Team Associated Reigns In Pacific Northwest at the JConcepts Spring Indoor Nationals

The second stop of the JConcepts Indoor National Series, the Spring Indoor Nationals, made its first trip to the Pacific Northwest just outside of Seattle, Washington at Tacoma R/C Raceway. With a large group of local racers and National-level talent, the event was sure to be one of the most popular of the year. As a matter of fact, with 230 entries, this event was the largest ever at the TRCR facility. The track itself is a traditional indoor size measuring 90 x 60 feet with 8-9 foot lanes throughout. With the high grip and fast lap times, racing would be close and tight throughout.

As qualifying began it was clear that the group of local talent, including Team Associated/Reedy drivers Michael Schoettler and Luke Smith, were not going to cut the visitors any slack. Not even if you were the reigning 4WD World Champion and named Steven Hartson. Schoettler was the class of the field in both 2WD and Truck Modified with his Reedy-powered RC10B5M and RC10T4.2 vehicles taking the overall top qualifying positions. Teammate Luke Smith started second in 2WD Modified and Steven Hartson starting second in Truck Modified. In the 4WD Modified class, Hartson slowly built his pace throughout the event to land in the second grid position to start the triple A-Main events.

In 2WD Modified, the racing was intense and Schoettler took advantage of his pole position grid spot to easily win A1. In A2 however, Smith took the lead for a few laps as Schoettler bobbled, but was able to work his way back around Smith to take the win in A2 and overall.

In Truck Modified, Schoettler was in a league of his own, lapping the field just half way through the single 8-minute final.

In 4WD Modified, Steven Hartson found his focus and battled with Tyler Vik and JR Mitch for the title; however, with victories in A1 and A3, the 4WD World Champion Hartson took the overall win with his B44.2 Factory Team.

Also taking victories using Team Associated vehicles were John Walentia in 2WD Modified Short Course with his SC10.2 Factory Team, Wayne Wyrick in Stock Truck with his T4.2 Factory Team, Rudy Rico in 2WD Stock with his RC10B5, Jason Ruona with his RC10 Worlds Car in Vintage Modified and Rudy Rico again in 2WD Stock Short Course with his SC10.2 Factory Team.

Thanks to the entire Tacoma R/C Raceway crew for the hospitality. Look for Team Associated at the next tour stop in the JConcepts Indoor National Series at Outback Raceway in Chico, CA in mid July.