We have seen a lot of action on the track here at ETS RD2 in Aigen today. The beautiful track of the hosting club MAV Aigen-Schlägl is not only looking good as all drivers had been really impressed after their practice runs. It is a huge challenge to find a perfect rhythm for the flowing track with all the banking corners and elevation changes. Here are the results of our free practice on Thursday:
Matrix Modified
Völker and Pietsch with 1-2 for Mugen Seiki ahead of Awesomatix Rheinard
In the Matrix Modified class we saw a 1-2 for the Mugen Seiki duo of Ronald Völker and Robert Pietsch. Both drivers showed a great pace during the whole day, and they are really looking “ready” for seeding and qualifying with their LRP powered MTC2 cars. Behind the leading Mugen duo, Awesomatix factory driver Marc Rheinard was in the mix as well – his three fastest consecutive laps only being 0.17 seconds off the leader’s pace. Marc will be one to watch when we head into seeding practice tomorrow as he is pushing really hard for his first personal ETS win with the Awesomatix team. Closely behind Rheinard, we found another duo in the top five with Xray`s Marco Kaufmann (4th) and his teammate Patrick Gollner (5th). Even more top drivers are very close as well and the fight for the 10 A-Main spots will be close as always when qualifying will start tomorrow afternoon after the seeding practice here at ETS RD2 in Aigen-Schlägl, AUT.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
1. Ronald Völker (DE) 47.194 (Mugen Seiki/LRP) 2. Robert Pietsch (DE) 47.297 (Mugen Seiki/LRP) 3. Marc Rheinard (DE) 47.364 (Awesomatix/Orca) 4. Marco Kaufmann (DE) 47.421 (Xray) 5. Patrick Gollner (AT) 47.445 (Xray/Hobbywing)
Champion Lauter earns top spot in Pro Stock after strong finish of the day
In the Awesomatix Pro Stock class, Simon Lauter was the fastest guy at the end of the day. It took him some time to turn things to his favour, but in round 5 and 6 he was “on point” with his Awesomatix A800MMX and found himself on top of the time sheets. Right behind Lauter, Awesomatix team manager and Apeldoorn race winner Max Mächler was second fastest, in front of Adam Izsay, Toni Rheinard and Sören Sparbier. A great day for Adam Izsay from Hungary with his Xray X4 and as well for Toni Rheinard at his ETS comeback after some years. Rheinard is running an Awesomatix A800MMX here in Aigen and looked strong on track just from the beginning. Sören Sparbier showed the potential of the new Serpent Medius X20`23 once again and completed the top 5 after free practice in the Awesomatix Pro Stock class.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
1. Simon Lauter (DE) 52.128 (Awesomatix) 2. Max Mächler (DE) 52.200 (Awesomatix) 3. Adam Izsay (HU) 52.312 (Xray) 4. Toni Rheinard (DE) 52.366 (Awesomatix) 5. Sören Sparbier (DE) 52.401 (Serpent)
Olsen takes free practice in front of Rheinard and van Gog
In the Hobbywing Frontwheel class, we saw Apeldoorn race winner Steven Olsen leading the field on Thursday evening. Olsen posted his fastest time in practice heat 5, while the other top five drivers had their best times coming from the sixth and last round of the day. Behind the Awesomatix A800FX of Steven Olsen, it was Toni Rheinard with a strong return to the stage of ETS racing. He finished the day only 0.087 seconds behind Steven Olsen and showed that he still can wheel it. Let`s see how his performance will develop throughout the weekend here in Aigen. Behind Rheinard and Olsen, we saw Dutch Racer Robin van Gog taking third place in front of Kevin Sparbier and reigning FWD champion Stefan Schulz.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
1. Steven Olsen (DK) 1:06.729 (Awesomatix) 2. Toni Rheinard (DE)1:06.816 (Awesomatix) 3. Robin van Gog (NL) 1:06.849 4. Kevin Sparbier (DE) 1:07.042 (Mugen Seiki) 5. Stefan Schulz (DE) 1:07.173 (Xray)
Reile fastest after Thursday`s free practice sessions
In the Orca 17.5 Stock class, we saw a well-known result on Thursday. Championship leader Dominik Reile came out fastest on top of the board with his Awesomatix A800MMX after six rounds of free practice. Daniel Pöhlmann (Awesomatix A800MMX) looked like his strongest rival, coming short by only 0.172 seconds on the three fastest consecutive laps which are almost taking one minute for the cars in the Orca 17.5 Stock class. Henrik Heitsch had a good day of practice as well as he finished third with the new ARC A10 touring car where he is still trying a lot of different “setup stuff” in every run. Tristan Bergheim (Awesomatix A800MMX) and Joshua Winkler completed the top 5 for the day.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
Close practice sessions in the Masters class with Thalheimer on top
Xray racer Mirco Thalheimer was the fastest over three consecutive laps after six rounds of free practice in the ToniSport 40+ Masters class. But as the field was together really close, (top 15 in one second) it is very hard and almost impossible to make any predictions for tomorrow when we will head into seeding practice and qualifying. Behind Thalheimer, it was the Awesomatix A800MMX quartet of Torsten Baggendorf in second place ahead of Manuel Stankowitz, Ulrich Dinger and Ronald Arts. Qualifying will be a nail biter in the ToniSport 40+ Masters class for sure, as there are almost 20 drivers with a realistic chance to make it into the A-Main here at ETS RD2.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
1. Mirco Thalheimer (DE) 58.728 (Xray) 2. Torsten Baggendorf (DE) 58.890 (Awesomatix) 3. Manuel Stankowitz (DE) 58.900 (Awesomatix) 4. Ulrich Dinger (DE) 58.993 (Awesomatix) 5. Ronald Arts (DE) 59.025 (Awesomatix)
Stiebler on P1 after free practice in the Formula class
Andreas Stiebler from Austria was the fastest guy on track here on Thursday in Aigen-Schlägl. He outpaced his fellow countryman Herbert Weber and René Kölbel on track and it looks like Stiebler found a real good setup for his Schumacher Icon2 Formula car as his advantage over Weber and Kölbel was relatively big with six tenths of a second. But as practice is “only practice”, we can expect a close fight for the top spots in the formula class for sure. Robin van Gog is sitting fourth overnight and Robert Kampehl finished the day in fifth position.
