2002 Parma Challenge Cup
Radisson Hotel Middleburg Heights, OH June 7-9, 2002
(Click the thumbnail to see the full image)
Here's a neat looking table-level shot "gorp" took of Alan & I racing the blurringly fast cars. |
Back to the Hillclimb action, Paul C. stepped in to fill an empty lane in a qualifying heat race. |
The Future Masters GTP main event line-up. More close racing, but Gary Clinton Jr. and Eddie Beard made it 3 out of 3 races that they took the top 2 spots on the Future Masters podium! This time Mark Pirro filled the 3rd place spot. |
The pits were very busy for the main events. In the mains, the same car was used for the entire race to ensure equal speeds for all drivers. If a car became damaged, they were repaired quickly during a track call by the Parma pit crew. Joddy Green (left) and Tom Norris (right) helped out as Paul C. made a quick controller repair. |
|
Parma Dodge body, Flexi 1 chassis, Tuna tires, 9/28 PSE gears, Death Star motor. |
Parma 4.5" Dodge body, 4.5" FCR chassis, Tuna tires, 8/28 PSE gears, Death Star motor. |
Parma Lola body, Flexi 3 chassis, Tuna tires, 8/28 PSE gears, Parma Super 16-D motor. |
Parma Slammer body, Flexi 1 or 2 chassis w / hot wing, Tuna Tires, 9/28 PSE gears, Death Star motor. |
The 40+ "Geezer" main event contenders, patiently waiting as the cars were given a once over by the Parma pit crew. The photo I wish I had gotten was moments before this shot, when it occurred to me that the entire 40+ main event line-up scurried to the men's room prior to each 40+ main event. As we all stood facing the wall going about our business, I noticed that we were practically in starting lane order. Had I not been in such a hurry to my race, I wanted to put Parma lane stickers above the respective urinals, for a humorous back view line-up photo. ;-) |
The 40+ GTP main event line-up, now nervously awaiting a few more cars from the pits. I was the TQ in this event, earning the red lane start, as most of the main contenders were decided by track position. This one proved to be another doozy, as Don, Ben, and I did battle once again. This time is was Don Bonanno pulling off the win, with Ben McGuire getting by me for 2nd, while I barely held off Jay Kisling for the final spot on the podium. |
The Masters GTP main event, and the final race of the 2002 Parma Challenge Cup. They truly saved the best for last, as this race had several drivers swapping positions constantly throughout the race. It was right down to the final lap for the top 3, as Big Al, Nick, and John raced door to door on red, white, and orange lanes. While Al & Nick traded paint in the squiggles, John slipped by on orange for a hard earned win! A real nail-biter to watch! They just don't get much closer then this! |
1st - Gary Clinton Jr. (center) 2nd - Eddie Beard (left) 3rd - Mark Pirro (right) This completed a "trifecta" of sorts for the one-two finishes of Gary and Eddie in all three of the Future Masters races! |
|
1st - Don Bonanno - (center) 2nd - Ben McGuire - (left) 3rd - Paul "OWH" Kassens - (right) |
1st - John Turner (center) 2nd - Nick Malinoski (left) 3rd - "Big Al" Montoro (right) These husky guys joked with Paul M. that they doubted this podium shot would fit on the cover of Slot Car Bulletin, so I suggested that maybe they would make the first sideways centerfold for SCB. |
Needless to say, I had a great time! |
The competition was as close as you could ever ask for, the atmosphere was friendly and fun, the racing was extremely well organized, the cars, track, and controllers were excellent. I definately recommend putting the Parma Challenge Cup on your racing schedule for next year! |
2002 Parma Challenge Cup Race Results
