Hébert Wins The Race for the Watch

Racers from across the US and Canada made their way to Timezone II Raceway in La Center, WA for the 5th Annual Timezone Gran Prix. “The Race for the Watch,” which the event is affectionately known, has become one of the most anticipated events of the year thanks to excellent competition, a relaxed atmosphere, and the snazzy wristwatches awarded to the class winners.

Timezone prepared a fast, challenging, high-grip circuit that rewarded precision driving and excellent car setup. Participating in this event for the fourth year in a row, AE/Reedy factory driver Keven took full advantage of his familiarity with the track conditions to get up to speed quickly. By the end of practice, it became perfectly clear that Keven was the driver to beat in the Modified classes.

As the track improved during qualifying, so did Keven. Not only was he the fastest qualifier for every round, he improved his overall time each run to place his Reedy-powered TC6.2 on the pole position for the final. Teammate Mike Haynes qualified second and was fast enough to take advantage should Keven falter in the main event.

Other than a DNF in round one, 1/12 Modified qualifying followed the same script. Hébert continued to improve and reset the TQ time each round to eventually claim another pole position. Haynes again found himself in second position for the 8-minute main event.

The Modified TC main event was not as easy for Keven as qualifying had been. He jumped out to an early lead, but just before the half way mark he tangled with a back marker and suffered a tucked body which allowed the field to gain ground while it was being repaired. Keven maintained the lead, but lingering effects of the accident remained. The body continued to rub the front wheel, which slowed him down slightly, but he still managed to turn consistent lap times and take the win with a four-second margin to second place.

A great start allowed Keven to gap the field early in the 1/12 Modified main event. Little by little, he extended his lead and eventually lapped the field on his way to taking the win with his Reedy-powered 12R5.2. Mike Haynes crossed the line in second position to make it a 1-2 finish for the AE/Reedy teammates.

Congratulations to all the winners and to the Timezone crew for hosting another memorable event!

Products used:
1/12 Modified
#312 Reedy 7000mAh 65C 3.7V LiPo
#246 Reedy Sonic 540 Mach 2 3.5T Motor
#4020 RC12R5.2 Factory Team Kit

Modified TC
#309 Reedy 7000mAh 65C 7.4V LiPo
#243 Reedy Sonic 540 Mach 2 5.0T Motor
#30109 TC6.2 Factory Team

[source: www.rc10.com]