Nicole Johnson Takes 2nd at W.E. Rock's Put Up or Shut Up Shootout, Qualifying for 2010 King Of the Hammers

Nicole Johnson of Johnson Motorsports rounded out the 2009 rockcrawling season with a 2nd place finish at the 8th Annual W.E.ROCK Put Up or Shut Up Shootout (PUSU) over the weekend in Tucson, AZ. As a qualifier event for the 2010 King of the Hammers (KOH) ultimate desert race, PUSU offered one of five potential spots in the highly-anticipated Southern California race put on by HammerKing Productions.

Organizing the oldest continuous rock crawling competition in America, W.E.ROCK continued its tradition of hardcore "run what ya brung" competition where all vehicles compete together on the same courses with no class designations. This year’s format included high-speed dirt sections and multiple bonus options in the rocks, forcing strategy and risk-calculating from all the teams, many of which were specifically vying for a position at KOH. The top five teams not already qualified for the February race would earn their spot among 100 racers from around the world.

But it almost didn’t happen for Johnson Motorsports.

On the way to Tucson, husband and spotter Frank Johnson received a phone call about a work-related emergency, forcing Frank to return to Las Vegas for the weekend. “As owners of a small construction company running a race team, we have to wear many hats and work hard to be successful with all of our obligations,” commented Nicole.

Continuing on the road without Frank, Nicole quickly scrambled for a replacement spotter and was lucky enough to team up with George Poston out of Phoenix, AZ. George, as many within the sport remember, spotted for champion rockcrawler Bruce “BZ” Zeller prior to the team’s retirement in 2007. Within two hours notice, George headed to Tucson, and helped save the weekend for Johnson Motorsports.

Today back in Las Vegas, the husband and wife team have already begun the race preparations and necessary modifications to their rock buggy, as Johnson Motorsports will have marked its third consecutive year racing King of the Hammers in February.

Losi Sweeps AZ State Championship Series

Round one of the Arizona State Championship Series took place this last weekend at Arizona's newest nitro facility. Losi had a great weekend sweeping both Expert and Intermediate classes. Losi drivers at the event included Autie Bender, Trevor Clement, Mike Friery, Brian Kinwald, Casey Peck and Danny Travino.

Expert Truggy saw Losi's Casey Peck taking the TQ and win with Brian Kinwald in the second spot. Losi teammate Trevor Clement fought a great battle and came from a bad start to finish third. All Losi drivers were running 8IGHT-T 2.0 truggies and Nitrotane Fuel.

In the Expert Buggy class Trevor Clement TQ'd with his 8IGHT 2.0 buggy. In the Main, Casey Peck and Mike Friery took a 1-2 finish. Casey's winning 8IGHT 2.0 buggy was equipped with 450-series green compound Eclipse tires and Nitrotane fuel.

The Intermediate classes were dominated by Losi vehicles as well. In the Buggy class the Nitrotane-powered 8IGHT 2.0 buggy of Autie Bender was able to take the main event win by a full lap over the competition. In Intermediate truggy Danny Travino's 8IGHT-T 2.0 truggy took down the field by 2 laps for a spot on the podium in first place.

Congratulations to the Losi Team!

French Rally Game Challenge

Two out of four rounds of the Rally Game Challenge have been held in France. Losi driver Nicolas Rodriguez has competed in the rounds one and two with his Team Losi Racing L8IGHT Model Race Roller. So far Nicolas has seen tremendous results with his L8IGHT as he took first place in round one and second place in round two.

Congratulations to Nicolas, and we look forward to hearing of your continued success!

2009 Spektrum Off-Road Championships

Matt Chambers, Dustin Evans, and Dakotah Phend competed in the 2009 Spektrum Off-Road Championships, hosted by Trackside Hobbies in Milwaukee, WI. With around 200 entries in the race, triple A-mains were only run for the modified 2wd class, leaving the modified truck and 4wd class to a single A-main.

