The North Bay RC Crawlers Club held event #7 along the Bay at Genentech.  This spot offers much in the way of obstacles, as it's the rip/rap rock used to line the Bay.  There are rocks of all shapes, sizes and traction levels to challenge any crawler enthusiast.  The NBRCC Club has visited this site once before during the Series.

Unlike last time, the weather was picture perfect all day.  The Bay was glass flat and there were a large number of boats out fishing.  I'm sure there were plenty of sunburned necks and arms when the day was done.  I know I was cooked!

Statistically, the comp courses at Genentech change during the runs as there is usually a lot of rock stacking needed to complete the courses.  The NBRCC Club goes to great lengths to ensure the courses remain consistent for everyone and this comp worked out very well in that regard.

The Courses offered the drivers technical crawling, plenty of climbs, descents, and bridges.  Yes, bridges on each course to link the rocks and keep the drivers off the dirt.  Some were short, some were long, most were freeways, but a couple were very challenging.  One of the new ones used for this event is simply two 3/4" x 5 foot long dowels.  This made for some tense moments and was as much of a mind game as any obstacle on any course!

By the end of the day, every course was completed and most had a perfect score or near perfect score.  The varying terrain and technical aspect for the courses really showed the drivers who have plenty of wheel time and a really good understanding of what their rigs will do when put in different situations.  Winner Bryan Crofts is on his own level this season and it's awesome watching him work the courses.  The average guys, like myself, are happy to finish the courses and take home a sense of satisfaction knowing that while some obstacles got the better of us, we cleared others and showed that our rigs are capable (even if the driver needs more wheel time!).

The NBRCC 2009/2010 Winter Series is winding down, with only one more event to run.  It's been a lot of fun for everyone and the Club has done a great job with each event.  A big thanks goes out to the Judges, Score Keepers, and Club members who make these events happen.  At this event, thanks go out to Peter, Juan, Tim, Mike, Doug, Chris, Ron, and the rest who lent a hand.

NBRCC (North Bay RC Crawlers) 2009 / 2010 Winter Series Recap going into Event #8:

It’s been a challenge for the Northern California Rock Crawling enthusiasts who have chosen to participate in this year’s NBRCC Winter Series.  It will span 8 months, 8 events and 4 different locations.  Each event had different courses, on different terrain, under different conditions.  The drivers really had to work hard to stay ahead of the course designers, the weather and the other competitors.  This year became clear that the level of driving, level of rig set-up, has really stepped up a few notches.  

Running the numbers, it looks like Series leader Bryan Crofts has things covered going into the final Comp.  Same goes for 2^nd place, Dan Bonvicin.  Both of these driver do not have to run the final Comp to retain their positions.  Congrats to both these drivers for their hard work and dedication.

Mathematically, things can change for every one of the other top positions, 3rd thru 10th!  The final standings are sure to get shaken up a little after the points are totaled from the final Comp.  The top 5 spots are what everyone’s after, get one of those and you are invited to the Nor-Cal Finals Comp and a shot at qualifying for the Crawler Nationals.

Justin Halbohm, Kevin Gunderson, Dean Hall, Greg Petersen, Joel Gallegos, Doug Feger, Jake Rosen and Marko Perivolaris all have to bring their “A Game” to retain or gain the top spots.  Some are long shots, needing nothing short of miracles to get into the 3 remaining Top 5 spots, others just need to continue doing what they have been all Series long.

All in all, I think just about everyone of the 35 drivers have enjoyed the Series and appreciate the hard work it takes to host the individual Comps.  The Series final Comp will be one to remember, out of a very memorable Series.

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