This is my first time at the Neo race and I am certainly looking forward to the experience. Turned up on the Thursday for registration. Already so may drivers here and it didn’t matter which I turned, there was some sort of champion there. Past and present UK champions, past and present European and past and present and world champions. The talent here could be argued is more than an actual world championship. I was beginning to get the idea why everyone wants to compete at this event. Phil from Neo Buggy must be well proud of the organisation and the prestige this event now has.

The track
You see the pictures on the net and you hear that its good. You see the videos and the top drivers in the world sort of make it look easy but let me tell you the track has a wow factor to it.  The DXR guys have done an amazing job.  It just looks great!

Practice 1
I am in heat 2 so the track is raw to say the least. I went out jumped a few of the jumps and was faced with probably the biggest jump in my 30 plus years of racing. I opened up the throttle and wow, does it feel great.  My car felt as if it was in the air for a life time. Now I know there is another attraction to driving at Neo. More soon…..time to change my clutch!! Mayfield looking hot in first practice.  Half way through 2 so back soon

Practice 2
Well I had a bit of bad luck.  I adjusted my end points on my transmitter and unfortunately didn’t think of flex.  Consequently my throttle linkage gave up.  A little bit of a school boy error but this 1/8th stuff is all new to me. Lee Martin showed us how smooth driving is very fast.  Some of the Europeans were very fast too.

Practice 3 Well I decided to make some adjustments similar to my 1/10th car and that was a good choice.  My car felt even more solid but with added traction and steering.  I was going round OK till it stopped (LOL).  I had a burst fuel pipe so the re-build has begun!! The last round saw all the fast guys really show why they are so good. Every manufacturer had their drivers perform so tomorrows qualifying is going to be tight to say the least Early night I feel but not before a good curry (says David Burton) 🙂

Saturday
Round 1
I am in a low heat and had a fairly clean run.
I did a lot of work over night and my car is loads better after some loving 🙂

The quick guys make it look so easy
This is the top heat which is the very fast guys.
Impressive runs from Ryan, Darren and others…
Faster single lap to the defending champion Jared Tebo
Round 2
Well I had a run to forget.  I started the 2nd qualifier with my quickest lap of the meeting thus far.  Followed it up with another quick lap.  The car felt spot on.  Caught traffic real early so wanted to make sure I got through safe rather than making an error.  Came over the big jump (I am calling it the mamma jump) and came up a little short trying to land the down ramp. Opps!! I then couldn’t get up the jump and lost a bundle of time.  It all went wrong from there.  I learned that as much as you can love a jump like mamma, you can also hate it too……lol
Just waiting for the quick boys to take the stage.
Boy oh boy are these guys quick.  6 sec slitting the top 9 in the top heat with Savoya coming up on top from Tebo and Martin…..very close racing indeed and certainly a spectacle of pure talent as the best in the world go at it……just getting ready for round 3 so catch up soon 🙂

Ryan Maifield’s new Associated prototype

Race Control looks more like NASA

Round 3
I will not make many comments about my run apart from racing in a low heat has its disadvantages. End off!!
The top heat again was a tight affair with the Kyosho boys of Tebo and Boots driving together round the track and not hurting each other.  The Associated boys didn’t have a good qualifier with a flame out and I think a breakage.  Mugen factory driver Lee Martin (Brit 🙂 may I add) had a masterclass of a drive to go top of  round 3 qualification.  Fastest single lap goes to Elliott Boots this time round. Here is the round 3 top heat results.

End of day one 
Its the French driver, Reno Savoya that tops the list from our own Brit Lee Martin.  Defending Jared Tebo from the States is now sitting in 3rd.
Top of the qualification after the first day

Catch up tomorrow all.
Time for a bit of Lamb 🙂

Good morning
A cold start to the day and early too.
Greetings from our smiling host and organiser Phil

Round 4
I have already been out and set my best time of the weekend and that was with a silly error too.  The track is a little raw this morning as its been watered and rolled.  We have just completed round 4 and the results are here from the top heat
 

Ernest Woods having a hair do!!!

Race Control
Suzanne runs a tight ship in race control even if the smiles are BBKs  Rob Nelson.  Great job, thank you.

