UK MICRO CHALLENGE

UK Micro Challenge 25/03/07

Micro Challenge Race Report.

We arrived at the UK Micro challenge event just after 8am. Held at Torc High School, home of Tamworth Radio Controlled Car Club. The UK micro challenge is run by UK Micro RC (www.uk-microrc.co.uk). Cris Oxley from UKMRC is the brains behind this event - the third of its kind, this being 'UK Micro Challenge 3'.
The track had been set out by members of trrac and consisted of carpet, slippery floor, and a number of plyboard jumps ranging in sizes and difficulty. Practice ran in heat order and started at 08.30am, followed by a drivers briefing at 09.45am. Qualifying Round1 began at 10.10am with 9 heats made up of Pro Stock (18th scale wuth brushed motors), Modified (18th scale with brushless motors), 1/16th scale and Truck classes.

The most popular class by a long way was the so-called 'Class 1', or "pro stock". These 18th scale brushed motor vehicles drew the best drivers and highest profile - it was also the class teamOOPLE chose to enter, with three drivers in attendance. Around 45 drivers in total raced these vehicles. The vast majority of racers choosing the FTX Blaze, with many also choosing the Associated RC18 range - both distributed by CML Distribution. One XRAY and one Losi Mini-T (driven by teamOOPLE driver, john price) raced in this class also.

Each heat lasted for 5 minutes with 3 minutes in between races. FTD was chosen for qualifying, and it was a good choice as the track never really changed much throughout the day - laptimes coming down as people got used to the track.

Jimmy:
I was kindly offered the FTX Blaze to run, lent by the guys at CML, for this event. The car in question was the winner of the previous years event - so I had something to live up to for sure. Once I got my electics in place, I only had time for a quick drive around the kitchen before setting off for the Micro Challenge.
I chose to fit some part-worn touring car mini-pin tyres all round, and from the off it was clear the car had far too much front end. Swapping the front tyres for a narrow version helped a little but the real change came in heat two, where I put near-new mini-pins on the rear, to balance the grip - I went from 10 laps to 12 from changing tyres. I was also in 11th place at this point.

For round three, I kept things calm and managed a quicker 12 lap, putting me in 8th position overall after the round. Round four, and even after checking all the wheel-screws I still had a failure after only a couple of laps when a screw fell out. This seems a fairly common problem on these cars, and threadlock is highly reccomended.
So I kept my 8th overall, but with some fast guys to come - unfortunately for me, guys like former European Champion, Chris Doughty, managed to put a good time in (at last) which pushed me down to B1 qualifier - just missing the A final.

After a horrific start (where I dropped to last after a truly farcical tangle), I put in some 'angry laps' to get back up to 2nd, but I didn't have enough time to get up to the leader and finished 5 seconds down, in 2nd.

The FTX Blaze was the most popular car at the meeting for a glaring reason - it's awesome. Properly setup, the car feels like a 'proper' buggy and very controlable. The only thing I'd love to have tried would have been a front one-way in the car, though I don't know if one is available.

Big thanks to Wes and CML Distribution for their help and loan of the car - enabling me to race at the micro challenge 3..

Top three qualifiers in each class at the end of round 1 :

Class		Name
Pro Stock
1st		Peter Ellis
2nd		Chris Hudson
3rd		Dan Osbourne
Modified
1st		Chris Hudson
2nd		James Evans
3rd		Stuart Harlow
1/16th
1st		Carl Bloomfield
2nd		Martin Reeder
3rd		Glenn Holder
Trucks
1st		Andy Lodwick
2nd		Rychard Brind
3rd		Dan Osbourne

Superstar 10th off road racer and former European Champion Chris Doughty arrived in time for the 2nd round of qualifying, after being delayed by some tyre troubles (mini pins eh - ED:- No vicky, he had a flat tyre on the motorway, so thankfully was ok and still able to come and race).

To gain a better picture of the dedication and skill required in organising a popular event such as the microchallenge race organiser Cris Oxley kindly agreed to participate in an interview.

