Round Two: Jackson, Michigan

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Hosted by The Hobby Hub and The R/C Pro Shop!

Click here for the huge picture!

The second HPI Challenge USA race of 2003 was held over the weekend of July 19 and 20 at the Jackson County Airport in Jackson Michigan. The airport was also host to the Hot Air Jubilee, an annual event that brings in hot air balloon teams from around the country, as well as vintage military plane pilots, arts and crafts purveyors and huge crowds!HPI Challenge USA page |

Friday, July 17

HPI representatives Andrew Hilman and Frank McKinney flew into Lansing, Michigan by way of Chicago, briefly passing over the Lake Michigan and then over Michigan farm country.

After getting the rental car and a short drive along greenbelted highways, we checked into the hotel and contacted race organizer Derek Manchester to organize a late dinner at a local restaurant. There we met many of the race helpers and the owners of Hobby Hub and The R/C Pro Shop, Nick and Scott. Everyone had put in a long day setting up the track and after a while the group split up to get some rest for Saturday.

Saturday, July 18

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, and from the hotel the hot air balloons could be seen taking to the air for their morning launch. There were several multicolored balloons, one "gen-air-ic" balloon, a few sponsored balloons (from Re/Max, Energizer, Post and other companies), and a couple of private "unique shapes", including a US flag and space shuttle balloon.

The track was modified from Friday's practice by 7 AM so racers couldn't get an unfair advantage, and by 9 AM most of the racers had shown up to get in their practice laps.

The driver stand was very sturdy, having been made from warehouse shelving which can support up to 2 tons per section! It was tall and wide, with room for plenty of racers to practice and gave a great view of the very large track.

Plenty of canopies were set up by the racers, with one family team setting up outside of their RV! The HPI display table and the Hobby Hub parts counter were positioned side-by-side and after setting up the prize kits, sample trophies and catalogs, we started answering questions from eager racers and curious spectators.

Promptly at 11:45 the track was closed and at noon the driver meeting started, with Frank and racer announcer Rich explaining the rules and race procedures.

Immediately afterward we took the group pictures and started judging the cars assembled for the Concours Challenge!

Concours Challenge pictures | Racing | Main Events | Thanks!