TQ Gens Ace Championships – Report
TQ RC Raceway of Chino, California, SoCal’s only indoor carpet on-road track, was the site of the first Gens Ace Championships. The morning started early with practice then the formal lineup of cars and drivers. The race day was handled by track owner Sean Park and his main shop guy Ralph, both kept the race pace fun and flowing well with its 49 Entries and 10 heats spread between seven classes. The Sedan classes were full as usual in both 17.5 and 13.5. Drivers had to navigate the tighter than normal sweeper at the end of the straight and many would come in contact with the wall. Ultimately in 13.5 Expert Roel Espina TQ’d and would take a decisive win by a lap over the field. Brian Rutgerford would come in second from JD Ramsey third.
In 17.5 Sportsman Sedan Hector Martinez used his TQ position to pull away and put a full lap on the field by the end of the race. Second and third would go to Jae Shin and Michael Kamali respectively.
As it says on RCtech, 1/12th scale is alive and well in SoCal and it couldn’t be more true at TQ. The 1/12th scale crowd varies is size month to month with 17.5, 13.5 and Mod classes and many racers travel several hours or even states to race at TQ. The 1/12th classes saw some good battles and close precision racing. Former Tamiya champion Rod Canare would set TQ and Take home the win in both 17.5 and 13.5. Egar Fiallos took the runner-up spot in 13.5 while Chin Luc completed the podium result in third.
The 12th 17.5 podium was filled with Steve Burgess and Dillon Hoffman who accompanied winner Rod Canare.
The Rubber Formula class was fun as usual to watch. Grip was up on the track a bit with the cooler weather and these narrow cars were having a hard time keeping it on 4 wheels. Several drivers would hook and roll in the corners. Hector Martinez would set TQ and also take the win a full lap over 2nd placed Alex M. while Alex Navarrete rounded out the podium result.
One of the other classes that has been growing in popularity lately has been the Mini class. These small little cars have the scale look and are a blast to drive. Drivers up on the stand are always smiling from ear to hear wheeling them around the layout. They also provide some of the closest side by side racing there is. Alex Navarrete would end the day on the top spot from Marc Cruz and Leo V.
The Rookie Class drew one of the largest crowds of the day with many of the racers cheering on these guys. The rookie class has been growing quite a bit at TQ as of late and the top 3 consisted of 2 of our youngest racers both under the age of 8. Jacob Cruz was the star of the show setting TQ in Round 1 and taking the win. James Yoo grabbed the runner-up spot from Jason Shin in third.
Thanks to Steve Burgess for the report.
