One again, Hobby Works was the proud host of the Tamiya Championship Series!  This was race number 82 in the TCS series - and would prove to be one of the best ever!  When this huge event rolls into town, those who attend are guaranteed a great host track, the chance to compete against friends from near and far, and a bunch of free giveaways!!!

There were racers from many different areas of the country in attendance.  They were here for the chance to qualify for the Tamiya Championship Nationals, held in California.  The weather was PERFECT, and it would play a role in the racing scene later in the day.  The competition this year was once again at a very high level.  There were over 103 entries.  If you could win your class you would receive a FREE car kit for your hard work, and if you placed in the top 10 - a chance to go to the Nationals. 

The track was a work of art from it’s designer.  It had a combination of wide open and flowing lanes to the switch-back sections at the end of the straight-away.  The surface was completely cleaned, and ready for action.  The drivers were paying close attention to the track temperature; adjusting their car set-ups to find maximum traction.

Practice began early at 7:30 A.M.  The track was cool, but practice was heated.  Drivers were thrashing on their cars, trying to dial into the track.  The majority of the cars were the 4wd’s, so the going was a bit tough for the F-1 cars.  By the look of the practice session, there was going to be a war on the track !

After the mandatory drivers meeting, the competition was on.  First was the concours judgeing.  Some of this years cars had video cameras in them, others had moveable drivers figures!  These competitors deserve recognition for their outstanding work.

The qualifying was based on your best single round.  There were two qualifiers and then the main events.  The first round started about 9:30 A.M.  The track was prepped for the epic battles yet to come.

All of the classes got under way in an orderly fashion.  The Formula One cars were slicing through the track at a high rate of speed, while the Mini’s were picking their way through the labyrinth.  The TLO1 Spec class found that they were evenly matched as they battled neck to neck for the top spots.  The Lemans cars found themselves gliding through the corners with their familiar grace.  The big 4WD machines in the GT-1 and GT-2 class beat and banged their way through the course, looking for the fastest possible time.

Round Two kicked off with a bang.  The early times had been set, and everyone knew that this was the last chance to show what they had. The weather began to play a factor, with the track temperature increasing, the search for traction continued.  Drivers were tweaking their set ups and their driving styles to accommodate the track.  A few drivers were spotted burning candles and chanting to the racing god’s to smile upon them!  After the dust had settled, there were six very proud drivers at the top of their classes.  If you thought that the qualifying was exciting, the mains were the ultimate finale!

Top Qualifiers:

F-1: Steve Hickman

LeMans: Sanford Bradby

Mini: Casey Young

TLO1: Raymond Klebanow

GT-1: Ryan Sprenkle

GT-2: Casey Young

The Mains:

As I write this, I look back and have to say what a good time was had by all!  This is the type of racing that got me into this hobby!  The mains were a thrill to watch.  Competitors from all over prepared their cars for battle, and that was just what happened.  The racing was so close that the lead would change 2 or 3 times on the same lap.

The F-1 main was lead wire to wire by Steve Hickman. Sanford Bradby was the #2 car.  After a bit of a tough start, he managed to rally to a 4th place finish.  Billy Vacek Jr. drove hard and edged out Greg Kloten for 2nd. 

The LeMans guys had a nice little race of their own. Alan Mok jumped out to an early lead. Sanford Bradby gathered himself and made a run for the front, passing Alan on the 3rd lap, and going on to the victory. These two drivers put on a show, driving nose to tail, and finishing a whole lap ahead of the rest of the field.

TLO1 Spec was all Ray K. The pole sitter got out to the lead and never looked back. If he did look back, he would have seen the battle for the 2nd and 3rd spots. Todd Marshall, Tim Smith, and Alex Kikel were in a fight of “Titanic” proportions. These three swapped positions a total of 14 times during the race. In the end, it was Ray K., Todd M. and Alex K.  What a great race!

The Mini’s were the little cars that could, and did. They put on a great show. Pole sitter Casey Young had massive pressure from Alan Mok, and John Brown. These guys actually changed the lead 4 or 5 times, but every time at the Start/Finish line it was Casey. This battle went on the entire race. These three racers were on a lap of their own.  They finished up: Casey, Alan, John.

GT-1 Sedan Modified was ready for the track. Top qualifier Ryan Sprenkle was passed in the first corner by Julian Campbell. Julian held the lead for 5 laps. Ryan displayed the patience he needed to secure his win.  He waited for the just right moment and made a clean pass on Julian. After making his move, Ryan cruised on to victory. Fernando Requejo and Todd Marshall finished out the top three.

GT-2 Sedan Stock was next on course. Casey Young got out the the early lead, set the cruise control and never looked back. Mark Tiamson, William Jacobs, and Bill Vacek would battle for the rest of the top spots. There was not much swapping of positions in this race, every one kind of fell into line and played follow the leader. They finished up: Casey, Mark, William.

Some of the best racing took place in the B mains. There was some aggressive driving going on in these races. It was all in good fun. After the racing was done, it was time for the door prizes,and trophy presentations.

The race was a huge success! With perfect weather, awesome track, first class drivers, great attitudes, and the continued support of Tamiya, all of those who attended had a great time. Hobby Works looks forward to hosting this event again in 2002.  Thanks to all who participated and helped make this a great event!