First Competition in Finland
Here we are. The very first national RC Formula Offroad race is just to begin. Location is Kangasala, Finland just 30 kilometers from Tampere. This is the first race where there are drivers from other teams too.
There were eight drivers and twelve cars in this competition. There are two classes: Modified (meant for 1/10 scale cars) and Unlimited (meant for 1/8 cars)
Samu Sarka with his little bug called Zazuki Looser. Here Samu is in the first stage hunting 350 points, which are maximum from one stage. Samu is using brand new Pro Line Slingshot tires, which didn't show too good grip in this competition.
Today Samu had a good day, except few stages. Those tires ain't working, as the driver said. Maybe just an explanation? Anyway, second position, not good, not bad.
Saku Sarka and Predator. Car is a new one in this sport. In the morning while Saku were testing, he loses a front wheel drive. So he, was driving the race with only 2WD. In that course number two he was the only one of the whole competition, who was able to drive up that stage. Nice performance, especially with only 2WD.
Saku had really good fight with Samu and Zazuki Looser in modified class. Today Saku took the longer stick. Victory is Predators.
Samu Sarka with whole new car 7up. Here in first stage something did brake from the steering and the mechanics were unable to fix. Samu quit after this first stage. Samu ended up to eleventh place.
Mikko Nieminen and Savage X. This car is with combustion engine, and problem is that the clutch is sliding when speed slows down. Mikko is just getting into this sport and because of that, position number ten.
Toni Juvakka was driving with loan car from Mikko Nieminen, Savage X. Couple Toni and Mikko was having a good fight, but today Toni was better. Good race and some excellent performances with Savage X. Toni ends up to nineth position.
Saku Sarka and Dark Crusher. Dark Crusher is one of the biggest legends in rc formula offroad. So many victories and champions. Today it wasn't DS's day. Saku dropped to eighth place.
One driver can drive with as many cars as he wants. Saku Sarka drove also with Helltoy. Helltoy was having some good performances, but today those bad ones did have the upper hand of those performances. Helltoy did end up to seventh place.
Lauri Lahti with his another car Apophis. It is an original length Kyosho Twin force, so he has to fight from top 5 places. Batteries didn't run properly in the last stage so Lauri with Apophis did end up in position number six.
Arto "artsi" Leinonen with his combustion car Sandslinger. Arto is a beginner to this sport too. He does have skills to challenge top 5, but it will be very hard to get higher. Today Arto did have a nice competition, without any dumb mistakes and he really can be happy with the result. Fifth place belongs to Sandslinger.
Lassi-Jussi Väänänen and Heli. Lassi-Jussi is a beginner also in this sport. He is driving with a very capable combustion engine car, HPI Hellfire. Lassi was having very good day, and he was so close to the podium. Fourth place today and next time Lassi will be hunting top 3 positions, for certain.
Samu Sarka with Tipsy. Tipsy is Samu's main car. Samu had a really good day. In this course number four Tipsy was able to get over the hump, which wasn't so easy.
This picture is from last stage's vertical section. Tipsy did get maximum points that you can get, without staying on the hill. Result was that Tipsy rolled down the whole hill and broke it's drive shaft. Tipsy got the third place today.
Timo Nikkilä and Gas Devil. Gas Devil is huge 1/6 scale car with gas engine. Timo drived absolutely fantastic race knowing the size of that car.
Today Timo ends up in second place, and by doing that he is second in the cup too. Guys were thinking that Gas Devil weight has a positive effect for the driving. Who knows?
Lauri Lahti and Nightfall. Nightfall was ultimate today. There weren't too many mistakes from Lauri.
Car is so stable, that verticals are so easy for this car. Nightfall has won all the races which it has competed in. Just an unbelievable car. Driver is good also.
So Nightfall took the victory today, but will it be able to get it in next weekend?
(Driver, car, team)
1. Saku Sarka Predator Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
2. Samu Sarka Zazuki Looser Ruutanan FoffRaod Team
1. Lauri Lahti Nightfall Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
2. Timo Nikkilä Gas Devil Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat
3. Samu Sarka - Tipsy - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
4. Lassi Väänänen - Heli - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat
5. Arto Leinonen - Sandslinger - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat
6. Lauri Lahti - Apophis - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
7. Saku Sarka - Helltoy - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
8. Saku Sarka - Dark Crusher - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
9. Toni Juvakka - Savage X - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat
10. Mikko Nieminen - Savage X - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat
11. Samu Sarka - 7up - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team
(Driver, car, team, points)
1. Saku Sarka Predator Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 20p
2. Samu Sarka Zazuki Looser Ruutanan FoffRaod Team - 17p
1. Lauri Lahti Nightfall Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 20p
2. Timo Nikkilä Gas Devil Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat - 17p
3. Samu Sarka - Tipsy - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 15p
4. Lassi Väänänen - Heli - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat - 12p
5. Arto Leinonen - Sandslinger - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat - 10p
6. Lauri Lahti - Apophis - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 8p
7. Saku Sarka - Helltoy - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 6p
8. Saku Sarka - Dark Crusher - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 5p
9. Toni Juvakka - Savage X - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat - 4p
10. Mikko Nieminen - Savage X - Pirkanmaan RC-Autoilijat - 3p
11. Samu Sarka - 7up - Ruutanan FoffRoad Team - 2p
Thanks to organizers and competitors for the great and sunny day!
Samu Sarka
www.rc-foff.net