In the Modified 2wd class, Dustin was the Top Qualifier. In the A1 race Dustin took advantage of his TQ by leading for the duration of the race. In A2 Matt finished in 2nd and Dakotah finished in 3rd. In A3 Dustin again led the race with Matt finishing in 3rd and Dakotah taking 4th. With a win in A1 and A3, it sealed the win for Dustin, Team Losi Racing, and Spektrum. Matt would grab the final podium spot in 3rd with Dakotah finishing 4th.

In the single A-main for Modified truck it was Dustin again starting from TQ and claiming the victory with Matt finishing in 3rd and Dakotah in 5th.

In the 4-Wheel class the single A-main go for it all type of racing caused a collision of 6-8 cars on the backstraight. However, Matt was able to finish the race in 4th and Dakotah in 5th.

Dakotah also competed in the 1/10 Modified Short Course A-Main. Dakotah took second place in the A-Main with his Losi Strike, powered by an Xcelorin Brushless Motor and ESC.

Dakotah, Dustin and Matt were all using Losi Pink BK Bars rears and Pink Taper fronts on their Team Losi Racing XXX-CRs, XXXT-CRs, and XXX-4s. All vehicles were powered by Xcelorin Brushless Motors and ESCs and Losi lipos.

Xcelorin is 2009 ROAR Electric 1/8 Champion

Over Thanksgiving weekend the First Annual ROAR 2009 Electric 1/8 Championships were held at Revelation Raceway. The drivers competed in a tough race, running triple A-mains for the ROAR Pro Buggy Class.

Five drivers in the A-Main were using 1/8-scale Xcelorin Brushless Motors and ESCs in their buggies. Once the dust settled Xcelorin driver Jeremy Kortz achieved the overall win, giving Xcelorin its first-ever ROAR Electric 1/8 Championship title. Jeremy Kortz was running an Xcelorin ESC and 1700Kv brushless motor in his buggy.

Adam Drake also ran in the Pro Truggy Class with his Electric 8ight-T 2.0 powered with an Xcelorin speed control and 1700Kv motor and Spektrum's DX3R radio system. Adam was the Top Qualifier in all three rounds, and took the overall TQ in the Pro Truggy class. In the main Adam Drake put on a great performance, making no mistakes in the A-main to take the victory.

Electric 1/8 Buggy Championships
Driver / Chassis / Electrics
1. Jeremy Kortz / / Xcelorin
5. Todd Hodge / 8IGHT 2.0 / Xcelorin
7. Kevin Gahan / 8IGHT 2.0 / Xcelorin
8. Adam Drake / 8IGHT 2.0 / Xcelorin
13. Matt Castellano / 8IGHT 2.0 / Xcelorin

2009 Nitro Indoor State Championships

The 2009 Nitro Indoor State Championship was hosted by Leisure Hours raceway in Joliet, Illinois. Several drivers attended the event including Losi drivers Kevin Wilson, Mike Marshel and Chuck Berg as well as Team Horizon drivers Jason Hudson and Sonny Ochoa.

In the Expert Truggy class Sonny Ochoa charged his way from his third place qualifying position to take the win in the 30 minute a-main with his 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller.

In Expert Buggy class Team Losi Racing vehicles occupied 4 out of the top 5 qualifying positions. Kevin Wilson took the lead in the A-Main and went on to win the 30 minute a-main with fellow team driver Chuck Berg finishing in third place. Both Kevin and Chuck were competing with 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers and Nitrotane fuel.

5th Annual Toys for Tots

Thunder Alley hosted the Fifth Annual Toys for Tots event December 5-6. The event drew nearly 200 racers to compete in 1/8 Buggy and 1/8 Truggy classes. Losi drivers Adam Drake, Levi Jackson, Randy Nolen, Colby Poh, Shane Preuyschat, Matt Screffler and Mike Truhe all competed at the event.

