Gravity, Grit, and Pure Math: The C4 DRL "The P1 Sim Racing By the Numbers Battle" Delivers Historic Trackside Drama

The atmosphere inside the C-Maxx Raceway was electric this past Saturday as the Charm City Diecast Racing League (C4 DRL) unlocked the gates for Race #7 of the prestigious OnSite Computers Charm City Cup Diecast Racing Series. Dubbed "The P1 Sim Racing By the Numbers Battle," this unique event challenged racers to navigate rigorous casting constraints across a grueling, 4-lane single-elimination gauntlet. 

When the action finally wrapped up on the high-speed lanes, a total of 27 teams had successfully passed tech inspection with a massive fleet of 181 elite stock diecast entries ready to compete. Over the course of 152 fast-paced races, the limits of gravity-fed engineering were tested, leading to historic bracket runs, heart-wrenching heartbreak, and an unforgettable podium showdown. 

The Sponsors Who Fuel the Circuit

An elite, premier diecast league demands elite corporate partners. The flawless execution of "The P1 Sim Racing By the Numbers Battle" was made possible by the unwavering support of our key series sponsors:

- OnSite Computers: As our year-long Series Sponsor, OnSite Computers continues to provide the foundational horsepower required to scale the Charm City Cup and elevate the competitive platform for the entire mid-Atlantic diecast community.

- P1 Sim Racing of Annapolis: Serving as the headline race sponsor for the weekend, the team at P1 Sim Racing injected incredible energy into the pits by putting up a state-of-the-art Sim Racing Grand Prize Package. Their dedication to authentic, high-speed motorsport simulation perfectly mirrors the precision engineering seen on the C4 DRL track. Check out their simulator experiences at www.drivep1.com!

4 Major Storylines That Defined the Bracket

1. The Meteoric Rise of Diecast Darling Inc.

Every once in a while, a rookie operation enters the pit lane and completely alters the competitive landscape. That exact script unfolded on Saturday courtesy of Diecast Darling Inc.. Operating as a brand-new, fresh-out-of-the-blister race team managed by Tracey Goolsbee, they went toe-to-toe with seasoned circuit veterans. Defying all expectations, their flagship entry—the striking Pink #7 Corvette C7 Z06—blazed through the early rounds to secure a spot in the elite Final Four Round Robin, ultimately capturing an unbelievable 4th Place overall finish. Consider the league officially on notice. 

2. The Return of the Veterans: Blind Dog Racing & Pirates Cove Racing

The true soul of the C4 DRL rests within its deep community, and Saturday marked the highly anticipated return of two powerhouse stables that had been absent from the starting gates for an extended period: Blind Dog Racing (managed by Dave Jones) and Pirates Cove Racing (managed by Tony Dunning). Proving that true track selection skill never rusts, both returning operations managed to pilot entries deep into the bracket. Blind Dog Racing pushed their "Later Crater" casting all the way to a top-tier finish in Round 4, while Pirates Cove Racing loaded up the Top 8 leaderboard by carrying their '87 Ford Sierra Cosworth to an elite position. Their strong comeback performance injected intense energy into the pits and reminded the regular roster of the depth of talent hiding in the regional ranks. 

3. The ColdClaw Customs Heartbreak: What Could Have Been?

In downhill racing, the margin between legendary glory and technical disaster is measured in thousandths of a second. ColdClaw Customs looked poised to completely dominate the upper brackets, particularly with Car #38—a lightning-fast maroon Toyota GR86 Cup. The car was tracking identical splits to the fastest vehicles of the day until disaster struck in the advanced stages of the tournament. Car #38 suffered a devastating Did-Not-Finish (DNF) error, derailing a phenomenal run. Paddock analysts widely agreed that without the failure, this casting was a lock for a Top 8 position, leaving the team wondering what could have been.

4. Maximum Efficiency: Pegasus Racing's Two-Car Strike

While several major stables utilized deep rosters to maximize their bracket odds, Pegasus Racing took the opposite approach: pure quality over quantity. Entering a razor-thin lineup of only 2 registered racers, they had zero room for error. The high-risk strategy paid off flawlessly. Their black #35 BMW 635 CSi became an absolute bracket monster, clicking off a blisteringly consistent 2.5041-second personal best time on its way to securing a phenomenal 3rd Place spot on the podium.

Round-Robin Finals Breakdown

When the bracket was whittled down to the final four cars, the tournament shifted to an alternating, multi-lane Round-Robin points format to guarantee absolute competitive fairness.

The undisputed titan of the day was Darrell Witherington of Raw Racing, piloting Car #147—a masterfully weighted blue and white Jaguar XJC V12 Coupe. The vehicle was an absolute rocket ship all afternoon, laying down the Fastest Time of the Day at a breathtaking 2.4666 seconds. Raw Racing dominated the finals points logic to claim 1st Place and the P1 Sim Racing Grand Prize.

Chasing hard on their bumper was Moo Cow Horse Farm Motorsports, whose Car #243 ("Crescendo") found a second gear in the late afternoon to secure 2nd Place overall.

🏆 Official Tournament Standings:

1st Place: Car #147 (Jaguar XJC V12 Coupe) – Raw Racing

2nd Place: Car #243 (Crescendo) – Moo Cow Horse Farm Motorsports

3rd Place: Car #17 (BMW 635 CSi) – Pegasus Racing

4th Place: Car #96 (Corvette C7 Z06) – Diecast Darling Inc.

🎖️ Specialty Awards:

The Bonnie & Rick Foundation First Round Fast Pass Award:

- Car #147 (Jaguar XJC V12 Coupe) - Raw Racing – 2.4666s 

Rookie Racer of the Month: 

- Car #225 (Twin Dorado) – Skyline Racing

Check out the full race on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/V6wDN9lKZsQ?si=sjpNxAcYpYvCrx29

 

Next Up on the Grid: "The Guns & Hoses Heater"

Our dedicated C4 DRL Track Crew is currently auditing the structural logs, and the official, updated Charm City Cup season-long points standings will be published to the portal shortly.  

PDF

With Race #7 completely wrapped up, all eyes now turn to the next milestone on the 2026 calendar. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 1st, 2026, as we unlock the staging lanes for "The Guns & Hoses Heater"! This special 1st Responders-themed race will honor our local heroes while putting a brand-new set of technical track demands on our stables. Details on the casting regulations and intake schedules will drop next week.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to every driver, family member, track worker, and fan who spent their Saturday under our roof. The passion of our racing community is exactly what cements the C4 DRL as a premier stock diecast destination.

