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Valander won 2WD and 4WD at Finnish Nationals opener [VIDEO]

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Aaron Waldron

0 May 24, 2016, 9:04 a.m.

Main Photo: Valander won 2WD and 4WD at Finnish Nationals opener [VIDEO]

By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Race report from EuroRC:

www.eurorc.com

Joel Valander takes home both classes at Hyvinkää 2016

First round of Finnish 1/10 off-road nationals were held at Hyvinkää in Finland. Weather was pretty warm and sunny, and that made the track pretty dusty.

You can watch the whole race from our video race report on Facebook. Don't forget to like us and put notifications on to see more coverage in the future.

In 2wd Joel Valander took the TQ with two first places. Joona Haatanen was starting second followed by Karri Salmela in third. Finals were thrilling between top three guys as they were lot quicker than rest of the field. Joel won first and last leg of triple A-mains.

2wd Overall:

Joel Valander - Xray
Joona Haatanen - Associated
Karri Salmela - Associated
Tomi Mairue - Associated
Lari Jäppinen - Xray
Sami Salmela - Associated
Mikko Luopajärvi - Associated
Oskari Mäki - Associated
Tuomo Otsavaara - Xray
Jani Hovi - Yokomo

Sunday was time for the 4wd class. Qualifying was again super close with top three guys. Joel took Q1, Joona Q2, Karri Q3 and Joona Q4. Joona was starting on pole for the finals followed by Karri and Joel. Joel won first leg with comfortable gap to second. Joona won second final followed by Joel. In last final Joona and Karri had early mistakes and Joel took the lead. Karri was pushing hard behind Joel but couldn't find way to pass. Joel Valander also won 4wd race.

4wd Overall:

Joel Valander - Xray
Joona Haatanen - Associated
Karri Salmela - Associated
Henry Salmen - Xray
Tomi Mairue - Xray
Juha Aromaa - TLR
Valtteri Eklund - Xray
Jari Itävuori - Durango
Toni Niinivirta - Xray
Jani Hovi - Team C Racing

Joel Valander's comment's from the race:

"I am very happy to performance this weekend. I have been doing lot of testing with Xray cars as this is my first outdoor season with them. Both cars were easy to drive and fast as I set fastest lap of the race in both classes. I'm also happy with my electronics as I had perfect smooth power and smooth brakes with new Hobbywing XR10. Highest servo's also gave me great speed and torque."

On Saturday there was also a Dash4Cash race with 2wd cars. Joona Haatanen won after overtaking the whole field in the 8 minute heat. With Henry Salmén and Lari Jäppinen grabbing the remainder of the cash.