The weekend is over!

The track was about twice as big as last year's, and also a bit more challenging. The oval part was used for the demonstration runs and for 1/4 scale racers, who ran the oval at certain times of the day. Traction will be very good, the surface is rough asphalt (a helicopter runway).

Picture of the r/c track! (44 KB)

Front view of the real Dodge Stratus Supertouring car!	Rear view of the Dodge Stratus Supertouring car
Dodge Stratus Supertouring car side view	Dodge Stratus front three-quarter view
The Dodge Concept Vehicle (Gran Turismo players should recognize this car)

All racers received free admission to the Motor Trend Thunder event, which featured full-size vintage Trans Am, Can Am and NASCAR races, an auto shows, a carnival, and booth from companies like Shelby, Ford, Meguiar's, Victorinox, and others. Just like last year, the racing and competition was very good (even better, since we TRIPLED the attendance over last year's event), and nearly every racer commented to the HPI representatives about how much fun they had. 

We also got a chance to check out real Dodge Vipers that belong to the members of the huge Viper Club of America Southern California Region. Too bad they wouldn't let us drive the cars away!

Side view of the Dodge Viper GTS-R Pace Car	The Dodge Viper GTS-R Pace Car for the weekend!	One of the many Dodge Vipers on display
An actual Team ORECA Dodge Viper GTS-R that raced the 1998 24 hrs of Le Mans!	Front view of the Le Mans-winning Dodge Viper	Driver's side vew of the Team ORECA Dodge Viper #53
	Check out the rear diffusers on the #53 Dodge Viper!
The Viper Club of America was at the race on Sunday again this year	Silver Dodge Viper GTS with cool mesh wheels	A Dodge Viper in pull-me-over red!

Let's get to the race reports!