DJ Apolaro wins ROAR Sedan Nationals

This past weekend we had the 2011 National Championship Race held at the ControlFreakz track in Chaplin CT and DJ Apolaro sent us this report. All the big players had come out to claim the prize and fight it out for the top spot. I was running both classes, as in the US they combine 1/8 scale and Sedan. What also makes it tough is they only qualify the top 4 into the final, which could mean a lot of driving to try and advance from a Semi or ¼ final.

Having both my Capricorn cars ready for some action I was hoping to have a great weekend. My cars have been good all year and I was hoping it was my time. My Capricorn C-01 started off a little hard to drive over the bumps and finding a fast line with consistency proved hard for most drivers. I found a balance I was happy with and after the qualifying I was sitting second on the grid and made a direct qualification into the final. I took 2 seconds and 1 TQ and Paul to 2 TQ’s and 1 second. That put him first on the grid. I knew this was going to make for a great race.

In 1/8 I had a great car from the start. My Capricorn C-801 was on rails all the time. However the driver was making a few error’s early in the event. I would always be in the first or second spot and either have an issue or hit a flapper. In the first run I hit a flapper and lost 10 seconds and also had a 2speed fail with 5 laps to go. With this I was still able to take 8th for the round. The second round I broke the far in a high speed section of the track. In the 3rd I just planned it safe and it allowed me to take the TQ for the round and put me 4th on the grid and a direct spot for the final. This run was also a new track record for 1/8 scale.

In 200mm I started the final and on the first turn fell back to last place. I was able to get through traffic and make my up towards the front with the top 2. After some intense battle’s I was able to get the lead and in the end bring home the win ahead of Paul Lemieux in 2nd and Scotty Gray in 3rd. Giving Capricorn and Myself our first National title. In 1/8 scale I made my way to second place and made a driver error and broke the car. This was the end of 1/8 scale for me. The car was not able to be repaired and I just sat back and watched what could have been.

Leaving the weekend with making both finals directly and Winning the 200mm Final, I was very happy. Making all this possible is of course the sponsors that give me the best products on the market. I would like to thank Capricorn Italy, Novarossi World, Contact Tires, Airtronic’s, ControlFreakz.com, Faskolor, ERA1FXCustoms and Kosmic RC Fuel.

Special Thanks to my Wife, Kenny Ives JR. and crew for the great facility and Roar for running a smooth event.

Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]