The Top 5 after Thursday practice (over 3 consecutive laps)
1. Andreas Stiebler (AT) 59.032 (Schumacher) 2. Herbert Weber (AT) 59.677 (Xray) 3. René Kölbel (AT) 59.988 (Xray) 4. Robin van Gog (NL) 1:00.085 (Infinity) 5. Luka Jovicic (LU) 1:00.196 (Libar Engineering)
It will be a very important day for the drivers as we will have another two rounds of free practice followed by two rounds of timed seeding practice. Last on Friday afternoon will be the first round of qualifying, a gritty moment when everyone must put their cards on the table for the first time.
Now, we are looking forward to Friday here at ETS RD2 in Aigen. Stay tuned and follow us during the whole weekend. Check out the LIVE section on our website. There you will find our livestreaming options from ETS RD2 Season #15 2022/23 at MAV Aigen-Schlägl!
The second round of ETS Season #15 2022/23 will see all the action taking place in Aigen-Schlägl in Austria. The local club MAV Aigen-Schlägl is running an amazing facility there, which is well-known from previous ENS Nitro races in the last couple of years. With the last ENS race just hosted in Aigen last weekend, the ETS racers can hope for a very high amount of traction produced by the foam tires and the motor access oil of the Nitro cars.
As beautiful as a location can be, embedded in an amazing landscape
When we look at the pictures of the Aigen racetrack, we can hardly wait to finally see the cars of our different ETS classes hitting the track. The region of Aigen is a very rural region with many small villages, farms and fields. The bigger cities around are Passau on the German side (60km) and Linz on the Austrian side (50km).
The ground of the MAV Aigen-Schlägl is located outside the villages of Aigen and Schlägl in the beautiful Austrian landscapes. You can see mountains and green forests almost everywhere around the track which quickly generates the feeling of holidays. There`s just nothig better to dream about when it comes down to a perfect weekend of RC car racing.
[the_ad_group id=”141″]
A new track for the Euro Touring Series
As we mentioned before, the Euro Nitro Series stopped in Aigen for a several times in the past. But for the 1:10 scale electric classes of the Euro Touring Series it will be the first meeting. The track layout looks quiet fast and open – a fact which is always good for some close racing at high speeds.
The track, which was completely resurfaced ahead of the 2017 event, has retained its layout since it was built in 2006. The layout may appear simple, but being situated in the hills of the northern Austrian countryside, virtually every corner on the circuit features either an elevation change or banking.
The long straightway is directly in front of the driers stand, and the cars are passing from the left to the right side of the track with maximum speed. The main straight runs uphill at a 5-degree angle. From the exit onto the straightway until the turning point into the long left hander, it is around 54 meters and the cars will carry a lot of speed into the following sweeper. This looks to be one important section where you can gain or loose some time for sure.
The entire infield section looks relativeley open, but has some very nice and smooth corners. The majority of the corners are slow, tighter turns for the drivers to navigate. The bright red and white curbs demand respect – using just the right amount is crucial to setting the best times, but it’s a fine line between taking too much and risking rolling the car.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy our track check video and a little tour through the complete facility of the MAV Aigen Schlägl.
Huge pit area for a maximum of racer`s comfort
The MAV club have evolved the whole track and pits over the last years. With permanent undercover pitting for 120 drivers, a well-stocked café providing the racers with drinks, the club also have a clubhouse behind the circuit which serves up fresh home-cooked Austrian food for lunch every day.
The MAV club have purchased some additional land next to the track, expanding the parking and camping areas. Club President, Martin Mayrhofer, is always encouraging of drivers who want to visit the track for a race, practice or testing. So if you’re not competing in the ETS this weekend, make sure you add MAV Aigen-Schlägl to your ‘bucket list’ and plan a visit!
Let`s go racing
We are looking forward to seeing our ETS family racing at this great track for the first time. Also, we are sure that all of you will like the location in the beautiful landscapes ot the Aistrian mountains. Enjoy the weekend with us on track, or at home with our live streams, pictures, and race repords which we will provide you as always!
The second round of the current ETS season is just around the corner. The MAV Aigen-Schlägl club just hosted a great ENS event this past weekend and is now waiting for the “electric guys” to show up. In our Preview report we already talked about the upcoming race and what to expect from the teams and top drivers. But there is even more to watch during the upcoming weekend. We will lighten the candle with our “5 things to watch” during ETS RD2 in Aigen, AUT.
1)Barbecue on Thursday evening
A Barbecue is always nice, but especially when it`s trackside at the end of a practice day. The ETS Orga team thought in the same way and organized a Barbecue together with the hosting club MAV Aigen-Schlägl. Right before the first piece of meat is on the grill, we like to say THANK YOU for that opportunity to the club and the Barbecue master who really knows his trade. Creating these things around our races was something which helped the ETS to grow up to the important racing series it is now. But it has certainly come up short very often in the high times with due to the incredibly high number of entries which we saw for many years (and which we hope to see soon again).
[the_ad_group id=”141″]
2) New cars on track at the ETS
In Aigen we will see several new touring cars on track in the touring car classes. Some well-known companies just released their newest platforms some weeks ago and now it is time to check what the cars can do on the big stage. The cars we are talking about are the Serpent Medius X20`23 as well as the ARC A10 and the AxonTC10/2. While Serpent and ARC are in the game with a completely new designed car, Axon just released a conversion kit for the Yokomo BD10 some months ago – transforming the BD10 into the Axon TC10/2. We know that Sören Sparbier will compete with the new Serpent Medius 20`23 car, Henrik Heitsch will wheel the new A10 from ARC and Akio Sobue and Hayato Ishioka will race the Axon TC10/2 at ETS RD2 in Aigen. As new cars are always interesting, we will try to show some of them in our “Under the Hood” reports during the weekend – check it out!
3) Three classes for a comeback – no problem?
