The first HPI Challenge race of 2004 took place in Austin Texas, August 7-8. Hobbytown USA hosted the event with HPI representatives Scott Roberts and Efrain Manzano on hand to make sure everything ran smooth and that everyone had a fun weekend of racing. Race directors Chris and Tim Dodson from Hobbytown USA setup the race in the parking lot of RPM Indoor Raceway (www.rpmir.com), an indoor karting center. The track setup was approximately 140' x 60', with wide lanes this was a very fast layout. The surface was prepared with sugar water for extra grip.

After the drivers meeting, a group photo was shot, and the Concours Challenge commenced. With so many great looking cars and trucks to choose from the judges spent extra time choosing their favorites. Punisher Graphics had several bodies in the running with excellent paint jobs. Each judge picked two out of the lineup which would then be narrowed down to three. The detail and work put into some of these bodies is incredible. The judges discussed the three remaining cars and made their choice for the winning Concours Challenge car. The winner: Ron Meloni of Texas with his red, white and blue painted Micro RS4 Dodge Stratus. At first glance, the red and white flag on the side appears to be a decal - but this is not the case. It's painted. Ron also used Alclad chrome to paint the stars on the hood of the car. Underneath the body reveals a highly detailed inner body with race seats, dash board, race pedals, shift knob, and a steering wheel that actually worked! Great job Ron!

The third qualifiers began early Sunday after a brief drivers meeting. The track surface was even better than the day before with some racers putting down lap times one lap better than the previous day!