Spanish Nat 1/8 Onroad – 2nd Rd.

The second round for 1/8 Spanish Nats was held at Autet track (near Valencia).

With a nice sunny weather, Oscar Cabezas TQ’ed followed by local ace Nacho López and Sergio Montesinos.

The Main Final was a really close fight between Oscar Cabezas and Nacho López. The last ten minutes were really exciting, and finally Óscar Cabezas finished in first place, followed by Nacho López only 2 seconds later.

With his victory, Óscar takes the provisional Leadership in the overall classification.

Next Round will take place in Valladolid track on July 25th .

Vicente Eres (Mugen-Merlin Fuel) took the victory in +40.

FINAL RESULT

1-      Oscar Cabezas   Motonica-Novarossi-Merlin Fuel

2-      Nacho López   Serpent

3-      Sergio Montesinos

4-      Víctor González    Kyosho

5-      Joaquín Villegas    Sepherd

6-      Alberto González   Sepherd

7-      Carlos Echarri   Motonica-Novarossi

8-      Fernando Castillo   Motonica

9-      Carlos Peracho   Sepherd

10-   Paco Lobo   Serpent-Novarossi

+ 40

1. Vicente Eres – Mugen – Merlin Fuel
2. Ricardo Royo
3. Francisco Lara

Tags: 1:8, On Road, Racing

Netherlands 1/8 NK 2 at Ruchphen

The second round for 1/8 Onroad Netherlands Nats, was held last weekend at Ruchpen track.

A really interesting and exciting race were Ilia Van Gsatel made his first race as Merlin Team Driver.

Robin D’Hondt has written this text for us:

“Hey Everybody,

The second round of the Netherlands championship was held at the fast track of Rucphen. Weather forecast looked good, we only had a bit of rain on Friday night, which made training on Saturday morning impossible, but for the rest of the weekend the dark clouds would stay away from the track.

On Saturday afternoon I came on track and the setup felt pretty nice to begin with. I didn’t changed anything at first because I wanted more grip to come, so in the late afternoon I only started changing some small things like down stops, front springs and rear arm positions.

The later it got, the faster everyone went and soon we were with 5-6 people driving lap times in or close to 13.0 (track record 12.8 I was told).

On Sunday morning the first qualify came, and checking the lap times of the lower heats I saw that the track was faster than the day before. The car felt like a train on rails and the engine was a rocket. Like I said the track record is 12.8 and in this qualify I drove a 12.858, sadly however none could tell me the last 2 digits of the current track record.

First qualy:

1                             Robin D’Hondt  32L         7:05.942

2                             John Ermen       32L         7:06.343

3                             Ilia van Gastel   32L         7:08.277

4                             Rick Vrielijnck    32L         7:12.476

The second qualify both Ilia and me had a 7:04, Rick made his time better by 2 seconds and John hit problems. Results after 2 qualify’s:

1                             Ilia van Gastel   32           7:04.098

2                             Robin D’Hondt  32           7:04.615

3                             John Ermen       32           7:06.343

4                             Rick Vrielijnck    32           7:10.601

In the third and last qualify I was able to better my time by 0,3 seconds which was still 0,3 seconds to slow to have TQ in the final. So results after the 3th qualify and hereby the 4 direct qualified:

1                             Ilia van Gastel   32           7:04.098

2                             Robin D’Hondt  32           7:04.334

3                             John Ermen       32           7:06.343

4                             Rick Vrielijnck    32           7:10.055

The final was completed by 3 persons from each half final. Which where: Gunther van Staey, Michiel Renting, Peter Ceyssens, Jordy Blok, Stefan Koenders, Tim Bosmann.

In the start of the final I could jump to first place as Ilia had a rough start. But soon he joined me just behind my rear tires and away we went from the pack for never to be seen again. In the first half of the race we were changing places a lot… sometimes we even past each other 2 or 3 times in 1 lap! I think we both could feel the eyes of the spectators, sometimes I even heard the people around the track yelling when it got really close.

And the fighting continued till Ilia made his tire stop first, 4 minutes later it was my turn to change tires but at least I had 4 minutes to get heart rate down again.

Tires on and out the pits I went, next to an orange car (Ilia off course) we went side by side onto the straight, but I wasn’t counting on having so less steering with the big cold tires so Ilia could take first position and could slowly pull away from me as I was getting used to the fresh tires.

I was about 10 meter behind and as hard as I was trying to close the gap I wasn’t getting closer.

The second from last pit stop Ilia had to make a Stop and Go for refueling over the line, so he thought it was over and out … until after the last pitstop I suddenly heard “Car 2 stop and go bad refueling”.

