IIC: Hagberg and Volker on top after first round

0 Oct. 16, 2014, 2:54 p.m.

10/16/2014
By Aaron Waldron

LiveRC.com

The first round of IIC, like any carpet race, is the slowest - the groove is still being worn in, the grip is still improving, and the drivers are still learning how hard they can push their cars on the narrow and twisty track. Unlike races that use qualifying points, however, IIC's rocket round makes the first round sort of an extended practice session - as we'll no doubt watch these times fall later on Friday and into tomorrow's final two rounds.

“It was really good. I had a very good run with no mistakes,” said Alexander Hagberg, as the Swede stood atop the first round. Noting that the times will continue to drop, the XRAY driver said his X12 was “good enough” for TQ on a track that he thinks is a bit too open for 1/12-scale racing. “I prefer the more technical layout they had last year, but that’s just my opinion,” Alex said.

Describing his run as “pretty good” with a few mistakes and a couple of crashes, Team Associated driver Juho Levanen feels that without the mistakes he would’ve been much closer to Alex’s time. Feeling pretty happy with his 12R5.2, Juho was found tuning his speed control for more power.

Juho’s teammate Keven Hébert started off okay, before his front tires wore out around the three minute mark and his car started pushing really badly. The Canadian said that the balance of his 12R5.2 was good, however, and he’ll change from Pink compound to Blue for the second round.

1/12-Scale Modified after Round One:

Alexander Hagberg - 49/8:01.555 (R1)
Juho Levanen - 48/8:00.833 (R1)
Keven Hebert - 48/8:02.286 (R1)
Mike Haynes - 48/8:08.199 (R1)
Ray Darroch - 47/8:01.492 (R1)
Max Kuenning - 47/8:02.250 (R1)
Dave Ehrlich - 47/8:03.521 (R1)
Paul Lemiuex - 47/8:04.795 (R1)
Hupo Honigl - 46/8:10.232 (R1)
Andy Moore - 45/8:01.199 (R1)

“It was good, well balanced,” said Ronald Völker of his BD7 2015. The German took it safe and had a very clean run, but noted that Q1 is not going to be the fastest round so it doesn’t count for much yet. He’ll make no changes for the second round, but just wants to make sure his car won’t be traction rolling when the grip comes up.

Former World Champion Andy Moore said his Pro 5 was “not too bad, just a little bit pushy.” An overall safe run, he had one little “dink” in the center that cost him just over a second. “Everyone’s close, and I think everyone is just going to get faster and faster anyway.” The Brit will try the same tires again on Q2.

Alexander Hagberg said his T4 2015 was “better than yesterday, but still lacking a bit of pace.” The Swede said the grip is so high that his car rolls too much, which cuts down on corner speed. Stiffer springs will be fitted for Q2.

Touring Car Modified after Round One: