Irish GRP GP
30th ? 31st of August was the date for the annual Irish challenge at the fantastic BADMCC in Northern Ireland. Associated's Craig Drescher and Richard Barton report back from the race which saw the cream of racers from all over Ireland fight it out on the track.
On arrival to the track we where welcomed buy some 14 well made jumps and some excellent Irish hospitality. The track was 70% dirt and 30% astro, however, the astro was mainly used on the jumps to ensure that they stayed consistent for the race. The format was to be seven 10 minute rounds of qualifying, 4 to count, and a 1hr A final for those lucky enough to make it in.
The track at Banbridge and District Model Car Club.
Of to a flying start was teammate Craig closing out the top spot in the first 4 rounds of qualifying. I (Richard Barton) started to put in a push for the front in round 5 and took the second magic 13 lapper of the day but some DNF?s in other rounds meant that I had to make all other races count to make it in to the main final.
There was some strong challenges from the Irish stars including Mark Harron, Associated?s Alan Bickerstaff, Mike Todd and Barkley Abernethy to name a few.
Richard and Alan with Bridgnorth's No1 Line Dancer.
After a good night out in NI we woke in the morning to rain to contend with in the remaining 2 wet rounds of qualifying and then finals. Mr Drescher decided that 4 round wins wasn?t enough and added last 2 round in impressive style. With the 10 minute qualifying it was looking hard to make the time but 70% of people managed to make the cars run for the full 10 minutes without pitting. Byron fuel was to be seen all over the pits and Craig never even came close to stopping with his Byron 30% RB C6 combo.
The Truggy A final was a thrilling and impressive win for the young local lad Bradley Baird. The truggies just seemed to climb in to the air of the big double and Bradley was committed and controlled throughout the 30 minute final. A well-deserved win proves Bradley Baird is going to be another Irish driver to watch in the future. Well done from Team Associated.
The buggies got some wicked air off the jumps.
In the Buggy A final Craig got caught napping off the start and second place local star Mark Harron with his Byron powered HB got through in to the lead followed by myself in 3rd. It was a hectic first 4 minutes with the lead changing between the top 3 several times. With 2 good passes, Craig managed to get back into the lead and quickly got some clean fast laps under his belt and pulled a 16 second lead on his team mate coming in to the 10 minute pit window. When the 2 leaders came into the pits my car cut, which increased the lead for Craig and his RC8 with Mike Todd 2nd and Mark Harron 3rd.
At the half way point Craig had a problem with the rear of the car and was forced to lose 3 laps fixing it. This left Mike Todd into 1st with a 10 second lead from Mark Harron 2nd and Barkley 3rd. This was how it finished with the lead 3 drivers all driving well and keeping their heads to the finish line.
The Buggy and Truggy top 3.
For more information visit the Banbridge and District Model Car Club website.
The track at Banbridge and District Model Car Club.
Of to a flying start was teammate Craig closing out the top spot in the first 4 rounds of qualifying. I (Richard Barton) started to put in a push for the front in round 5 and took the second magic 13 lapper of the day but some DNF?s in other rounds meant that I had to make all other races count to make it in to the main final.
There was some strong challenges from the Irish stars including Mark Harron, Associated?s Alan Bickerstaff, Mike Todd and Barkley Abernethy to name a few.
Richard and Alan with Bridgnorth's No1 Line Dancer.
After a good night out in NI we woke in the morning to rain to contend with in the remaining 2 wet rounds of qualifying and then finals. Mr Drescher decided that 4 round wins wasn?t enough and added last 2 round in impressive style. With the 10 minute qualifying it was looking hard to make the time but 70% of people managed to make the cars run for the full 10 minutes without pitting. Byron fuel was to be seen all over the pits and Craig never even came close to stopping with his Byron 30% RB C6 combo.
The Truggy A final was a thrilling and impressive win for the young local lad Bradley Baird. The truggies just seemed to climb in to the air of the big double and Bradley was committed and controlled throughout the 30 minute final. A well-deserved win proves Bradley Baird is going to be another Irish driver to watch in the future. Well done from Team Associated.
The buggies got some wicked air off the jumps.
In the Buggy A final Craig got caught napping off the start and second place local star Mark Harron with his Byron powered HB got through in to the lead followed by myself in 3rd. It was a hectic first 4 minutes with the lead changing between the top 3 several times. With 2 good passes, Craig managed to get back into the lead and quickly got some clean fast laps under his belt and pulled a 16 second lead on his team mate coming in to the 10 minute pit window. When the 2 leaders came into the pits my car cut, which increased the lead for Craig and his RC8 with Mike Todd 2nd and Mark Harron 3rd.
At the half way point Craig had a problem with the rear of the car and was forced to lose 3 laps fixing it. This left Mike Todd into 1st with a 10 second lead from Mark Harron 2nd and Barkley 3rd. This was how it finished with the lead 3 drivers all driving well and keeping their heads to the finish line.
The Buggy and Truggy top 3.
For more information visit the Banbridge and District Model Car Club website.