Last round – 5
The boys have been telling me another clean run and I can get the car into a high enough final for the next day……LOL

Well I did OK but had a last lap disaster and managed a 40 plus sec lap…..in the lap of the Gods now.
The top boys heat is going to be interesting as there are about 4 that can actually TQ the meeting.  Here are the top 2 heats

Finals
Well the feast of finals started on the Sunday and go through to Sunday.  All leading up to the climax of the main event and the very best in the world going at it for this prestigious win. WOW, what a great final….this is the result

Conclusion
For anyone that hasn’t experienced this event, its a must.  For me it was great even if i am an electric man at heart.  The DXR guys  designed an amazing track that could be raced on at all levels.  Even mine LOL

Lee Martin
Lee had a great event with a TQ in one of the rounds too

Neil Cragg
Neil was very unfortunate not to make the main event but drove awesome as usual

Taro Cradock
Taro is getting better and better and with the backing of probably the best Kyosho mechanic he has a great chance in become a very fast driver

MP9 chassis engraved by Kyosho Champions
These guys engraved my chassis and now its going in a frame.  Thanks guys….

The weather this year is terrible. Some drivers have had to cancel as their houses are flooded and many couldn’t make the horrid journey because of the weather conditions. i wish them all the best. This hasn’t stopped 140 drivers attending and its a full meeting for 2 wheel drive! Our drive down was OK but instead of an hour and a quarter it was more closer to three hours So we have arrived at the 2014 Off Road Wars World Cup, at the fabulous Maritime Raceway in Chatham Kent. The Maritime Raceway committee have again layed out a demanding track.  Well it’s actually an easy track but demanding if you want to go fast – I like it 🙂 Practice was good for me after figuring out the layout so now looking forward to the racing on an FTD basis. The racing can be viewed live by the way at:  www.ustream.tv/channel/maritime Round 1 Round one was a scrappy affair for many.  Many drivers trying to scrub tyres in and not finding the ultimate grip on the slippery stuff. Jorn Neumann is the defending champion and traveled the journey from Germany for the event like he does every year.  He also had his small problems in round 1 but still managed to get his car 3rd overall.  Ellis Stafford was the main man in round one posting one of only 2 19 lap runs.  I am sure that will change by the end of the day. I was holding my own as they say till disaster struck me (LOL) and 2 errors dropped me from potentially 5/6th to 20th.  More to come though so now refreshing oils for round 2.

Round 2 was a fast and furious affair and it was a shame that I again made a couple of errors.  Currently sitting 17th but still feel i have a lot more to offer.  Ellis Stafford remains on top after 2 rounds with Kevin Brunsden 2nd.  Jorn made a better run to sit in 4th.  Remember this is FTD and at anytime someone can put a run in and break into the top ten.

Round 3 has been concluded and I added more steering to my car which really didn’t help matters – Although I went 2 secs quicker the car was difficult to drive.  Jorn moved to the top and Ellis 2nd with Kevin still 3rd – Looking forward to the last run and hopefully we can improve 🙂

The final qualifier was a real fast and furious affair for everyone.  There were some that chose to throw their car at the track and hope for the best and some of us (LOL) chose to try and be accurate and error free!!!
Ellis managed to TQ ahead of Jorn but realistically it could of also been Richard Lowe.  Many quick drivers at the sharp end with us lesser mortals trying our hardest to get in the main A final.
Steve Brown BQed with missing the A final by the smallest margin.
I improved to 14th and again my one error cost me maybe one of the last spots in the main A.  i wonder how many people can actually say that though!!