The points chase is tightening up, the weights are locked, and the lanes are calling. We'll see you at the next starting gate.

Get in, so you don't get left out! 🏁

Report Compiled by the Director's Desk of the C4 Diecast Racing League.

The Next race set to take the track!

C4 DRL TEAM SPOTLIGHT - Recreational Hazard Racing

🚨 C4 DRL TEAM SPOTLIGHT #1! 🚨

Behind every fast car on our track is a real-life builder, tuner, and enthusiast driving the passion of the Charm City Collector's Club! Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the garage doors for our very first Team Spotlight, getting to know the personalities behind the wheel.

Let's dive into our exclusive Q&A with the mastermind behind Recreational Hazard Racing—our very own C4 DRL Race Coordinator, James Goolsbee Jr.! 👇

🛠️ THE ORIGIN STORY

Q: Every great team has an origin story. How did your racing team get started, and what’s the story behind your team name? 

A: "My team is Recreational Hazard Racing. I got my start in diecast racing way back when I was 3 or 4 years old at the original Chesapeake Diecast Club, back when race brackets were still drawn up with pen and paper. Those were the days of true "run what ya brung" racing—no classes, no complicated rules, just bring your fastest car and let it rip. I've been hooked ever since, and Recreational Hazard Racing is the name I race under today cause im not fun to play with."

⏱️ THE PHILOSOPHY IN 3 WORDS 

Q: If you had to describe your team’s "racing philosophy" using only three words, what would they be? 

A: "Dangerous, Calculated, Expensive (sometimes)"

🔥 CURRENT FAVORITE CASTING 

Q: Walk us into the garage. What is the single favorite casting in your current fleet, and what makes it so special to you? 

A: "If we're talking favorite casting in the Hot Wheels universe, it has to be the Deora II from the classic Acceleracers movies. It's been my favorite ever since I was a kid and is the car that really fueled my love for Hot Wheels. My favorite race car, though, is the old trusty Ford Probe Funny Car in the Hershey's livery because of its OG track dominance."

🏆 PROUDEST TRACK MOMENT 

Q: We all know diecast racing has its share of triumphs and heartbreak. What is your team’s proudest moment on the track so far? 

A: "My team's proudest moment has to be the legendary run of the Matchbox Disney Bus. Another racer first brought one out as a gag entry, and after seeing it hit the track, everyone had the same idea-we all ordered one for the upcoming no-holds-barred, run-what-ya-brung birthday race. Out of all the Disney Buses that showed up that day, mine was the one that handled the track conditions the best. What started as a joke entry ended up taking the win and becoming one of the most iconic racers in C4 DRL History."

🤪 THE UNEXPECTED & WILD 

Q: On the flip side, what’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened to one of your cars during a heat? 

A: "The most unexpected moment came from my $25 eBay Mercedes-Benz SLK. It had made it to the final and won two of the first four championship races. In the last race, all it had to do was finish, but from lane 4 it carried so much speed that it launched off the track just three-quarters of the way to the finish line. At the time it was heartbreaking, but looking back, it’s one of my favorite racing stories-the win was in the bag until it wasn’t."

🤫 PREP-DAY RITUALS 

Q: When you're prepping a car for race day, what’s your secret weapon or go-to ritual? (Don't worry, you don't have to give away your actual speed secrets!) 

A: "As the race coordinator for C4 DRL, I pride myself on conducting races with the utmost integrity so every racer has a fair and equal shot at competition. My pre-race routine, however, relies solely on my wallet and Jesus. I buy the cars, send them down the track, and pray i've been blessed with some speed."

❤️ WHY I RACE 

Q: Why do you race? What is it about downhill diecast racing and the C4 community that keeps you coming back to the track? 

A: "I’ve been racing for 21 of my 24 years on this planet. In that time, diecast racing has taken us through countless locations, hundreds of participants, and thousands of online members from all around the world. What keeps me coming back is the dedication of the racers—the ones who show up early, stay late, and keep cheering from the sidelines even when their own cars aren’t taking home the wins. It’s the grudge matches, the side bets, the friendly banter, and the community that makes C4 special. A huge shout-out to our racers for being unlike any other group out there!"

🎯 THE FRIENDLY RIVALRY 

Q: Look down the track at the competition. Is there another team in the C4 DRL that you consider your ultimate rival, or just love trading paint with? 

A: "My ultimate rival is without a doubt Dented-Bed Racing, AKA Karl Senula. That guy brings the heat every single race—so much heat that we had to put a bounty on his points championship. Karl isn’t just my rival; he’s everyone’s ultimate rival. He’s the C4 DRL final boss. Outside of Karl, not a rival, but I have to give a shout-out to the man, the myth, the legend himself: Mr. Croc-Duster, Michael Bailey, AKA The Traveler. We can’t wait to have you back, man. The track is prepped and waiting for you!"

🏁 EYE ON THE CHARM CITY CUP 

Q: The Charm City Cup is the ultimate prize. What are your team’s major goals for the rest of this season? 

A: "The C4 DRL Cup is always the number one goal, but for Recreational Hazard Racing, my focus this season is also on the monthly shootouts—bringing home the top monthly prizes and the 2026 Charm City Cup sponsored prizes (this month, the awesome prize package from P1 sim racing of Annapolis.) Hopefully, those two goals can go hand-in-hand and I can chase both the individual wins and the ultimate championship."

🎬 THE ULTIMATE CALL-OUT 

Q: Last one: If your team could race against any famous movie or real-life car on the C4 track, who are you calling out? 

A: "Following the tradition of the Matchbox Disney Bus, I’d love to see the Fortnite Battle Bus take on the C4 track. It’s another one of those completely ridiculous vehicles that has no business being competitive, which is exactly what makes it interesting. With the right wheels and weight displacement, I think it could become the next legendary underdog racer."

I want to give a massive thank you to James Jr. for sitting down with us, taking the time to share these incredible stories, and kicking off this new feature! From pen-and-paper brackets to launching cars into orbit, you help keep the spirit of C4 alive and kicking both behind the scenes and on the track.

Drop some love for Recreational Hazard Racing in the comments below! ⬇️ Who do you want to see stepped into the C4 DRL Team Spotlight next? 🚦👇

#C4DRL #CharmCityCollectorsClub #DiecastRacing #RecreationalHazardRacing #TeamSpotlight #CharmCityCup

 

A Meltdown for the History Books: Domestic Power Dominates at C-Maxx Raceway

 

A Meltdown for the History Books: Domestic Power Dominates at C-Maxx Raceway

The Maryland diecast scene reached a fever pitch on February 7th as C-Maxx Raceway played host to the Domestic Motors Meltdown. As the second points race in the quest for the Charm City Cup, the stakes were higher than ever. The competition responded by bringing a massive field of 300 racers from 29 different teams to the starting gate. This wasn't just a race; it was a grueling test of speed and consistency that pushed every team to their absolute limits.

