Meyers Autotech Championship Series
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Next race: Bernie Little Memorial, Ellensburg (WA), July 13-14
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President's Cup
Putich 1-2 highlights rainy Sunday in Tacoma
Facebook photo album available HERE
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC rolled into Fort Steillacoom Park early on Sunday morning, for the next stop of R/CU's 50th Anniversary Season. This time we were in Lakewood, WA, just south of Tacoma, for the club's first trip west of the mountains in 2024. Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn't the kindest, delivering a steady rain shower throughout the day as a "Pineapple Express" rolled through the region. Thankfully, wind was kept to a minimum, so other than some soggy drivers the racing was able to continue unfazed. After all, boat racing is a water sport!
Perhaps the boat count was a little reduced due to the weather, but still 31 boats were on hand to race for the President's Cup across four classes. It was an action packed day on a short race course, and the racing was as exciting as always!
1/10th Scale Electric Final
1st: 1962 Miss Supertest, Brad Lewis
2nd: 1983 Miss Houston, Alex Barisic
3rd (DNF): 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Adam Putich
The smaller boats had a bit of an unusual day, as the classic roundnose hull dominated over the desired 8255 hulls. Brad Lewis took all heat victories with the Supertest, including the final.
Gas Scale Final
1st: 1983 Miss Houston, Henry Oord
2nd: 1978 Miss Mark and Pak, Jim Whyte
3rd (DNF): 1977 Charlie's Girl, Mike Henriksen
4th (DNF): 1986 Boat, Paxton Reunanen
Henry nailed the start at the beginning, and used that advantage over the small field for the final. Jim, Mike, and Paxton all trailed but could not find a way past Henry in the rough waters of the short course, and Henry was able to collect his second victory of the year in the gas class.
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Consolation
1st: 1978 Miss Mark and Pak, Chuck Murray
2nd: 1976 Atlas Van Lines, Wayne Beeson
Chuck Murray announced his return to R/CU by out-dueling Wayne with his brand new Mark and Pak to advance to the final.
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Final
1st: 1983 American Speedy Printing, Paxton Reunanen
2nd: 1984 Team Velocity, Mike Henriksen
3rd: 2001 Znetix, Donn Lange
4th (DNF): 1983 Miss Houston, Henry Oord
5th (DNF): 1982 Atlas Van Lines, Marc Connelly
6th (DNF): 1978 Miss Mark and Pak, Chuck Murray
1/8th Scale Nitro Consolation
1st: 2004 Llumar Window Film, Paul Jackson
2nd (DNF): 1976 Olympia Beer, Steve Roman
The two boat dual never materialized, as the Oly Beer continued a tough season while Paul advanced to the final in his first race of the year.
1/8th Scale Nitro Final
1st: 2012 Beacon Plumbing, Adam Putich
2nd: 2016 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jim Putich
3rd: 2012 Matrix Auto Systems, Brian Anderson
4th: 2011 Miss Lakeridge Paving, Gary Grembowski
5th: 2004 Llumar Window Film, Paul Jackson
6th (DNF): 1971 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Brent Edinger
7th (DNF): 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski
Adam Putich emerged from the first turn in lane one with the early lead, with Geoffry, Jim, and Brian in the outer lanes about a roostertail behind. On the second lap, the Circus stuffed in a hole, then Jim was able to hold off Brian to take second. Out front, it was Adam Putich who remained largely unchallenged, as the Putich family went 1-2 to cap off a strong day of racing.
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June 2
Location: Waughop Lake, Lakewood, WA
Contest Directors: Rich Matkin
Previous Race Winners
Race held in Lake Waughop, Tacoma, WA 1997-2012, 2021-Present
Race held in Twin Lakes Park, Marysville, WA 2017-2019
Race held in Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, Ellensburg, WA 2013-2016
Race held in Friday Harbor, WA 1990-1992
Current-2020: winners shown as nitro // FE // gas
-2024: Adam Putich (2012 Beacon Plumbing) // Paxton Reunanen (1983 American Speedy Printing) // Henry Oord (1983 Miss Houston)
-2023: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop, U-65) // Bill Brandt (1976 Miss Esquire Products) // Paxton Reunanen (1986 Boat)
-2022: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop, U-65) // Paxton Reunanen (1983 KISW Miss Rock) // Dave Brandt (1983 KISW Miss Rock)
-2021: Fred Olson (1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak) // Don Mock (1985 Miller American) // John Olson (1971 Country Boy)
-2020: Race cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2013-2019: winners shown as nitro // FE
-2019: John Olson (1971 Country Boy) // David Newton (1993 Miss Budweiser T-3)
-2018: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) // Rob Brackett (2011 Valken Sports)
-2017: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop U-64) // Chuck Murray (1977 Miss Tri-Cities Mark and Pak)
-2016: Dave Brandt (1997 Pico American Dream) // Jim Brittain (1986 Mr. Pringle's)
-2015: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) // Rob Brackett (2008 Formulaboats.com)
-2014: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) // Dave Brandt (2008 Miss Elam Plus)
-2013: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) // none
Previous to 2013, no FE class run
-2012: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire)
-2011: Bill Brandt (1972 Notre Dame)
-2010: Kirk Maupin (1975 Atlas Van Lines)
-2009: Dave Brandt (1999 Pico American Dream)
-2008: Steve Schmitz (1985 Squire Shop)
-2007: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2006: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2005: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2004: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2003: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2002: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2001: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop)
-2000: Lee Robertson (1995 Pico American Dream)
-1999: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1998: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)
-1997: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)
-1996: Race not held
-1995: Race not held
-1994: Race not held
-1993: Race not held
-1992: Ron Davis (1988 Miss Circus Circus)
-1991: Brad Lewis (1976 Olympia Beer)
-1990: Ron Davis (1988 Miss Circus Circus)