After the pomp and ceremony had subsided it was down to the drivers to prove who among them was best as competitors took to the opening round of the SCX NASCAR Host Series. It was a strong field, a mixture of the usual suspects with some welcome new faces to truly spice up the competition.

Clerk of the Course laid out the law, establishing the foundation of a series that pits driver against driver in a tight but fair tussle for supremacy. The rules were simple; 8 SCX NASCARs were to be provided, coupled with House Parma controllers. With a staggering 22 contenders the races were set, four and a half minutes of concentration and adrenalin soaked endurance on each and every lane in true NASCAR style.

It was a challenging event, which required drivers to adapt to not only new cars, but foreign controllers too. A deft touch and a sixth sense proving valuable assets as each bracket began and drivers ploughed into Cox's Corner with a package they had no knowledge of. Would it stop, grip, slide or crash? Those who dared push stood to gain, while those who took a cautious approach risked being involved in any early incidents.

As the race settled down it was clear the competition was close and fierce. Moreno caressed the beautifully balanced SCX cars around at break neck speed. Given his unfamiliarity with the circuit it was impressive race, Moreno looks set to be John’s strongest challenger.

John A, for all his dominance, was fastest on only 4 lanes, and only red and purple by any significant margin. It was the black lane that was John’s trump card however, racing around to complete 35.9 laps, 0.9 laps ahead of his nearest rival all night and 3 laps clear of the chasing pack. It was a masterly display equalled when driving the challenging red lane, adding another 2 laps to his lead. It was a signal of intent which caused stir and consternation among his foes.

Throughout the field the racing was close, a single spin enough to drop the heavy handed pilot down the order. The pressure proved too much for Nigel, one of the prerace favourites, who struggled by his own high standards to eventually finish fifth.

Michael showed well, notching up 35 laps on blue to record the fastest race on the lane all evening. Tony B too announced his potential with a strong run on green, while the rivalry between Zac and Lance heated up.

There were none though who could stay with John though as he gradually extended his lead. The chasing back battled among one another with little separating second to tenth after nearly 300 laps of racing.

The event was a raging success as competitors were put to the ultimate slot car test. While one round may be over there is still everything to play for, as with 5 rounds remaining and drivers able to drop their worst round, John can’t smile too broadly just yet.

We would like to thank Matt for writing this review of the first round in the SCX NASCAR series.

Round 1
Position

1

4

9

14