The first weekend of March 2011 saw a new entry record in Germany for the very popular LRP-HPI Challenge. Typically the turnout is 70â“85 racers, but this year 107 racers attended the event as it is one of the best-organized indoor races in mid-Germany; a huge track with great food & drink and a great chance to escape the carnival...
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XRAY cars were well represented in every class. The fastest class (13.5T motors with PowerProgram Speedos) saw some of the fastest Stock drivers from Germany with ETS race winner Oliver Franke, ETS front runner Meik Niemann, DHI runner-up Steffen Leinburger and Modified drivers Patrick Gassauer, Christoph Thiele and even Andy Krämer (who needed the practice for the upcoming LRP TCM after being away from the racing scene for a few years).
Grip on Saturday was quite low after the off-road race (almost 80 drivers as well) but increased very rapidly which made the smooth & fast track awesome to drive. Steffenâ s car was fast right from practice. With gear-diffs in front & rear it was not only fast but also easy to drive and allowed a safe TQ run, 3 seconds ahead of Oliver. Some more steering was needed, so for the finals the normal heavy Mazda body (only HB and HPI bodies allowed) was changed for the lightweight version. The carâ™s handling was now perfect and so the first two finals were won easily. Fast upcoming driver Oliver Franke took 2nd place, Meik Niemann showed some great driving in the finals and moved up to 3rd (tied on points with top French Stock driver Manuel Wagner). Andy Krämer showed some nice fast laps and will for sure be on fire at the TCM!
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Final results
1. Steffen Leinburger / XRAY T3â 11
2. Oliver Franke
3. Meik Niemann 4. Manuel Wagner / XRAY T3â 11
5. Christoph Thiele