The Road to 256

The day began with high-stakes drama in the Race-In Non-Bracket Trials. A total of 88 stock racers faced off in a brutal qualifying gauntlet, competing in 44 head-to-head "play-in" races to determine the final spots for the main field. In these high-pressure runs, the margin for error was non-existent. The 44 winners survived this "win or go home" lottery to join the 256-car bracket, finding themselves in a shark tank of domestic muscle and factory-fresh speed.

As the competition progressed through the 256-car single-elimination bracket, the format was unforgiving: only those finishing 1st or 2nd in their respective brackets earned the right to move on. By the time the field whittled down to the top 128, the atmosphere was electric. In the Charm City Cup, this is the critical "Points Bubble"—the threshold where season standings are forged. Several powerhouse stables showed incredible depth by navigating these rounds to land multiple racers in points-paying positions, including Ghost Racing Inc., Dyno Drifterz, Little K Racing, Skyline Racing, Dodge Assassins, Recreational Hazard Racing, and Moo Cow Horse Farm Motorsports.

The pinnacle of the afternoon was the battle for the podium. In a round-robin Final Four that saw the lead change hands with nearly every lane swap, Ghost Racing Inc. emerged as the definitive force of the Meltdown. Their 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser displayed legendary consistency, edging out the BCC Racing Buick Stocker by a single point to claim the victory.

The Domestic Motors Meltdown Elite Eight:

1. Ghost Racing Inc. – 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

2. BCC Racing – Buick Stocker (Yellow)

3. 1/64 Scale Collectibles Racing – '66 Pontiac GTO (Red)

4. Blind Dog Racing – Dodge Concept (Red)

5. Recreational Hazard Racing – Cadillac Escalade (Black)

6. Dodge Assassins – Monte Carlo Concept

7. Zilla Villa Racing – Dodge Van (Black)

8. Ghost Racing Inc. – 1999 Dodge Viper (Green)

An event of this magnitude—300 cars and hundreds of races—is a massive undertaking. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated track crew who managed the bracket with professional precision: James Goolsbee Jr., Blake Butler, Robert Butler, Kylie McAllister, Wyatt Bartruff, Devin Zahn, Susana Koutsoukos, and Jacob Glab. We also want to thank the race teams for their dedication and the spectators whose energy makes every event at C-Maxx Raceway unforgettable.

Sponsor Spotlight

We are thrilled to announce that OnSite Computers has joined the C4 DRL family as a premier partner! This strategic partnership is all about driving the future of the C4 DRL, bringing their expertise and support to our racing community. We are proud to have them on board as we continue to elevate the racing experience for our enthusiasts and fans alike.

March 7th: The Snowdown Begins

With the Meltdown now in the books, the hunt for the Charm City Cup continues to intensify. The action shifts gears on March 7th for the "European Import Snowdown." As the third race in the season-long points chase, the pressure is mounting and every single point counts toward the championship. James and the rest of the leadership team are already preparing for another capacity crowd, so get your best stockers ready—the next green flag is just around the corner!

🏁 2026 SEASON OPENER: THE JDM IMPORT INVASION ICE BREAKER! 🏁

🏁 C4 DRL “Rip & Run” Stock Class Series – “The Domestic Motors Showdown" 🏁

The Silverado Streak: Dented Bed Racing Dominates at C-Maxx Speedway

Charm City roared to life this weekend as the C4 Diecast Racing League (DRL) took over the legendary C-Maxx Speedway, home of the Charm City Collector’s Club. With 175 entries representing 18 race teams, the atmosphere was pure adrenaline — a symphony of diecast thunder, collector camaraderie, and the smell of freshly cracked blister packs in the afternoon air.

This was “The Domestic Motors Showdown,” where American muscle, modern performance, and vintage street legends squared off on the smooth downhill lanes of the C-Maxx. Four lanes. One goal. Glory in miniature metal.

⚡ Electric Power, Old-School Heart: Dented Bed Racing’s Silverado EV RST Rules the Day

From the first heat, it was clear that Dented Bed Racing brought more than polished paint — they brought precision. Their Silverado EV RST blasted off the line with perfect traction and stability, carving through round after round with consistency that left even the Ford and Mopar faithful shaking their heads.

It wasn’t just speed — it was control. That Silverado hugged its lane all day long, and when the dust settled, it rolled to the top spot with authority, earning Dented Bed Racing another victory in the Rip & Run Stock Class Series.

Recreational Hazard Racing made it interesting, fielding multiple Silverado entries of their own and finishing close behind. Their Silverado in gleaming Silver kept pressure on the leaders all afternoon, capturing second place and solidifying their status as one of the most competitive squads in the league.

Third place went to Ghost Racing Inc., whose ’83 Chevy Silverado proved that even the older castings can still punch above their weight when tuned and balanced right. It was an all-Bowtie podium, much to the delight of Chevy collectors lining the barriers.

🔥 Highlights from the Showdown

Blind Dog Racing brought flair and variety, running everything from the Mustang GTD to the Silverado EV RST. Their bold approach earned them multiple mid-pack finishes and fan respect for their no-holds-barred attitude.

Krazy Kat Lady Racing turned heads with a cleanly detailed Shelby GT500 and Mercury Cyclone, proving that sometimes, style can rival speed.

412 Club Racing and Pirates Cove Racing both fielded deep rosters, with strong finishes across the top 64 diecasts, including several crowd-favorite Fords and Buicks that looked lightning-fast even when outpaced by other castings.

Moo Cow Horse Farm Motorsports and Bent Outta Shape Racing brought consistency, filling the middle ranks and showing how proper alignment and axle straightness can make or break a run on the steep C-Maxx slopes.

Monster Racing, the youngest competitor to race consistently each month, turned heads again with skill beyond his years. Sitting comfortably in the top ten in points, Monster Racing showed that experience isn’t just about age — it’s about precision, focus, and a love for the lanes.

From bone-stock Camaros to futuristic Teslas, from muscle-era nostalgia to modern electric might, “The Domestic Motors Showdown” lived up to its billing — a collision of eras, brands, and collector passion.

