On Saturday 30.3, the second round of the XRS Finland competition was held in Raisio. I participated in two classes again in the hope of series points. 8-hour race day, 14 driving shifts, 14 lifting shifts and really no time for anything else. I still managed to secure solid second places in both classes, but the last touch was missing. The track was really technical and the grip had completely changed from the last time and it caused difficulties when there was no time to think about what should be changed in the cars or time to make proper adjustments.
The 1/12th class was won by Niko Saarinen who was one step ahead all day and drove steadily to win the finals. I got my car to work almost perfectly, but it was a little too aggressive for my driving style. This led to small driving errors from time to time. In retrospect, the downstop on the front of the car should have been changed for smoother steering.
In the Touring class I had trouble with the car's adjustments, I couldn't get the rear to work at all. The car was really hard to drive and I felt that the car had to be driven really aggressively for it to work somehow. I managed to win the first final, but the rest of the finals were won by Juho Koskivuo with his confident driving.
Another experience richer and congratulations to the winners for their great performances. Thanks also to the organizers of the competition!
On Friday, I will take the night train to Oulu for the final competitions of the official series. Here are short videos from both classes filmed by my son.
(click to enlarge)
Results 1/12th 13.5t EFRA:
1. Niko Saarinen 2. Janne Koivisto - XRAY X12
3. Jani Hovi - XRAY X12
Results 1/10TC 17.5t superstock:
1. Juho Koskivuo 2. Janne Koivisto - XRAY X4
3. Markus Afelt