ToniSport founder and ETS family member Toni Rheinard will race again at the ETS after a very long time. He selected the race in Aigen to have some fun behind the steering wheel of RC cars again. But what would a “one race comeback” be without a maximum challenge? You are right – it would be boring. Therefore, Toni decided (rumours say “influenced by many people”) to sign up for the Awesomatix Pro Stock, Hobbywing Frontwheel, and the Scorpion Formula class. Something we are only used to see “Mister Multiple Classes” Jan Ratheisky doing. But Toni Rheinard can be relaxed as he will have some serious help in the pits, and we are also sure that he still is able to unleash some skills which earned him the German national title in touring car in 2005.
Back in these days he was the first driver who was able to beat his brother Marc after he had won the 2004 IFMAR worlds in Kissimee, Florida. But since then, we have seen several sunrises and we are excited how Toni will perform in “only” three racing classes during ETS RD2 in Aigen-Schlägl!
4) FWD Champion Stefan Schulz
The reigning Hobbywing Frontwheel champion Stefan Schulz will finally race at the ETS in Aigen with his Xray again. He won his TS title right ahead of last season`s finale, and due to a Snowbird Nationals (USA) trip, he was not on the line in Daun. We also missed him at the start of the new season in Apeldoorn. Stefan had work commitments and was preparing for the EFRA European championships too. A race he won in Slovakia (Hudy Arena) after a strong weekend. The ETS likes to congratulate him for winning the euros in the FWD class as it shows that the Euro Touring Series is the perfect platform to become a top driver who, at some point, can win a Euro or Worlds title! We are looking forward to seeing him on track again and we can be sure to have him in the top group of FWD drivers during the weekend!
5) Sunshine, Austrian Food and Livestreaming
We can be very happy with the weather forecast so far. The weather app of our choice shows amazing weather with sunshine and up to 29 degrees during all the days in Aigen. There is nothing more to ask for on the weather side! Ok, we just talked about the Thursday Barbecue at the beginning of this one, but that will not be the only culinary highlight of the weekend. As everybody knows (that`s what we are hoping), the Austrian cuisine is fantastic -not only because of “Wiener Schnitzel” – and offers a lot of different things to taste. The racers can visit different typical restaurants in the evening to enjoy their time beside the track with some excellent food and some cold beers!
For everybody who will watch us from the distance – we are sorry that you have no shot for the great food 😊 But you can enjoy all the racing action from home in our well-known ETS livestreams. You will find them in the LIVE” section of our page as always during our events!
Now it is time for all racers to get the final preparations done on their cars and equipment. Wednesday will be “travel day” for most drivers, and we will all meet in Austria for the second round of ETS Season #15 2022/23 – see you there!
ETS Round 2 leads drivers to beautiful Austrian mountain landscape
The ETS is always aiming to race at the greatest tracks and places all around europe – including new tracks from time to time as well. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this was very difficult in the last 2 years. But now, as the situation is more relaxed (hopefully it stays like that), the ETS crew decided to race in Aigen-Schlägl which is a small village in Austria. The local club MAV Aigen-Schlägl owns a great race track and hosted the ENS many times in the past with great success. Now it is time for the ETS to step on stage in Aigen-Schlägl to show the pinnacle of electric 1:10 scale onroad racing to the local crowd!
You will get more detailed information in our “TRACK CHECK” report on Wednesday, right before the event!
Long awaited – the return of Scotty Ernst
It was announced and postponed many times during the last 2 years, but now, Scotty Ernst will finally be back on the microphone in Aigen. The whole ETS family is happy to welcome him back after he wasn`t able to be with us since the 2020 ETS race in Daun (GER), immediateley before the outbreak of the pandemic!
Now, everybody is excited to hear “the most famous voice in RC” again over the speakers and in the live streaming here from ETS RD2 in Aigen, Austria. Some weeks ago, Scotty sent us some words about his return which we like to pass to you once again. He was also posting a video message to the whole ETS family:
891 Days, 127 Weeks, 29 Months.… You are wondering what all those numbers mean…….This is how long it has been since I have been to an ETS all because of the Covid. It is hard to imagine that ETS Daun Feb 2020 was my last event and it has been so difficult for me not being able to be part of our legendary series for so long. Thankfully that will all be changing very soon! We are proud to announce that I will be making my return to the ETS for the July Austria event. I cannot wait to see so many of our friends that we have made over the past 15 seasons and share with all of you the love we have for racing in the ETS. I am excited to bring back my style of commentary, excitement and passion for racing that has helped make the ETS the amazing series it is. So we hope you can make plans to join us for what will be a great event at a beautiful track and together we will go racing “on the sound of the tone!”
Scotty Ernst, ETS
What to expect from drivers and teams at ETS RD2 Season #15 2022/23 in Austria?
One thing is clear – we will see the drivers and teams on a new track for the ETS. Almost nobody from the frequent ETS racers experienced to drive on this track so far, except for a few locals and a few individual drivers who invested some time to practice in Aigen prior to to he event. This is an interesting fact, and we can not point out favourites based on results of the previous ETS seasons. However, we can expect the same strong forces on top of the field as quality always rises up to the top during a race weekend.
[the_ad_group id=”141″]
Matrix Modified
All eyes on championship leader Prümper and the Yokomo team
When the drivers will arrive in Aigen, the Yokomo team will be in the leading position of the overall Matrix Modified Championship after Yannic Prümper`s win at RD1 in Apeldoorn. It is the first time for Yokomo on top of the board, since their long time ace driver Ronald Völker won the championship in the 2019/2020 campaign before switching teams.
In Apeldoorn, the whole Yokomo team looked very strong and the new BD11 car was on the A-Main grid four times in the hands of Yannic Prümper (race winner), Christopher Krapp (3rd), Nicholas Lee (4th), and Loic Jasmin (6th). A brilliant debut for Yokomo`s new touring car in a very important 2022 with the IFMAR World Championships also taking place in September (Gubbio,Italy).