In the 1/8 Expert Buggy class Losi driver Adam Drake took second place in the A-Main with his 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller. In the 1/8 Expert Truggy class Adam took the win in the A-Main with his 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller. Adam competed with Losi 450-series 1/8 Buggy tires, Losi 480-series 1/8 Truggy tires and Nitrotane Fuel in both classes.

Congratulations to the entire Losi team for their performance at the event.

Expert 1/8 Buggy A Main
Name / Chassis / Fuel / Tires
2 ADAM DRAKE / 8IGHT 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi
4 LEVI JACKSON / 8IGHT 2.0 / / Losi
5 MIKE TRUHE / 8IGHT 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi
10 MATT SCHREFFLER / 8IGHT 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi
13 COLBY POH / 8IGHT 2.0

Expert 1/8 Truggy A Main
Name / Chassis / Fuel / Tires
1 ADAM DRAKE / 8IGHT-T 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi
4 MATT SCHREFFLER / 8IGHT-T 2.0 / Nitrotane
6 RANDY NOLEN / 8IGHT-T 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi
9 SHANE PREUYSCHAT / 8IGHT-T 2.0 / Nitrotane / Losi

King of the Desert Championships

The First Annual King of the Desert Championships was held at Phoenix AZ's newest nitro facility, ET Motopark. Losi drivers Autie Bender, Trevor Clement and Chris Wheeler participated at the event with their 8IGHT 2.0 Buggies and 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggies.

Chris TQ'd the Expert Buggy and Truggy classes, and went on to take the win in the Expert Buggy A-Main. Trevor finished in first place in the Expert Truggy A-Main. Twelve-year old Autie took the win in the Intermediate Buggy A-Main; this was also his first race with his new 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy. All three drivers were running Losi's Nitrotane Fuel in their vehicles.

Congratulations to each driver on their outstanding performance!

2009 Dirt Fest

The 2009 Annual Dirt Fest was hosted by CRCRC this past weekend. the race drew several area participants, including Losi drivers Chuck Berg, Curtis May and Kevin Wilson. The three Losi drivers competed in the 1/8 Buggy class with their 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers. Kevin was the top qualifier and won the 30-minute A-main, with Chuck finishing in second place and Curtis finishing in fourth place.

25th Annual Offroad Fall Classic

The 25th Annual Offroad Fall Classic in Hutchinson, Kansas was hosted by Hi-Performance Hobbies, and took place November 12-15. Losi drivers Dustin Evans and Matt Chambers competed at the event with their Team Losi Racing 1/10 XXX CR Buggies, 1/10 XXX-T CR Racing Trucks and 1/10 XXX-4 Buggies.

Matt finished in third place in the 2WD Modified Buggy class. Dustin took first place 2WD Modified Truck and 4WD Modified Buggy. Matt also took second place in the 2WD Modified Truck final.

Both Matt and Dustin equipped their vehicles with Losi Pink compound tires and Xcelorin Brushless Systems. Congrats to the the Losi team for a great race!

Nitro Pit Summer Series - Final Round

The Nitro Pit hosted the final round of its Summer Series this past weekend. Losi driver Trevor Clement was the overall winner of the Expert Buggy and Truggy classes. In the Expert Buggy class, Losi drivers took all three spots on the podium with Trevor in first place, Chris Wheeler in second place and Ryan Phillips in third place. All three Losi drivers were running the 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller and fueled their vehicles with Nitrotane.

2009 Novemberfest at Dixon's RC Raceway

The 2009 Novemberfest was hosted by Dixon's RC Raceway. The event drew approximately 70 entries, including Losi drivers Kevin Wilson and Chuck Berg. The drivers competed in 1/8 Buggy and 1/8 Truggy classes.

In the buggy class A-Main Kevin took first place and Chuck finished in second place with their 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers. In the truggy class A-Main Chuck finished in first place and Kevin finished in second; both drivers were competing with their 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller.