Interview With Cris Oxley. (Race Organiser – and founder of UKMicroRC forum)

Who did most of the organisation towards this event?
-Myself and Kev Bradley

How much planning went into the event?
-6 Months – started straight after coming home from the second microchallenge which was 6 months ago. This is the third microchallenge event, so far have been held every 6 months.

Is the turnout what you had expected?
-Yes, a very good turnout, there are over 80 drivers and I am very happy with this. Due to drivers racing in other classes such as 10th scale I hadn’t expected people to prioritise coming to this event, however as it happens a number of drivers missed out on the National Indoor Finals (1/10th scale) to attend today.

Have you experienced any problems with the organisation or running of this event?
-With some of the sponsors being based in the USA it has been difficult to get products over here in time for the race. I spent a lot of time browsing photos of the Batley indoor meetings for inspiration when designing the track. The event isn’t covered by BRCA rules so we are not restricted in that respect, can build the track however we see fit.

Who are the main sponsors?
Radio Race Car International, UK Micro RC (UK-microrc.co.uk), CML, Tamworth Radio Race Auto Club (TRRAC).

Who has contributed towards:
Planning – Myself and Kev Bradley
Advertising – RRCI – Des Chand organised the DVD filming.
Running – TRRAC track team; Cris and Kev; Timing provided by Midland Electric Club.

Will you make any changes for the next event?
Yes, there is going to be a 6 round championship series this coming winter, best 4 scores to count. The races will be held at Tamworth, Hinkley and Hereford.

What do you think of the track?
I’m really happy with the track, I wanted to replicate the 1/10th offroad tracks with prebuilt jumps, but aimed to keep it driveable for racers of all skill level. Would have liked to build a wall of death but might keep this for future events as drivers skill level increases.

Do you race any other classes?
Yes, just 10th scale on road nationals.

How many years have you raced for?
-Started 2 years ago in January 2005, set up the forum in February 2005, first Microchallenge event was organised for April 2006.

Any other hobbies?
Watching motorcycling GP.

What is your occupation, is this your dream job and if not, what is?
Work in Marketing. No. Haven't got one – something to do with working in the RC industry.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Corfu.

Do you have any pets?
Two dogs – Megan and Moses.

What do you think of George Bush?
He’s a prick in my opinion.

Have you heard of oOple.com, if so how, and what are your thoughts?
I certainly have – visit every day. Best photos on the internet. Not sure how he found oOple – probably from doughtyuk.net.

Above: some of the many many prizes available on the day. Free raffle tickets were given out to every competitor - and optional raffle tickets for other prize draws (like the Kyosho above) were available on the day.

RRCI magazine were one of the main sponsors of the event - and in addition to their magazine coverage (which seemed pretty thorough) were also intent on making a DVD of the proceedings, setting up a camera above the rostrum and with a rather unfortunate fellow lugging around a huge DVCAM camera which looked to weight a ton.

Qualifying results after round 2 – top three in each class

Class	Name
Pro Stock
1st	Olly Jeffries
2nd	Chris Hudson
3rd	Dan Osbourne
Modified
1st	Stuart Harlow
2nd	Chris Hudson
3rd	James Evans
1/16th
1st	Carl Bloomfield
2nd	Martin Reeder
3rd	Glenn Holder
Trucks
1st	Dan Osbourne
2nd	Andy Lodwick
3rd	Rychard Brind

Chris Doughty in 12th place following round 2 qualifying, one place behind team oOple superstar Jimmy oOple. (Thanks Vicky, but Chris is the real star and we all know it.)

Qualifying Results After Round 3 – Top Three in Each Class.

Class	Name
Pro Stock
1st	Stephen Davis
2nd	Ollie Jeffries
3rd	Peter Ells
Modified
1st	Stuart Harlow
2nd	Chris Hudson
3rd	Tom Hudson
1/16th
1st	Carl Bloomfield
2nd	Martin Reeder
3rd	Glenn Holder
Trucks
1st	Dan Osbourne
2nd	Andy Lodwick
3rd	Rychard Brind

We caught up with 10th Scale Superstar Chris Doughty before he went to race in the fourth and final qualifying round. He very kindly answered a few pressing questions for me. Chris appeared slightly subdued so I chose not to question him about his journey to the track this morning.