But for now, it will be exciting how the team will perform at ETS RD2 in Aigen, on a very fast looking track. We asked some of the Yokomo drivers about their expectations ahead of the race in Aigen. Here is what they said:
First of all, I hope that I can make the trip to the race in Aigen. But it will be a last minute decision for me as I have a lot of very important work commitments in the days before, and after the race. Right now I can not confirm my participation, but when I will be in Aigen I expect a great track and some very intense and close fights at high speeds with all the other fast guys. I am very confident because our new BD11 felt super good at the last race and I would like to fight for the win again!
Yannic Prümper, Yokomo/Dash
Prümper`s Teammate, Christopher Krapp, was also on a high in Apeldoorn at ETS RD1 where he finished in third position after some great final runs. He will also make the trip to Aigen, even if he had some stressful days last week with moving into a new house with his girlfriend and his dog! Krapp was the second highest finisher for Yokomo in Apeldoorn, and he is looking forward to the weekend in Aigen while also for him it will be the first time racing there. Our media team had a quick chat with him between all his moving boxes standing in front of a big van:
I am really looking forward to Aigen and have heard a lot of positive things about the track and the hospitality there. Especially because it is a new track in the ETS calendar I am very motivated for the race, of course also because the first race in Apeldoorn went so well for our team and the new Yokomo BD11. I hope we can continue where we left off in Holland and be back on top. I am really looking forward to the weekend in Austria.
Christopher Krapp, Yokomo/Racing Performer
Mugen Seiki`s Völker wants to fight back after Apeldoorn defeat
For Ronald Völker, the race in Apeldoorn went to his favour until the start of the A-Mains. He started from pole position, and had to settle for second overall after some thrilling races with Yokomo`s Prümper and Awesomatix Marc Rheinard. Völker will travel to Aigen highly motivated to fight back, and to walk away from Austria with his first win of the season at best. Especially after a frustrating EFRA european championship event where he suffered from numerous tire failures, we can be sure that Ronald will be on a mission at ETS RD2 in Aigen Austria with his LRP powered MTC2.
I have been first time in Aigen for one day of practice some weeks ago. I was surprised very positive as the track is really great with a perfect layout for racing! It is challenging and enjoyable to drive on, and I can`t wait to start the event and basically enjoy every aspect in Austria!
Ronald Völker, Mugen Seiki/LRP
This time, Mugen Seiki designer and top driver Robert Pietsch will also attend the race after he had to sit out RD1 in the Netherlands. He had one day of track time with Ronald in Aigen a couple of weeks ago, to get a feeling for the surface and to collect some data. With Robert Pietsch attending the race, the team will be even stronger as the car`s designer comes along with the best possible knowledge about all the setup parameters and their effects on track.
Mugen Seiki factory driver Eric Dankel is also on the list of entries for RD2 in Aigen. Eric had a very strong last season, making the A-Main three times in a row backing it up with another strong P8 at the season opener in Apeldoorn. Eric knows the track in Aigen from the ENS races which he attended a couple of times in the past. Something which will play into his favour for sure during the event.
Awesomatix in the hunt with vice-european champion Rheinard
The Awesomatix team travels to Apeldoorn with mixed feelings. Marc Rheinard was very fast at RD1 in Apeldoorn with his A800MMX, but after a super close qualifying and some bad racing luck in the finals he only finished fifth overall. A result which some drivers are dreaming about forever, but only a nightmare if you are a 5 time IFMAR world champion. Rheinard had an even better result at the controversy discussed european championship some weeks ago, with becoming vice european champion in kind of a tire lottery race. We had the chance to get the following statement about ETS RD2 from Marc:
After a disappointing ETS season start in Apeldoorn I am really motivated to fight back for the podium, or better say at least for the win. I was in Aigen one time some years ago. Unfortunateley, it was raining and we didn`t drive that much but it is a super nice facility with an amazing track there and I am really looking forward to have this new venue on our ETS schedule. All I can say is that I am highly motivated and I hope to have a shot for the win!
Marc Rheinard, Awesomatix/Orca
Lucas Urbain from France will also be in competitioin for Awesomatix at RD2 in Aigen. Lucas is one of the best when it comes down to a perfect car preperation, and his driving became even better when he joined Awesomatix some years ago. He will be well prepared as always and he is a driver which Awesomatix always can rely on in case of A-Main quailfications and strong battles in the finals.
Austrian top driver Dominic Vogl made a last minute registration for the race and will be on track with his Awesomatix in Aigen-Schlägl. He had a very strong finish at last season`s finale with a 7th overall in Daun. He will be fully motivated at his home soil and we will have an eye on Dominic who recently became a father – congratulations from the whole ETS family!
Japanese ace Akio Sobue with ETS comeback
The ETS is very happy to see Japanese top driver Akio Sobue coming back to the ETS after a long brake caused by the world wide pandemic. Akio is fast wherever he is racing and we can be sure to see him doing very well in Austria as well. The Japanese driver is now working and racing for Axon, after a succesful stint with Infinity. The Axon car is called Axon TC10/2 and bases on a Yokomo touring car platform. Akio will come to Aigen with his fellow countryman Hayato Ishioka who will also compete in the modified class. Akio was so kind to send us the following statement from Japan:
I’m very happy to come back to an ETS event after a (way too) long time! I am really looking forward to hit the track in Aigen which looks beautiful and big on the pictures. I am ready for the challenge against all the world class drivers in this race. See you on the track soon guys.
Akio Sobue, Axon/Orca
Kaufmann and Gollner on the line for the Xray Team
Patrick Gollner and Marco Kaufmann have both made their entries for the second race of the current ETS season. Great to have at least two very fast Xray drivers at the event while we are still missing the rest of the team around Hagberg and Coelho trackside with us. Kaufmann has shown his speed and potential many times, and also Patrick Gollner is an A-Main approved racer at the Euro Touring Series. It will be exciting to see how they will perform without the support of the “main” team around Martin Hudy and all the others.
Awesomatix Pro Stock
Mächler travels to Austria leading the championship
In the Awesomatix Pro Stock class, Max Mächler is the man on the sunny side of life right now. He is leading the championship after RD1 in Apeldoorn, and he will do his very best to leave Aigen in the same position he arrived. But, however the race will end for Mächler, he can be sure about a strong finish for his Awesomatix team as reigning champion Simon Lauter is in attendence as well. But it`s not only about Mächler and Lauter when we are talking about Awesomatix in the Pro Stock class. Guys like Alex Kunkler, Martin Hofer, Olivier Bultynck, and Frederik Mikkelsen are strong forces in Pro Stock since a very long time and they will try to win the race with their A800MMX cars too.
