2011 was a sad year in the R/C Community. We sadly lost two of the founding fathers of organised RC races; Mike Reedy, the well-known motor expert who also served for many years as IFMAR Electric Section Chairman, and Ted Longshaw, the man who created the BRCA, EFRA and IFMAR, and bought an organised structure to our sport. Quite simply, without these two men and their dedication and devotion to the sport, we would not have such a fantastic world-wide hobby.
Team HPI/HB were in attendance in the form of Ayrton Anderson and Ben Cosgrove with a special appearance by super sub Nathan Ralls of the Off-Road fame. We all arrived early Saturday morning and were greeted by a very nicely prepared track that looked very fast and flowing. Ben and Ayrton had raced a round of the EWS winter series at the same venue earlier in the winter season so we had a little bit of knowledge going in to the event. Practice wasn't great for either driver but we worked on car balance and tyre running in. We were both happy with the cars going into qualifying. There were 6 rounds of qualifying with round by round points used. Ben managed to take 5 rounds in dominant fashion and followed that up with a 2nd in the first round. The new production version of the Flux Pro ESC was being used for the first time and seemed to handle absolutely everything that could be thrown in its way. The Flux Pro 10.5 motor was more than ample to power its way round the large flowing track. Ayrton had 4 second places in qualifying but would line up in 3rd for the finals as Sam Clifton took round one TQ. The Finals saw some great racing and it was Ayrton who pulled a cracking last corner move to take the first leg victory away from Ben. The second leg saw Ben's challenge for the overall victory end on the first lap as he was spun round by second place man which left Ayrton to cruise for the overall victory. The third leg was business as normal like in qualifying with Ben pulling away and taking the victory from Ayrton, setting the fastest individual lap and 5 minute time of the meeting. It was an absolute honour to be involved in this meeting and Team HPI/HB would like to thank all the EWS team for their amazing effort and organisation. There was around £1600 raised by various raffles and auctions for some very special prizes donated by the UK distributors and companies. Ayrton took home one of Ted Longshaw's actual trophies he won in 1979, a great prize for the current BRCA 10.5 champion! The focus of the team now shifts to tarmac running where Ayrton will be hoping to defend his 10.5 title form the rest of the modified drivers who now move into 10.5 at national level. Everything is looking good so far! Final Results, Expert 10.5 1 Ayrton Anderson - HB TCX, HPI Flux Pro ESC, HPI Plazma Pro LiPo 2 Ben Cosgrove - HB TCX, HPI Flux Pro ESC, HPI Plazma Pro LiPo, HB Subaru Type C Congratulations and good job also to Barry Hughes and Rickey Copsey! Barry finished 3rd in the Stock 21.5 A Final with his HB TCX, and Rickey got into both the Super Stock 13.5 A Final and the Stock 21.5 A Final with his HB TCX! For more information and complete results please visit the BRCA's Central Booking website! Many more pictures of the pits and racers here!