That’s me…  fast into the pits, stop => GO, I could come on track in front of Ilia with a small gap between us, Ilia was pushing hard to get it close and he got it close. We finished over the line 0,3 seconds apart.

Final Result:

1                             Robin D’Hondt  132         30:09.386 – Motonica – Gimar – Merlin Fuel

2                             Ilia van Gastel   132         30:09.713 – Serpent – Orion – Merlin Fuel

3                             Rick Vrielijnck    130         30:13.054

4                             Gunther van Staey         129         30:04.446

5                             John Ermen       128         30:06.127

6                             Peter Ceyssens                126         30:05.162

7                             Stefan Koenders             125         30:10.306

8                             Tim Bosmann    120         30:08.299

9                             Michiel Renting                87           21:56.008

10                           Jordy Blok                          DNS

I would like to thank my sponsors: Motonica, JP GIMAR, Merlin fuel, Sanwa Airtronics,

LRP electronics, Ghiant RC car Colours, Team C and Hobby Pro

And special thanks to my mechanics My Dad Rony D’hondt and Lody Haling for giving me the bit more advantage in the fast fuel stops and tire change.

Tags: 1:8, Netherlands, Onroad

Victoria de Robin D’Hondt en el Cto. Holanda 1/8 pista.

Se celebraba el día 9 la segunda prueba del nacional de 1/8 pista holandés en el circuito de Ruchphen.

El sábado por la mañana el circuito apareció mojado y el tiempo de práctica quedó reducido a la mínima expresión. Afortunadamente a media mañana la pista comenzó a secarse y el resto de la carrera se pudo disputar con normalidad.
Ilia Van Gastel, reciente 7º clasificado en el Warm-Up del cto. de Europa de este año, hacía su debut oficial con Merlin Fuel, después de haber empleado ya Pro-Racing 25 en el Warm-Up del Cto. de Europa y en varios entrenamientos.

Van Gastel, debutó en con Merlin Fuel en el Cto. de Holanda consiguiendo la pole en una cerrada lucha con Robin D’Hondt, que sería el aperitivo de la emocionante final que nos brindaron ambos pilotos.  Apenas 3 décimas separaron  a uno de otro en las clasificatorias.El 3er. clasificado, John Ermen, quedaba ya a más de 2 segundos de la pole y el 4º (Rick V) a casi 6 segundos.

Los resultados de las clasificatorias:

1   Ilia van Gastel   32 – 7:04.098 – Motonica – Gimar – Merlin Fuel

2   Robin D’Hondt  32- 7:04.334 – Serpent – Orion – Merlin Fuel

3   John Ermen       32- 7:06.343 – Mugen – Novarossi

4  Rick Vrielijnck  32- 7:10.055

En la final Van Gastel tuvo problemas en la salida y fue superado por Robin D’Hondt. Rápidamente el dúo de cabeza, puso asfalto de por medio con el resto de participantes y durante la primera mitad de la final se intercambiaron la primera plaza en numerosas ocasiones. En alguna e las vueltas llegaron a adelantarse 3 veces en el mismo giro.  Ilia fue sancionado con un Stop & Go, por repostar sobre la línea, de modo que Robin D’Hondt, aprovechó esta circunstancia para colocarse en primera posición, pero al poco tiempo, también D’Hondt fue sancionado con un Stop & Go. A pesar de ello consiguió salir de Boxes en primera posición con una exigua ventaja sobre Van Gastel. La diferencia entre los dos fue de sólo 0,3 segundos al final de la carrera.

Enhorabuena a ambos pilotos Merlin por el brillante espectáculo que brindaron en esta prueba.

Resultado final:

1                             Robin D’Hondt                 132        30:09.386 - Motonica – Gimar - Merlin Fuel

2                             Ilia van Gastel                  132         30:09.713 – Serpent – Orion – Merlin Fuel

3                             Rick Vrielijnck                130         30:13.054

4                             Gunther van Staey         129         30:04.446

5                             John Ermen                      128         30:06.127

6                             Peter Ceyssens                126         30:05.162

7                             Stefan Koenders             125         30:10.306

8                             Tim Bosmann                   120         30:08.299

9                             Michiel Renting                87           21:56.008

10                           Jordy Blok                          DNS

Tags: 1:8, Holanda, Onroad

Racing Weekend in Greece

Last weekend two races took place in Greece.

The 1/10th On Road ‘B’ Greek Federation and Truggy Masters 2010.

Merlin Fuel Drivers took honor places in both them.

The 1/10 scale National Championship Greek Federation, was held at Patra City, FRT2 Track.  Linkaris, (Shepherd – Picco – Merlin Fuel)  TQ’ed and set a new track record.