It is actually the first time that I „lead“ the ETS championship. But honestly its just after one event, so it doesn’t mean that much. I‘m really excited for the upcoming event in Aigen. Finally a new track again in the race calendar! I visited Aigen once for a EWS International race, where we got rained out, but we actually run in super wet conditions which was also super funny. The filed should be very close together on this track, which means exciting race action. Looking forward to see all guys again and enjoy the community feeling. I wish everyone safe travels and see ya soon!
Max Mächler, Awesomatix
Beside the “big” Awesomatix team, the Pro Stock class is fully packed with other real fast drivers. Enrico Jung from Team Yokomo will try to put the new BD11 on an even better position as in Apeldoorn (P11). Xray will have Lukas Ellerbrock, Adam Izsay, David Ehrbar and Stefan Schulz in the mix, while Lars Hoppe is the man on the line for ARC. We also noticed Toni Rheinard on the list of entries – let`s see what he can do coming out of nowhere. Sören Sparbier will wheel the new Serpent Medius X20-23 around the track while his brother Kevin Sparbier will attack the track with his Mugen Seiki MTC2. But no matter how many drivers we will name here, there are still many others who are waiting for their bright moment at the ETS making it into the A-Main of the Awesomatix Pro Stock class.
Hobbywing Frontwheel
Championship leader Olsen expects a race where “power is the key”
In the Hobbywing Frontwheel class, we are expecting very close racing action on the big and open track in Aigen. One crucial aspect for the drivers will be the power over the complete runtime. A good battery management before the run will be more important than ever to have the maximum amount of “punch” available for the Hobbywing powered FWD cars. Maybe we will also see drivers trying different body shells to find out which one has the lowest amount of downforce without affecting the cars handling too much.
Steven Olsen won the season opener in Apeldoorn and will arrive in Austria as the man to beat. But with reigning champion Stefan Schulz, Torsten Baggendorf, Alexander Stocker, Toni Rheinard, Max Weffers and Kevin Sparbier, there are plenty of fast guys in the hunt for victory and the championship lead. Steven Olsen talked to our media team about his expectations for ETS RD2 in Austria:
As always I am looking forward to race at ETS with the highest level of competision in Europe. But this time I am extra excited as it’s a new track for me, so looking forward to see my pace on the beautiful track in Aigen. The track is big and looks fast so should be close racing, with a focus on good power over 5 minutes!
Steven Olsen, Awesomatix
Orca 17.5 Stock
Reile vs Pöhlmann – or will we see a surprise winner in Aigen?
For some reason, the field of Orca 17.5 Stock racers is very small in Aigen. But nevertheless, everybody will aim for the best possible result in this great ETS racing class with the ORCA 17.5 handout motors. When we are checking the entries, we find two names which we have to highlight as our favourites for the race win – Dominik Reile and Daniel Pöhlmann. Both are very experienced in this class and have won multiple races in the past. Reile was coming out on top at the season opener in the Netherlands, while Daniel Pöhlmann had a tough race finishing only in fifth position. For Pöhlmann a result he likes to improve for sure in Aigen-Schlägl.
Aigen would be the first time for me in the race calendar. From the pictures, the track looks pretty big and I’m looking forward to the weekend. The toughest competitor for me would be Daniel Pöhlmann. With the nice weather you’re practically forced to go for a ride 🙂 And otherwise I’ll let it come to me – what happens just happens!
Dominik Reile, Awesomatix
Now – as we have created some pressure on Reile and Pöhlmann 🙂 we have to admit that there are other top 3 candidates as well. Michael Koos and Jasmin Donath both had a great race in Apeldoorn, and Tristan Bergheim also showed great potential here and there in the past – he just needs to get it together during a comlete weekend of ETS racing!
ToniSport 40+ Masters
What can Elibert Sievers do on a different track?
The ToniSport 40+ Masters class is once again packed with a lot of experience and talent. All the names like Oehler, Baggendorf, Mateo, Schmitzer, Stankowitz and many others have signed up for RD2 in Austria and we are expecting the best 40+ touring car action in europe again. One driver is traveling to Aigen with a new feeling: Elibert Sievers. He won the season opener at his home track in Apeldoorn, the same result he achieved in the last season as well. But now, he is leading the championship after the first race and he must deal with the pressure to be the guy everyone wants to beat.
In the winter, Elibert raced one time away from his home track on carpet at the ETS in Neumünster where he finished in the C-Main. But as Elibert told us to be more kind of an asphalt racer we expect him to be stronger in Aigen. Let`s see what he can do there and find out about his expectations:
I am looking forward to ETS Aigen, meeting all racers and the ETS crew again. The facility looks amazing and cant wait to finaly putting some laps down on the fast and flowing track. Hoping to keep the momentum going after Apeldoorn but I also know that the competition wil be pushing hard for results. I am ready, the car is ready, lets have some fun!”
Elibert Sievers, Awesomatix
Scorpion Formula
Championship leader Kölbel looking forward to race in his home country
The Scorpion Formula class will be on the line in Aigen as well at their second ever race on foeam tires. At RD1 in the Netherlands, it was René Kölbel who was able to win his firet ever ETS race in the Formula class – the class that he loves so much! Now he is looking to back that result up with another podium finish or race win in hin home country. Asked about his expectations, René told us:
I was there once to train and it is a great track. I don’t think it’s as big, or too big, as some people have said before. It is a pity that we (ETS) weren’t there earlier. I am very happy that Toni (Rheinard) is starting in the Formula class. I am also fully motivated again with the victory in my luggage. I am looking forward to an exciting race with Toni, Andreas, Herbert and all the others!