How many times have you raced 18th scale?
Twice before, won the Helgar challenge, and qualified fourth at the first microchallenge.

Do you like the track? What do you think are the best features and what could be improved?
The track is really really good, lots of jumps which is good. Best features are the jumps, Improvements: Avoid the use of white tape for carpet – it looks like the track markings, and causes confusion. Would recommend something carpet coloured.

Do you think you could beat Neil Cragg if he was racing here today?
Easily. Actually – I don’t know. I thought I could, until I started racing and I’m doing really rubbish today – Can’t even beat touring car drivers. (Ollie)

How would you compare racing this class to 10th scale? Easier/more difficult/more fun etc.
More fun to race, although more difficult due to being unfamiliar with it.

Coke or pepsi?
– Coke, full fat.

What is your best race result ever?
2002 Euros, 4wd, 1st place.

What racing events are you most looking forward to this year, and will you be driving any new cars?
All the 10th scale nationals, every single one. I like all the tracks chosen for this year, but if I had to nominate one it would be Kidderminster. I haven’t raced much at Stotfold and not at all since they redid the track surface / added new jumps.

With wings or regular? (Question as requested by John Price).
Assuming we are talking aerodynamics – with wings.

Doughtys RC18B, heading around for another lap

Chris was helped by his dad Mick, acting as mechanic

After an unfortunate start to the day Chris Doughty managed to reclaim his stardom qualifying 5th in the A final with the second fastest lap of the day – 21.97 seconds. Chris finished 3rd in his final.

Final Qualifying Positions after Round Four.

Class		Name
Pro Stock
1st		Stephen Davis
2nd		Ollie Jeffries
3rd		Wes Myles
Modified
1st		Chris Hudson
2nd		Cris Oxley
3rd		Stuart Harlow
1/16th
1st		Carl Bloomfield
2nd		Edward Moller
3rd		Martin Reeder
Trucks
1st		Dan Osbourne
2nd		Andy Lodwick
3rd		Rychard Brind

Interview with Mick Doughty:
After racing my final qualifying round I spoke to the Mechanic and Influence behind Chris Doughty, his father Mick. We talked life, politics, and underwear. Here’s what he had to say.

What is your favourite colour jumper.
- Red.

Polycotton Mix or real wool?
- Polycotton mix.

Do you ever have weekends away from racing?
- Oh yes.

What other hobbies do you have?
- Sometimes Fly my aeroplane. What real one? No no no… radio controlled aeroplane. Chris bought me a striker. And watching motor-GP racing, any kind of motor sport.

What is your favourite supermarket? And reasons – price or range?
Asda – It’s nearest.

Coffee or tea?
Tea. With one sugar and milk. Digestives – non chocolate are my favourite dunking biscuits.

Have you ever raced radio controlled cars yourself?
- Yes, has won veterans four years ago. Has been involved in racing since 1974. Started racing 1/8th scale on road circuit. Raced against Phil Booth. Qualified for the European in 1976, came third in national A final in 1977.

What is your response to this weeks budget announcement?
- Crap. The poorer people are going to get poorer, and the richer people are going to get richer. Doesn’t think the money is going to be well spent.
Enters long discussion with John Price about ‘the problem with this country’ (The kids. Agreed!)

What is your dream car (big car)?
- BMW series 7. The boss has got one.

What's your occupation?
– technical supporter. Visit Romania every month. They don’t have rc racing over there.

Have you ever heard of oOple.com and if so what do you think of the website?
Yes. It’s fantastic. Where would we be without them. Love looking through Jimmys photos. The whole thing is a nice package.

Mick volunteered the following information: "I wear grey underpants. Although sometimes pink when the whites have been washed with red. I’m not domesticated at all"
Advised Mick to use Persil.

