Checked Out!

Team Checkpoint Chi-Town Shootout
February 29 – March 2
Joliet, IL

Once again, the annual Team Checkpoint Chi-Town Shootout was held at the awesome Leisure Hours Raceway facility. This year’s event saw several new additions to the program including three Dash For Cash races, a team competition, bump-ups and a twenty minute brushless / LiPo truck A main.

Dash For Cash

In the Dash For Cash, all proceeds from the great raffle prizes were divided among the three classes, so on the line for each winner was a whopping $142.00 in cold, hard cash! The top four qualifiers in each class had to race the track layout backwards and start in reverse order…which provided a ton of excitement.

In the 19-turn truck class, while everyone else was trying to go as fast as possible, young gun Doug Yunker took it easy and cruised on to victory.

In the mod buggy race, the lead changed between all four racers in just about every lap. In the end, Team Checkpoint driver Dustin Richards came away with the cash.

In the mod truck class, Al Horne made his way to the front on the opening laps, checked out on the rest of the field and took the cash with ease.

Team Competition

The team competition allowed you to form your own four-man team and go head- to-head against all the other teams. Each driver could use only one of their classes which allowed for several team sheets to be turned in. In the end, it came down to one point between the top two teams. “Cramer’s Crew” came out on top, taking the $52.00 pot. This was a big hit and a great way to get everyone cheering on their teammates.

Bump-Ups

This was the first Chi-Town Shootout that allowed LiPo batteries to be run in all the classes and easily allowed us to run bump-ups, something that is rarely done in electric racing. By the end of the mains, all the racers were really psyched about the bump-ups and extra track time!

Awards

Once again, Leisure Hours went above and beyond on the trophies for this year’s event. To change things up, instead of plaques or trophies for the top qualifiers, Upgrade RC provided some awesome-looking custom pit mats for all the TQ’s. Not only cool looking, but very useful as well!

Results

With the legalization of LiPos for this year’s race, all the Team Checkpoint drivers were able to run the new Team Checkpoint 5400 LiPo packs…and they did not disappoint! Checkpoint drivers took four TQ’s out of eight classes including…

Chris Arnold / Brushless-LiPo Truck
Max Cramer / Rookie
Jim Kvidera / 19t truck
Scott Cramer / 19t 4WD

When the mains rolled around, all the gloves came off and it was a battle royal. Some of the team drivers had a rough time. But two team drivers drove awesome and brought home the checkered flag…

Chris Arnold / Brushless-LiPo Truck (20 minute main)
Michael Paige / Mod 4WD

A special thanks goes out to all of our Team Checkpoint drivers at this year’s event for all your great results and the help you provided the other drivers; to Leisure Hours for running an exceptional program; and to all the sponsors that made the raffles and door prizes a huge hit! Look for even more excitement at next year’s Shootout!

The Giant Killer Strikes Again!

Novak US Touring Car Championships
January 2-6
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While several teams unite and form alliances or their own versions of the "Dream Team", Team Checkpoint still remains the underdog. It was no different at this year’s Novak race, as Team Checkpoint's Mike Blackstock was the only driver running the new Checkpoint brushless system.

From the first day of practice, Blackstock dominated the time charts by laying down the fastest laps every round. When it was time for qualifying, Blackstock picked up where he left off and laid down the fastest laps of the entire event.

When it was all over, Blackstock took the TQ in both Modified and 10.5 foam classes. Blackstock took a well-deserved second place in 10.5, but laid the smack down in the premiere Modified class by winning the first two A mains and leaving no doubt that Checkpoint is the ultimate giant killer.

During all his running, Blackstock had full confidence in his car control with his Futaba 3PK equipped with the Futaba FASST System.

2007 IFMAR 1/10th Electric Off-Road / 2WD & 4WD World Championships
ICIRINO HAKUSAN-Shi ISHIKAWA JAPAN
September 9th to September 16th

Every motor manufacturer dreams about winning an IFMAR World Championship. Sometimes these dreams come true. But it?s not very often that a manufacturer exceeds their dreams and truly dominates the IFMAR World Championship. Yet that?s exactly what happened to Team Checkpoint this year!

