In order to make the final at the IFMAR 1/8-Scale Worlds you must race your way in - no driver is secured a spot through qualifying. Though the four highest-finishing drivers from each quarterfinal will bump up for a chance to compete, the top sixteen were locked in on Thursday - and their experience racing at the industry's highest level varies greatly.
Odd Semifinal:
Ty Tessmann - Canada (Hot Bodies/O.S./Pro-Line/Nitrotane)
Ty Tessmann has been at least this far in all four IFMAR Worlds he has attended, finishing 7th in the final in 2008, getting stranded in the semi in 2010, and finishing in the runner-up position two years ago in Argentina.
Lee Martin - England (Mugen Seiki/Novarossi/Pro-Line/Nitrolux)
The friendly Brit is competing in his third world championships, previously making the quarterfinals in Thailand and finishing 11th in Argentina.
Kyle McBride - Australia (Kyosho/Novarossi/Pro-Line/LRP)
Kyle McBride splashed onto the international scene with a spectacular run to fourth in 2010, and made it back to the semis two years ago.
Ryan Cavalieri - USA (Team Associated/Orion/AKA/Sidewinder)
The four-time 1/10-scale electric off-road world champion is racing in his fifth IFMAR Worlds for 1/8-scale nitro. Ryan made the semi in 2004, finished 11th in the final in 2008, retired from the final early in 2010 to finish tenth, and didn’t make it out of the semi in 2012.
Adam Drake - USA (TLR/Novarossi/Pro-Line/Nitrotane)
One of the most experienced racers still alive in this year’s Worlds is racing in his sixth championship. The Drake couldn’t recall where he finished in 2000 or 2004, made the semis in 2008, finished seventh in 2010, and was in the semis two years ago.
Robert Batlle - Spain (Mugen Seiki/Novarossi/Procircuit/Nitrolux)
Defending champion Robert Batlle is also racing in his sixth IFMAR Worlds for 1/8-scale. He was in the quarterfinal in 2002, finished ninth in the final in 2004, was in the semifinal in 2006, finished eighth in the final in 2008 and again in 2010, and…well, we know where he finished two years ago.
Drew Moller - USA (Mugen Seiki/LRP/Pro-Line/Flash Point)
“DrewMo” is back at the Worlds for the first time since finishing in the quarterfinals in 2008. He has grown quite a bit as a racer since then!
David Ronnefalk - Sweden (Kyosho/Orion/AKA/Runner Time)
Two-time defending European Champion David Ronnefalk is Sweden’s best shot at its first IFMAR championship, though he’s competing in his third. David was in the 1/8 final in 2010 and finished fourth two years ago.
Even semifinal:
Ryan Maifield - USA (TLR/Novarossi/JConcepts/Sidewinder)
Maifield ran out of luck, and fuel, while leading the Worlds in 2008. He has been in both finals since then as well, finishing tenth in 2010 and fifth in 2012.
Jared Tebo - USA (Kyosho/Orion/AKA/Maxima)
Like Adam Drake and Robert Batlle, Tebo is also competing for the sixth time. He made the semifinal in 2000, only got as far as the 1/16 final in 2002, was back in the semi in 2004. After not attending in 2006 he was back in the semifinal in 2008, finished third in 2010, and made it to the semi again in 2012.
Elliott Boots - England (Kyosho/Novarossi/Pro-Line/Byron)
The fastest racer at the last Worlds in Argentina before dropping out with mechanical issues, Boots is competing in the Worlds for the third time. He was in the 1/4 final in 2010 and the semi in 2012.
Ryan Lutz - USA (Durango/Alpha/AKA/Byron)
In his fourth try, Ryan Lutz is looking to beat his best run at the Worlds yet. Ryan made the semi in 2008, the quarterfinal in 2010, and finished 12th in 2012.
Carson Wernimont - USA (Mugen Seiki/O.S./Procircuit/Flash Point)
One of the youngest drivers still alive in this World Championship is Carson Wernimont, competing for the second time after making the 1/8-final two years ago.
Neil Cragg - England (Team Associated/LRP/Pro-Line/LRP)
Joining fellow Brit Lee Martin in the semis, Neil Cragg is competing in the 1/8-Scale Worlds for the fourth time. Neil finished in the 1/16-final in 2008 and made the quarterfinals in 2010 and 2012.
Martin Bayer - Czech Republic (XRAY/FX/AKA/LRP)
Martin Bayer is trying to bump into the finals after three straight semifinals in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Alex Zanchettin - Italy (TLR/Novarossi/Pro-Line/MLC)
Italy’s hope for its first world title since 1996 rests in the hands of Alex Zanchettin, who is competing at the IFMAR World Championships for the first time.
9/27/2014
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