The Dan Loeffler Memorial T-Jet race held October 10 at Zane’s excellent 4x12 track was a big success. Some of the best T-Jet racers in Arizona showed up to contribute their entry fees to Dan’s son Christopher’s Education Fund. Dan was one of the best T-Jet and AFX Magnatraction racers in the state and his untimely death cast a large shadow over the Arizona HO Racing Association. But he also was one of the nicest and friendliest guys who set an example to us more serious racers. His smile and laugh is sorely missed. And those who met him can’t ever forget his phrase when he saw old, trashed out T-Jet or AFX bodies in your slotbox, “You’re not going to throw that away, are you?” We plan to hold this event on a yearly basis in October and with prizes, raffles, and outstanding racing it can only get bigger and better.
It was fitting that with records falling in qualifying and the race that’s Dan’s 8 minute record would be the only one to remain intact. It is going to be one hell of a racer and car that beats his over 50.04 lap record that has stood now for 13 months. But Dave Maves smashed his own 1 minute qualifying record of 6 laps and 2 sections with an awesome run of 6 laps and 10 sections. His Dino Ferrari was so smooth and fast and while others were bouncing down the straights and curves his was gliding by. But behind him things were extremely tight. Zane Walrod and Marty Coffel were tied at 5.13, Paul was at 5.10, Kent Krutchoff and Greg Williams tied 5.09 with David following at 5.04. That’s .09 sections from 2nd to 6th place! Late arriving Mike thrashed to a 4.14 and James followed up with 4.06.
The A consi with TQ Dave, Paul and David started with Dave jetting out to a 2 lap lead that he stretched into a 8 lap win. His 49.10 was close to Dan’s record but even he commented that it would take a perfect run to get that record. Paul and David fought throughout with Paul coming out on top 41.09 to 40.09. The B was a little closer with Zane winning 45.02 to James 41.02 and Greg’s 40.07. Marty just eeked out a win over Kent, 44.12 to 42.10. Kent’s Ford GT40 kept Marty’s Ferrari Dino honest keeping within a lap or two during the entire consi. Kent tried to close the gap but a bent guidepin may have been the culprit. A Right Stuff brass/steel guidepin cured the tipsy the chassis had.
With the winners of the 3 consis moving into the main the next 4 highest lap totals would duke it out for the remaining spot in the main. Those fortunate to make it were Kent 42.10, David 41.09, James 41.02 and Paul at 40.09. Greg’s 40.07 missed by less than 2 feet! So 4 hopefuls lined up for that sole spot and at the gun Kent, David and Paul were neck and neck. The fact that Kent was on gutter yellow didn’t slow him down. The lead was changing back and forth almost every lap. But when Kent moved to blue he cut a 12 for a 22 total to move up 2 on the others. James was having too much fun and but gathered it up at the end to give a run at 3rd. David made a run at Kent but his GP racer fell short by 2 at the end. Kent basically cruised to a 43 total for the moveup with David 41, James moving by Paul 38 to 37 at the flag for 3rd.
Kent’s Ford GT40 in Gulf colors lined up against the Ferrari Dinos of Dave, Zane and Marty. Shades of LeMans in the mid 60s! And although we didn’t do a LeMans start (now that’s an idea!) the racing was ferocious with Dave scorching the gutter yellow lane with a 12 to just edge ahead of the pack, all at 11. In the second segment Dave put his stamp on the trophy with a superb 13 on blue. But that didn’t mean the racing was boring! Everyone else cut another stash of 11s! The standing at the midpoint were Dave 25, Marty, Zane and Kent tied at 22! Dave stumbled a little bit on fast green (traffic) and Kent moved into 2nd with a 12 on superfast red to close up to within 2 of Dave. Marty and Zane cut another series of 11s to keep the others honest. At several points of the 3rd segment Kent would get within a lap and a half but on the edge driving with Dave cruising took it’s toll in a few deslots. And with Dave it only takes 1 or 2 and it’s hasta la vista baby! In the final 2 minute segment Dave wrapped it up with a solid 12 on red but behind him things got really tight and interesting. Kent struggled just enough on yellow with an 11 to let Zane and Marty close up when they finally stepped out of the 11s with both recording 12s. At the buzzer Dave was at a close to the record 50 with a 48.13 for a well earned win, 1st place trophy and the unoffical title of the “Fastest T-Jet racer in Arizona!” But for 2nd it was a squeaker! Kent just hung on with a 45.19 with Zane at 45.09 and Marty at 45.06! Less than 6 feet seperated 2nd from 4th! Dan would have enjoyed this one! What a great race! Everyone kicked back for our traditional unique beer and bench racing sessions. Prizes and trophies were handled out with raffles of some of the good stuff.
We plan to make this race a yearly event and everyone is looking forward to the next T-Jet race to take Dave off his perch. If you’re interested in our T-Jet, AFX MagnaTraction racing programs/schedules or any of the other racing we have going on, SuperStock, etc. give us a call at 602-982-6959 and we’ll be happy to pass on the info. And if you ever in the Phoenix area give us a buzz and I’m sure one of our garage racing dudes will set something up for ya!
Good Luck and Have Fun!