🧰 Trackside Heroes: The Crew Behind the Chaos

No C4 DRL race day happens without the dedicated C-Maxx Speedway track crew, and this event was a masterclass in smooth operations. From staging to finish-line timing, every race ran clean, tight, and fair. The crew handled hundreds of runs with precision that would make a pro race director proud.

A special shout-out to the volunteers and Charm City Collector’s Club members who helped run heats, manage brackets, and keep the vibe electric. Whether tuning launch gates, resetting cars, or calling finishes, their effort made this massive 175-entry event run like clockwork.

🙌 Community, Collectors, and the C-Maxx Crowd

If you’ve never been to a Charm City Collector’s Club Meet, you’re missing out. Spectators packed the sidelines with diecast cases, cameras, and cheers, rooting for favorites and admiring the craftsmanship of every casting. There’s something uniquely pure about watching collectors-turned-racers turn their prized models loose down the C-Maxx lanes — win or lose, everyone leaves with a story.

And what stories they were: photo finishes, upset eliminations, and plenty of friendly banter about which brand truly rules the domestic scene. By the end, the podium may have been all Chevy, but the spirit of competition was pure Detroit diversity.

🏆 Final Word: Silverado Supremacy

When the last car crossed the line, the C4 DRL “Rip & Run” Stock Class Series – Domestic Motors Showdown cemented its place as one of the most exciting meets of the season.

Dented Bed Racing’s Silverado EV RST now stands as the benchmark — clean, quick, and consistent — setting the standard for what it takes to win at C-Maxx Speedway.

Congratulations to all 18 teams, the tireless track crew, and the collectors who brought their A-game. If this event proved anything, it’s that diecast racing isn’t child’s play — it’s full-throttle craftsmanship, competition, and community in 1:64 scale.

Speed Demons & Super Spectators: Thank You!

 Wow, crew! Just... WOW! If you were anywhere near C-Maxx Raceway this past weekend, you know exactly what we're talking about. The air was filled with the spirit of competition, the track vibrated with the racing of miniature wheels, and the sheer, unadulterated FUN was off the charts!

We at C4 DRL, in collaboration with the awesome Charm City Collector's Club, are still buzzing from the incredible Downhill Racing Event. Seriously, you all turned a simple track into a full-blown festival of speed, skill, and seriously cool cars.

To our Race Teams: You magnificent maniacs! You brought the heat and the drive to compete that made every single race a nail-biter. From the finely made Hot Wheels speed demons to the Realistic Matchbox JDMs, you showed us what it means to push the limits of miniature gravity racing.  You folks are the heart and soul of this event, and we can’t thank you enough for making it truly unforgettable.

To our Spectators: You are the cheering, booing, aweing, high-fiving superstars! You transformed the raceway into a coliseum of excitement. Your energy was absolutely electric! Every “Ooooh!” and “Aaaah!” every clap and cheer fueled the racers and made the atmosphere absolutely incredible. We saw families laughing, friends competing, and a community coming together to celebrate the thrill of the race. You brought the party, and we couldn’t have asked for a better crowd.

And to everyone who helped in any way: From the volunteers who kept things running smoothly to the sponsors who made it all possible, thank you! You are the unsung heroes who made this event a resounding success.

We're anticipating next month's race, and we can't wait to see what you all bring to the table. We're talking bigger, better, and even more ridiculously fun!

So, until then, keep those engines revving, those wheels spinning, and that passion burning bright. You're all champions in our book!

Stay tuned for photos and videos from the event – we’ll be sharing them soon!

Keep on racing, Charm City!

The C4 DRL & Charm City Collector's Club Crew!

Action-Packed Weekend Sees Thrilling Races and Tight Finishes

C-Maxx Raceway – The meanest & speediest JDM Racer took to the track this past weekend as the C4 DRL in association with the Charm City Collector's Club hosted a series of exciting races. Spectators were treated to close finishes, impressive maneuvers, and a few surprises along the way.

 A standout performance came from Nurses 22 Racing a brand new team to the C4 DRL. They dominated the competition, securing the top spot with a points difference of 6 points, by winning 3 races in the finals. Her closest rival, Jumping Bean Racing, trailed by 9 points, going into the 4^th race of the finals. Both Cherry Tree Racing & Double D Racing tied after the 4^th race of the finals which highlighted the intense level of competition. Double D Racing edged out ahead in a tie breaking 5^th race to take the 3^rd spot on the podium.

 Other teams finishing in the top 16 and earning points for the 2025 Charm City Cup were Raw Racing, Ghost Racing Inc, Recreational Hazard Racing, Dented Bed Racing, Butler Racing, Blackjack Racing and Scat Wheels Racing.

 A couple rookie teams made it heat races this month.  Alex Racing and Smiley Guy’s Garage Racing made it to the heats in their debut appearance on the C-Maxx Raceway.  Dog Walker Racing also made it into the heats as a rookie team in their 2^nd appearance of the year.  Some of our veteran teams, Blind Dog Racing, Different Smell Racing, Dragoon Racing, JPL Raing, Monster Racing, Moo Cow Horse Farm Racing, along with Road Hazard Racing failed to make it into the quarterfinals but managed to gain some well needed points racing into the heats.

 Additional teams receiving points for their performances by getting into the qualifiers are Busted Knuckles Racing, a veteran to the C4 DRL that has been absent from competition for a few months, Pirate’s Cove Racing, a rookie racing team in his 2^nd race for 2025, and a brand-new 1^st time team, Supreme Wheels Racing.  These teams were just a few race wins shy of being in the finals and we believe if they keep after the drop, they will end up on the podium in the near future.

 Only four teams were left just outside of the points for March.  Two veteran teams, Rainbow Unicorn Racing and Krazy Kat Lady Racing, along with two 1^st time teams, Juup Racing and Speedy Racing. Unfortunately, the competition was close this month and if a team’s racer wasn’t tuned in, that team was left looking from the outside.  

 The C4 racing weekend was a resounding success, showcasing both the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the racers. With its diverse range of participants, from 1^st timer and rookies to professionals and veterans, and thrilling races, the C4 DRL continues to grow in popularity. The next event promises even more excitement, as racers build on their experiences and push the boundaries.

Be sure to check back soon for information on the Charm City Cup Points Race.

The Next C4 DRL Race is just around the bend… Get in, so you don’t get left out… If you think you are you Ready for the Drop?

GRI Jr's February C4 Experience

It was the third day into February, we've had a couple new things happening and something new that I neglected to tell everyone that started last month.

First off we have started points racing, the points race is only lasting for the first three months of this year, it is just a trial run right now but stay tuned in the future we may make it happen. With the points race, you only get points for one car that went the farthest. For instance, billy has two cars in the semi finals and one car in the finals, billy would only get points for the car that went to the finals...

