2nd Annual Hangin’ Judge Open Wheel Classic
JR Mitch takes the top spot in 2wd and 4wd Mod Buggy with JConcepts.
Friday morning, I boarded a plane to Fort Smith, Arkansas and GSpeed raceway for the Hangin’ Judge race. I attended this same race last year and I had a great time. This year wouldn’t be any different. Shue and Chris have done a great job with GSpeed raceway; yes it’s one of the smaller tracks I’ve been to, but the layout Chris puts in along with the grip level works well. Friday afternoon practice would go as planned breaking in tires for Saturday and Sunday’s event. JConcepts Gold Dirt Webs were the go to tire all weekend on both of my TLR 22 2.0 and 22-4. Along with the super dialed compound was JConcepts new Dirt Tech Insert; these helped both cars with corner speed, which was the key to fast lap times.
Saturday, qualifying started about 3pm with four rounds being run (11 heats total and 44 races to be run) ending at about 10ish. My TLR vehicles worked great all through out qualifying, turning some of the fastest laps and times of the event. Lap times were close with both the 22 and the 22-4; this was mainly because of the small/tightness of the GSpeed track. At the end of qualifying, I was able to take the top spot in both 2wd and 4wd classes.
Sunday was main day starting at 9am with triple A mains. Competition was tight with teammate Cody Hollis and AE/JConcepts drivers Trevor Nault and Michael Twilling. One mistake could cost you a lap easily. A1 and A2 of 2wd worked out well by me winning both mains and the overall. As for 4wd, I made a big mistake on lap one putting me at the rear of the field. I battled back to finishing just less then two seconds behind A1 winner; my TLR/JConcepts teammate Cody Hollis. A2 and A3 went as planned and me taking the 4wd overall.
It was a great weekend race getaway, thanks to Shue, Kristie, Chris, and Robbie from GSHobby for their hospitality and a great event. If you’re ever in Oklahoma City or close to Fort Smith, stop in and check them out.
