The first round of the “Ruler of the Valley” series at Nitro Valley in Cherryville, N.C. was held this past weekend. This was also round 3 of the Team Tilley Challenge, a series of races dedicated to a fellow racer who recently lost a battle with cancer. The race was held in the evening and provided some good racing under the lights. JConcepts drivers Chris Pace, Brandon Melton, and Barry Pettit were in attendance and running in the Pro Buggy class. After 3 rounds of qualifying, it was Pettit taking 2 rounds and Chris taking one, but the “rocket round” format gave Chris the deserved TQ with a 2 second better run in round 3. At the start of the 30 minute main Pace and Pettit checked out and were turning some fast early laps. Melton experienced some early difficulties. Pace and Pettit both had issues in the pits, but were far enough ahead to get back to the front. Pace’s problems continued and Pettit charged on to take the win. Pettit was on Blue (soft) compound Double Dee’s that looked barely used after the 30 minute main. The tires worked throughout the entire main, turning just as fast laps at the end of the race as at the beginning! Results can be seen at http://www.carolinasrc.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20524&PN=1
