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Team CRC Wins again!

Another victory at the 2007 Halloween Classic at the Gate in Cleveland.

Gen-X and Pro Cut tires T.Q. both 19 turn and Modified

Over the years, the Halloween Classic has been known as the official warm-up race to the U.S. Indoor Champs in Cleveland, OH. Many different venues have produced many different champions, all leaving the event with aspirations to win the U.S. Indoor Championships. At the 2006 Halloween Classic, CRC had a clean sweep of all the 1:12th classes. In fact, in 1/12th stock, CRC cars qualified 1 – 18! Almost 2 full mains of 1 brand of car. At this year’s event, similar results with CRC cars making up 21 of the 30 spots available in the 3 A-mains. In stock 8 cars out of 10. In 19 turn, a whopping 9 out of 10 including the first 5 qualifiers. In modified, 4 out of 10 including the 1 + 2 qualifying positions.

In modified, Rome, NY based Team CRC driver Jeff Dayger used CRC Pro Cut tires on his Carpet Knife Generation-X to become Top Qualifier. Remember, just a few years ago, CRC invented the high-roller type wheel for 1:12th scale and one by one, each and every manufacturer has complemented CRC by copying our innovative idea and design. However, we did it first and we still do it best; a high quality, stiff high-roller rim with the freshest racing rubber mounted and trued to race-ready sizes. At the 2007 Halloween Classic, Jeff chose CRC’s Magenta front and Pink rear for his Gen-X car. Jeff was the first car to do a 9.6 and backed up his lap with multiple 9.6 second laps. Joining Jeff on the front row of the modified grid was Parma’s Paul Ciccarello and his Gen-X with Parma body and tires. Paul is a great asset to racing, helpful, friendly AND he can wheel.

Likewise, in 19 turn, the quiet but deadly James Brink from Michigan used CRC Pro Cuts on his Gen-X to dominate qualifying in 1:12th 19 turn. Joining Brink on the qualifying podium was his Michigan mentor, Terry Rott and Ohio racer, Mike Pulfur. All three with Gen-X cars and Pro-Cut tires.

In the A-main of 19 turn, Brink battled Ohio racer Aaron Buran for the victory. Aaron had just built his Gen-X, finishing the build the morning of Friday practice. Buran had planed to run a different chassis in 1:12th modified, but when his Gen-X was so quick in 19 turn, he decided to give it a go in mod as well. Even though 19 turn is brushed and modified was brushless, Buran switched his Gen-X back and forth each qualifier. Later, Aaron went on to say that the car worked in both classes without major changes, same springs, tires, body, camber… hell, even the brushless speedo stayed at the same setting, he just had to remove the wires necessary to make it work for brushed. Dialed….

As Brink and Buran battled for the lead, the sly old veteran Terry Rott was staying within striking distance. Brink fast and aggressive, Buran smooth and steady, Rott ready to pounce. In the end, Buran held on for the win, his solitary Gen-X making both the 19 turn and Modified A-main. James was close for second, in fact reports had his laps faster than Aaron, but James was just not able to take the win. However, with A-main finishes at the 06 Indoor Champs, the 07 Nationals and the 07 Halloween race, no doubt James is on the brink of a victory. (sorry James, couldn’t resist)

In stock, eight out of 10 cars were CRC with a good number of the A-main contestants on CRC Pro Cuts as well. Veteran racers Wayne Gerber and Mike Pulfur qualified 2nd and 3rd. CRC drivers qualified 2 – 9.

In the end, another dominating performance by all the drivers who chose CRC products. Thanks to all the people responsible for keeping this great race alive. Congratulations to all the racers. Indoor Champs here we come.

Thanks to Nashrcracer and www.rc50.com for the photos and the semi-live results of the race.