The second new thing that we had to add in last month were the race-ins. If you go back to last months post, I explain what a "Race-In" is... We have experimented with this before with up to ten cars but this month it was different.

This month we had over one hundred entries. For those of you who do know, our racing bracket is set up for sixty-four cars any other would have to be race in, unless we got a perfect 128 cars. If we were to have 128 cars we could just add another "leg" of the race and it would still boil down to the final two cars without there being any "byes"

And that is what we did, we had a perfect 128 cars to run in the downhill race. By the way, next months race is "Mopar-Madness" meaning the car must be a dodge product...

Today was also a special day because our "sister" hot-wheels club, South Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware(SJPD) was also stopping by to do some racing, trading and selling... One of their members, Dan had won our race today, and he is now in the second place in the points race and he will be back next month to go after the crown in our Mopar-Madness Race..

Next month is going to be special also, not only is it the end of the points race, but if you make it toward the end, you will get double points for not one, but two of your top contending cars. So with that, thank you for enjoying my experience at the C4 Hot-wheels club and have a good rest of your day/night.

GRI Jr's January C4 Experience

It was January 6th, C4 race committee had planed for two races. One would be the "Bow-tie" battle and the other was an invite only race. The invite only race, is for all people that do customs. This will be explained in more detail later in the post.

For the Bow-tie battle, we had a total of 70 entrees, the most we've had in a while. Also, because we had 70 entrees, we had to do a "Race-in" to 64 cars to complete the bracket. What I mean is that we took the last person to sign up to race, which was me, and we took their cars and "raced" them in.

 We used a random number generator to pull out 6 random cars, each car would then go up against my cars to decide which was entered in the bracket. Out of all of my cars that competed in the race-in, only two stayed. Fortunately, the bracket allowed me to enter 4 of my other cars.

I won a couple in the eliminator portion of the race, but when we reached quarter finals no one could beat the blue Chevelle, Alex had brought one and someone else had brought one. My Chevy Stockar couldn't keep up. Therefore I was eliminated before the semi-finals.

In the end, another Chevy Stockar had won, another Stockar took second, and Alex's blue Chevelle took third. Next would be the custom invite-only race.

Anyone who participated in the custom race brought their cars and was able to test them, not many people had prepared for the race, I didn't prepare either... In the end we ended up rescheduling the race until next month because we didnt have enough people to run the race...

I had a great time today and i cant wait to work on my custom for the race next month, and i will be getting cars ready for the stock race as well...

GRI Jr's December C4 Experience

The day was December 2nd, there would be only one race today and it was a special one... Today we would be running the Treasure Hunt Challenge, a "winner-takes-all" race where if you lose, you lose your car too. That previous weekend my dad and I had gone to the PA Toy show and scoped out a few hunts for the race.

From a Cadillac to a Way To Fast, we had a total of ten cars on our side enter the race. In total there were 62 cars entered, almost an entire bracket of cars to race. There were many races where the same cars raced each other, mostly because we had an over abundance of that type of car, or because of some odd luck.

Alex had brought only four cars to race, with price tags of five to fifteen dollars each. She had believed that her four cars were enough to take home the prize. But one of the cars had a bent axle and couldn't even make it to the finish line... Even though she lost one of her cars, the other three did do some damage to the other entries. Alex must have went home with at least fifteen cars and if I recall correctly she had won the overall race.

I, myself had won about 6 to 9 races and took some other cars with me. During the race we had a pretty big audience, well big in a sense that most people only come to sell then we had a little more then usual which was pretty cool. I was actually able to start the cars and launch them which was different and fun.

Another big event that occurred this month was our Christmas themed custom build-off. We only had four entries but they really out did the last build-off we had. For this build-off we also decided to have a silent auction for these pieces. The overall theme of the contest was Christmas but there were deeper rules then that, your finished piece must be two chopped/combined vehicles to create one finished piece.

Mike Catron had put up a red van, I cant even explain the combination of vehicles. It was a tree delivery with Santa as the driver. Justin did three different vehicles transporting trees. Rob had done a pickup truck with a tree and decals that looked great and on top of all of that he gave it a glass casing with lighting around it. Marcus had done a snow board truck that almost resembled a transformer that I thought it was really cool.

Overall the meet was pretty simple but it was still really cool. No matter what every month I look forward to going and I always have a good time. My favorite part of every meet is the races but today was one of my favorite. Now on to January and I wish you all a good holiday season.

GRI Jr's November C4 Experience

The day was November 4th, Charm City Race Committee chose only one race for today. This race was a stock "Rip-n-Run" which means the car must be packaged in order to race in the competition. By holding only one we had more participation and more of an audience when it came to the races.

The Race Committee also had a major change for once. GRI Jr had actually handled the races for the day, I was able to record all of the data for everyone, which means I noted each person and their cars. I was also able to call out each race and fill out each bracket.

The stock race for today was movie and TV cars, we had cars from Gas Monkey Garage, Back to the Future, and even Star Wars. I and my dad raced a few Fast and the Furious cars, a Scooby Doo Van, a Knight Rider K.I.T.T car, and a couple different Star Wars cars.

We raced three total Star Wars cars, the Millennium Falcon, an X-Wing, and a Tie-Fighter. Throughout the race it seemed as if these cars were unstoppable, each car won by at least two other car lengths.

It was the final four with my Millennium Falcon, Ron Rattel's 007 Aston Martin, Team Raley Racing with the Fast and the Furious matte black charger, and my Tie-Fighter. Ironically the round previously the X-Wing faced the Tie-Fighter, obviously you guys know what took the win.

The semi-finals began with my Millennium Falcon and the Dodge Charger. It was the closest race the Millennium had seen this competition. Nose to nose they both sped down the track until the Millennium Falcon pulled off at the last second and won both races.

The second race was the X-Wing and the Aston Martin I was feeling very uneasy about this race because I could tell that the Aston Martin was fast and the X-wing was only winning by a nose each race, so I didn't know what was going to happen...The X-Wing could not hold up to the competition and the final race would be the Millennium Falcon and the Aston Martin.

The Tension was high at this point, the green lights flash and both cars are launched. It was so close, but the Millennium Falcon won by a nose. The second race was about to begin, and I knew in my head it was in the bag. The cars were launched and it was a clear win, I had won the race with the Millennium Falcon, and was going home with the WIN!

GRI Jr's October C4 Experience

The day was October 14th, we had two special events happening today.