Your A finalist here

Main A Final leg 1 results

The Venue - TORCH Club

Based in Hampshire, near Southampton a bunch of racers have transformed the Titchfield Off Road Racing Club into one of the best tracks in the country.  Hard effort, great ideas and a determination to succeed has earned the TORCH club a chance to be one the the elite clubs to hold a National event.  Well deserved too!  The track has multiple features that the members often move around and manipulate to always give a great test of any level driver. Recently the club had great comments from multiple British and European Champion Lee Martin, after he had some track time testing here.
This weekend they are hosting the National End of Season F2s, Juniors and Vets British Championships where the old meet the new if you like to battle for their status.
A manicured track presented beautifully so let the battle begin

Round 1

An interesting first round.  First up were the Vets and i was done just fine till a grub screw came out my drive shaft outdrive.  i blame the mechanic and i will leave that just there (me! – LOL)

The results for the Under 13s and the U16s as well as the F2s are here for everyone to see.  Some quick youngsters coming through 🙂

Round 2

So round 2 has come round and to say the least I have to gather my stuff together and make sure I get a run in.  Well I had to start from the back of the grid and work my way through the field.  Managed to do that without incident till Alex Springer the TM2 manager had a senior moment and wasn’t sure which way to let me through.  A horrible last lap but still managed to TQ the round but disappointing it wasn’t dead clean.  You can see all the other results from the juniors.  Steve Brown TQed the F2s round 2 with a very impressive run from the ever charging Ed Kerry.  All hotting up nicely including the sunshine.

Round 3

Results up and Steve Brown with his new Kyosho RudeBits DB2 has TQed the meeting with a run to go.  More soon

Round 4

Qualifying is over – I am pleased to say that the RudeBits DB2 Kyosho car (only 2 here) have both TQed their respective class.  Roll on the finals!

End of Season Championships  …….  F2 – Juniors – Vets – 4WD

4WD day Round 1

So sorry for the lack of updates – i haven’t been too well and was just chilling 🙂  Also for some reason had no internet…..here we go!

4wd Round 2

4wd Round 3 and 4

Sorry no round 3 as the result have gone missing  – here are the full qualification results

After a great 2wd National we are all looking forward to the Sunday event of 4wd and here is the track.

Beautiful sunny morning – get your cream on boys and girls

Round 1

Well it seems that many drivers have put plenty of ponies in their 4wd cars – Fast – WOW are some cars fast.  i have to admit though, my Orion power FS2 is not slow either.  The club have opened up the straight and we are all having a great time.  Lee Martin stole TQ from Neil Cragg by a whisker.  I was 28th but had an error – More to come i feel….weather still good and everyone in T-shirts – yea T-shirts 🙂 

Round 3

Round 4

Stotfold on the border off Hertfordshire and  Bedfordshire it is then!  The drive up took less than normal and somehow I was thinking this is a new beginning.
The fields were gorgeous first thing in the morning and sun is shining – good combination for a smile 🙂

The Track

Many changes at the Stotfold track – new astro and a very new layout this time round – looking good though so a big well done to those that have worked so hard to achive this thus far

Round 1

Round 1 was a bit of a messy affair for many.  Cream at the top though

Round 2

Round 2 was much better for me – 5th in round so that was good – Moved up but still need a run to secure the A final – Feeling real good though so lets rock!  Moss, Lee, Storey, Spencer all looking quick too

Round 3

Some local qiuck lads here today.  John Spencer is current TQ and is driving very well.  Si Moss is as quick as ever as is Kev, Lloyd etc.  i feel a bit stupid as I was ahead of all those guys in the last run but made some unforced errors and fell back.  Never mind.  The VST2 Orion is more than quick enough so lets see what we can do in round 4 – Need it as 11th at the moment

Round 4

Well in round 4 i needed a run to get myself in the main A final….no pressure eh!!
Well i managed that so no probs.
Si Moss had a good run and TQed the meeting
The weather was still dry so happy days

Simon Moss

Simon Moss – TQ and Winner of the main A final
Well done Si 🙂

Here we are at the Surrey and Hants Racing car club and you guest it, we are in Surrey – 🙂

The Track

The track is a tight and twisty track and gives the drives another element to racing.
Accuracy is of all importance and Kev Lee told me first thing in the morning, its actually ‘paramount’

Round 1

Well the track was still a little wet for some of the early heats and then like a bolt from the sky – Boom – it was dry.  Well for the last heat it was.  I was in the heat before the top (not sure why) and i just went round clean with no heroics   The top heat for sure had massive more traction and we saw Glen Westwood have a great run to set TQ.  Kev lee was 2nd……the sun is out now so lets rock!!!

