Congratulations to Michael Todd and Aaron Vance on taking class victories in Sunday 18th July's Irish championship round.

Round 4 of the 2010 Irish 1/8th Off Road Championship was hosted on the all astro track at the Eco Centre by the Northern Ireland Model Car Club.  This is a relatively new facility and reflects the hard work of the club members and co-operation of the local council to put together a fantastic facility.  The over and under is a pretty unique feature, and the astro turf means that the track can run in all weather (witin reason!!)

Anyway, qualifying in the buggy class was the closest we have seen this season with Michael Todd's Losi and Alan Scroogie's Xray 2010 both taking top spot in two rounds of qualifying, though it was Alan who came out on top overall, just pipping Michael in second with Barkley Abernathy rounding off a good day for Xray in P3.

The C Final saw Modeltune's own Neil Calvert bump up into the B final on his buggy debut - where he ultimately finished fourth.

The 30 minute B final was a runaway victory for Navan Nitro Nuts driver  Cathal Taaffe with Glaway's Darren Hill securing the precious final place in the A final - though that was not to go well for Darren with a leaning engine causing multiple flameouts in the 45 minute A.  Special mention to Walter Brennan - who appreared to be having the drive of his racing career in his new D8 - A final next Walter!

The first 10 minutes of the A final were thrilling, with the first four cars (Todd, Scroggie, Abernathy and Harron from 8th on the grid) all within a few seconds - the young pretenders McCauley and Modeltune/Associated's Bradley Baird were not far behind.  The race for the lead was seperated by inches - and while Michael tagged Alan a couple of times, on both occassions he waited in a sporting manner to give Alan the place back.  This benefited Harron, though he only maintained the lead for a few corners.

Todd pitted first - and his experienced pit crew of John Matthews and Keith Rennick secured a lightning turn around which ultimately changed the face of the race.   Alan pitted the next lap, but rejoined about 12 seconds behind Michael - a gap he would not close.  The breathing space allowed Michael to settle into a rythem and ultimately win the 45 minute final by a clear 2 laps.  Alan drove supperbly to secure second spot despite a couple of flame outs - his stong season continuing at his home track - I understand virtual RC takes a lot of credit for this season's increase in form.

Harron, despite a poor day by his standards finished the podium with a strong third place, Abernathy fourth and a satisfied Baird in 5th.

The truggy Final saw Aaron lead from start to finish in his now familiar style, to secure a pretty uneventful victory from Neil "no oil in my shocks" Irwin's Xray and Ballymena's own Stephen in third.

A great day was had by all - so thanks must go to the NIMCC for a great event, and our congratulation to Modeltune and Losi driver Michael Todd who we believe (unofficially) has secured the 2010 National 1/8th buggy crown bringing his tally of Irish Championship wins to 17 across the various classes.