In one of the most competitive 2WD Worlds -- where the top spot switched every round -- Team Checkpoint's Hayato Matsuzaki was the most consistent driver and took the Top Qualifying position.

When it was time for the mains, all eyes were on Hayato. In the first of three A main races, Hayato cracked under the pressure from U.S. driver Ryan Maifield. Team Checkpoint driver Jared Tebo came from his seventh starting position to finish an impressive second place.

In the second and third mains, however, there was no denying that Hayato was the man to beat and deserved his TQ honors. Hayato destroyed the competition and won both rounds, taking the 2007 IFMAR 2WD World Championship. Even more impressive was his Checkpoint teammate Jared Tebo coming from seventh on grid each round, taking second overall, and giving Team Checkpoint a one-two finish.

1. HAYATO MATSUZAKI / JAPAN (Top Qualifier)
2. JARED TEBO / USA
3. RYAN MAIFIELD / USA
4. MASAMI HIROSAKA / JAPAN
5. MIKE TRUHE / USA
6. RYAN CAVALIERI / USA
7. MARK PAVIDIS / USA
8. PAUL BRADBY / GREAT BRITAIN
9. LEE MARTIN / GREAT BRITAIN
10. TRAVIS AMEZCUA / USA

With the 2WD races in the books, it was time to concentrate on the 4WD buggies. Knowing that Team Checkpoint's Jared Tebo was even faster in his 4WD than his 2WD, all eyes were on him to do very well in qualifying -- especially with Duane Silva tuning all his Tebo Edition motors.

Tebo did not disappoint. He took TQ honors in four out of five rounds — something that has never been done before.

When the mains rolled around, Tebo was not waiting around. At the sound of the buzzer, Tebo laid it down and took the win in the first two mains, becoming the 2007 IFMAR 4WD World Champion.

Tebo has been there since day one with Team Checkpoint so it is quite fitting that he was one of the first World Champions for the team.

Congratulations to Duane Silva, Steve O?Donnell and all the Team Checkpoint drivers. We couldn't have done it without you.

Photos taken by Derek Buono / Xtreme Magazine

1. JARED TEBO / USA (Top Qualifier)
2. RYAN MAIFIELD / USA
3. RYAN CAVALIERI / USA
4. MASAMI HIROSAKA / JAPAN
5. BILLY EASTON / USA
6. ATSUSHI HARA / JAPAN
7. RICK HOHWART / USA
8. HAYATO MATSUZAKI / JAPAN
9. NAOTO MATSUKURA / JAPAN
10. JORN NEUMANN / GERMANY

Baker Double Downs!

ROAR Paved On-Road Nationals
July 15, 2007
Kent, WA

Barry "Fabulous" Baker does it again — this time on the asphalt! Baker picked up right where he left off at the ROAR Carpet Nationals and laid down a blistering TQ pace throughout qualifying with his Checkpoint-powered ride.

When it was time for the mains to roll off, Baker took his Team Checkpoint 7X1 Modified and put it in the winner circles in the first and second mains -- leaving no doubt that his was the champion! Not too many drivers can actually "double down" and win both the ROAR carpet and paved Nats, but the Fabulous one did it in style!

Besides using awesome Checkpoint power, Baker also used the Futaba 2.4GHz FASST System and the brand new Futaba BLS451 brushless servo.

Rheinard Loses His Brushes for the Win!

Reedy Race of Champions
May 27, 2007
Aliso Viejo, CA

Team Checkpoint has never been one to rest on their laurels and let technology pass them by. So it?s no surprise that Team Checkpoint showed up at this year's Reedy Race of Champions with brand new prototype brushless motors. Factory team drivers Marc Rheinard, Atsushi Hara and Barry Baker were all piloting the new power plants and making a statement — which was blazing fast speeds!

After seven rounds of tire blistering racing, only one man stood atop of the podium — that man was none other than Team Checkpoint driver Marc Rheinard! What made this even more impressive was the fact that he did it with the Checkpoint prototype brushless motor in its very first race. Also in the hunt with the new motor was teammate Atsushi Hara, who finished in a hard-fought sixth place.

