Words: Scott G.
Race #5 at the RC Tracks at Milestone MX Park had 23 competitors turn up ready for some 1/5th scale racing action. The points battle was heating up with Rodney Ketcham at the top of the list being hunted down by everyone. HPI’s Andrew Hilman was across the country at an on road event, and missed his opportunity to climb up in the points chase. HPI’s John Schultz was finally able to join in the fun and contested his first Baja race at Milestone. Team Phat-Dad RC was out in full force along with the O’niell brothers, and Rob from the “HPIBajaForum” who made the trek from Arizona for the occasion.
The “Gabe Brown Engineering” (Team GBE) sponsored event got underway with two 10 minute qualifiers for each of the three races. At only his second event racing the Baja 5B, HPI “Arrive and Drive” winner Brian Sullivan was showing he can drive large scale as well, and landed himself in the top qualifying Baja position. Team Phat-Dad’s Rodney Ketchum was on his heals followed by David Groon, and John Schultz. Last event Winner Scott G. was having some trouble finding his rhythm, and with the exception of setting fast lap of the day, he seemed off the pace.
With the 3 Mains set there was plenty of time to tune and prepare the cars. The C main would be 10 minutes, the B main would be 20 minutes, and the A main would last 30 minutes.
The C main had 7 drivers, with 2 that would transfer to the B main immediately following. Regular fast competitors Rick Linn, and Daniel Ast were neck and neck from the start, both drivers had suffered mechanical problems during the qualifiers and would be looking for success to move the up to the faster paced Main events. The battle had finished with Rick Linn edging out Daniel for the top spot, yet both transferred. 3rd spot belonged to Glen Luna with a consistent drive.
The B main had 10 competitors all with sights on the 2 transfer spots to the A main. Consistent driving by the 2 C main transfer drivers prevailed over set B main drivers. Daniel Ast found redemption by edging out Rick Linn for the top spot. Jason Bowen rounded out the podium with a solid drive landing him the 3rd spot.
The A main would be nothing short of Fantastic. John Shultz and Team GBE’s Rick Linn were locked in a battle from the start tone with David Groon hot on their back door. Front Running regular Team Phat-Dad’s Rodney Ketchum suffered early retirement with Mechanical issues. Jonathan Sanders was plugging along consistently avoiding carnage, and clicking off the laps. That drive gave him a spot just outside the podium in 4th. C main transfer Daniel Ast had an eventful main event, putting on an incredible show for the crowd, and after some heavy collisions with the earth was forced to finish on 3 wheels in 5th. Tom “Phat Dad” is always awesome to watch, strange thing is, he seemed to somehow switch vehicles in the middle of the race. Jedi mind tricks perhaps? Top Qualifying Baja Driver Brian Sullivan seemed to be spending a lot of time in the pits during the 30 minute main, looked as though he would have to wait another few weeks for a chance at the top spot. The lead position during the main looked to be held down solid by John Schultz. About 2 minutes from the finish of the event it was announced that “Miracle Man” Rick Linn had somehow sneaked by Schultz and assumed the lead. Schultz frantically picked up the pace but was unable to claw his way back into the top spot. So it was final,Team GBE’s Rick Linn finished 1st, John Schultz in 2nd, and David Groon in 3rd. Our hat is off to Rick Linn, even though he is a seasoned driver who is consistently fast, he had the drive of a lifetime to earn his way to 1st in the A main all the way from 2nd to last qualifier in the C main. Congrats Rick! Well done!!!!
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