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Report by Michael Stone
2022 1/10TH EP National titles held at Chargers RC. This is a unique surface, known as Sic Surface, which is sand glued over a deco base. The track is large with lots of jumps and a straight approximately 40 metres in length.
Practice was very limited, due to poor weather. Thursday's practice was cancelled due to constant rain.

Friday 2WD we were given a one-hour controlled practice. Track conditions were still wet, with local knowledge being a huge advantage in the start of this.
2WD 17.5T Qualifying would not go my way, starting from P7 on the grid. Some unlucky turn of events in the finals would see me only progress to P6 overall. This would leave me a little dis-hearted heading in to 4WD day.

Saturday 4WD we would start with perfect weather. Another one hour-controlled practice and some minor setup changes would set me up with a super consistent car.
4WD 13.5T Q1 would see me finish P2, and ultimately at the end of qualifying end up P2 on the grid for the finals. A1 would see an early mistake from Andrew Selvaggi (TQ), allowing me to capitalise with clear track ahead and cruise to the only 13-lap run in A1.
Heading into A2, with a clear head, I knew it was not going to be easy, but I sat with the thought of a clear run and staying out of trouble. Andrew was to make a mistake about halfway in and drop way down the pack. This would allow Gopal Pavlich to slip on through and the battle would be on. Gopal and I slipping through for a 13-lap run. Gopal would clip a pipe on the very last lap allowing me to slip through and cross the line with 0.7 of a second in front. This would seal the national title for me.

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4WD results:
1. Michael Stone - XRAY XB4
2. Andrew Selvaggi
3. Gopal Pavlich

This being my first national title, was rather emotional and seeing the support from my fellow racers was a true showing of friendship in our hobby. It was an amazing feeling to have my entire team and friends congratulate me at the bottom of the drivers stand, it really shows that you don't have to be on the same team to support your mate.

Also, a massive congratulations must go to Jordan Isergin for his stella drives in both 2WD & 4WD modified, P3 in both. This guy may only be 17 but both his maturity and driving ability is years ahead.

Samuel Muffet, XB2 2022 was able to TQ Junior 17.5T. Unfortunately, Sam would not have the best luck in the finals ending his campaign in P4. Samuel is constantly improving and is a pleasure to have at the track.

Due to work commitments, we were unable to stay for Sunday's truck day, which would see a dominant performance from Mitchell Pratt with his Xray Short Course Truck, taking TQ and the win to secure himself the short course national title.

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank team Xray for their ongoing support, Ari Bakla for the ongoing mentoring and Jenny from HEI, my entire team at Xray Australia, my partner Danni for travelling everywhere with me, Ben Darley from Race paint designs and Chris Peet from Team Trinity Australia, for the constant support that has allowed me to achieve this goal.

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