Event: ROAR Fuel Off-Road Nationals
Location: Leisure Hours Raceway – Joliet, Illinois
Date: July 16-19, 2009
Classes: 1/8th Nitro
Race Reporter: Jason Ruona
JConcepts punishes the competition at the ROAR Fuel Nationals.
Unbeaten is the best way to describe the ROAR Fuel Nationals in 1/8th truck for Ryan Maifield and JConcepts. It’s true, from the 1st qualifier all the way through the mains Ryan Maifield with his JConcepts equipped RC8T was unbeaten. TQ’ing every round of qualifying and winning the 45 minute A-main, Ryan was on a mission to defend his ROAR national title. In addition, Ryan was the only driver all weekend to turn in a 12 lap qualifying run and he did it not once but twice.
In the 1/8th buggy class Maifield was also successful. Driving his JConcepts equipped Associated RC8B, Ryan charged to the front of the pack during the 45 minute A-main and let it all hang out with about 10 minutes to go. Making it a great race down the stretch, Ryan made up valuable time and made the pass for 2nd with minimal time left on the clock. With his sights set on the leader Adam Drake, Ryan pulled out all the stops and raced to within 7 seconds of the lead, but time had run out. Crossing the finish line for an impressive 2nd place finish Ryan capped off one of the most spectacular nationals in recent memory.
Ryan was not alone in the A-main as JConcepts teammate and Florida driver JR Mitch won the semi final A giving him the 12th position in the A-main. JR raced throughout all of qualifying with the same set of yellow compound JConcepts Crowbars tires dropping his fastest time in each of the last 3 qualifiers earning many top 10 finishes throughout the weekend. In the A-main, JR went with the same combination as Maifield and chose the yellow compound JConcepts Crossbows. This proved to be the correct choice as Maifield absolutely blistered the track in the A-main turning the fast lap of the race at 31.760.
Punishing the competition at such an important race is a rare feat but Ryan was up to the task very early in the week and it started with mounting the new Illuzion – Punisher body. The prototype Punisher body gave a confidence inspiring performance and made Ryan’s truck an instant hit with fellow competitors.
In addition to the new Punisher body, Ryan’s winning truck utilized the JConcepts Cross Hairs tires, prototype Mono wheels and Illuzion rear wing. The Cross Hairs were the hot ticket on the abrasive yet rough Leisure Hours track condition and other drivers took notice. Since the very first photos of the JConcepts Cross Hairs were unveiled with a victory at the Manufacturers Cup in July of 2008, this tire and design concept has been on a winning rampage and has been enamored by all.
While winning races and turning heads around the world, many have tried to emulate the design and performance of the original narrow carcass, light weight durable design of the Cross Hairs but have failed. The design is behind the performance, with the combination of driver feedback and JConcepts development, the product line of JConcepts has exploded and results speak for themselves.
When you are looking for highest performance, punish the competition with JConcepts.
For more information and the JConcepts blog feed from the ROAR nationals please visit www.jconceptsracing.net
