Long known as one of the premier 1:12 scale races in the world, "Cleveland" - as it's known in the racing community - saw Mike Blackstock take the newly crowned World Champion 12R5 to the pole position and overall 1st place trophy in the Modified 1:12 Class.

Mike, a long-time 1:12 and "T-bar car" racer, used the stock "link" setup to master the fast and flowing Indoor Champs layout. When asked how his car worked, Mike commented, "This is by far the best 1:12 scale I've ever driven. It doesn't tweak when I make a mistake and is so easy to drive fast."

Mike will take a hiatus from the racing circuit and is on full-time baby watch. All of us here at Team Associated wish he and his wife Melissa the best as they welcome their first child.

Look for Mike to be back at it for the Snowbird Nationals in late January. There he looks to continue his success with the Team Associated 12R5 and to improve on his podium finish at the Indoor Champs with the TC5F in Modified Touring.