Congratulations to both drivers on their respective wins!

Truhe Dominates 2009 Sidewinder Nitro Explosion

The 2009 Sidewinder Nitro Explosion was hosted by Thunder Alley. The track featured several technical jumps, rhythm sections and a challenging set of downhill studder bumps. Several Losi drivers attended the event including Trevor Adamo, Phillip Atondo, Matt Castellano, Kevin Gahan, Levi Jackson, Casey Peck, Colby Poh, Matt Schreffler, Mike Truhe and Clint Wachter.

Drivers competed in the 1/8 Expert Nitro Buggy class with their 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers, the 1/8 Expert Truggy class with their 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Rollers, and the 1/8 Electric Buggy class with their 8IGHT-E 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers.

In the Expert Buggy class Mike Truhe was the top qualifier and finished in first place in the A-Main. Mike equipped his buggy with the new Team Orion CRF .21 Mike Truhe Edition Ceramic Buggy Engine, Losi's Green Compound 450 Series Eclipse Tires and Nitrotane fuel. Matt Castellano finished the A-Main in fourth place and Clint Wachter finished in eighth place.

In the Expert Truggy class Mike Truhe was again the top qualifier and achieved a first place finish in the A-Main. Mike was running Nitrotane fuel in his truggy. Matt Castellano finished the A-Main in fourth place, Phillip Atondo finished in eighth and Kevin Gahan finished in tenth.

In the Electric Buggy class A-Main Mike Truhe took his third first place win for the day, with Casey Peck taking a spot on the podium in third place. Both Mike and Casey were running Xcelorin Brushless Motors and ESCs in their buggies.

Congratulations to the Losi team for their outstanding success and performance!

Drake and Fischer are 2009 RC Pro International Champs

The RC Pro finals were held last weekend in Alvarado, TX. The event hosted nearly 300 drivers from around the US. Losi had a great weekend with Adam Drake TQing three out of four rounds in 1/8 Buggy and 1/8 Truck classes, and Billy Fischer TQing the 1/8 Electric Buggy class.

Adam Drake won the 60 minute 1/8 Pro Truck final and finished 2nd in 1/8 Pro Buggy. Once the overal points were calculated, Adam and Billy were crowned 2009 RC Pro International Champions!




Photos courtesy of Greg Vogel from RC Driver

1-2-3 Finish for 8IGHT 2.0 at CRCRC's Halloween Race

CRCRC recently hosted their Halloween Race. Losi drivers Chuck Berg, Jason Hudson, Chad Wallace and Kevin Wilson all competed in the 1/8 Buggy class with their 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Rollers. Chuck was the top qualifier, and he and Kevin were the only drivers to complete 24 laps during qualifying. All four Losi drivers finished in the top five places in the A-main with Chuck finishing in first, Jason in second, Kevin in third and Chad in fifth.

Losi driver Curt Schliester competed in the 1/8 Truggy class with his 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller. He was the top qualifier and also took first place in the A-Main.

STLR Wins 5 Hour Truggy Endurance Race

STLR (Sprucewood Team Losi Racing) had everything come together at the Five Hour Truggy Endurance Race, the last race of their outdoor season in Canada. The team took the lead at the three hour mark and never looked back.

Hardcore RC hosted the race with drivers and vehicles from almost every manufacurer being represented, however it was the Team Losi Racing 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller that went the distance (winning by apx. 14 laps). The strength of the 8IGHT-T 2.0 truggy showed as it was run wire-to-wire without one single factory part breaking or wearing out! The team of Yachnin, Stiliadis, Rogers and McLean came together to both prep the 8IGHT-T 2.0 truggy and then keep it together by driving smart, clean and fast.

Congratulations to the STLR drivers for a great race!

