Rosamond, California

January 18th, 2008

HPI & Hot Bodies Track Day

HPI and Hot Bodies took over the Streets of Willow racing facility in Willow Springs, California, for another installment of the famous “Track Days” that are becoming a tradition for our car-crazy staff. A blend of real racing cars, open track time and R/C car racing attracted a crowd that included VIP guests from Asian and Oceania invited by HPI Japan, Tatsuro Watanabe (owner of HPI and HB), media partners from around the world, a long list of employees from HPI and HB, and even several guests who work with HPI and HB in the business world. The guests from Asia and Oceania were treated to the special trip to California by HPI Japan as a way of saying “thank you” for all of their hard work and support for HPI and HB products over the years.

The day fired off with a quick breakfast followed by driving instruction from professional driver Danny McKeever from Fast Lane Racing School ( http://www.raceschool.com ) . Everyone was anxious to get out on the track, so Danny and fellow-instructor Scott Atchison fired up the two HPI/HB Subaru race cars and proceeded to give thrilling “fast laps” to anyone willing to strap themselves into the cars. Danny and Scott are professional drivers and they’ve logged thousands of laps on the track, so they’re able to get every ounce of performance out of the cars, showing everyone the fast way around the Streets of Willow track. The 4WD Subaru race cars were ultra-reliable and stuck to the track like glue for the entire day, thrilling the passengers all day long.

While the crowd waited for their chance to ride in the race cars they were treated to a display of HPI and HB equipment. And if just looking at the cars wasn’t enough, Baja 5B’s, Wheely Kings, Sprint 2 Drift cars were on hand for the crowd to test drive. Several of the designers of the HPI and HB cars took the time to show off the newest products and answer questions from the VIP’s and Media. And, of course, everyone was pampered throughout the day by a hospitality garage packed with an American style BBQ lunch, snacks and drinks.

Next up on the schedule for the day was the “Open Track” segment which gives the guests and staff a chance to drive their own personal cars out on the race track. A long list of cars took to the track, including high performance cars from Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW, Subaru, Honda, Ford, Toyota and more. Danny McKeever’s instruction session must have paid off, because everyone survived the day without any incidents, which is always the key to a successful track day.

Last up was a rare chance for VIP guests and staff to get a chance to drive the HPI/HB Subaru Super Taikyu endurance race cars out on the track. Both of the cars competed in grueling 24 hour races at Tokachi Speedway, and events at famous tracks like Twin Ring Motegi and Suzuka, so they’re capable of getting around the track much quicker than any street car. And they’re true JDM cars, with the driver sitting on the right, which makes them a little tricky to drive for domestic drivers. But for those brave enough to drive them, the cars provided the thrill of a lifetime with astounding cornering grip and the raw sound of a true race car.

The day wrapped up as the sun set on the “Streets” track, with everyone able to get some track time and smiles throughout the paddock area. HPI Japan treated the VIP guests to a steak dinner in the evening after the day at the track. Events like this are a great way for our staff and extended business family to get together and experience the thrill of cars at their limits. HPI and HB would like to thank everyone that was able to come out for the event. Check out the video and photos from the HPI/HB Track Day!

Urban Racer was also on hand at the event, and threw a full write-up up on their site. Click the picture below to check out the story! 

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