The inaugural JConcepts Carpet Nationals coming soon to Northwest Hobbies

0 March 22, 2018, 8:13 a.m.

Main Photo: The inaugural JConcepts Carpet Nationals coming soon to Northwest Hobbies

By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com

Press Release from JConcepts:
www.jconcepts.net

With just a few short weeks to go until the first ever JConcepts Carpet Nationals, it’s time to get prepped for some high-speed, adrenaline bolstering, carpet racing! Northwest Hobbies has been handpicked by JConcepts to give you a chance to experience 1/10th scale off-road carpet racing at its highest level!

What to Expect This Year:
Northwest Hobbies just replaced their rug with the same high bite carpet that has been host to some fantastic racing in the years past. This, paired with JConcepts’ rubber as the spec tire for all classes promises to make this event a can’t miss! The facility has a large 45’x90’ track layout that features an assortment of technical jump sections and unique obstacles. With over 10,000 square ft to play with, the facility has built in power supplied pitting along with a fully stocked hobby shop!

Fresh rug and rubber not enough to entice you? How about the chance to race against some of the best in the business? The last two IFMAR World Champions are going to be in attendance with the 2015 IFMAR World Champion, Spencer Rivkin, and current 2017 IFMAR 2wd and 4wd World Champion, Ryan Maifield! Not only will you get to see world class racing right in front of your eyes, but you’ll also have the opportunity to hear your name called by the lyrical wizard and LiveRC famous Justin Wilde! The fun doesn’t stop there. Highlight your weekend by nerding out and talking setup with Area 51 genius engineer Kody Numedahl! That’s right all 4 of these RC icons are going to be in the house making this event epic.

Racing Format:
All classes will participate in three 5-minute qualifying rounds. Qual points will be issued for each round, with the driver’s best 2 of 3 rounds counting.

Triple A-mains will be held for all classes with the top 6 qualifiers locking straight into the A-main. The top 2 finishers of each lower main will receive a bump and continue their hunt for some hardware! All mains will be 6 minutes long.

As an added bonus, those taking on the challenge of racing against the pros in 2wd Modified will not only be competing for awesome trophies but also CASH MONEY! All 3 podium spots will be paid out!

1st = $200.00
2nd = $100.00
3rd = $50.00

Friday April 20th Schedule:
Open Practice 11:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday April 21st Schedule:
Open Practice 8:00am – 12:00pm
Driver’s Meeting 12:00pm – 12:15pm
Qualifying Rounds 12:30pm – Completion

Sunday April 22nd Schedule:
Open Practice 8:00am – 8:45am
Mains9:00am - Completion

Spec Tire Info:
As previously mentioned JConcepts rubber is the spec tire for the event putting racers on a level playing field and to simplify the tire game. To maximize the performance of the high grip carpet, JConcepts’ Pin Downs will be used in the rear with Swaggers navigating the track up front.

While this is a spec tire event, racers will be allowed to practice with any tire they choose up until qualifying. During qualifying and mains, racers must run the specially marked tire sold at Northwest Hobbies.
Racers will also have the freedom to trim pins and glue tire sidewalls as needed throughout the event, the only requirement is you are on the specified tire with the included foams.
There is no limit to the number of sets racer can purchase, however with the new carpet the tire wear is very low.
Spec tires will be sold at a cheaper price than retail.

Northwest Hobbies is going to be stacked to the roof with JConcepts tires so don’t worry about toting tires during your travels, they’ve got you covered!

Why the Pacific Northwest?
The Northwest region of the United States is known for many things: its beautiful evergreen trees, snowy mountain peaks, flowing rivers, coffee shops, microbreweries, flannels and big beards! One thing that has flown under the radar is the rapid growth within its RC community! Up and down the western corridor you will find several tracks providing battlegrounds for the ultra-competitive racers of Oregon and Washington. JConcepts is no stranger to these lands with Tacoma RC Raceway hosting the JConcepts Spring Indoor National Series over the past few years. These races have provided a glimpse to the local talent in the area and as last year’s race proved, there are some fast dudes in these woods! (The 2wd Mod A3 Main is a must watch!)

A trend has developed under the gray gloomy clouds that hovers above the Northwest… synthetic surface racing! For decades RC Plus in Salem, Oregon has hosted on and off-road racing on a variety of synthetic surfaces laying the groundwork for its peers to follow. Once a premiere clay track, Northwest Hobbies owner Casey Vitale, took note of what the local RC community craved: clean, affordable fun racing! After dabbling in clay and astro-turf, he has found that carpet off-road racing provides the most exciting action in RC today! To witness it yourself check out this clip from Northwest Hobbies of world champions Ryan Cavalieri and Spencer Rivkin chasing local fast guy Tanner Day during the 2016 Northwest Invitational.