Over the past weekend (18th/19th April) in the USA, North Carolina hosted its first ever sanctioned downhill race. Racing has been big in the states for some years now with major events in California and Colorado, but there are some skate scenes in the USA that are ready to burst at the seams. The North Carolina Down Hill event, presented by the Human Powered Transportation Club and the Ian Tilmann Foundation was held at Mt Jefferson state park, consisted of a fast race track with hairpin turns, speeds of up to 90km/h and attracted some big names from North America such as Kevin Reimer and Louis Pilloni (Sector 9). After a solid day of practicing in the dry the heavens opened up and tested every rider's skill on a soaked track for race day. Tactics and race setups would have to change to suit the conditions. In the end K-Rimes proved his Canadian wet-riding skills as superior by taking the win with a commanding lead. Louis managed to snag 3rd place after battling with East Coast young-gun Ed Kiefer who took 2nd followed by Josh Rolf (Munkae Trucks) in 4th. Jacko caught up with Louis this week to ask find out more about his time at the race and the set-up he uses.

Jacko: whats your setup for the dry and what do u change for the wet?

Louis: I ride the Sector 9 Arrow with Gullwing Reverse, R.A.D. Wheels, and RDVX Griptape. Besides putting on rain wheels, my setup doesn't really change once it gets wet.

Jacko: What RADs did u use for rain wheels and how did u cut them?

Louis: I used the same wheels Josh Rolf used. He cut up a couple sets of 78a R.A.D. Releases with 3 sets of deep grooves. The deep grooves really came in handy considering how much water was on the road.

Some of the #radcrew is heading out to North Carolina for the new race this weekend. Forecast says rain so @munkaetrucks is cutting a set of rain groves into #radreleases for @louispilloni

A video posted by radesigns (@radesigns) on Apr 17, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

Jacko: How did you rate the race track?

Louis: It was a great race track that required a variety of skill. It has 3 hairpins, big sweepers, chicanes, and a fast straightaway (46mph-50mph) but also extremely friendly to ride in a pack. Of course I really like the corners, hairpins are always fun. Jacko: anything new and exciting coming from NC? more races?

Louis: Everything is new and exciting in NC. The State Park (who helped secured the event permits) are extremely excited on the event and want to bring it back. North Carolina defiantly has a lot of sick hills. Here is the footage of the finals filmed by Big Lou. Kevin Riemer takes 1st, Ed Kiefer 2nd, Louis 3rd and Josh Rolf 4th.

Final Heat: North Carolina Downhill at Mount Jefferson from SkateHouseMedia.com on Vimeo.