Gaut Wins 2009 NSCS Nitro Late Model Class

Losi driver Doug Gaut led a Team Losi Racing L8IGHT Model Race Roller 1-2-3-4 sweep of the final series standings for the 2009 NSCS Nitro Late Model class. The NSCS is one of the biggest and most competitive series in oval racing, attracting racers from throughout the mid- and southwest. The series visits oval tracks in three states each with its own character and demands. The only thing that was common among all of these tracks was the L8IGHT Model setting the fastest time in qualifying and dominating the A-Main events. Doug Gaut took the Championship with Losi drivers Jeff Harper second, Chad Butler third, and Scott Butts fourth - all driving the L8IGHT Model.

2009 Dave Mapston Memorial

This past weekend, the Radio Control Car Club of Spokane (RCCCS) hosted the 9th annual running of The Dave Mapston Memorial. The 3-day event is well known throughout the Inland Northwest and attracts racers from Canada, Oregon, and Idaho. This year was no different and despite the difficult economical situation, there were over 160 racers in attendance.

Held in Spokane WA, the Dave Mapston Memorial race started in 2001 and has been an annual tradition since then. In early 2001, Dave’s life was taken inside his hobby shop, Spokane Indoor Raceway. Dave was a true ambassador and mentor of the hobby and sport. He was known for his care, compassion, and support for both newcomers and experienced alike. RCCCS hosts the Mapston Memorial in Dave’s honor, but also to raise funds for a local charity of the Mapston family’s choice and a donation is made in Dave’s memory. Over the years, donations have totaled well over $4,000.00.

Also in attendance was young Daniel Arnold who has visited the race the past couple years. This year, however, Daniel was the guest of honor. RCCCS provided Daniel with an honorary club membership, which entitles him to the same benefits as its members! Provided by Adam Drake and Team Losi, Daniel was also presented a Micro Desert Truck by team drivers and race attendees, Shane Preugschat and Randy Nolen. RCCCS would like to thank Adam Drake and Team Losi for their generous gift that filled the youngster with excitement!

2009 Nitrocross World Championships

The 2009 Nitrocross World Championships were hosted by The Nitro Pit in Wittmann, AZ. The event took place October 15-18, and was comprised of Pro Invitational Buggy/Truggy, Expert Buggy/Truggy, Intermediate Buggy/Truggy and Novice Buggy/Truggy classes. Cash prizes were given out to the top ten drivers of the Invite and Expert Buggy and Truggy classes. Other prizes were given to the first and second place winners of the remaining classes.

Several Losi drivers attended the event. Billy Fischer took second place in the Invite Buggy class with his 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller. Casey Peck was the Top Qualifier of the Expert Buggy class and went on to take first place in the A-Main, with teammate Chris Wheeler finishing in second place. In the Expert Truggy class Matt Schreffler finished in first place and Chris Wheeler finished in third place. Both drivers competed with the 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller. In the Electric Buggy class Casey Peck competed with the 8IGHT-E 2.0 Buggy Race Roller for a second place finish.

Congratulations to all Losi drivers for a great race.

Invite Buggy
2. Billy Fischer
6. Adam Drake
7. Matt Castellano

Expert Buggy
1. Casey Peck (TQ)
2. Chris Wheeler
5. Charles Hicks
6. Don Vinkemulder
7. Chris Burling
8. Mike Bustamante
11. Colby Poh
13. Jonny Wachter
14. Matt Schreffler
15. Trevor Clement

Expert Truggy
1. Matt Schreffler
3. Chris Wheeler
4. Chris Burling
6. Casey Peck
9. Colby Poh (TQ)
10. Trevor Clement

Electric Buggy
2. Casey Peck

Johnson Wins at 2009 Colorado Nitro Series

The Colorado Nitro Series wrapped up its season this past weekend. The series consisted of two races at Rat Raceway in Denver, two races at Dirtworks in Burlington and two races at Colorado Springs Fast Track in Colorado Springs.

