Snowbird Winter Nationals – Day 1

Report by David Saul

Snowbirds Winter Nationals have been held every year for the last 16 years in Orlando, Florida and attract racers from all over the world to compete in six days of competition. The 2010 event has 16 classes and will run for 22 hours a day to fit them all in. Classes are split into two main categories, On-Road and Oval, and the track is changed between the two layouts once a day to allow every class a shot at running on the super smooth carpet surface. The first few days of the Snowbirds is dedicated to practice, with On-road starting open practice at 5am! After a two hour window the practice is run by, the afternoon/evening is dedicated to the Oval classes which run to 3am! Although the event organisers lay on several large pitting areas, many drivers opt to pit in their hotel rooms. To keep an eye on the event the Radisson have laid on a dedicated channel so racers can follow the action from their rooms and be sure not to miss their race/practice slots.

This year we have Jilles Groskamp, Paul LeMieux, Hupo Honigl and Barry Baker running in the On-Road class, with most drivers competing in several classes. Most manufacturers are also on hand to give product support and advice on chassis set-up and electrics, some bringing new products to showcase to the public in their pit areas. Practice is underway now, check back to read more as we get it here at rcracer.com….