JConcepts Wave Final Race Report – by Jason Ruona

Event: JConcepts Wave
Location: OCRC Raceway – Huntington Beach, CA
Date: May 16 – 17, 2009
Classes: Electric off-road
Race Reporter: Jason Ruona

It was fun in the sun for the crew that took on the JConcepts Wave at OCRC in Huntington Beach, California. Is 75 degree weather nice? Well, that is exactly what we had during the entire weekend of the Wave. I can’t believe how well the Southern California racers have it at OCRC. What other track can I watch a flat screen TV while wrenching on my vehicle? We have to give major credit to Robert Black and the entire OCRC family for a fantastic facility and their hospitality during the entire visit.

The racing action was hot and heavy at the Wave but all eyes were on Steven Hartson as this is normally his stomping grounds. Steven and his father Dan have a very professional race program and when that is combined with Steven’s driving it is normally lights out in Huntington Beach. Drivers from all over made the trip including Zach Mote from Florida, Aaron Biner from Northern California and a large group from Arizona. Who would be the king of the beach?

Practice started on Friday but with a kicker, they also had a club race on Friday night. The club race turned into extended practice for most of the out of town guys and it worked out quite well but it was a late night. Check-in and registration was also performed on Friday night and extended into Saturday morning. Drivers where given with their first entry a JConcepts Events t-shirt and 1 pair of JConcepts gold compound Bar Codes tires.

Arriving Saturday morning racers seemed ready to go and eager to get the first round started. Steven Hartson as most predicted took the TQ in round 1 of Expert 2wd modified but it was Frank Root taking the first round in 4wd. Steven continued to back the hype as he continued as the TQ in every round in 2wd. In 4wd Frank Root applied some pressure but in the final round of qualifying Steven put down a spectacular 18 lap run to clinch the coveted TQ honors.

In the 10 minute long modified A-mains Steven started from pole position and rocketed away from the rest of the field. Frank Root the 2^nd qualifier in both classes applied some early race pressure but in the end Steven was too much and cruised home to take the victories in both 2wd modified and 4wd modified. Frank Root took home the second place in 2wd with Brent Thielke taking 3^rd. In 4wd I was able to turn it up and notch and battle my way to the 2^nd position so in finishing out the top 3 in 4wd, Jason Ruona took 2^nd and Chris Jarosz in 3^rd.

Speaking with Steven and his father immediately following the mains they had this to say. “The JConcepts Gold compound Bar Codes are the best tires for OCRC. The traction and wear is unbelievable on this new dirt. Thanks to JConcepts we have a great tire and compound for our favorite track in Southern California.”

For more information on JConcepts events or the JConcepts Wave please visit www.jconceptsevents.com

JConcepts Wave top 3 results –

Expert 2wd modified