European Nitro Challenge attracts capacity entry
The European Nitro Challenge takes place at the Hockenheimring in Germany next weekend (7-10 June) and has bucked the trend for nitro events by attracting a capacity 120 entries made up of some of nitro racing’s fastest drivers including current 1:8 World Champion Robert Pietsch. Created last year by Shepherd, the German manufacturer selected one of Europe’s most appropriate venues for a nitro event allowing 1:10 & 1:8 drivers to race within the grounds of the home of the German Formula One Grand Prix.
Aiming to bring an international event to the annual European nitro racing calendar, Shepherd’s vision for such an event has quickly gathered the support of the industry with fellow chassis manufacturers Serpent, Mugen & Motonica, engine companies Picco & Sonic along with LRP and Matrix tyres all partners of the second running of the 4 day event.
Last year victory in 1:8 went to Serpent’s Michael Salven while Shepherd boss Patrick Schafer claimed the spoils in 1:10 ahead of electric touring car ace Ronald Volker. Both drivers are back to defend their titles but both face stiff competition. Having TQ’d 1:8 last year only to hit problems in the 45-minute final, Mugen’s Robert Pietsch goes into the 2012 European Nitro Challenge as the clear favourite but with engine guru Alberto Picco, World finalists Simon Kurbuch & Oliver Mack, young Austrian GP podium finisher Tobias Hepp and Swiss National Champion Marco Müller among the entry the World Champion is going to have to work hard for the win.
A World Championship year for 1:10, the event has attracted a number of drivers expected to be in contention for that title in Bangkok, Thailand, later this year. A 200mm specialists, Xray’s Dirk Wischnewski goes to Hockenheim as one of the early favorites where he is expected to battle it out with Team Shepherd’s former World Champion Daniele Ielasi, Serpent’s Mark Green and Capricorn pairing Francesco Tironi and Eric Dankel.
A tire additive free event, the format will see 7-minute qualifiers followed by Christmas tree finals and Red RC will be in attendance to bring full coverage of the event starting with Friday’s free practice.
