condition preferred for one type of car may not be the favorite for another.

One size just doesn't fit all. This isn't Europe, we don't race offroad on grass.

The Battlefront track had lots of challenges AND also a killer ramp lead up to the jump in front of the driver's stand. Killer.

I've never seen Slashes fly like last Saturday, and Chad's Academy Short Course Truck flew like artwork.

And those 1/8 electric buggies sure flew too...

One B44 flew quite nice and landed on someone who rolled it - sorry, it was an accident.

It was tough to film because of the time of day, track orientation to the North / South axis and facing East from the driver's stand, as it was built against the wall (camera angles were tough to work with, avoiding the sun). But I adapted (while filming), like a decent racer needs too... Also.

The Novice A-Main is shot from the driver's stand, which allowed for some great comments caught on tape...

Watch out as the Slash Spec A-Main trucks bounce across the camera man's feet...

: )

The Master's 19T Truck A-Main was quite a hot race, as usual ...

Stock Buggy A-Main, listen close as the pot holes in the turn started to become a hot topic of debate...

Stock Truck A-Main - Finally I can hear as the Race Director calls the shots...

Short Course Truck A-Main - watch Chad's home made Academy Truck fly with the greatest of ease!

Mod Buggy A-Main, some pretty great racing...

Mod Truck A-Main - some more great racing...

4WD Mod Buggy A-Main (sorry I got distracted, it was hard to follow the leaders):

1/8 Electric Buggy A-Main WITH the BFG Big Air Afterglow...

It was a great finish to a great MORL Summer Tour 2009. Thanks to everyone, and looking forward to the winter indoor season... and next summer.

Midwest Offroad Racing League 2009 - Pheasant Runn Race Action

HandyRacing — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:16:00 GMT

It was one heck of a day.

Many of the west side of the state racers traveled from distances, and the greater Detroit metro FactoryTracks crowd showed up in full force. Our new friend(s) from Indiana made the trip too.

(and the usual folks traveled from the bay area and points north too).

All I can say is the Michigan RC racing scene is second to none.

And, finally, it didn't rain. On race day at least. It did rain Friday night late, but things cleared up and it was a beautiful day.

Contrary to the June and July races when the heat was full on with the sun high in the sky, this year's August race was a first rate October like day. It seemed like it was going to snow all day long, but luckily it didn't. I didn't mind wearing the hoodie, beats the heck out of rain and hot sun.

The race program moved right along and participation was right up there as previous tracks, so I guess in the absence of a rain delay the MORL crowd CAN get done and be on the road by a decent hour (like before sun down).

I counted 197 entries in 23 Mains. Good work guys.

Hats off to Terry McDowell and family, the track and grounds were in darn good shape. Pheasant Runn is always a treat to visit, wish we could make it that way more often...

Without further delay, here's the action:

Thanks folks, see you at the next one...