Both drivers also used the brand new Team Checkpoint TC1030 charger, and Hara used the Futaba 3PK with the 2.4GHz FASST System.

Stock Buggy

Johnny LoGiudice laid down the law by taking the TQ in easy fashion. When it came down to the main event, it was the JLG show as he proceeded to check out on the field and let everyone else fight it out for second. Johnny's Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series batteries provided all the power, punch and run time he needed to take the convincing win.

19T Truck

Once again, it was the Checkpoint 19T Money Motor that dominated qualifying and the race. “J Dawg” proceeded to take the TQ and a very hard fought win which saw the lead position swap several times a lap.

Brushless Truck

It seems odd to test a new product at a National Finals race, but that's exactly what team driver Chris Arnold did. Running our prototype Team Checkpoint LiPo batteries, Arnold proceeded to TQ the class and put a lap on the entire field in the 15 minute A main! While other drivers' batteries were dumping at the end of the race, Arnold continued to pull wheelies at will with the new packs. Needless to say, Team Checkpoint seems to have another killer product on their hands.

Modified Truck

Since it is legal to run the LiPo batteries in the modified class, Chris Arnold used the same batteries that brought him victory the previous day. Like a broken record, Arnold TQed all four rounds of qualifying and walked away with the A main, giving the new Checkpoint LiPo its second TQ and win of the weekend!

Modified Buggy

As if he was toying with them, Johnny LoGiudice went out with his Checkpoint 12x2 and Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series batteries and TQed the event. In the A main Johnny proceeded to check out, but a small miscue dropped him out of contention.

Modified 4WD

Once again, young gun Johnny LoGiudice was the man to beat by once again using his Checkpoint 10x2 and Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series batteries to dominate the field and take the TQ. In the A main, JLG got into his zone and was gone?checking out and taking the easy win.

2007 National Champions

After a long season of qualifying races and the finals run, it was time to crown some National Champions. Team Checkpoint drivers were eligible for a total of five national titles and they did not disappoint by taking all five national titles!

Stock Buggy National Champion:
Scott Cramer / Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series

19T Truck National Champion:
Scott Cramer / 19T Money Motor / Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series

Modified Buggy National Champion:
Johnny LoGiudice / Checkpoint 12x2 / Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series

Modified 4WD Buggy National Champion:
Johnny LoGiudice / Checkpoint 10x2 / Checkpoint IB4200 WC Signature Series

Modified Truck National Champion:
Chris Arnold / Checkpoint 12x2 / Checkpoint LiPo

All Team Checkpoint drivers also used the Futaba 2.4GHz FASST System and Futaba servos.

Team Checkpoints rising star, Max Cramer also received an award for "Turn Marshall of the Year!"

Congratulations to all of our team drivers on an incredible season!

19T Truck

After some tight qualifying with a stacked field, the top three in points sat in the top three positions. With Rick McMullen taking the extra 5 points for TQ, the championship was truly up for grabs. In the opening laps, Team Checkpoint Assistant Manager Scott Cramer drove his Checkpoint Money Motor/Futaba controlled truck to the front of the pack and proceeded to pull away.

Cramer encountered some lap traffic at the five-minute mark which allowed Checkpoint/Futaba teammate and best buddy Matt DelGiudice to close the gap. This set up an epic battle for the last minute of the race. In each lap they swapped positions back and forth. Like it was scripted for a movie, the two best friends and teammates raced side by side, flat-out to the finish line. In an absolute photo finish, Cramer won by just a tenth of a second!

With his win Cramer took the overall championship, followed by Rick McMullen in second and Team Checkpoint/Futaba teammate Jason Holt rounding out the top three. That made it a clean sweep for Checkpoint power!

Sportsman

Team Checkpoint, Futaba, DuraTrax and the entire Hobbico family are proud to support the Sportsman's class. It is great to see a class designed for boys and girls of all ages, where they can race and learn without being intimidated by the top drivers. If it weren't for these drivers, the sport of R/C car racing would never grow.