 The first event would be the invite-only custom car race, the invitees were given one casting, this race was announced to this private group back in the July meet. The casting chosen was the Surf n Turf , the builders had 3 months to complete this vehicle. They could do whatever they wanted to the car, from adding weight, chopping the body, or adding graphite to the axles. Some of us chose to do all of the above.

 I personally painted mine, the body was blue, the engine was black and their was a pink surfboard on top. Then I added weight, approximately 80 grams more then the original. The weights I used were fishing weights, to keep these weights down I use an epoxy called J-B Weld. This epoxy becomes a liquid cement that will hold together almost anything. 

While I was waiting for the Epoxy to set up, I began the wheels. I tore apart an old bat mobile with faster than evers, they were medium wheels in the back and small wheels in the front. I used both for my custom, I used regular gorilla glue to hold them in place, then put them all back together. 

This was 2 months ago, that next month I went to the meet and tested it against a ford probe funny car because I generally know what time the funny cars put up. Today, I raced it against 6 other Surf n Turfs, I placed 2nd, the winner was Alex. Alex can be considered a professional modifier, she wins all of our custom races. I still felt accomplished though because I beat out 5 other modifiers.

Our second event was the custom Halloween diorama contest. We also knew about this for 3 1/2 months. My idea was to create a semi-scary, semi-cute ice cream truck with a clown head on the top. The original idea was a Twisted metal ice cream truck from the video game, but I thought that was not original enough. I used a pop culture ice cream truck that already had Real Riders.

 I drilled that open and immediately put that in stripper. The stripper I use is a citric smelling, septic safe stripper, so that i can strip my cars and wash them off in my kitchen sink, I highly recommend it for small projects, you can find it at Walmart in the paint section. While that was stripping I painted the window a matte white. I typically let the stripper set in for about a day or two, it should finish in 12 hours for newer cars, it may take a little longer for older rusted cars like Redlines or older Blackwalls. After that time I scrubbed all the paint and excess stripper off and let it dry all the way off. 

After it dried, I rinsed my hands and thoroughly cleaned them with soap to get all of the oils off, then I placed the car in my hands and thoroughly cleaned that as well. This is preparing it for painting, cleaning it with soap allows for all of the oils to rinse off so that the paint doesn't bubble when you spray it. I then went out to paint it matte white like the windows. I let this sit for another day to let it fully set up. 

While this was setting up I opened up an old ice cream building picture and I edited it to look more clean and able to print using Photoshop. I cut out a 7 inch by 5 inch Styrofoam square and glued this image to the front of it. I then cut out another 7 inch by 5 inch square for the base. I put white liquid glue all over the base and spread artificial sand all over the glue. I found the sand at a nearby hobby shop, that had multiple different colors and types of material. 

This sand matched the color and feeling of the background. I let that sit for about 15 minutes to fully set, then I applied another layer of glue and put another layer of sand over. In order to keep from making a mess, I put a newspaper down that collects all of the excess sand. When you sprinkle the sand, put as much as you can on so you cover your entire work space, you save yourself a ton of money with the news paper layed down, you can then fold the paper in half and slide all of the excess material back into the package. I layed about three more layers of sand and on the last layer I made tire tracks in the sand as if the truck were to be drifting into place. I used the J-B Weld to put the base and background together.

 I also made pink polka-dots on the truck. To make the dots, I used regular paper and hole puncher to randomly put holes in the paper traced like the truck. I did that for each side, then taped the paper to the car and taped any parts I didn't want painted. I bought a small Five Nights at Freddy's Lego figure named "Foxy" and tore off the head, it perfectly matched the colors of the truck. I drilled a small hole in the top of the truck where I wanted the head, and I gently placed the head in the hole.

 Today, I took my diorama to the meet and I was able to view the other contestants. Dave, another member of C4, brought a huge house and property, set in a haunted yard with skeletons and other spooky details, this diorama completely blew mine out of the water. Alex had also brought a diorama, which was just as equally good as Dave's, she used multiple damaged Redlines as a grave yard scene and had a car chase at the top of a hill. My Dad has also made a diorama, his was a scene from an old Scooby Doo episode called "The Spooky Case of the Phantom Race". I liked it a lot, he raised one of his cars to look like it was driving above another racer, like it was capturing it.

Our stock race today was an "American Graffiti" theme. There were six cars that were allowed to run, these cars were all from the movie, from a 32' Ford to a 56' T-Bird. I didn't have any cars to race at first, but I walked around and found some for cheap that I was able to race. We found a couple 32' Fords to race, all the others were taken or being raced. Alex won this race even without modifying her car, she won with a white 32' Ford with black flames.  

In conclusion, today was a pretty good day for Hotwheels...  Neither me nor my Dad had won the custom diorama contest or the stock race, or the private custom race. But all-in-all, I had a great day with the crew, and an even better day with my Dad.

What's Been Going On...

I’m back… We’re back… Well, we’ve never left… Whatever way you, the reader, want to interpret, this, our latest blog.  We, C4, have had our monthly meets and racing events, or as I like to label them, Maryland DieCast Trade Shows and Downhill Racing Events. Even though I haven't updated this blog in forever. My bad... no really... My Bad! Well then, let me get on with it then.

First and foremost… The Hot Wheels Collectors’ Nationals took place in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania this past April and we were there!!! Our C4 Crew made their presence known with over 20 members attending throughout the week in combination with our SJPD friends from the north also made the trip with several of their members in attendance. If you are a collector and have never been to one of these events, then you need to go. I mean it!!! Somehow, someway… find a way... really, just go! From the room to room buying, selling and trading to the Downhill and Sizzler Track Racing, there is so much for a collector to do.  We bought some long sought after die-casts, raced a few cars, made some new friends and also made some lasting memories.  I’m not saying who, but I happened upon a room, where a certain someone, from our club, left his wife, in said room, as collateral so that he could run to the ATM because he found die-casts that he couldn’t leave behind. Way to go NT!!! This was truly an an awesome experience and I’m sincerely looking forward to the next one in Texas.

Proceeding the National Event, our show attendance seemed to hit an all time high.  I’m not sure if people were blowing out pieces looking to make some extra cash for the Nationals’ or if they were looking for last minute items at lower prices to take to sell/trade at the Nationals’.  It almost seemed like we were back in our smaller meeting room that we outgrew last year.  All of our vendor tables were full and there wasn’t a lot of room for the extra people attending.  Either way, it was awesome for the club.

Away... away, way back. Now I'm Catching Up!

