With just three weeks to go now until the second annual running of the Tiger Models Launceston Cup, it’s time for a little update on event preparations. Special welcome to anybody who’s visiting the Launceston R/C website after hearing about the event on Launnie radio stations. You’ll be very welcome to come and visit the event on June 30 to check out the exciting hobby that is R/C motorsport.

Entry Update

Firstly, we’re delighted with entry numbers. We’re creeping up on 70 entries, and expecting the final number to be up around the 80 mark. That compares with 62 starters at last year’s event, and guarantees a full and fun day, with some serious competition in all classes.

Tas Interclub Series

The most exciting news we have to announce today is that the Launceston Cup will double as round 1 of a brand new Tasmanian R/C Interclub Series. We’ll announce full details soon, but the event will see drivers from Southern Tasmanian Model Car Club, Goodwood Model Off-road Car Club, Northwest R/C Car Club and Launceston R/C all going at it for club glory.

The three other clubs will host their own Interclub events later in 2012, with the combined points at the end of 2012 used to determine the 2012 Tasmanian Interclub Champions….and of course we’ll do it all over again in 2013. Stay tuned for more.

Who’s Hot?

In terms of entries it’s no surprise Short Course that 2wd Short Course Truck is looking the biggest class and the level of competition will be insane.  Look out for the very strong NWRCCC team with drivers like Matt Hodgetts, Mark Rayner, Justin Strickland and first-time SC pilot Tim Parsons all very strong candidates for the win.

Open Tenth Buggy (consisting mostly of 4wd Modified buggies) is also looking big, fast and competitive. The GOMCC crew led by Ben Hoare and Alex John will tangle with STMCC’s Lee Harvey, Robert Gillie and Mark Davis while Jarrod Painting, Paddy Hume and Damien Betts defend local honour. Look out for interstate visitor Adrian Beggs to be near the sharp end.

Mini and Tourers both have big fields, 8th Big Bangers is coming on nicely and we can expect an influx of entries in 2wd Stock buggy over the next week or so.

We’re very keen for more entries in the Junior Off-Road class (drag out the kids, get them behind the wheel!) and the Open Short Course class (2wd or 4wd, open motor, open SC tyres).

We’ll publish a full event preview once entries are close to final.

Track Layout

Track plans are coming along nicely….let me tell you it’s going to be an eye opener with some new off-road obstacles and a challenging technical on-road layout.  Friday night’s practice session (29th June) will be busy with drivers coming to grips with an all new race track. We’re keeping the final track layout a closely guarded secret so that it’s a total surprise to everybody!

Remember that next Thursday (June 14th) is club racing at Launceston R/C. Make the trip for a fun night of preparation for the Launceston Cup.

We’re finalising an all new PA system and one or two other additions to our pit area setup to make sure this event flows smoothly.

Volunteers
We’ll be looking over the next couple of weeks for people to help out in a few areas:

• We’ll be wanting to do some scrutineering during the day (nothing heavy-handed, but we want to make sure it’s a level playing field)
• some help with checking everybody in on Saturday morning
• a few hands for track tear-down (probably Sunday 17th) in preparation for rebuild/reset later that week
• some raffle ticket sellers
• volunteers to climb the roof and hang sun-blockers over the windows

Those jobs and more will be on offer, please let Greenie or Scott know if you can help.

Thanks

Thanks again to our supporters Tiger Models, Proline, Venom and Ace Hobby Distributors. We’ll have some great raffle prizes on offer to enable you to take home some new R/C gear. Special note to say thanks to the Launceston R/C team putting it all together. Greenie especially is working like a champ to make it happen.

And to all those who are planning on coming along to make this a cracking event – we’ll see you there!

Remember if you’re not nominated yet, hit the on-line entry form to let us know you’re coming. And check out the full event details page for the latest entry list.