Race #119

Round 2 of the 2006 TCS season was hosted by S&N's Trackside Hobbies in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Once again the competition was fierce as racers from all over the area converged for bragging rights.

As in 2005, this years' race was a two-day event that included a special Rally Event on Trackside Hobbies off-road track. Special thanks goes to Mike Dibb for designing a course that suited the Tamiya Rally cars and made it a whole lot of fun for those brave enough to tackle off-road. Other special thanks go to Mike Lack of TrackSide Hobbies for being the go-to guy when it came to answers concerning the world of Tamiya and its endless wealth of option parts and what they do to enhance their rides.

Saturday was the day for qualifying and three rounds were run to determine how everyone would be seated for the mains on Sunday. There were three former TCS champions on hand. They were Erik Wippler, David Weir and Bruce Hickman. Bruce Hickman having won his title in the F-1 class tried his skills driving the new Tamiya TA-05 and it was evident that he had a lot of fun as he challenged for the top spots. David Weir having won Mini took part in F-1 and finished 2nd in the 'A' main behind Mark Rodney. Erik Wippler having won Mini too some years ago proved that he is not getting any slower as he reigned supreme with his metallic orange M03. He also had a podium finish in GT-1 as he won one of the triple 'A' mains.

Many kids were on hand at this year's event as well. Narissa Ernst, the youngest daughter of Scotty and Nancy Ernst competed for the first time in the Spec class and showed that someday she will contend for the Spec title. Benji Klawikowski having won the Spec title has showed that he is ready to play with the big boys in GT-3 or even GT-2 classes next year.

In GT-2 Lee Passehl or formerly known as the lead singer of 'Flock of Seagulls' showed that he is still the man to beat. Lee won the GT-2 regional title with a TB-02 in 2005 and is now driving a TA-05 which was masterfully tuned by his dad Don and the body was beautifully painted by his mom Sally. From all accounts it looks like Don and Lee really like what the TA-05 has to offer. Mike Lack having finished a close second to Lee again this year has vowed to catch him next year. Nick Bartolone being the arch Rival to Mike finished a close third and promises to get over his slump at Trackside.

In F-1 Mark Rodney of Michigan showed that an F-201 powered by a 19 turn motor is something to be reckoned with as he won the first two mains in the triple 'A' main format. He was able to sit out the third main and reap the rewards of victory.

In GT-3 John Elmer showed the field that his Mabuchi tuning skills as well as his chassis tuning skills were not to be dismissed as he beat two competitive rivals that are sure to challenge him next year. In Rally it was so much fun to watch that I don't think anyone cared who won, but the reality was they all cared because it was a fight to the finish. Matt Sunderlage having TQ'd the class easily was edged out in the third main by Nick Myszkowski who took the overall victory. Next year we'll have to add a loop section to make it more interesting.

For the first time in TCS history the Mini Class was divided into two groups, front and rear drive and it was Steven Key who beat up on his son Matt to take the gold medal. Matt having taken home the silver medal has promised that he will just have to borrow the winning car next year.

A very big thank you goes to Scotty Ernst and his crew for yet again for hosting one of the best and biggest TCS regional races in the country. It's their efforts that make having a TCS series worth its weight in Gold. Thanks to all the winners and participants and we thank you for all your loyal support to the Tamiya RC product line. We will see you again next year!