Round 2

The sun has gone already and its doom above.  Glen Westwood unfortunately broke his car on the first lap so he was out for this round.  Kev Lee drove an immaculate race to TQ and make a 15 lapper.  I did my steady Eddie drive and managed 2nd in round so happy days!! 

Round 3

Round 3 came very quickly and I did some Kev Lee set up changes.  Now listen up everyone!!  You must always watch and learn from the faster guys.  My car was all of a sudden faster, easier and so on.  Thanks Kev……rock on round 4

Round 4

The weather is now rubbish – Its cold, windy and i am wishing for the Bahamas!!!
Anyways, Kev is moaning that I didn’t marshal him in a speedy fashion and I am telling him, keep it on its wheels you old man!!!
Now with all serious notes, the track has stayed in a good order and no excuses that there are some quick lads here.  Happily settle for 4th on the grid and lets see what we can do from there 🙂

Finals

The Finals were very interesting.  All the drivers went out on the fast dry tyres.  Everyone started to circulate and instantly there was no grip.  The few rain drops effected the track that much that everyone had to change to their wet weather tyres.

First leg was a good race with Glen, Kev and myself building a bit of a gap on the others and just basically keeping the cars on their wheels.  I decided to go for it and when Glen took a corner just a fraction wide, I fed my RB6 in the gap.  The race was won by Kev from myself.

Leg 2 was disappointing for me as i got involved and didn’t really run my own race.  Kev had a problem around the end of the race which dropped him back behind myself,  The race was won by Chris Grainger

Leg 3 came round real quick and the rain was also coming down too.  Off we went and similar to leg 1, Kev got away and i just followed him through into 2nd.  From my point of view a bit boring as i circulated without any errors in my steady Eddie fashion and knew i was in with a chance of top 3.  2 wins meant Kev won the meeting and with a 1 and 3 Chris beat my 2 and 2 fro 2nd overall,  I finished 3rd and happy with it.  Thanks Kev for the help and well done mate 🙂

Also well done to all the organisers for a good meeting in horrible afternoon conditions.

So the 2013 season is under way and the next stop is the regional event at the up and coming track of Titchfield.
The club members with great direction of their committee have been doing some lovely work to the whole track and its surroundings.
The mid-south regional series has some extremely competitive and talented drivers.
With the great organisation the TORCH crew offer, along with a great track, it should be a awesome event.

Live trackside report as from Sunday morning

Round 1

Well I suppose the cream rises to the top, and it did – Kev Lee, defending 4wd Mid_south Champion, driving his Kyosho car, drove an immaculate first round qualifier to take the first round. Steve Brown had a fairly clean run to go second and John Spencer took the three spot.  Many of the other top drivers made errors which in my opinion leaves it open to some spicy qualifying to come.  Round one done, so i think a cup of tea is in order 🙂

Round 2

Round 2 saw some interesting developments as many of the drivers not really showing in round 1 did better.  Great racing throughout saw Kev Lee again TQ round 2.  It will take a brave person to bet on Kev not taking the overall pole with 2 TQed rounds in the bag.  Glen Westwood had a great round as did many others.  Shaping up nicely now….

Round 3

Round 3 has come and many of the top drivers now choosing a 2wd front tyre glued on a 4wd wheel.  I personally never like this but Kev Lee just drove as if it was a demonstration of excellence.  Steve Brown also had a good round with a second and Matt Owen driving his K1 got a third.  The A final is far from concluded but for sure the TQ is secure for Kev Lee – 3 perfect scores cannot be beat – Well done Kev 🙂

Round 4

Well there were many drivers needing a run to get them anywhere near the A final and certainly it was very entertaining.  Mark Sadler needed a run and got it to go 8th in the A – i was sort of in the final but secured the 7th spot with a 4th in round.  Dave Burton hanged on in 10th but the last round went to Steve Brown with a blistering run to put his DB4 Kyosho just 0.7 off Kevs time and second on the grid – It will certainly be 3 legs of excitement – Looking forward to it

Finals

Leg 1

Leg 2

 

 

 

 

 

Leg 3