(Photos at bottom of page)

Euros Day 3 [Wednesday 25th July]

The final day of 2WD started with a quick 2 minute round of qualifying to get the drivers used to the conditions on the day - and it was a good move as the track was different to the previous evening - with slightly less traction. The fast guys were still fast but for mere mortals like myself the car was hard work.

The organisers were hard at work again last night and installed the large grandstand style seating for spectators. This should make watching the finals a lot easier as standing against the fence can get a bit crowded.

Neil Cragg had dominated the previous day and kicked it back into high gear to take the final two rounds ahead of Hupo Honigl and Lee Martin in third. After a fairly poor day prevously, with some breaks, Craig Drescher got it together and with his 6 & 4 he made it into the A final.
The Overall top 10 in qualifying were as follows:

Practice A final
The A finalists get a practice A final - it counts for nothing but gives the drivers a chance to get used to the start. Neil set off from pole and pulled away slightly before spinning out on the main straight which put him back to last place. Neil was trying some new inserts in the rear which caused the car to spin out.
Lee Martin took up the lead but Hupo and Pinisch were right with him. Pinisch pulled a move and took the lead before crashing and letting Lee back through. Coming onto the straight Hupo tried to pass and crashed, cartwheeling down the straight and into the fence - putting him out of the running.
During this time, Neil Cragg had been slowly (or quickly) passing people, moving up to fourth with some amazing driving. Peter Pinish was being chased hard by Paul Bradby and Neil but took a corner wrong, collecting Bradby. Peter came off worst and was back to fourth with Neil chasing Paul very had for second. Lee took a compfortable victory and must be wishing it counted.

Quote from Lee after the practice A main - "Practice makes perfect"..... we'll see.

Lee - Hupo - Pinisch	Hupo retires
Lee walking away with it	...Meanwhile the battle rages behind
Pinisch takes the corner wrong- Bradby gives no love	Neil fought hard to pass Bradby but couldn't

A1
Neil set off again from pole but this time there were no mix ups. Hupo Honigl tried to pressure Neil but it wasn't going to happen and Neil pulled away. The battle for second was a much more interesting affair, with Peter Pinisch chasing Hupo. Coming into the final corner only a couple of feet from the loop to finish, Peter tried to get the inside like when there wasn't one, and both drivers were stuck together. Peter waited until Hupo was back on his way before setting off, so it finished Neil - Hupo - Peter.

A-main Leg 1

A2
Neil got away cleanly with Lee Martin behind. Hupo Rolled at the start and fell right back. Neil commanded things and we all expected him to pull away - instead Lee Martin not only kept with Neil but put serious pressure on. Neil isn't one to be pressured and kept lapping consistently. Lee Martin fell back very slightly a couple of times but fought right back to Neils bumper. Lee looked like he could take it from Neil and was putting in the fastest laps of the week and jumping with supreme confidence. Coming around the sweeper after the straight and over the small table top jump, Lee Rolled and Neil was away. Lee Martin was being chased hard by Peter Pinisch but knew he'd have to settle for 2nd unless Neil made a big mistake - which he didn't. Neil won the second leg and with it the 2WD European Championship 2007. Well done Neil!

Neil leads	Lee Martin was all over Neil like a rash
....A Roll from Lee Martin lets Neil get away.	Mick Cragg congratulating Neil on the win

Finishing Positions in Leg 2 of the A Main.

With 8 of the top ten drives racing the Associated B4 - it proves the dominance of the car. Hupo did great with his Losi XXXCR but no matter what he did he couldn't quite match the pace of Neil.

A-main Leg 3
Neil sat out of the third leg so it was Hupo Honigl at the front. Lee Martin got into the front right away and it was Lee from Hupo and Peter Pinisch chasing. Hupo was right along side lee coming off the straight but had to ease off as he didn't have the line. Lee got a small gap but Hupo rolled coming off the straight giving Lee enough room to breath and take the third leg - and with it second place.

The grid - minus Neil who sat out leg 3	Hupo was alongside
Hupo cartwheels along after the straight	A stylish backflip from Lee to celebrate

Finishing positions in leg 3 of the A Final.

Overall results after 3 legs of the A final.

Full list of results can be found here.

So Neil is the 2WD European Champion 2007 - he will surely be looking to repeat his success in the 4WD class but with a lot of competitive cars out there and a lack of success this year in 4WD Neil will have his work cut out.

The trophy presentation for 2WD was a little strange. The idea was to have the official presentation at the night club in the Vaasa Sokos hotel - but there was also a quick presentation at the track after the second leg of the A when Neil won. The night club presentation was a little cramped with so many racers, pit crew, photographers and officials - but it was a good 'do' and Neil even won a bottle of bubbly.

More photos and report soon from the 2WD event. Tomorrow is 4WD practice.