At this event, seven-year-old Team Checkpoint/Futaba driver Max Cramer put in another great run and finished a strong second place behind the winner, Hollie Schroder. I guess girl power does rule.

Mod Truck

As he has done all year long, Team Checkpoint/Futaba team driver Chris Arnold was the model of consistency during qualifying. With the championship in mind, Arnold qualified in a respectable and conservative 4th. Once the race began, all bets were off and Arnold drove his Checkpoint 12-turn double up into the second position where he finished just two seconds behind the winner.

With the second place finish, Arnold had more than enough to lock up the Mod Truck divisional championship. That brings the total to two divisional championships for Team Checkpoint and Futaba.

Mod 4WD

The Mod 4WD class has been one the hottest classes this year and is growing every race due to all the new buggies being released. At the final round, it really didn't matter what type of 4WD you were driving — you were not going to touch Chris Arnold in his Checkpoint powered buggy. Arnold used his new Checkpoint 4200 batteries to power his way to a TQ run.

In the main, Arnold put on a driving clinic by leading every single lap. In the process, he lapped the entire field. He wanted to leave no doubt about why he is the Mod 4WD divisional champion. In the process, Team Checkpoint power swept the podium for the divisional championship.

A "Fabulous" three in a row

ROAR On-Road Carpet Nationals
CEFX Raceway - Westland, MI
March 4, 2007

Just when people thought he was washed up and should try golfing full-time, the Fabulous Barry Baker surprised everyone. He made a car, motor, and battery switch — and has been on a hot streak ever since, with no sign of slowing down!

After switching to Team Checkpoint Motors Baker has been on the podium regularly, including taking the Mod 1/12th win at the prestigious US Indoor Championships. This weekend was no different. Baker took his Team Checkpoint-powered, Futaba-controlled chassis to the second qualifying position in the coveted Modified Sedan class at the ROAR On-Road Carpet Nationals.

Rather than being one race for all the marbles, the main event was a best-of-three battle. After finishing fourth in the first round, Baker came back strong and laid it down — taking his awesome Checkpoint horsepower to the winner's circle in the second and third round for the overall win!

Congratulations to the Fabulous Barry Baker and Team Checkpoint for yet another ROAR national title. This marks the third year in a row that Team Checkpoint has won the ROAR Carpet Nationals.

1/10th Touring Mod
1. Baker, Barry / Checkpoint / Futaba

2. Tosolini, Chris
3. Blackstock, Mike / Futaba
4. Dumas, Mike
5. Cyrul, Josh
6. Hodge, Todd
7. Darroch, Ray
8. Dayger, Jeff / Futaba
9. LeMieux, Paul / Futaba
10. Burch, Ralph

World Domination...Checkpoint Style!

O'Donnell Racing
December 15, 2006
Santa Fe Springs, California

O'Donnell Racing continues to shock and impress the world. As if it wasn't enough to have IFMAR World Champion Atsushi Hara join the team, Team Checkpoint has repeated the feat by adding another IFMAR World Champion...one of racing's hottest stars, Marc Rheinard!

Rheinard has signed a multi-year contract to run Team Checkpoint's Modified Motors and Signature Series Batteries exclusively. He will also step up his nitro program — exclusively running the unbeatable combination of O'Donnell Race Blend Fuel and World Championship-winning O'Donnell Glow Plugs.

Rheinard has earned a worldwide reputation for success by winning just about every major contest: the IFMAR World Championship; LRP Masters; Reedy Race of Champions; TITC; DHI Cup; and on, and on.

Every time Rheinard stands behind the wheel, you know you are about to witness something amazing. With the combination of Team Checkpoint horsepower and Signature Series voltage, Rheinard will be setting TQs and winning championships the instant he hits the track.

Team Checkpoint and O'Donnell Racing are extremely pleased and honored to welcome Marc Rheinard to our team. We look forward to sharing countless championships together!

The Fabulous One is Back!

US Indoor Champs
November 26, 2006
Cleveland, Ohio

The Fabulous Barry Baker made a promise that with his new Team Checkpoint Modified Motor under the hood, he would regain his winning ways. And that's exactly what he did at this year's US Indoor Championships.

