Last weekend we saw the warm-up race for the 2014 European Championships in Germany. The race is re-visiting the Sand-am-Main track located south of Frankfurt only a few years after it was previously held at the same venue. The track hasn’t changed much – just a few new features to a unique style layout that runs up and away from the drivers rather than left to right. With it being landscaped on a steep incline, there is plenty of elevation change to keep the track interesting. Qualifying saw Darren Bloomfield take a round win in the first round and subsequent consistent scoring would mean that he would take an second overall in qualifying with his Bullitt-powered Agama. Darren was looking very fast and had a chance to sneak the overall TQ in the last round, but some poor driving from a slower driver who refused to give room despite being called by the referee resulted in him losing a few seconds and his chance of the TQ. Some rain hit the track on finals day to mix the conditions up a bit, resulting in the track getting a bit slick online as it dried out again. Dani Vega would pilot his Agama through his quarter final to take a semi final berth alongside team mate Darren and Jerome Sartel. Darren would go on to dominate his semi final in convincing fashion, but a a short period of rain mid race took the edge off the times meaning he would line up third on the grid for the main final. Darren got away to a good start and was leading the race, albeit in very close competition when a fuel gun failure mid race during a pit stop caused a large delay and he lost the lead. Darren fought back well and would eventually take the final step on the podium in third place. The result was a little disappointing as Darren felt he had the pace to win, but the team will go to the Euros itself in confident frame of mind after car and driver performed so well. Special mention to both Ari Heinonen (Beta) and Carsten Keller (Bullitt) for each making the main final of this prestigious event after excellent drives from both.
Back to the UK and Nemo drivers achieved success at the first round of the SRS series at Clanfield on Sunday. The traditionally challenging track is a real test for all comers and Kevin Brunsden (Beta/Piranha) would take a fantastic win in the nitro buggy class in front of Agama driver Tony Truman. Tony felt he had the pace of Kevin in the final, but a few too many errors prevented him from mounting a challenge for the win. In the truggy class, Agama had an excellent result with a podium lockout as James Tatlow took the win in front of Jim Thompson and Ian Dudman to complete a lockout for the A8T. Lastly James Tatlow completed a busy day by taking third and the last step of the podium in the E-buggy class with his A8E.
Moving north and the second round of the NRS series was held at a baking hot MMRX track in Wakefield and local man Graham Alsop would use his Bullitt B-219 to take the win. Agama drivers Richard Barton, Jonny Skidmore and Ollie Currie were present and learning plenty ahead of the national round to held here in a few weeks time. Richard gaining some well needed track time as he has missed the last two BRCA Nationals at this venue putting him on the back foot. By the end of the day he was running competitively and would take the third place podium slot after a good drive.
This coming weekend we have the Coventry Dirt Masters three-day event over the Bank Holiday…

Source: Nemo Racing