In Arena TRack (Near Athens), Stelios Madianos won the Truggy ‘B’ final

Information: Velocity Models

Tags: 1:10, 1:8, Greece, Touring, Truggy

Comienza la temporada 1/8 en Reino Unido

La temporada 1/8 pista en el Reino Unido, comenzó oficialmente el pasado fin de semana con la primera prueba puntuable para el campeonato nacional.

A esta prueba acudió una nutrida representación de Irlanda y en contra de lo habitual no hubo lluvia, aunque sí amenazó durante toda la jornada del Domingo.

Mark Green se hizo con la pole de la prueba y no dio opción a sus rivales en la final, consiguiendo una cómoda ventaja desde las primeras vueltas.

Resultado final:

1. Mark Green – Serpent/Novarossi/Merlin Fuel
2. Clive Connolly – Mugen/IDM
3. Jason Frost – Serpent/Mega
4. Daniel Bancroft – Motonica/Max
5. Dan Jones – Mugen/Novarossi
6. John Carr – Serpent/Mega
7. Tim Wood – Serpent/Mega
8. Neil Diver – Shepherd/IDM
9. Chris Heath – Serpent/Mega (DQ from 5th due to width of rear end)
10.Richard Hicklin – Serpent/Mega (DQ from 9th failed to submit car for scrutineering)

Reportaje completo en redrc.net

Tags: 1:8, Onroad

Mark Green wins BRCA 1/8 Rd.1

The British 1/8 Nats started last weekend at Medip track (West England)

Mark Green TQ’ed and won the first UK Nats round. Some Irish drivers as Clive Connolly attended the race.

The final result:

1. Mark Green – Serpent/Novarossi/Merlin Fuel
2. Clive Connolly – Mugen/IDM
3. Jason Frost – Serpent/Mega
4. Daniel Bancroft – Motonica/Max
5. Dan Jones – Mugen/Novarossi
6. John Carr – Serpent/Mega
7. Tim Wood – Serpent/Mega
8. Neil Diver – Shepherd/IDM
9. Chris Heath – Serpent/Mega (DQ from 5th due to width of rear end)
10.Richard Hicklin – Serpent/Mega (DQ from 9th failed to submit car for scrutineering)

Pics: Redrc.net

Full report at: http://www.redrc.net/2010/04/mark-green-wins-brca-18th-rd1-in-mendip/

Tags: 1:8, Onroad

1/8 Speedmasters Greece

Last weekend took place the 1/8 Onroad Speedmasters in Arena RC track, near Athens.

Leonidas Farmakis, (Serpent – Picco – Merlin Fuel) took the TQ and also the final victory.

Here is a video of the main final:

Top 3:

1. Leonidas Farmakis – Serpent – Picco – Merlin Fuel – 108 laps

2. John Doucakis – Motonica – 106 laps

3. Andreas Gianakakis – Kyosho – Merlin Fuel - 100 laps.

Info: Velocity Models.

Tags: 1:8, Greece, Onroad

Spanish 1:8 Onroad – Final Round

Last weekend took place the 4th and last rd for Spanish 1:8 On Road in Club Arca (Madrid)

Merlin Team Driver, Oscar Cabezas took the victory, TQ and overall Championship.

Óscar dominated the race from the early beginning, being the only driver able to set 18 laps in the recently renewed Arca Track.  Moreover he won the 4 classifying heats.

However the Main final, was not as easy as the final result shows. Óscar had a flame out in the first laps, that made him change the strategy and even run out of fuel in the middle of the final. Nevertheless, his pace was so strong and consistent that he could keep the 1st position until the the final flag.

With this Victory, Óscar claims the absolute title, after 2 victories and 2 second places.  It was a challenge for Oscar to win again the Nat Championship after having changed his car and engine. (Motonica – Novarossi).  So after some adaptation time he is again on top.

Josué Artiles, has finished on 2nd in both, the last race and the overall championship. In fact, both them, Oscar and Josue have finished the regular season with the same figure; 1.893 points. However Oscar’s worst classification was a 2nd while  Artiles worst was a 3rd. This fact gives an idea about the tight fight between both drivers that has been constant in recent years.

The Top 10 Result:

1. Óscar Cabezas (Motonica/Novarossi/Merlin Fuel) 146 laps – 45:12.388
2. Josué Artiles (Mugen / Ninja) 144 L – 45:07.313
3. Carlos Peracho (Sheperd Velox) 143 L – 45:04.494
4. Sergio Montesinos – 143 L – 45:09.572
5. Toni Mateo – 143 L – 45:13.833
6. Nacho López – 143 L – 45:16.219
7. Dani Vega – 143  L  – 45:17.003
8. Joaquín Villegas – 140 L – 45:08.358
9. Francisco Lara – 102  L – 40:59.886
10. Víctor González – 91 L – 39:43.929

So that, this year Merlin Fuel is the winner in the most popular Onroad scales, 1/8 with Óscar Cabezas and Rodrigo Pahissa in 1/10.

