Team XRAY − consisting of Jason Branham, Jimmy Matsler, Hunter Kinsey, and Gary Haggard − headed to San Antonio for the Texas State RC Pro-Series Finals on October 20-21, 2007. The host track, Toys for Big Boys, set up a challenging layout which made for some technical and close racing action. The two top points leaders for the state series − Jason Branham in Expert 1/8 buggy and Jimmy Matsler in Expert Arena truck − had their vehicles dialed and ready to bring home the State Titles for XRAY and RCAMERICA.
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Qualifying saw the XT8 and XB8EC setting the pace with Jimmy Matsler setting TQ in all three qualifying rounds in Expert Arena Truck and Jason Branham TQ'ing 2 of 3 rounds in 1/8 buggy. With XRAY sitting at the top of both mains it looked good for XRAY to have good success and showed that the XT8 and XB8EC were working well under the rough conditions.
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The Expert Arena Truck main saw no mercy from TQ Jimmy Matsler who had a couple of bobbles early but quickly regained form and took control to win the Expert Arena Truck Final and also take home the title of Texas State Champion. XRAY's Garry Haggard also looked strong in the final but ran into motor issues and had to retire early.
Expert Arena Truck Final:
1. Jimmy Matsler XT8
2. Joe Mireless XT8
3. Wayne Mann XT8
4. Daniel Grobe
5. Chris Allison
6. Tim Smiley
7. Nick Lefebvre
8. Chase Kent 9. Mike Battaile XT8
10. Gary Haggard XT8
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The Expert 1/8 Buggy Final found TQ Jason Branham in an early battle with Caster Racing's Mike Battaile and area local Dave Mangelsdorf driving a Losi 8ight. Mike had some early problems which caused him to drop back but the battle for 1st was close between Branham and Mangelsdorf. With some consistent lap times −hard to do on the rough track conditions − Branham began to open up his lead and did not let up, eventually giving him the win of the State Finals by 1 lap over the field... he also won the State Championship! Another highlight of the A final would come for XRAY's Hunter Kinsey who had motor issues in qualifying but bumped up from the C main to finish in an impressive 3rd place!
Expert 1/8 Final:
1. Jason Branham XB8 EC
2. Dave Mangelsdorf 3. Hunter Kinsey XB8 EC
4. Nick Lefebvre
5. Eliott Martinez
6. Chris Allison
7. Joshua Riewe
8. Mike Battaile
9. Jim Sheffield
10. Brian Beck
Congratulations to Team XRAY and RCAMERICA for winning the Texas State Championship in both Expert Arena Truck and Expert 1/8.
1. Johnson, Bubba
2. Doggett, Eddie 3. Garrison, Wesley XRAY XB8EC
4. Kirkland, Van
5. Sparks, David
6. Thornton, Hal
7. Madry, Brad
8. Yarbrough, David
9. Lovett, David
10. Kurth, Little Buddy