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The 3rd UK Micro Challenge took place in Tamworth at TORCC High School, with the days racing being split into 4 classes. - 1/18th Pro Stock After a poor turnout of the onroad classes in the first two challenges and the events organisers trying to focus future events the onroad class was dropped. This enabled the team to design a track likne no other with tabletop corners, doubles, kickers and drift sections without the need for a seperate track for the onroad cars. When you stepped into the hall for the first time, the first impression from many of the racers was one of both shock and excitement with this being the first UK event dedicated to the offroad micros. |
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The first two challenges saw a very flat, fast fully carpeted track with very quick lap times and foam tyres being the obvious choice for the event, with 90% of drivers using them. This event however was a very different kettle of fish. The massive jumps, drift sections, reduced track speeds and the no additive rule meant that tyre and setup choice were very important parts of the days racing with the majority of racers choosing rubber spiked or block tyres. This increased grip and improved handling on both the carpet and drift sections, enabling drivers to take faster and faster lap times and the day went on. |
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With the event receiving so much pre event coverage on the UK-MicroRC forum in the form of track pics and CGI video, the event attracted some big names in the racing world, including: Stephen Davis - CML, Yokomo sponsored Touring car driver, came to the UKMC3 with one of the heaviest FTX Blazes on the day and took TQ by a clear lap to superstar Olly Jefferies. Stephen dominated the A main final in the Offroad Pro-Stock Class. Chris Hudson - TQ'd and won BOTH classes at the UKMC2 in Offroad Pro-Stock and Offroad Modified classes. At UKMC3 Chris finished 2nd in both A finals this time around in the same classes. Chris has also recently been signed up as a team driver for the team UKMRC/Team Tekin. |
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Olly Jefferies - Mirage/HotBodies superstar TQ'd and won UKMC1 easily to Dez Chand and Chris Hudson. Olly missed UKMC2 but cam back with new sponsors for UKMC3. Olly struggled with his car throughout the day but managed to qualify 2nd overall in the Pro-Stock class but motor problems saw him retire early. With a dialled car Olly Jefferies is near enough unbeatable. Dez Chand - Editor of Radio Race Car International (RRCI) magazine. Dez has supported the UKMC since day one and regularly brings a crew of top drivers to the events. Dez is a regular A finalist in Pro-Stock. Chris Doughty - 10th Offroad European racer and UK National winner came to UKMC1 with Helgar/Losi but had motor problems on the day. Chris made a return in the UKMC3 with CML/AE and with a stock RC18B. Chris had a flawless drive in the final to finish 3rd overall. On a track like WORM, and with a dialled car you wont see him for dust. |
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The day ran without a hitch, on time and without any penalties handed out. The event organisers were amazed at how well the event was recieved by all drivers and realised that the smaller, more technical tracks were the way to go. As I'm sure you are all aware the BRCA Micro Scale committee have already organised a 6 round National Series for the winter of 2007/8 and the under the UKMicroX heading a one day national event is being organised for March 2008 which promises to be the biggest and best offroad micro event the UK has ever seen. |
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All graphics copyright Bill Pier 2007.
All photographic images copyright their relevant owners