wingracer

iTrader: (24)

http://www.redrc.net/2013/09/lambert...-ifmar-worlds/

Looks like this could be a repeat of the South Africa offroad worlds. Lots of drivers backing out.

choisan

iTrader: (6)

respect, everyone has choice. no absolute right or wrong.

MarkA

iTrader: (21)

It certainly is his choice not to go but I just wish "big-name" racers and by extension, their sponsors would be able to honestly say:

"It's too expensive"
"Our equipment just isn't competitive this year"
"Too far"

Even if the race were being held inside the actual exclusion zone rather than 200+ miles away, it would still be twice as safe for the two weeks he'd be there as getting a CT Scan. Since radiation exposure's most primary effect is on cancer risk, if he's that worried about cancer, what is doing breathing fumes for a living?

"I'm afraid of Godzilla" - Now that's an excuse I could go for...

wingracer

iTrader: (24)

Now that I could buy

J.Gonzalez

iTrader: (16)

Maybe he just a nervous Nellie type and is more concerned about potential than realistic problems.

Chiba is about 160 miles away according to google.

No matter the cause it is unfortunate for his sponsors and event organizers.

Taylorm

..now that's funny........Collari has to hand back his man card.......

peppernick

iTrader: (3)

Respect his decision and it's a loss to us he's not there to take on the challenge for his 10th World's title, but I think the use of controlled tyres and additives being banned have a role in his decision, looking at his pace at the recent EC. Furthermore, the Japs have a significant advantage given it's their home track; so the chances of one of them winning is much higher than an outsider, even if he's one of the best drivers.

wingracer

iTrader: (24)

People say that all the time but except for early on, home country wins are somewhat rare in 1/8th.

1978 Butch Kroells USA
1981 Art Carbonel USA
1983 David Lecat France
1986 Pete Fusco USA
1999 Adrian Bertin France
2005 Lamberto Collari Italy

That's it. All but one of Collari's titles came outside of Italy. Only one Japanese driver has ever won it, that was Kenji in Australia.

victor1997621

Does it mean there's no Capricorn drivers will attend the WC in Japan?

stefan

It's not Capricorn but Novarossi who are afraid to get their butt handed to them and therefore have drastically cut down the travel expenses for their drivers.
At least that's what I've been told.

Obviously, it's going to be very tough to be competitive there with a NR engine, while the OS and Picco engines seem to be able to make run time...

Roelof

I know another possible finalist who is not going. His reason is the suddenly change of ruling about the tires but rumours say it is all about the budget.

Also on www.rcracing.tv is a nice story from the editor view to read.

choisan

iTrader: (6)

NR is notorious in run time and selling price. I was told by those who attended KM Cup last weekend in Japan at the World Track, OS definitely had advantage on run time. And in fact, the cost of maintaining a OS 1/8 engine is 40% off, conrod, bearing,......you name it.

MarkA

iTrader: (21)

Here's the direct link to that article: http://rcracingtv.net/2013/09/opinio...-world-champs/
And Collari's rambling, nonsensical response: http://rcracingtv.net/2013/09/collar...-rc-racing-tv/

stefan

It looks like Balestri ain't going either....

Bishop

iTrader: (5)

There was some similar posturing I think a year or two back with MotoGP riders not wanting to do to Japan, the realities being you get more exposure to radiation during repeated long distance plane flights than you do from a short visit to Japan outside what is considered the high risk areas.

It's hard not to suspect other reasons, some have suggested the Capricorns don't suit control tyres full stop, for various reasons that don't even include the doping one, but maybe anyone who thinks they are going in at a disadvantage, just simply don't want to go when they are worried it will end up a poor showing for themselves or their current brand.