All I can say at this point is I am sorry… And, I mean this sincerely!  It’s been over a year since I’ve last posted the goings on of our little club and I really should keep this updated for historical purposes at least. I don’t actually know how many people actually follow this blog. I’m hoping there are many…  I digress. 

There have been so many changes since the last posting from September of last year that I don’t know where to start… so the best way to do this is to roll back time, back to October 2015…  Our little meeting room was bursting at the seams with the amount of vendors that were on hand as well as the other attendees to the event.  Calvin Cohen won the Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Race with a 1970 Plymouth Superbird with FTEs while we were not able to hold our Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Race due to time restraints.  Plenty of buying, selling and trading always takes place at our events and October was no different.

For the next couple of months the club’s reputation and popularity grew by leaps and bounds, as well as our attendance.  The amount of people that came to visit our small meeting room forced the C4 Board to search for alternate locations for our events.  Racing in November continued during this growth, seeing Team Raley Racing return to the DRHWSC  Winner’s Circle with a Ferrari Testarossa and the Custom Double Bull, mail-in entry from Matt Hathaway, taking the top honors for the DRRWB Class.

C4 Sizzles in September

The end of the summer draws near and lots of great things are happening with our ever growing die-cast club.  We continue to hold our racing events, raffles and have even introduced some other awesome giveaways. If you attend any of our events and aren’t able to find something that you are looking for and leave empty handed, then you’re doing something wrong.  

Our resident Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung King, James Fortenberry, won a voucher for a free fountain soda just for signing our attendance sheet.  We raffled off a gift certificate to MK Toys & Stuff,  two Free Bowling Parties and a C4 vender certificate to purchase from any of the vendors at the show.  Our two Downhill Racing Events were impressive and saw the return of some veteran racers as well as a few rookies.  Oh, and by the way… there were a ton of trades made along with sales of many die-casts ranging from basic easy to find items to the less produced holy grails that collectors seek at reasonable prices.

The Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class ran first with 30 entries whittled down to 4 semifinalists… Newcomer George Miller and his Ferrari F40 eliminated the GRI sponsored Corvette in the qualifiers, knocked out the Team Raley Ferrari 308 in the heats and drove away from Owen Nesslage’s Ferrari F40 Clone in the quarterfinals.  GRI’s Mustang GT entry had similar fortune in the top portion of the bracket besting Mark Starr’s Twin mill in the qualifier, Nathan’s Zubalic’s Studebaker in the heats and Wayne Heede’s Chevelle in the quarters.  Ultimately the GRI Mustang would be no match for the Miller Ferrari F40 which would move on from the semifinals.  In the lower portion of the bracket, Owen & Bruce Nesslage would meet and compete in the semifinals once again.  We’ve seen this pairing before and it’s always interesting to watch.  Owen’s Sol-Aire entry disposed of Team Raley’s CUL8R in the qualifier, then Team Raley’s Carbide in the heats and the GRI Sidekick in the quarters.  Bruce’s Monte Carlo defeated Jon Issac’s Ford F-150 in the qualifier, Rookie Ian Greenberg’s Olds Aurora in the heats and the GRI Chrysler 300C in the quarterfinals to put him against his son Owen in a semifinal showdown.  Unfortunately for Bruce, Owen would dust his off once again putting himself in a familiar spot… the Finals!!!  This time Owen would test rookie George Miller’s chosen Ferrari F40 entry, but the outcome would be just as familiar.  Owen Nesslage’s Sol-Aire dominated the Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Bracket to win this September’s Event.  Congratulations to owen Nesslage and his Sol-Aire Hot Wheel!!!

The final event of the day would be the Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Races.  James Fortenberry and his master modification creations would control this event all the way down to the final race.  Fortenberry has been undefeated in every DRRWB Event that he has entered and his Blue Flame F-15o Pick-Up destroys all of it’s competition.  Congratulations to James Fortenberry and the “Blue Flame” Ford F-150 Pick-up, winner of September 2015’s Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Races.

Keep an eye open for our videos on YouTube as well…

September’s Maryland Die-Cast Trade Show was great event and we would like to congratulate all of the winners and thank all of the members who donated prizes, time and items for the FoT.  We look forward to seeing you again this time next month and hope everyone in attendance had a good time.  

The Past Five Months

The Charm City Collector’s Club is still alive and well, but I can’t believe that it’s been five months since my last entry.  There have been a lot of changes since my last post; a board of directors has been formed, we now have sponsors, and there’s even a new website...just to name a few of those changes.

We want to start off by thanking the people who have stepped up to volunteer as members of the board, those who help out at each event, and those who have donated prizes for the raffles that are now being held monthly.  Without these individuals our club would not continue its growth over the past months.

Our racing participation, however, has seen a slight decline over the summer, but with the institution of a race schedule, new race classes and some new rules to the already existing classes, we hope this trend changes.  On April 11th of this year the C4 DieCast Club hosted two racing events, the Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class and the Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class.  Cole Raley’s Candy Red Firebird Funny Car took the top Spot in the HW Stock Class and James Fortenberry’s “Blue Flame” was unbeaten in the RWB Class.  May and June would only have one racing event each with lighter than normal fields competing for the Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Crown.  Tim Raley’s Orange Firebird Funny Car crushed competitors in May’s only downhill racing event while Owen Nesslage would return to his winning ways with a “Hershey” Ford Probe Funny Car in June’s only racing event.  In July there were two racing events scheduled, the DRHWSC and a new DR Death Race Class.  After, first time winner, Calvin Cohen smashed his opponents for a victory in the DRHWS Class, Tim Raley used a maul to literally shatter his opponents die casts to win the first ever Death Race Golden Hammer Award.  Finally, this month’s only event would be the Hot Wheels Stock Class, excluding all Funny Cars, with Steve Langenfeld taking top honors with his Rescue Ranger.

Congratulations, Calvin Cohen on your first Victory in the July 2015 Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class!!!

Congratulations, Steve Langenfeld on your Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Win in August 2015!!!

There will be two races scheduled for each month the rest of the year, beginning this September with the normal Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock (No Funny Cars!!!) and the Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Classes.  Other races through the end of the will include the Treasure Hunt Challenge and the IROC Challenge.  Keep checking back for more details on these other classes.

The next event on September 12^th should be an exciting one.  The C4 Diecast Club will be raffling off plenty of great prizes as well as a $25 gift certificate from one of our sponsors, MK Toys & Stuff.  Everyone that donated to the prize vault has also been entered into a raffle that will be drawn on the 12^th. Also, let’s not forget that there will be quite a few vendors in attendance.  So, bring some dough or even some trade bait, plus a racer or two for our Downhill Events and let’s have some fun!!!

