Kosciuszek Inaugural JConcepts Outdoor Turf Nationals Champion

As one of the first outdoor turf tracks to hit the United States, R/C Madness (host of the 2005 ROAR Electric Off-Road Nationals) was selected by JConcepts to hold the first Outdoor Turf Nationals. Racers could compete in either an open tire class or a spec tire class, which took much of the guessing game out of the new and unique racing surface.

Practice began on Friday afternoon after a little weather had passed though the surrounding area. Team Associated and Reedy drivers Jason Ruona and Alex Kosciuszek were among the early test drivers sorting out setups and learning the new layout. As the sun came out over the bright green racing surface, traction immediately came up and the racers were smiling. As the day moved on, racers practiced in classes ranging from 17.5 Buggy to Stadium and SCT truck. While the buggies dominated the entry count, the trucks appeared to be just as enticing as the buggies.

Saturday morning, Chris Marcy and the R/C Madness crew did a fantastic job taking late entries, setting the heats, and prepping the track to deal with some early morning moisture. By late morning, racing was off and running. In the 2WD Modified class, Northeast favorite Alex K jumped to the top with his Reedy-powered Team Associated B5M and quickly showed why he has a great reputation growing in the Northeast area. JConcepts' own Jason Ruona and Team Associated on-road ace Mike Haynes finished second and third, respectively.

Alex K dominated the qualifying in the 4WD Modified class, running the only 15-lap run during the first round of qualifying with his Reedy-powered B44.3.

The mains started with the typical lower mains starting first while the A-Main drivers prepped for the features later in the program. TQ driver Alex K bolted off the start to a comfortable lead in 2WD Modified Buggy with Jason Ruona and Mike Haynes in tow. Ruona maintained the pace and placed some pressure on the youngster and a great race emerged for the top position. With about 40 seconds to go, Ruona made a costly mistake, losing 6 seconds, and with that, a chance at the victory. Alex kept it clean in front while Mike Haynes and Michael Alberti battled for third and the final podium position. At the finish it was Alex K taking the win, Jason Ruona in second and Michael Alberti with third.

The 4WD Modified class was once again dominated by Alex K. The Factory Team B44.3 got off to a quick start and consistent driving led to another huge lead. Michael Alberti hung in there with the mega-popular local Team Associated driver, but in the end Kosciuszek was too much and recorded his second victory of the day.

With the first annual JConcepts Outdoor Turf Nationals now in the books, hype is already beginning for the 2016 event. Look for Team Associated next year as traction builds for this new form of racing.

Thanks to JConcepts for these race report highlights.

Products used
#90003 RC10B5M Team Kit
#9063 Factory Team B44.3
#262 Reedy Sonic 540-M3 Motor 6.5 Modified
#27000 Blackbox 410R 1S-2S Competition ESC
#322 Reedy LiPo 5300mAh 70C 7.4V Shorty
#27100 Reedy RS1206 Digital HV Hi-Speed Competition Servo

Team Associated - Champions by Design