GCS Round 5 –Battlefield Raceway, Rossville Georgia - Our state race had us heading up to the extreme tip of the state.   Only 5-10 minutes from the Tennessee state line, Dion Potter operates one of the nicest R/C off Road tracks in our state.  Thanks to the help of the local county allowing them to have a track inside a county park, Dion also runs a small town hobby shop which caters to the racers and weekend basher alike.   Round 5 of the Georgia Championship Series was on tap for the weekend.

Practice – After setting up the computer and hanging the banners for the weekend’s race, I headed out for practice.  The track was medium size with a few technical sections, but nothing too tricky.  At first the track was loose and dusty.   Traction got a little better throughout the day.  The track had a good irrigation system that allowed for regular water that really helped with dust.  The track looked a lot more technical than it was. I had the track down after only a few laps.  I knew I had what it would take for a good finish at this race.

Qualifying - Tire selection is always key.  The track had not changed much from the day before.  I decided to go with some used I beams that I wanted to get a little more life out of.  Mistake!  As soon as I hit the track my 801xT felt loose out of the turns.  Coming out of a dog leg into and large double, My worst nightmare came true.   I went too wide getting into the fluff causing me to hit the double a little sideways.  One of the young racers (7 years old) was standing right beside the landing to the double.  We had just begun warm up so no one had time to tell him he couldn’t marshal.  My truggy hit him right in the hip.  I freaked out dropped my radio and ran down the stand to see if he was ok.  I feared the worst! The truggy hit him right in the thigh giving him one heck of a “Charlie horse”.  He would be o.k. but I was in no state of mind to race that heat.  Shortly after he was laughing and cutting up so I knew he would be ok but it was still very terrifying for me.   Round 2 – I finally got settled in after my scare and started thinking about the race.  I was able to pull a 5^th finish with several bobbles. Round 3 – I was in the zone.  I choose to take a chance and use a Small pin tire( Raptor).  They felt awesome.  I was able to finish 2^nd overall for the round securing and good position for the main..  Truck felt great!

Mains - After a short rain delay we were ready to start the main.  The track held off the rain really well but it was a 15-20 heavy rain so we were not sure just how deep the mud went.  After the start  we realized that the track was going to be fine.  The trucks were not muddy at all.  Halfway through the first lap I was in the 4^th spot and feeling good.  At about ¾ lap down I had gotten flip on my lid due to some tight racing.  Unfortunately it was on a plateau section of the track that was challenging for any turn marshal.  This would cause me to drop down to almost last.  No problem…I had 30 minutes to make it up.  Then it happened again in the same spot…..this time it was totally my fault.  These 2 bobbles were going to be tough to overcome.  I kept a clear head and started to drive the best I could.  I knew I had the truck and the ability to catch up and making a showing on the podium.  I made it up to fourth only seconds behind 2^nd and 3^rd.  Then disaster struck.  Flameout !  I didn’t need this!  I knew my chances where over for a podium this late in the race.  All in all…It was a great day racing with friends and I felt like I had what it took to podium for Tamiya and Byron Fuel.  Always next time!

JP