November in Southern California can be a great time of year. Sunny skies, mild temperatures and a slight breeze. All of these greeted the racers for the inaugural Reedy Outdoor Off-Road Championships hosted by Hot Rod Hobbies in Saugus, CA. Replacing the Reedy Truck Race, this new event featured watered track conditions, spiked tires and roost throwing vehicles of all categories. With short days and breaks in the program for watering, the 150 entries enjoyed a smooth race event that allowed for consistent track conditions for all participants.

Team Associated was there competing with newly crowned IFMAR World Champion, Spencer Rivkin along with former World Champion Steven Hartson; both whom hadn't raced on track conditions like this for years. Joining them were Kody Numedahl, Jake Mayo, Gunnar Rieck, Nick Wautlet, Adam Rayls, Chris VanAir and Team Manager Brent Thielke. As practice got underway smiles and laughter filled the pits. Racers commented on how fun it was to drive on a watered surface with some fluff and slightly rough track conditions.

With three rounds of qualifying and two counting, emphasis was placed on consistency. With only 8 spots up for bid in each main, racers were focused on putting in solid runs so they didn't have to rely on bumping their way in to the main events. Also unique for this event were extended 10-minute 17.5 main events and extended modified double a-main events which were 8-minutes each.

In the premier class of 2wd Open Buggy, local racer and Team Associated/Reedy driver Jake Mayo roared to a very popular victory by finishing 2-1 in the main events with teammate Gunnar Rieck joining him on the podium in 3rd driving their B5M Champion Editions.

In the 4wd Open Buggy class, it was again a Team Associated/Reedy driver who took the victory, but this time it was Spencer Rivkin who stood on the top step with his B44.3 along with teammate Steven Hartson who finished 3rd.

These two weren't finished with the winning as Mayo also got the victory in 2wd Open Stadium Truck with his T5M and Rivkin took the win 2wd Open Short Course with his SC5M.

With the first year under its belt, the Reedy Outdoor Off-Road Championships is already gearing up for the 2016 event. Special thanks to Jimmy Babcock and the Hot Rod Hobbies staff for hosting this brand new event and keeping things running smoothly. Also, special thanks goes out to all the racers who participated and reminded us all of what racing can be with a little watered dirt.