Previously released for the RX8, Xray have now released these conical clutch washer springs for the NT1 clutch. These spring washers offer more consistent clutch operation for maximum punch. When using the standard spring, after the clutch is set for the first time the spring becomes deformed over time and needs retightening. This new conical clutch washer spring set allows the clutch to retain its setting for a very long time without needing readjustment.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]

JConcepts have introduced the Finnisher body design specifically for 1/10th truck racing. The TLR 22-T Finnisher body is a drop fit for the popular vehicle and bears a stunning look with its massive front headlight and grill coverage. Increased windshield angle provides a steady force upfront during mid-flight wind gusts on large jumps. Forward cab placement changes performance / visible bias which helps steering rotation in low traction corners. The side body panels have a strong and chiseled look, including a recessed area in the center that extends forward, ending near the front wheel well. The front hood has been simplified removing unwanted changes in height to neutralize the at-speed handling. The chassis side-guard to body fit has been tightened up by way of a bendable flap. Where applicable, the flap touches off against the side-guard which helps eliminate large empty voids that contribute to mid-flight directional changes.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

Team Torke got in touch to inform us that after EFRA and BRCA homologated their Full Torke 6500 70C LiPo, the company has released a new LiPo pack called Stick Torke. With 4000mah & 30C the LiPo packs are available with Tamiya plug or Deans connector.

Source: Team Torke [team-torke.com]

In February VRC Pro will release the 2008 Bangkok World Championship track, one with the 205m long 1:10 ISTC lay-out, and one with the 155m 1:12 sportscar lay-out. Both tracks are highly anticipated by the electric racers as this track has become legendary because of the immensely close battle between Marc Rheinard and Atsushi Hara. This track is no longer in operation but in VRC Pro the track lives on and for sure we will see some close racing in both 1:10 and 1:12 racing.

1:12 Electric class launched
VRC Pro has released the 1:12electric Spec class shortly before Christmas. The class uses 10.5T motors with unboosted speed controllers. Available are the Intercept ER12, the Xray X12 and the Associated RC12R5, all chassis are link type as this is where this class is going with the introduction of the 1S LiPo cells. The spec class chassis and components are free for all members!

VRC physics engineer Todd Wasson has developed a complete new suspension model which accurately describes the link system. For the modified class the front suspension will receive a big overhaul as well as it seems necessary to include the exact 1:12 suspension model because of the effects it has on roll-center movement and because of its active caster geometry. The 1:12 modified class is slated for launch early February 2012.

VRC Pro World Champions
In December 2011 VRC Pro organized 4 World Championships which were won by 4 different racers. Each of the World Championship events was followed by The Masters, and invitation only multi-player competition for the top-12 of the championship.

The 1:8 nitro Worlds was held at Luxembourg and young Kevin Pignotti from Italy reigned as was to be expected as the top ranked racer in this class (and in fact also in the other classes). Alexey Babchenko (Ukrain) and Martin Wollanka (Austria) completed the podium. The Masters title was won by Babchenko with Pignotti suffering internet problem during these finals.

1:10 Nitro was won by Frank Hättich from Germany. This specialist in 1:10 nitro snatched victory away from Ronald Völker who fell just 3 seconds short from victory after a hard fought 45 minute battle at the Pegaso track in Mexico. Pongtorn Trayranaron from Thailand came in 3rd. With World Champion Hattich not being able to appear in the Masters race this title went to Ronald Völker who would have liked to go head to head with Frank.

The 1:10 electric ISTC title went to Ronald Völker (Germany) who displayed his awesome skills at the very demanding track of Eppelheim. The 2011 LRP TCM winner was virtually untouchable on this track, only Martin Wollanka from Austria managed to get to within 3 seconds from the World Champion. The big surprise in this Worlds was the 4th place of Mustafa Alp from Turkey who missed the podium by just 1/100 of a second against Kevin Pignotti. The Masters title was captured by Ronald Völker as well who drove all of his 4 finals within 1.5 seconds, a display of world champion driving!

The last Worlds was for 1:10 ISTC Spec with 13.5T motor, the most popular class in VRC Pro. And that showed in this championship with 404 racers participating! Alex Apostolides from Greece won just 0.6 ahead of Martin Wollanka and 0.8 sec. in front of Michael Derderian from France. The Masters title in this class went to Derderian.

Videos of all the Masters racers are available on the VRC Pro YouTube channel here.

Kyosho have introduced their new line of head gear. Available in two sizes, S/m and L/XL and in black and read, there is a new 3d Cap with the Kyosho logo embroidered on the front. There is also a one size fits all beanie hat, also with the Kyosho logo on the front, and it is available also in black and red.

Source: Kyosho [kyoshoamerica.com]

New for the H-K1, KM Racing have released these optional front and rear diff joints. Made from high quality red steel, they have been given a special hardening treatment for the ultimate in durability. Featuring a lightweight design, with the drive cups machined out, these joints are a direct fit onto the H-K1 and H-K1 Evo.

