THE TRIP
Talk about excitsement! The trip to Baja to test the 5B and run the BC Challenge cars was planned for an editor from each of the four US radio control car magazines, the President of HPI USA, Shawn Ireland, Marketing and Graphics Director Kent Clausen, Senior Designer Akira Kojawa and Designer Erik Shauver.
We all met up at the San Diego airport where we transferred our gear and the HPI 5B buggies into the wide open Baja tour bus.
During a quick trek down into Mexico, we stopped for a bite to eat at an ocean side restaurant, and then hopped back into the bus to head down to Horsepower Ranch.
At the ranch, we were fitted with safety gear and were introduced to the cars. After a quick dinner and some rest, we were fresh for the next day’s adventure. Early in the morning we got ready for the trip. I was paired with Shawn Ireland to drive our BF Goodrich labeled buggy.
Shawn is an automotive nut, as am I, and often participates in track driving. With two people hungering for speed and excitement, our trip was sure to be a blast.
RUNNING THE BC CHALLENGE RACE CARS
Shawn took to the wheel first and I sat in the passenger seat to take care of the radio communication duties.
A quick trip down the road and we were ready for off-road desert action.
When our turn came to take off, Shawn took no time to launch the buggy hard and tear through the gears as the engine wound out. Over jumps, through turns, not knowing what was ahead of you, our hearts were pumping and adrenaline was rushing. We were hitting huge bumps and jumps, the buggies' suspensions were soaking up the majority of it and the ride inside was fairly smooth.
Shawn was going to town, downshifting into the corners and powering out, counter steering, reeling the car back in. I was impressed with how the car handled and Shawn's exciting driving skill. Before we knew it, he had caught up to the car in front of us and we had to back off and wait for the dust to clear.
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