Factory Mod 1/12th
After qualifying third in the Factory Mod 1/12th class, Baker drove a very smart race. He patiently worked his way to the front of the pack and never looked back! Baker is usually known for his touring car skills. This goes to show that he can drive anything.

Factory Mod Sedan
To finish off a great weekend for the Fabulous One, Team Checkpoint's Baker rocketed to the front in the hotly contested Factory Modified Sedan class. Once he got in behind Paul LeMieux, he settled in and ran a strong second place. As one industry insider put it, "Heeeee's baaaaaack!"

Factory 19-turn Sedan
Making sure that Baker did not steal all the limelight, Team Checkpoint's 2005-6 ROAR National Champion Chris Tossolini put in a very strong run behind eventual winner Paul LeMieux in the Factory 19-turn Sedan class. Tossolini drove the wheels off his car but came up just short of the top spot.

Consistency Pays Off for Tebo!

Reedy Truck Race of Champions
October 29, 2006
Saugus, CA

Team Checkpoint's Jared Tebo proves that it takes consistency and nerves of steel to pull off the win with triple A mains on the line. Coming off of his three-peat win at the ROAR Truck Nationals, Tebo showed that he doesn't need nitro in his truck to take a victory.

At this year's Reedy Truck Race of Champions, Tebo used his Team Checkpoint Modified Motors and Team Checkpoint Batteries to take the overall championship in the hotly contested Factory Modified Truck class. Hmm, could Tebo go down as one of the best truck drivers of all time...we think so!

Team Checkpoint Beats the House in Vegas!

International Indoor Championships
September 19-24, 2006
The South Coast Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

After a long week in Vegas, Team Checkpoint drivers left their mark on Sin City — walking away with multiple A main positions and 3 significant wins. This was also the carpet debut of our new IB 4200 SHV racing cells.

The Modified Rubber Sedan class was comprised of the world's best sedan racers. Team Checkpoint's Atsushi Hara was on the gas, taking down the win with his Hara Edition Hot Bodies Cyclone. Hara ran our new IB 4200 batteries, which powered his Duane Silva built 7x1 modified Team Checkpoint motor. During the A main, no other car exhibited the kind of raw horsepower that Hara's had.

The high-voltage IB batteries — combined with our powerful 19-turn Money Motor prepped by Duane Silva — took Team Checkpoint driver Bobby Flack to the top of the podium in the ultra-competitive 19-turn Foam Sedan class. Flack was on a mission, claiming the TQ spot through qualifying. He would lead the A main from wire to wire, fending off the hard-charging second place driver.

Defending IIC Stock Rubber Sedan champ, Team Checkpoint driver Jason Ertrachter, picked up right where he left off last year. After qualifying was in the books, Jason found himself sitting on top of the charts in the number one starting position for the main. Our new IB 4200 cells powered his Corally RDX to a flag to flag win, where he led all 24 laps of the feature.

Team Checkpoint would like to thank all our loyal team members and customers for making the week in Las Vegas a very memorable one. Here is a rundown of where our drivers finished in the A mains.

Modified Rubber Sedan A Main Atsushi Hara Q-2nd Finished 1st
Barry Baker Q-4th Finished 4th
Simo Ahoniemi Q-10th Finished 6th
Chris Tosolini Q-9th Finished 8th

Stock Rubber Sedan A Main Jason Ertrachter TQ- Finished 1st

Modified Foam Sedan A Main Chris Tosolini Q-3rd Finished 3rd
Bobby Flack Q-6th Finished 6th
Barry Baker Q-9th Finished 9th

19 Turn Foam Sedan A Main Bobby Flack TQ- Finished 1st

Tebo — Checkpoint...Another National Title

ROAR Modified Off-Road Nationals
August 10-13th
Lawrence, IN

Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, nitro or electric, Jared Tebo can wheel them all! This past weekend at the ROAR Modified Nationals, Tebo put an absolute whooping on the competition by driving his Team Checkpoint-powered 4WD buggy to the front of the pack in all four qualifying rounds. No one else even had a chance at the coveted TQ position.