René Kölbel, Xray
But in Aigen there will be more than enough challengers for Kölbel as he will see guys like Herbert Weber, Robin van Gog, Toni Rheinard, Sören Sparbier, Patrik Sadrinna and Chris Grenz trying to step on the podium as well. Let`s see which show the Scorpion Formula class will produce and we wish everybody the best of luck and maximum fun on the track.
Now it is time to go racing!
We will see the first drivers, teams, mechanics, and media team members traveling to Aigen from Wednesday on and we will keep you updated on our Website (ets.racing) and on facebook as always. Our Livestreams will also be there for you as soon as we have prepared everything in Austria. The Track Check report with a short video showing the facility and the track wil be online on Wednesday evening!
The third round of the actual ETS Season #15 2022/23 will lead us to Arena33 in Andernach, GER. The Arena33 is a very well known place – especially after the last 2 years with the Covid-19 pandamic. The racetrack at Arena33 was one of the few places where we had been able to race, and we stopped there for a several times. This means, that Arena33 was a very important place to “keep the ETS alive and going”, and we are looking forward to welcome as many racers as possible again for ETS RD3 in Andernach.
Normally, there is not much to say about this iconic place in the hometown of multiple IFMAR World Champion Marc Rheinard. But in case you have never been there before, here are some Arena33 facts: Date: 18.08. – 21.08.2022 Location: Arena33, Stadionstraße 90, 56626 Andernach Track: Asphalt (new surface in 2020) Driving direction: Anti-clockwise or clockwise (both possible and race proven) Pit area: Covered pit area and additional tents if needed Catering: Arena33 kitchen will be open to provide snacks and drinks Entries: On MyRCM from Tuesday, 12.07.2022 at 20:00 MEZ
Young talents are important for every sport around the globe – and so it is also in the world of RC racing. For our second “Young Talents” Interview, we are happy to have Elena Fuchs with us. Elena is one of the fastest ladies at the ETS and during RD1 in Apeldoorn we took the chance to ask her about her life and her passion about radio-controlled cars.
ETS – Hello Elena, nice to welcome you here in Apeldoorn at the start of the new ETS season. How are you doing and how did you use the time between the two ETS seasons?
Elena – I would have loved to do a bit more RC car racing, not only because the hobby is so much fun, but also to improve my skills. However, school has priority at the moment as I’m in the middle of my A-level preparations.
ETS – You’ve been competing regularly in the Euro Touring Series for quite a while now. Last season you even made it to the A-finals twice in the 17.5 Stock class, finishing eighth in both. How satisfied are you with your races last season?
Elena – Of course I was overwhelmed by the success. However, I also know that there is still a long way to go to reach the top and there is still a big gap to close.
ETS – Your father, Frank Fuchs, has been racing RC cars for many years. When did you start driving RC cars, and how did it come about that you wanted to compete with the best at the Euro Touring Series?
Elena – To compete with the best? That really wasn’t my motivation at first. More like “being there is everything.” But I was able to improve steadily, which is of course also due to the support of the entire Awesomatix team around Max Mächler and Simon Lauter. Today, participation is a very special challenge, if only because of the international field of participants, also with regard to the quality of the pilots.
ETS – The races of the Euro Touring Series are the “benchmark” as they say. Do you also participate in other, smaller races? Do you remember where you drove your first race?
Elena – Well, the motto “We are family” is not only a motto in the ETS, but is lived by everyone and in the front by Uwe Rheinard and the entire ToniSport team. I think that is unique in the RC car scene. In addition, I also drive smaller races like the ToniSport Onroad Series, which is also a lot of fun.
ETS – When you participate in an ETS race, what makes it such a special event for you? After all, the Euro Touring Series likes to be called the “most important onroad racing series in the world”?
Elena – Of course it’s a great feeling to compete in an international field of drivers. It’s a completely different level in terms of professionalism, quality, teamwork, and fairness.
ETS – What was your first own RC car?
Elena – My first attempts I made with a Tamiya TT-01. With the Tamiya I was allowed, or rather “had”, to drive several afternoons curves around a few set-up cones on the parking lot of our wholesale market, until I finally went on a racetrack.
ETS – Do you train very often, or rather less often? What racetracks are the best for you to get to for training?
Elena – As soon as the opportunity arises, we regularly visit races that are easy to reach for us in terms of distance – race tracks such as VfR Rüsselsheim, MBSC Wächtersbach or also TC-Heuchelheim. But I must admit that the track in Andernach, the Arena33, is my absolute favourite – whether for a race or just for training.
ETS – You are currently racing with an Awesomatix A800MMX. What were the criteria for you to use Awesomatix touring cars in your races?
Elena – I don’t have to think about it for long: My father won’t give me anything else 😊 The Awesomatix has so much potential that I can’t even begin to fully extract. Besides, I’m getting more and more familiar with the setup and the possibilities of this high-performance touring car. What’s more, there’s such a great team behind it.
ETS – What fascinates you so much about RC car driving? Is it the technology, the speed, or simply the adrenaline that you feel when you are driving on the driver’s stand?
Elena – I must confess that I would like to drive, drive and drive. The direct fight on the track with another driver is the most fun. Driving for every tenth requires a lot of discipline and is a very special challenge.
ETS – When you train with your father Frank, who is actually faster 😊?
Elena – I must admit to myself that he is the faster one. However, the gaps are getting smaller and smaller, and it is a very special incentive for me to close this gap as quickly as possible.
ETS – As you can easily see, the men outnumber the girls at ETS. Is it an extra incentive for you to beat the guys in the races, or do you not care at all who you must overtake on the track to get to the front?
Elena – No, once the race is started, the only thing that counts is the RC Cars to beat, gender doesn’t matter. I even have to say that the male competition behaves very charmingly on the track and doesn’t always pull out the crowbar against me right away, for which I am very grateful.
ETS – Do you have a favourite race track? If so, tell us about this track and why you like it better than others?
Elena – Yes, the Arena33 in Andernach. Difficult sections, but also passages to “rest”. The whole team around ToniSport and especially Bruno Czernik are always there with full enthusiasm and heart and soul to make sure everyone has a great race or training weekend.
ETS – When you talk to your friends about your RC car hobby, how do you explain to them exactly what you do when you go to Holland, Austria, or Luxembourg to pursue this hobby? What do they think about that?
