The race was held in Vaasa on the 2011 WC track. Weather forecast was not looking good before weekend. Friday's free practice was cancelled.
On Saturday morning the track was flooded with water but track crew did amazing job drying the track. Controlled practice started in muddy conditions.
The 2wd class was tricky for everyone in slippy conditions but Joona Haatanen took TQ and Joel Valander was starting second and Karri Salmela third. Joona won first two mains. After three finals Joona Haatanen was winner and Joel Valander came second.
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2wd Overall:
1. Joona Haatanen 2. Joel Valander - XRAY XB2
3. Karri Salmela
4. Sami Salmela
5. Mikko Luopajärvi 6. Valtteri Eklund - XRAY XB2
7. Ilmari Ullakko
8. Oskari Mäki 9. Jani Hovi - XRAY XB2
10. Jussi Luopajärvi
The 4wd qualifying was dominated by Joel Valander who TQed all three rounds. Joona Haatanen was starting second and Mikko Luopajärvi was starting third. First final was great battle between Joel and Joona. Joel had a small mistake, Joona went to the lead. But Joel was able to pass Joona on second last lap. Joel took A2 with comfortable gap to second place, so Joel Valander was winner of the 4wd!
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4wd Overall:
1. Joel Valander - XRAY XB4
2. Joona Haatanen
3. Mikko Luopajärvi
4. Karri Salmela 5. Henry Salmen - XRAY XB4
6. Oskari Mäki 7. Toni Niinivirta - XRAY XB4
8. Antti Silvennoinen - XRAY XB4
9. Ari-Pekka Kyykkä - XRAY XB4
10. Juha Aromaa
Joel's comment's:
"In 2wd I was missing some pace as I didn't really got used to slippy condtions so I was very happy to finish 2nd. XRAY XB4 2016 was just amazing to drive, so easy and fast! I'm again one step closer to my first National title. I want to say thanks to my sponsors: Xray, EuroRC, Hobbywing, Highest, Hudy and T-Shades."