Several Losi drivers competed in the series including Matt Chambers, Dustin Evans, Lars Johnson and Chris Peralta. Lars reports that he had a great year in the Pro Truggy, he TQ’d and won three of the six rounds and had the overall win wrapped up before the 6th and final race. In the Pro Buggy class Lars and Dustin battled in out until the end. Dustin was able to TQ the final race, however Lars was able to come back for a first place finish in the A-Main.

Congratulations to all of the Losi drivers for a great series!

Pro Buggy – Overall Place/Points:
1. Lars Johnson - 497 points
2. Dustin Evans - 492 points
4. Chris Peralta - 483 points

Pro Truggy – Overall Place/Points:
1. Lars Johnson - 497 points
2. Chris Peralta - 491 points

8th Annual Race Against Cancer

The 8th Annual Race Against Cancer was hosted by McCullogh's Radio Controlled Off-Road Raceway in Pennsylvania. The race was a huge success with 126 entries. The racers had a ton of fun and raised $6600 for the American Cancer Society.

Losi drivers Gary Wiant, Anthony Mazzara, Eric Clark, Chris Wolfson and Tyler Wiant all competed at the event. Anthony had a great weekend, he was the overall winner of the 1/8 Pro Buggy and 1/8 Electric Buggy classes. Anthony was also the Top Qualifier in each of these classes, as well as the 1/8 Pro Truggy class. Anthony was also generous enough to raffle-off his 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller at the event. His buggy raised $370.00 for the American Cancer Society.

Chambers Gets Two Wins at 6th Annual Dirtworks Cash Race

Losi driver Matt Chambers competed at the 6th Annual Dirtworks Cash Race. The event was hosted by Colorado Fast Track in Colorado Springs, CO the weekend of September 25-26.

Matt competed in the Pro Truggy and Pro Buggy classes with his 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller and his 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller, and fueled both of his vehicles with Nitrotane. He was the top qualifier in the truggy class, and went on to take the win in both the buggy and truggy A-Mains.

Congratulations Matt!

Losi takes 1, 2, 3… Three Times at 2009 Horizon Shootout

The 2009 Horizon Shootout was held at J-Tech Racing and Fun in Tilton, Illinois this past weekend amidst the rain drops early in the weekend, but the weather finally broke and the racing began. During Friday’s practice rain out Losi drivers Adam Drake, Billy Fisher and Mike Truhe were on-hand to answer questions, lend advice and offer setup suggestions to anyone in attendance. One round of controlled practice and two rounds of qualifying set the stage for the mains with Billy Fisher TQing both Truggy and Buggy while Dakota Phend TQed the Electric Buggy class.

After the dust had settled this is the finishing order for the 2009 Horizon Shootout!

1/8 Truggy - 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller
Driver Laps/Race Time
1. Adam Drake 60/ 30:23.086
2. Billy Fisher 60/ 30:24.267
3. Derek Weatherholt 58/ 30:29.481

1/8 Buggy - 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller
Driver Laps/Race Time
1. Adam Drake 59/ 30:20.131
2. Billy Fisher 58/ 30:02.758
3. Derek Weatherholt 58/ 30:16.684

1/8 Electric Buggy - 8IGHT-E 2.0 Buggy Race Roller
Driver Laps/ Race Time
1. Alex Sturgeon 23/ 12:32.778
2. Ben Burtle 22/ 12:08.533
3. Dave Henry 22/ 12:14.288

Congratulation to the top finishers and all of the racers. A big THANK YOU to J-Tech Racing and Fun, Scotty Earnst, Sonny Brown and many others for a great weekend of racing.

Photos courtesy of Gary Katzer/HorizonRC.com

Hogholt Named 2009 Danish National Champion

Losi driver Silas Hogholt is the 2009 Danish National Champion for both 1/8 Off-Road buggy and 1/8 Off-Road truggy. Silas competed at the Nationals with his 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy Race Roller and 8IGHT-T 2.0 Truggy Race Roller.

Congratulations to Silas on his outstanding results!