Tebo's Team Checkpoint Modified Motors gave him all the horsepower he could use, while his Team Checkpoint Batteries provided the punch. When the A-mains rolled around, it was the Jared Tebo Show: victories in the first two A-mains and yet another national title for this young star and Team Checkpoint.

Congratulations, Jared, on a phenomenal run and another title!

Tebo Takes it in Three

Hot Rod Hobbies Shootout
July 14-16
Saugus, CA

Sometimes going out and getting the TQ doesn't mean you are going to win the event. This was never more evident than in the Modified truck triple A mains at this year's Hot Rod Hobbies Shootout.

Going into the third and final A main, Team Checkpoint's Jared Tebo, along with FOUR other drivers, had a chance to take the overall win. Of course, in the end, it was Team Checkpoint horsepower and Tebo taking the A3 win and the overall championship. Tebo and Checkpoint are an unbeatable combination.

Look for big things for Tebo at the upcoming ROAR Modified Nationals.

Hara Lays the Smack Down!

ROAR Paved On-Road Nationals
June 9-11
Roseville, CA

After just missing the overall win two weeks ago at the Reedy Race of Champions, Team Checkpoint's Atsushi Hara laid the smack down at this year's ROAR Paved On-Road Nats. Using the ballistic power of the Team Checkpoint Modified motor and Checkpoint batteries, Hara was a dominant force all weekend long and walked away with the first and second A Mains — securing the overall win and yet another ROAR National Championship!

Hara also used a Futaba 3PK to guide his car to the victory lane. With the IFMAR World Championships approaching, Hara looks to be on the top of his game and ready to take another World title as well.

The 2006 ROAR Carpet National Champion, Chris Tosolini, also had a great run, proving he can race on any type of surface. Congratulations go out to both drivers!

Touring Car Modified
  1. Hara, Atsushi
  2. Easton, Billy
  3. Howart, Rick
  4. Francis, Matt
  5. Numan, Josh
  6. LeMieux, Paul
  7. Burch, Ralph
  8. Tosolini, Chris
  9. Hodge, Todd
10. Truhe, Mike

Hara Blazes a New Track Record

Reedy Race of Champions
May 26-28, 2006
Aliso Viejo, CA

After stunning the racing community by signing a multiyear deal to run Team Checkpoint Modified Motors, World Champion Atsushi Hara went out and proved that when given the tools he needs, he is a threat to win any race he enters.

Throughout practice Hara had the fastest car on the track, even destroying a long-standing track record. As the race weekend unwound, the battle went back and forth between Hara and current World Champ Marc Rheinhard for the Invitational class title. The championship would not be secured until the points from the very last round were tabulated. After an epic battle, Hara came up short by just a few points. Nevertheless, he earned a very respectable second place overall.

O'Donnell — Hara, The Ultimate Combo!

O'Donnell Racing
May 24, 2006
Santa Fe Springs, CA

The O' Team keeps getting stronger! Former IFMAR World Champion Atsushi Hara has agreed to a multi year contract — to exclusively run Team Checkpoint Modified Motors and O'Donnell Racing Fuel at races world wide.

Hara's prowess in racing electric on-road is un-rivaled. Atsushi has won many major races across the globe including an IFMAR World Championship, multi time winner at the prestigious JMRC Championships in Japan and multiple ROAR National Championships.

Hara's success is not only limited to electric racing. He has had strong performances in nitro on-road and off-road racing, where he will now be using O'Donnell Racing Fuel and accessories to power his rides.

Regardless of the racing discipline, Hara is always a threat for the top spot and can be found charging hard for the win. With the combination of Team Checkpoint horsepower, and his race winning skills — look for Atsushi to be up front laying down fast laps and contending for the win at this summers IFMAR World Championships, the IIC in Las Vegas and various other international events.

Here at Team Checkpoint and O'Donnell Racing, we are extremely pleased to welcome Atsushi to our team, and look forward to sharing many successes in the future.

For more info on O'Donnell Racing products and Team Checkpoint motors, check out their websites at www.odonnellracing.com and www.teamcheckpoint.com.