Hartson wins 1:8 Electric Buggy

Associated team driver Steven Hartson has won the Electric Buggy A-Main at ‘The Dirt’ Nitro Challenge to claim his first big 1:8 off road victory.  Better known for his efforts in 1:10 off road, the 19-year-old steered his LRP powered RC8Be to a six second winning margin over the Mugen of Travis Amezcua and Team Losi Racing’s Adam Drake.  Challenged and passed by both Drake and Amezcua in the opening laps of the 10-minute race, the Californian, who was TQ for the race, got back out front setting the fastest lap as he took control of proceedings.

Before the Electric Buggy A-main the nitro Buggy B-Main decided the final three position for the main event here at the Nitro Pit.  Starting from pole 17-year-old Dylan Rodriguez cruised his way to victory over fellow Mugen driver Travis Amezcua with Losi driver Matt Schreffer finishing third to secure the 15th spot on the A-Main grid.  Former World Champion Mark Pavidis suffered cruel luck when his Kyosho flamed out on the last lap while running second, a position he held for most of the race.  The B-Main saw the strong run of Team Durango’s Ryan Lutz come to an end. Having started out the day in the D final he bumped up twice to line up on the back of the grid working his way up to fifth by the end of the 20-minute encounter.

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