C4 Goes On a March

The C4 Crew setting up for the days buying, selling, trading and most importantly... Racing!!!

It’s nice to see that spring is in the air, but there is still snow on the ground.  The grip of winter didn’t keep people away from the hot C4 sponsored meet.  The monthly Maryland Die-Cast Trade Show continues to be a hit with people from neighboring states as well as right here in the old line state.  Representatives from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey were in attendance.  The crowd is getting bigger each month and the downhill racing is getting even fiercer!  The C4 Crew discussed opening a second meeting room to accommodate the ever growing vendors and racing events.  We also discussed upcoming events and started taking orders for t-shirts.  Nick Sickle held another raffle for die-cast prizes that excited the crowd between the two racing sessions.  Also, we have a ton of new ideas for the rest of the year and we are looking for volunteers to help us accomplish our goals.  I am personally excited to see how far this group has come and also can’t wait to see where it is going. 

Now to the races… 

No surprise to anyone, Owen Nesslage came prepared to defend his Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Title for an unprecedented fourth time.  He has won all three DRHWSC Events since December and it seems like he has an eye for fast stock Hot Wheels.  This month’s competition would put Owen’s entries to the test. The DRHWSC had a full bracket of 32 entries with 7 of the field being Funny Cars.  Bruce Nesslage, Owen’s Father, brought a Porsche 911, a formidable racer, to the event.  The Porsche moved passed Tim Raley’s Preying Menace in the qualifier, then beat Cole Raley’s Rivited in the heats and Jon Izzy’s Mustang GT in the quarter finals in the upper bracket to race against his son’s Ford Probe Funny Car in the semifinals.  Owen’s Ford Probe Funny Car dominated the qualifier beating James Fortenberry’s Subaru WRX, then smashing Bobby Horton’s Sidekick in the heats and pounding Tim Raley’s Ferrari Testarossa into submission in the quarters. The lower bracket saw a new face…Bobby Horton’s Ford Probe Funny Car made its presence known quickly winning in opposition to a Firebird Funny Car of James Goolsbee Jr. in the qualifier.  Bobby’s Funny car cleared the heats and quarters dominating Jon Izzy’s Fast Fish and James Fortenberry’s Ford F-150 only to meet another Thunder Chicken, own by the master of the HWSC races, Owen Nesslage, in the semis.  Owen’s Firebird Funny Car decimated his opponents beating Tim Raley’s Ford Probe Funny Car in the qualifier, then Steve Langenfeld’s Mustang Funny Car in the heats and finally Wayne Heede’s Ferrari 599XX in the quarters.  Three Funny Cars made it to this point with one lone Porsche and that Porsche was tested quickly against the Ford Probe Funny Car of Owen Nesslage.  Owen’s Ford Probe Funny Car blasted passed his dad’s Porsche, even with threats, of having to find a ride home, from his dad.  In similar fashion to the qualifier, Bobby Horton’s Ford Probe Funny Car took out another Firebird Funny Car, this one owned by the three time champ, Owen Nesslage.  The last race was set and it would be a Ford Probe Funny Car Final!!!  Would Bobby be able to dethrone the King…he did have an equal car…but was it enough???  Would they have to go head to head, pedal to pedal, or would the cars settle it on their own with an equal drop? The pins were set, the cars were set… the drop went without an issue, but Bobby would not be able to unseat the kid… the King of the Hot Wheels Stock Class!  Owen went on to win an unprecedented four straight DRHWS Class Events since the month of December.  Would James Fortenberry be able to do the same and set the record for number of wins in the Run Whatcha’ Brung Class???

Congratulations to Owen Nesslage and his Yellow #3 Ford Probe Funny Car, March 2015 Winner of the Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class and Four Time Winner in a row in this class.

The five time winner, James Fortenberry, brought his battle tested brigade of entries for the Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Event and the “Blue Flame” Ford F150 absolutely dominated in the top portion of the bracket beating Gavin Sleeth’s Tow Truck in the qualifier, Owen Nesslage’s Firebird Funny Car in the heats and beating his own entry, a Haulin’ Gas, designated “Ugly” in the quarter finals.  A newcomer, Penny Bisk and her Johnny Lightning Ford GT, was also having success in the upper bracket defeating Michael Wyman’s School Busted in the qualifier, Jon Izzy’s Ford Torino in the heats and Steve Langenfeld’s Ford GTX-1 in the quarters.  Unfortunately, for Penny, she ran into the Fortenberry “Blue Flame.”  The Ford GT was torched like so many others by the Fortenberry “Blue Flame.”   In the lower bracket, Jon Izzy’s Johnny Lightning Ford GT was making waves, surfin’ by Dustin Barker’s Ford Probe Funny Car in the qualifier, His own ’88 Pontiac in the heats and Ken Sleeth’s S’cool Bus in the quarters.  “Ugly Too”, another Fortenberry formulation, also scorched the competition routing the GTO of Jon Izzy if he qualifier, then Jon Izzy’s Dodge Viper in the heats and Mark Markham’s Chevy Van in the quarter finals just to face another Jon Izzy entry in the semifinals.  However, this would be a larger test for the “Ugly Too” and the Ford GT would not go away.  The racing went back and forth… the GT won, then the “Ugly Too”, then the GT, then the “Ugly Too.”  The Semifinals for the bottom bracket would come down to a pedal to pedal battle for the right to race the undefeated “Blue Flame.”  Two test sessions were given…then one final instruction for a sudden win race.  The die-casts were staged, the Christmas tree lit up… yellow… yellow… yellow… GREEN…… Jon Izzy had the quicker reaction time and the GT would not be denied a spot in the finals!!!  Nevertheless, Jon would have to face James again, and this time beside the proven winner…the “Blue Flame.”  The final didn’t turn out to be as dramatic as the semi that ran just prior.  The “Blue Flame” won the first, third and forth runs to claim yet another Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Event!  James Fortenberry has asserted himself as a dominating force in this class, and now a six time victor.  Does anyone have what it takes to end his reign?

Congratulations to James Fortenberry and his Ford F-150 Pick-Up "Blue Flame", March 2015 Winner of the Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class and Six Time Winner in this Class.

Congratulations to Owen Nessalge, our C4 Downhill Racing Hot Wheels Stock Class Four Time Champion and James Fortentberry, our C4 Downhill Racing Run Whatcha’ Brung Class Champion.  Come check us out next month and bring your racers… you never know… you could be the one to dethrone the champs!!!     

C4 would also like to give a special thanks to all who donated to the raffle for this event and congrats to all the winners of that raffle.