Source: KM Racing [km-rc.com]

First seen at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg last week, Schumacher have now released the full details on their new Cougar SV2 Competition 2WD EP Buggy. Moving forward from the successful Cougar SV, winner of the British Off Road Nationals, Schumacher have raised the bar yet again. The new SV2 is lower, sleeker and above all faster! It now includes a hard anodised, laser etched, alloy chassis, a new heavy duty differential, transmission bearings and driveshafts. Using the mid-motor position, ultra compact design, perfect centre line balance and revolutionary constant radius steering system the Cougar SV2 is sure to be a winner. The Cougar SV2, take it up a level.

- NEW Hard anodised, laser etched, alloy chassis + 8mm longer. – Lower C of G, easier to drive.
- NEW Heavy duty, big bearing differential – Small diameter, lightweight unit offering low rotating mass.
- NEW 26 Piece Red seal ball bearings – For longer bearing life.
- NEW Larger transmission bearings – Strong and reliable.
- NEW Interchangeable, CNC internal and external gears, with optional ratios  -  Optimise your gear ratios for all track conditions.
- NEW Strengthened rear wheel – Stronger, but still with industry standard wheel fitment.
- NEW Super strong steering levers, unique constant radius steering system  -  Offers true ackermann and linear steering response.
- NEW UJ Driveshafts – Longer bone and shorter axle for more traction – With the ability to dissasemble.
- NEW Easy to assmble, rigid wing mount system – Stronger, with less wing flex.
- NEW Moulded gear cover – Better spur gear protection.
- NEW “Super cool” Alloy motor plate – Larger surface area offers better cooling and rigidity.
- NEW Sleek aerodynamic body and undertray design – New look and great functionality with minimum dirt pick up.
- NEW Rear wishbones – Offers more lower position shock mounting options.
- NEW Rear anti-roll bar – Better handling.
- NEW High Tensile Steel Turnbuckles.

- Optional length chassis available using same body.
- Accepts either saddle or shorty lipo batteries as standard. Stick pack with optional lipo tray U4047. Superb versatility.
- Mid-motor position – Delivers awesome balance on the track and when jumping.
- Pro spec 13mm big bore shocks with titanium nitride shafts, CNC machined pistons with recessed ‘e’clips, threaded collars, twin O ring sealing and diaphragm volume compensation.
- PTFE coated shock bodies – Hard, and super smooth shock action.
- Quick release topdeck system – For optimised rigidity, yet fast, easy battery removal.
- Multi position rear shock layout, behind as std or infront of the drive axle with optional parts. Offers improved suspension tuning for both smooth and heavily rutted track types.
- Industry standard wheel fitment, with medium width front wheels as standard.
- Ultra compact transmission design – Minimal weight, with maximum strength.
- All CNC machined internal geared transmission – Super quiet and efficient.
- Reverse motor direction – For increased traction under acceleration.
- Perfect centre line balance – Great control for all track surfaces.
- Adjustable height differential, with zero geometry change – Allows for optimised driveshaft plunge angle.
- Multi adjustable bushed pivot control system – Super smooth, multi position suspension action.
- Fully optimised suspension geometry – Fast, consistent handling.
- Maximum dimension rear wing – Superb airflow control, offering maximum down force.
- Purple 7075 T6 alloy motor plate, lower diff mounts, rear suspension pivot straps and front axles. – Strong yet lightweight.

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]

New from JQ Products, THE Boxes are available in 3 different sizes. The small box is good for screws, shims, o-rings, clutch parts etc, the medium sized box is perfect for 2 sets of extra shocks, and some shock parts, or some spare diffs. Finally the large box is good for most spare parts. Available now.

Source: JQ [jq-products.com]

Capricorn have released a number of new option parts for their car including this set of hard coated aluminium suspension pivot balls. The balls are also suitable for the Mugen MTX-5, MRX-5 and Xray NT1. Other new items include an aluminium servo saver with a new 13mm ackermann, new -0.75mm or 0mm offset wheel hex hubs, a 13.1 gram tungsten weight and a new 1/8 or 1/10th wheel adapter for the Brain Stuff additive applicator machine.

Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]

Charge two batteries at once with the Rugged Prophet Sport LiPo Duo from Dynamite. Designed for all users of 1−3S LiPo batteries, the 50Wx2 dual battery charger is an easy to use, rugged and portable, AC powered LiPo dual battery charger. Designed for novice, sport and experienced users that have multiple 1−3S, 100−5000mAh LiPo batteries to charge in a confined area or cluttered pit environment.

Key Features & Specifications:
- Extremely compact and easy to setup
- Operates in dirty, humid or damp conditions and is resistant to most falls and impacts
- Universal AC power supply allows the charger to be used anywhere
- Two charging ports lets you charge two batteries at once—batteries can be different capacities and cell counts

Source: Dynamite [dynamiterc.com]