Saarinen doubles at Finnish National Series Finals

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Tyler Hooks

0 Sept. 7, 2018, 10:33 a.m.

By Tyler Hooks
LiveRC.com

Announcement from XRAY:
www.teamxray.com

Race Report by Konsta Saarinen

Last round of Finnish nationals were held at Kiiminki. Friday was free practice day but we were able to drive only couple hours because of rain.

In 4wd, I was able to be top seeded after practice rounds. I knew if I can keep my rubbers on the track I could be fast enough to take the overall TQ. Q1 was close between top3. I made couple mistakes and ended up third only missing the TQ about 5 tenths. Q2 was big disaster. Many mistakes and I was out of top 10 on that round. Q3 was again filled with mistakes but I was able to be second on that round. Going to Q4 there was again many guys who had shot for the overall TQ. I was able to get TQ from that round and with tie breaker I got the overall TQ.

I was confident for the finals and I won first final with good gap. Second final was as good as first final and I was able to won that also and I secured the overall win. XB4 was on point all over the race and I can´t be happier with the car.

4WD Buggy Results
1. Konsta Saarinen – XRAY XB4
2. Miikka Luhta
3. Mikko Luopajarvi

I changed my setup completely and fortunately the car was good and I was able to be top seeded right front of Mikko Luopajärvi. Q1 was tough. Couple small mistakes cost me the TQ and I ended up third. Q2 I was on TQ pace but one big mistake again and I missed TQ about 4 tenths. Q3 was good. No mistakes and TQ for me. Going to Q4 there was three guys who had shot for the overall TQ. Fight was between me, Mikko and local Miikka Luhta. When the dust was settled, it was Miikka who came out with overall TQ. I was starting on second spot and Mikko third.

First final Miikka made an early mistake and I taked the lead and never looked back. Second final was disaster. Big mistake on second lap and I ended up fourth. For the last final there was four guys who had shot for the overall win. I was able to get by Miikka because he made a mistake and after that it was fight between me and Mikko. I made a small mistake and Mikko get by and won last final but I was able to win the race with tie braker. Very happy with my result. 2wd in these conditions is not my favourite thing to do...

2WD Buggy Results
1. Konsta Saarinen – XRAY XB2
2. Mikko Luopajarvi
3. Miikka Luhta 

This was last round of Nationals and in overall points I ended up 4th in 2wd and 2nd in 4wd. Little bit dissapointed with my 2wd season but overall I´m happy with my results. Both my Hobbywing powered Xray cars were dialed all over the season and now is time to start prepare for winter season! Big thanks to EuroRC for support throughtout the season!