Ben Panic TQs and Wins Round 4 of the Malaysian Nationals on the new JConcepts Stackers Tires.
Event: Malaysian Nationals Round 4
Track: RCC Glenmarie
Dates: September 29-30, 2012
The premier 1/8th offroad facility for the past 5 years has been Alvin Lam’s RCC track in Glenmarie. The fourth round of the nationals is the last meeting at this famed track with Alvin unveiling a new RC facility with multiple tracks later in the year.
Local racers had plenty of input in to the layout for round 4 and it was a technical track that had jumps, high speed sections, elevation changes and off camber corners. Something for everyone.
The nationals series is run over 5 races with the best 3 to count and round 4 would see the title challengers battle it out closely. Daniel Law (Losi/Orion/AKA) had the chance to wrap it up if he could add another win to his round 2 and 3 wins.
David Lim (Kyosho/OS/AKA) and Ben Panic (Kyosho/Novarossi/JConcepts) would have to win to keep Daniel at bay and give themselves a chance in round 5 to take the overall win.
Qualifying was 4 rounds of 10 minutes with the best 2 to count. With all 4 rounds on Saturday 110 drivers battled for the TQ honors. Round 1 went to Boy Chan (Xray/Sirio/Sweep), his local knowledge saw him clock 15 laps and give the others something to chase. Round 2 was a battle, Both Ben and Daniel did not pit for fuel and when the buzzer sounded both drivers were on their 16th lap. Ben edged out Daniel for the win. Round 3 would be another battle between Ben and Daniel, traffic played a part for both drivers as they flew around the track with Daniel ending up the winner.
With the track grooving up round 4 would decide overall TQ. With Ben, Daniel and Boy all winning a round they all had a shot at it. The pace was fast and another good run saw Ben hit 16 laps and take the win and overall TQ.
As it does in the tropics the track got drenched in an afternoon thunderstorm at the end of qualifying and it was well needed. Sunday came and the lower finals were run in the morning with the top 5 bumping up in each. Semi A got under way and Ben led from start to finish for 30 minutes lapping the entire field. Semi B saw Felix Tan (JQ/GO/KII) take the win ahead of Daniel.
The 60-minute main had the title contenders all in the top 5 and with the track receiving a downpour at lunchtime it was going to challenge the drivers, as the surface was greasy and unknown. The first 20 minutes saw Ben, David, Daniel and Felix all battling for the top spots as they got to grips with the surface, David pulled a lead on the others and set about trying to pull away. Ben chased hard and by the 35 minute mark was a couple of corners behind.
Consistent laps by both Kyosho drivers saw them lap the field by the 45 minute mark and it was going to be a race to the finish between these two. Ben closed in on David and cautiously waited for an opportunity. When David pitted Ben put in some quick laps and gapped David setting up a 12 second cushion. With a single stop to go Ben got in and out of the pits ahead of David with 8 minutes to go. Both drivers were pushing, traffic was playing a role and the spectators were given a show as both Ben and David made their way through the back-markers. As time ticked away David made a final fuel stop and Ben cruised to the finish with David in second and Daniel in third. Round 5 will decide the champion, all 3 drivers will be locked on equal points going in to the final round setting up a thrilling finish to the season.
Ben used the following JConcepts Products:
#3065-02 – Stackers – Green Compound
#3065-01 – Stackers – Blue Compound
#3304 – Inverse Wheels
#0229 – MP9 Finnisher Body
#2074 – 1/8 Wheel Nuts Black