Interview with Wes Myles:
Representing CML but here just for the racing and fun, Wes Myles kindly arranged for Jimmy to borrow the mini thing from CML, this was the winning car from last years event when it was driven by Ollie Jeffries. Wes agreed to answer some of our very important questions.

What is your full time occupation?
I work in technical support/sales for CML, which is my full time occupation. I love my job.

Wes has just won the concourse competition so has gone to collect his prize.
What did you win?
Cadbury Heroes.

How long have you worked for CML and what are your main duties?
3 Years. I deal mostly with customers, and work a lot in the returns department.

Do you get to meet lots of famous people? Who is the highest profile celebrity that you have ever met?
What in the racing community or in general? (Both racing celebrities and in general). Yes I get to meet a lot of top racers in the UK. I’ve met Eddie Jordan and Damon Hill from F1 teams as well.

Does your job involve a lot of travelling.
Yes, to and from work – 50miles each way. I race a lot at weekends, national rallycross, so this involves a lot of travelling. CML don’t send me abroad.

Do you have to work a lot of weekends, or is it all just playtime?
All playtime, works weekdays office hours.

Do you believe it is wrong to mix business and pleasure?
Nope. Because I work in a job I enjoy

How many different classes do you race radio controlled cars in?
3- 18th scale buggy style. Touring 10th electric, non competitive races at club level. 8th scale nitro rally cross.

What is your favourite class to race?
Rally cross.

What is your best ever race result?
4th B final, Holbeach 8th scale national.

Which is your favourite track to race on?
Harper adams – the track at neobuggy.

Cadburys or Galaxy?
Cadburys.

Regular or with wings.
Regular.

Have you enjoyed the racing today?
Yes it’s been brilliant. First time at this event.

Favourite Zoo animal?
Penguin, funny as f##k penguins are. Also enjoy the chocolate variety.

Have you ever heard of a website called oOple.com?
Oh yes. Best feature – the photos, absolutely spot on.

Wes paints his own shells and he won chocolates for his shell being painted so well.

Finals Results:

Chris Kennedy commentated throughout the finals which added to the excitement, although made me nervous when I was nearly winning (Vicky).

The A final of stock 18th scale buggies was 'the biggie' of course, and narrowly missing out on the A myself (jimmy) I was at least able to watch and take a few photos.

Stephen Davies, driving the FTX BLAZE was on pole, just ahead of last years winner Olly Jefferies in second on the grid. Olly took an early lead when Stephen rolled after the first corner - but retook the lead after a couple of laps of nose-to-tail action, when Olly took a corner too tight and got hung up on the apex. The way was clear for Stephen to sail past and he never looked back.

Chris Doughtys day got better and better, and in the final he showed what he was made of by driving a car he's never driven before to third spot - despite losing a few teeth from the rear gearbox and not having full power.

Olly wheelies past an up-turned Stephen Davies - with Doughty in hot pursuit


Stephen chases Olly	Olly makes the mistake	The winning car

The final results were as follows:

A final

Pro Stock

1st - Stephen Davis - FTX
2nd - Chris Hudson - FTX
3rd - Chris Doughty - Associated.

Modified

1st - Stuart Harlow - Associated
2nd - Chris Hudson - FTX
3rd - James Wright - FTX

1/16th scale

1st - Carl Bloomfield - Kyosho
2nd - Edward Moller - Kyosho
3rd - Glenn Holder - Kyosho

Trucks

1st - Andy Lodwick - FTX
2nd - Rychard Brind - Anderson
3rd - Dan Osborne - Anderson

A full list of results will be available on the organisers website. Above right: A concours competition was held for the nicest paint jobs.

So all in all, a great day. Sorry for the lack of attention to the other classes but like everyone, we were there to have fun and never really stopped working! The meeting ran very smoothly and the commentating was great - the whole atmosphere which was created by the organisers, club and sponsors made the meeting all the more interesting and appealing. So thanks to everyone who did their bit to make the Micro Challenge 3 a success.