Tags: 1:8, Onroad, Racing

Oscar Cabezas – Merlin Fuel; Victoria, Pole y Campeonato.

Finalizada la última prueba del Cto. 1:8 pista, Óscar Cabezas se hace con la victoria que supone además el Cto. absoluto de España 2009.

Un colofón excelente a una gran temporada en la que además se ha clasificado como 11º en el reciente mundial de Lostallo.

Óscar ha dominado la prueba desde el principio, consiguiendo la y siendo el único piloto capaz de dar 18 vueltas en las clasificatorias. Además se impuso en las cuatro clasificatorias que disputó.

Sin embargo la final no ha sido tan fácil como muestra el resultado, ya que Óscar ha tenido una parada en el primer tercio de carrera que le ha hecho sacar lo mejor de sí mismo (que es mucho) y sobreponerse a la adversidad para acabar en primera posición.

Como en anteriores campeonatos, Josué Artiles, campeón del pasado año, ha rayado a gran altura y le ha puesto las cosas difíciles a Óscar.

Clasificación final:

1. Óscar Cabezas (Motonica/Novarossi/Merlin Fuel) 146 vueltas – 45:12.388
2. Josué Artiles (Mugen / Ninja) 144 vueltas – 45:07.313
3. Carlos Peracho (Sheperd Velox) 143 vueltas – 45:04.494
4. Sergio Montesinos – 143 vueltas – 45:09.572
5. Toni Mateo – 143 vueltas 45:13.833
6. Nacho López – 143 vueltas – 45:16.219
7. Dani Vega – 143 vueltas – 45:17.003
8. Joaquín Villegas – 140 vueltas – 45:08.358
9. Francisco Lara – 102 vueltas – 40:59.886
10. Víctor González – 91 vueltas – 39:43.929

Enhorabuena a Óscar y su equipo, por su brillante temporada en la que ha tenido un comienzo difícil de adaptación a su nuevo Chasis (Motonica) y a su nuevo propulsor Novarossi, pero una vez superados ha dejado patente su nivel.

De este modo, Merlin Fuel es campeón del las dos modalidades más importantes de pista en España, 1:10 200mm. y 1:8, con Rodrigo Pahissa y Óscar Cabezas respectivamente. Ellos se añaden a los recientes campeonatos de Alemania 1/8 de la mano de Robin D’Hondt y al subcampeonato de Europa 1:10 con Alexander Hagberg.

Tags: 1:8, Onroad

Spanish 1:8 Onroad Nats. 3rd Rd.

The 3rd. round for Spanish 1/8 nats, took place last weeken at Gijón (Northern Spain).

The classification was clearly dominated by Oscar Cabezas (recently 11th classfied in Lostallo Worlds 2009), who took the TQ in the 4 heats.

Oscar, also set a new Track Record with a 15:280 lap. Following him Víctor González (Kyosho-MB-JBTRC.Racing) 2nd, Nacho López (Mugen) 3rd and Carlos Peracho (Velox-Sirio) 4th.

The final was dominated also by Óscar Cabezas who conserved his honor position until the end, finishing 3 laps ahead the second Nacho López and 4 laps ahead Sergio Montesinos.

With the 4th rd. to be held in Alcobendas – Madrid, Oct. 25th, the absolubte Championship is still to be decided. For sure Oscar Cabezas and Josué Artiles will offer a nice show in the last Spanish Rd to get the absolubte Nat Championship.

Final Results:

Pos / Driver	Laps	Time	Fast Lap
1  Oscar Cabezas	165	45:11.126	15.515	Motonica – Novarossi – Merlin Fuel
2  Nacho Lopez Lluch	162	45:03.071	15.605	Mugen- Nova Collari-Enneti
3 Sergio Montesinos Ortega	161	45:05.401	15.867	Mugen-JP Racing-Enneti
4 Josue Artiles Santana	160	45:03.931	15.755	Mugen
5 Carlos Peracho Heras	158	45:14.528	15.466	Velox / Sirio
6 Paco Lobo	156	45:10.105	15.963
7 Oscar Cordon Garcia	155	45:01.093	16.188
8 David Menendez Tejedor	154	45:08.012	16.016
9 Joaquin Villegas Gutierrez	152	45:07.208	16.308
10  Victor Gonzalez	40	10:56.191	15.714

Tags: 1:8, On Road, Racing