The UK's Darren Bloomfield and Lee Martin wrapped up 2WD and 4WD classes respectively at the 2011 IFMAR Worlds warmup event in Vaasa Finnland.
The host club reports on Darrens victory in 2WD - a remarkable win considering his lack of electric racing in recent months since he hasn't been able to secure a place at the UK's 10th off road national series.
Almost 70 competitors were racing for the victory in the 2WD class of electric buggies. The circumstances were challenging – heavy wind affected to each competitor’s driving and results. The others drove with more secure style while the top drivers took risks too.
- In general, jumping and controlling of the car was very difficult in the wind. However, everybody had the same situation so the conditions didn’t allow anybody to have advantage over the others, the top three concluded after the competition.
Darren Bloomfield drove for the first place. The following positions went to United States – Ryan Cavalieri came for second place and Jared Tebo for the third. The best Finnish driver was Joseph Quagraine in the 13th position.
– Winning is never easy. The racing was hard, but fair, described Bloomfield. Surprisingly, winner hasn’t yet guaranteed his enrolment for the Worlds 2011 because he hasn’t driven for four years and thus doesn’t yet have a place in the team UK.
The pit area was well appreciated – especially the track surface. Warm up race has important role to competitors, because the racing allows getting a feeling about the track, local conditions and surroundings.
– It’s easier to come for the second time as we are already familiar with the track and making the necessary adjustments for the car. Also we know the local places and procedures, said Tebo who came as third.
Before the start of the first A-final, the participants and organizators had a silent moment in order to honor the memory of RC pioneer Mike Reedy.
Double reigning EFRA European Champion and reigning 4WD BRCA national chanpion Lee Martin took the 4WD class.
78 drivers were racing about the victory in 4WD class of electric buggies in the 22nd of May, 2011. The wind affected still for the racing even though the weather was slightly better than in the previous day’s racin
– Everything went fine with the car, but the wind was hard, estimated the winner Lee Martin.
The best two drivers came from Great Britain: in addition to Martin, Neil Cragg reached the podium with his 2nd position. Third position went to USA for Ryan Cavalieri.
– Was great to be at top three again! I wasn’t expecting of this, said Cavalieri after racing.
Drivers thought that there are always there things to be improved – there are left some tricks for the Worlds 2011. The spirit amongst drivers is very good.
– We play fair game and there are no enemies, just tuff competitors, they concluded.
See all the results in the Worlds 2011 home page
http://www.ifmar2011.com/21