Chris Long Joins X Factory!

“What can you say about Chris? He wears really strange clothes sometimes but what a nice guy – very helpful and full of time for people!” That’s Ellis Stafford commenting on fellow teammate Chris Long, who joined X Factory after receiving his F1 license in 2005. Chris' bright red X-5 squared will be seen this year at the Euros and throughout the BRCA National series. In 2007, Chris is proud to have made the A final at Belgium GP while driving the X-5 squared.

One of the primary reasons Chris was selected is his willingness to help all racers, regardless of which car they’re driving, both on and off the track. Chris’ posts on web forums are thoughtful and helpful, and it’s easy to get to know him in person.

Long was born in 1979 in Bury, about ten miles north of Manchester, where he lives to this day. He attended and graduated from Elton school and currently works as a Dispatch and Logistics Manager. Chris has been careful to keep from us what that actually means.

At the age of 9, Chris was playing with R/C cars with his mates around the street & car parks in Bury when he chanced by the Bury Model Shop and discovered there was an R/C club in Bury. Chris’ parents vouch for his competitive streak and he was eager to compete on a track rather than bash on the street.

In April 1989, Chris finished last in his first race with a Tamiya Monster Beetle. But, most importantly, he had a great time that day, and his style was born: prepare well, race hard, and have fun with your mates. That race was at the Hillock club in Bury, and the track was soon torn down to make way for a housing development. But next year, Chris had a Lazer ZX and was on his way. And how far he’s come! In 2007, Long placed in the A final at Belgium GP and in the C final at Tiverton, Kidderminster, Bury, Oswestry and Southport. As Chris says, “I had a good run of C final results through 2007 with one A final which makes me proud. In 2008, I intend to attend the same meetings and beat those results – especially with more A final appearances!”

Dan Greenwood commented, “Chris is one of the biggest personalities in racing in the UK; everyone likes him and I’ve enjoyed pitting with him loads this year as we have a really good laugh together. Chris and I are so evenly matched it leads to a really competitive spirit between us.” Chris responded to the challenge, “With another 12 months under my belt, my knowledge of the cars has grown dramatically and after another season improving over my personal best, I can tackle 2008 with boosted confidence. See you at the track, Dan!”

In 2008, Chris is looking forward to completing the Schumacher series at Worksop, racing in 4 of the 7 rounds for each class. He will also be at Belgium GP in July 2008, racing 2wd, 4wd and Truck! Throughout the summer of 2008, Chris will be attending various club events, mainly at Southport, and NW BRCA regionals. Finally, Chris is excited about his plans to come to the USA and race in the 2009 Cactus Classic in 2wd, 4wd & Truck.

Welcome Chris!