Elena – They are always thrilled. No matter if family, friends, classmates or even teachers. After such a race weekend I must report in detail how it went. Thanks to the great ToniSport Media Team, I can always show a few clips from my races on video.
ETS – What do you do when you’re not racing at the ETS? Are you still a student or have you already finished school? What are your plans and career aspirations for the future?
Elena – I am just about to graduate from high school. Unfortunately, this takes a lot of time. It would be great to become a team driver one day, but I have to improve my performance and my consistency. Profession? Difficult question, I think the medical field would be very interesting for me. What exactly, I’m still taking my time.
ETS – Do you have any other hobbies besides RC car racing that you do in your spare time? Or does racing already take up more than enough of your time?
Elena – Why do you have another hobby besides RC car racing? No, of course I like to do regular sports like cycling, swimming and go to the gym from time to time.
ETS – Is there any kind of role model for you in RC car racing? Or drivers you particularly enjoy watching drive?
Elena – Definitely my dad, I always get a special fever for him. Of course, the highlights are always the races in the stock class. In all the races the results are so close, really exciting. I’m always happy when an Awesomatix is in front, no matter if it’s Max Mächler or Simon Lauter.
ETS – What are your goals for the ETS season #15 2022/23?
Elena – Of course, it would be nice to always be able to deliver my full performance – that would be a start. Anything beyond that is a bonus. Of course, an A-final is always a great thing, but it also requires a bit of luck. I still have to improve my driving a lot to be able to book that regularly.
ETS – Elena, thank you very much for this great interview and your time. We are very happy to call you part of the ETS family. We wish you only the best, and most of all, good luck and success on the racetrack!
Elena – Yes, also from me a big thank you to the whole team at ToniSport for all the work you do to make this wonderful hobby possible for us.
today we like to inform all Pro Stock and Modified racers, that ZooRacing has now listed their third body shell for the actual season of the Euro Touring Series.
The company has decided to list the well-known, and great performing Baybee body shell from their lineup of 1:10 scale touring car bodies. The Baybee will be allowed in the Awesomatix Pro Stock, and Matrix Modified class for the rest of season #15.
The ZooRacing body shell list is now completed for all classes, and in Pro Stock and Modified the drivers can select from the Zoo Racing Wolverine (Max), Anti, and Baybee, while the 40+ Masters and 17.5 Stock drivers will stay with the one Wolverine (Max) body shell.
ZooRacing Part Number: ZR-0009-05 ZooRacing Baybee Touring Car Body Shell 0.5mm ZR-0009-07 ZooRacing Baybee Touring Car Body Shell 0.7mm
Two weeks after we all started into the new season with ETS RD1 in the Netherlands, our Media Team member Hanno van den Boogaard edited another nice video clip from our event. Enjoy some impressions and let us take you back to the action and experiences from ETS RD1 at the AMCA Apeldoorn. Thanks to Hanno from RC Race Video for his great work on the camera, and to Tom Wald from Bildwald for the nice pictures! Enjoy the video!
In our new series of Interviews, we are presenting you our young girls and boys attending at the Euro Touring Series. One of them is Jasmin Donath from Berlin, Germany. Patrick Beck from the ETS media team took some time to talk to Jasmin about RC racing and her life in the capital of Germany. Enjoy our first „ETS Young Talents” interview which we did on the free practice day in Apeldoorn, right before the race started. Jasmin achieved her best career result with third overall in the Orca 17.5 Stock class directly after we talked to her – great job Jasmin!
ETS – Hi Jasmin, great to see you at the start of the new season on the racetrack. How are you and what did you do in the long time between the last race in Daun and the race in Apeldoorn?
Jasmin – Hello to the ETS team! I’m great, I’m in a good mood and just happy that we can be here again to have fun together. Since our last ETS attempt in Daun, which I unfortunately had to end prematurely, I have gone with my parents, as often as possible, to Neumünster and have trained there a lot. I turned many laps over there 😊 I also started to practice with an FWD car (many THANKS to Tonisport) which is a lot of fun too. Then I attended the TOS race that took place there, and we had the chance to practice on the indoor track in Hann. Münden. Spontaneously we participated at the EOS in Göttingen. There I started for the first time without training even in the 4WD class. Somehow all this is fun! Outdoor, there was no chance for practice, but we started with a TOS race in Hann. Münden, and shortly after with the XRS in Braunschweig. And now we meet here in the Netherlands to do the first ETS run of the season.
ETS – Last season you made an incredible leap forward. In the final ranking you were 17th out of a total of 70 participants in the Orca 17.5 Stock class. How would you rate your last ETS season?
Jasmin – It is very difficult to assess myself. It was my first season (apart from the one race in 2020 in Trencin). We went on the 3 races relatively relaxed, without putting myself under pressure, at least we tried. From the overall 17th place, I just learned here from you. Sounds quite good, I think. I enjoyed all the races, even if they are a bit different than a normal race. You have more well-known drivers at the ETS. The competition is stronger, and the tension is higher. I am satisfied with the races and the results and hope to have a lot of fun in the coming seasons and to become even better. But I also know that this was not possible in such a short time without help: many THANKS to Manuel and my parents!
ETS – When did you start the RC hobby, and on which racetrack did you do your first, real laps?
Jasmin – It was a slow process. I went to the racetrack with my father from time to time and drove a bit, without any intentions. I really started driving myself in mid-2017 in our club: “1st Marzahn Racing Club” in the northeast of Berlin on the “green hell of Marzahn”.
ETS – Can you remember which was your first RC car was?
Jasmin – Yes for sure. My first own car was a Xpress XQ1-S.
ETS – You live in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Are there many clubs and racetracks in Berlin? Do you belong to a club, if so which one?
Jasmin – Strictly speaking, I live on the outskirts of Berlin, so in Hönow, Brandenburg. As the crow flies, it is 200m to Berlin. In Berlin directly, there are 3 clubs with their own asphalt racetracks, but we also count the club from Bernau, because this is not far away and is also a host of our Berlin race series. I am a member of the 1st MRC from the beginning, and my dad is also in it. Since ~2 years I am also a member of the Speedracer club in Bernau.
