IFMAR On Road Electric Worlds - Warm-Up '06

Last weekend saw the warm up race of the 2006 IFMAR On Road Electric Worlds at the AF Models track in Collegno, Italy. This was a great opportunity for the Hot Bodies racing team to prepare themselves for the actual main electric event of the year happening this July. This warm-up race meant the team were able to do a lot of testing and setting-up their cars for this race track which will be the same track for the World Championships..




The track itself is quite technical and a really good size for 1/10th electric TC's. There is a long sweeping straight followed by a series of chicanes and hairpins. The officials use sugar water to increase the traction on the track.

Even though this was just the warm-up race most of the world's top TC drivers were there including 5 previous world champions Marc Rheinard, Atsushi Hara (HB), Surikarn (HB), David Spashett and Masami Hirosaka. The major names form the Europe racing scene included Andy Moore, Jonas Kaerup and Juho Levanen, all battling out for victory as well.

Friday was set aside for free open practice, which allowed drivers to get as much track time as possible. All good in theory but with no frequency board and various languages in operation it was a little hectic at times. The traction levels were ok from the start and the newly arrived Hara Twister 2.1 speed control (HB90002) performed flawlessly in these conditions. The HB Cyclone cars (#55400) all looked very good from the start of practice, especially in the hands of Andy Moore.

The A finals were very interesting and great fun to watch. The gap to Marc was as close as it had ever been, which just whets the appetite for the rest of the season. Andy was mighty impressive and really hustled Marc for the win. His super driving and the fast speed of his HB Cyclone resulted to him coming a very close second just behind the current world champion Marc Rheinard. Andy is definitely shaping himself up to be the fastest Brit at the World Championships and one of the favourites to win!

The latest addition to the Hot Bodies racing team Roland Völker from Germany was also there for his first major international race since joining the HB team. He had a very successful weekend and made it to the A-main, finishing in the top 10 at 9th position.

The Cyclone cars were all fantastic with Andy, Hara and Ronald Voelker all fighting for the exclusive victory and coming very close to getting it! Confirming once again the Cyclone's incredible speed and high driving capabilities.

The 2006 IFMAR On Road Electric Worlds warm-up race proved not just to be exciting but also very valuable for the drivers. With all the testing and preparation they were able to do will benefit them greatly and get them ready for the Worlds. The Hot Bodies team are all really looking strong for this coming season with both National, European and International titles on the line it would be brave to bet against them. So stay tuned to the HB website to find out what happens at all the races.

Final Result:
1: Marc Rheinhard
2. Andrew Moore - Hot Bodies
3: Masami Hirosaka
4: Teemu Leino
5: Viktor Wilck
6: Hubert Hönigl
7: Atsushi Hara - Hot Bodies
8: David Spashett
9: Ronald Völker - Hot Bodies
10: Jilles Groskamp

kyosho新车