ETS – Your father Renè supports you at almost all the races. Is he also your mechanic or do you also work on the setup of your cars yourself?
Jasmin – He is doing almost everything on my cars. I’m slowly trying to do more and more myself, but still must ask a lot and learn to understand. It is not so easy to remember everything and understand and implement. But standard work (tires – battery – cleaning) I do by myself now. My new FWD car I have almost completely assembled alone. But I still need help when it comes down to find the perfect setup for the track we are racing on.
ETS – Do you train often, or do you try to do as many races as possible?
Jasmin – I often go for training. I have two tracks in the immediate vicinity. If I could now roughly estimate, I would think that we are determined 1x a week after school for training. Sometimes more and sometimes less. On weekends we often go to races, sometimes closer to Berlin sometimes further away. There I am dependent on my parents. But we participate in races as often as possible.
ETS – Do you have a favorite racetrack? If so, which one is it and why exactly?
Jasmin – There is actually no particular favorite track. But I find larger tracks, which are usually also faster to drive, very interesting. I would include the Hudy Arena, the Arena33 in Andernach, the Bernau Speedway and of course Apeldoorn here in the Netherlands. But it’s difficult to name a favorite now.
ETS – The races in the Euro Touring Series are special simply because of their size. Do you also compete in other, smaller races? Do you remember where you drove your first race?
Jasmin – So the ETS is the biggest series for us. I also race many TOS events in different areas, and the Berlin BTM series. My first real race took place at the end of 2017; in the Burning Wheels club, which is one of the four Berlin clubs mentioned.
ETS – What vehicles do you currently have in your fleet, and why did you choose these cars in particular?
Jasmin – Currently, I run the touring car and FWD chassis of the Awesomatix brand. We were allowed to test a lot in the winter season and were able to try out a lot. And now I have decided, after 4 years of driving Xray cars, to switch to this brand. Even if I can’t really explain it, I get along well with these cars and have a good ride. Why this is so different, I do not know.
ETS – What is it about driving an RC car that fascinates you? Is it the technology, the speed, or simply the adrenaline that you feel when you are up on the driver’s stand?
Jasmin – I just think everything is great and it’s just mega fun to drive and watch faster classes. But also trying to be or become faster than the person in front of you has its appeal. And I like it, like my parents do, to talk to people together and have fun about it too.
ETS – As you can easily see, the guys outnumber the girls in the ETS. Is it an additional incentive for you to beat the guys in the races, or do you not care at all who you must overtake on the track in order to drive at the front?
Jasmin – I don’t care who I’m racing against, whether it’s a woman or a man. At the moment of the race, it doesn’t matter, because it fades out. I’ve gotten used to the fact that I usually only have to race against guys / men. But it is also a lot of fun to race against or with girls like Elena or Nele. Of course, I’m happy when I end up further ahead.
ETS – What do you do when you’re not on the racetrack at ETS? What are your plans and career aspirations for the future?
Jasmin – Between the races and the weekends there is still school. And if possible and homework is not too much, we go to training to do some laps. I don’t really have a real career wish yet, but I’m very interested in animals in general and therefore veterinarian would fit well.
ETS – Do you have other hobbies besides RC car racing that you do in your spare time? Or does racing already take up more than enough of your time?
Jasmin – RC takes up a lot of time. You have to go there, you have to train and so on. Many hobbies as such rather not. Besides, I also like to read a book and or meet with friends just outside to chat.
ETS – When you talk to your friends about your RC car hobby, how do you explain to them what exactly you do when you go to Holland, Austria or Luxembourg to pursue this hobby? What do they think?
Jasmin – Most of the time I tell them that I race 1/10th scale cars on different tracks and races. Then I show them a few photos / videos of the race, so they can get a better picture of it. Almost all of them find it exciting and like to watch. I even have to tell my girlfriend exactly when I’m driving so she can follow it and if there’s a video stream, she can even watch. But no one is really interested, unfortunately.
ETS – Is there any kind of role model for you in RC car racing? Or drivers you particularly enjoy watching drive?
Jasmin – There are some top drivers that I like to watch because they are simply not without reason among the top people. 1: Jan Ratheisky – because he sometimes drives several classes and is still fast and still in a good mood (our bet is not forgotten!) 2: Marc Rheinard: he is simply the fastest of all and always relaxed. 3: Simon Lauter: also very fast. But always ready for a little chat. And his driving style is just clean and neat. But there are some other drivers who are very fast and I like to watch them. Among others because they ride in the same fast groups anyway.
ETS – What are your goals for ETS season #15 2022/23?
Jasmin 1: Having fun. 2: To be able to overtake one or the other. 3: To fight on the track and not only have to drive behind. 4: Maybe it works out with the entry into an A-final. I don’t have any other wishes for placing. I just do my best and then we’ll see.
ETS – Jasmin, thank you so much for this great interview and your time. We are very happy to call you a part of the ETS family. We wish you only the best, and most of all good luck and success on the race track!
Jasmin – I have to thank you. It was a lot of fun talking to you. I feel very honored to be a part of the ETS family, furthermore I wish all the participants of the ETS a lot of fun and success. See you again on the track. Thank you very much.
today we have some news for all Pro Stock and Modified racers at the ETS.
The italian based company Xtreme Aerodynamics has finally listed their third and last body shell for the current season. It will be allowed in the Awesomatix Pro Stock, and Matrix Modified class. The Mach1 will now be allowed to use beside the Twister and Twister Speciale body shell from Xtreme.
Xtreme Aerodynamics Part Number: MTB-0421-L Xtreme Aerodynamics Mach1 Clear Body 0,5mm MTB0421-ETS Xtreme Aerodynamics Mach1 Clear Body 0,7mm
Some facts about the Mach1:
The new body sports a much more aggressive front end compared to others on the market with a large front lip and newly shaped wheel arches that allow the airflow to be channeled to the rear of the car which itself has gotten lots of attention with fine details. The Mach1 will provide more aerodynamic efficiency, more downforce, and higher cornerspeed!
