Fastrace have introduced a range of new option parts for the Team Associated RC8B3 buggy. First up are anti-twist bushings for the rear suspension of AE’s latest 1/8th buggy. Machined from aluminium and coming in a shiny silver look the bushings prevent the A-arms pivot pin area from deforming under load, resulting in a more precise suspension action. The parts are a direct fit and do not require any modification.
O.S. Engines have introduced their limited edition 24K Gold-plated #80 glow plug. The release goes along with the the recently announced O.S. Speed Spec II Gold Edition and B2101 Las Vegas Edition engines with the #80 glow plug being a renamed #8 covered in a luxurious gold-plating in honour of O.S.’s 80th anniversary. The plug is usable just like a standard #8 and available for a limited time only.
Source: O.S. Engines [osengines.com]
Coming from JConcepts and made for the Team Associated RC8B3 buggy is the Strike 2 bodyshell. It samples elements from its famous relatives the Finnisher and Silencer bodies but packs a slightly refined image. Used in prototype form by Spencer Rivkin during the 2016 ROAR Fuel Off-Road Nationals, the Strike 2 was victorious the first event out. The base enhancements to the design come from the added “finger” channeling on the front-pod increasing mid-corner steering while a complete wicker section was added on the rear-pod to further plant the rear of the vehicle. The offset of the race proven shell provides a compact fit for fuel tank, linkage and air filter assembly and the heavy channeling on the front windshield and upper cab keeps the Strike 2 aligned at high-speed while the side-pods have multiple hard-edge angles that spill off neatly into 90 degree side-panels. Just behind the engine head, a sleek up-rising flows from the body like running water. As usual the clear body set includes window templates and a decal sheet.
For round three of the Dutch 1/8th Nitro On-road Nationals Championships the drivers gathered at the famous Model Race Genk track in Belgium. Different from the previous round the weather was on the dry side of things apart from a few drops of rain on Sunday. Genk is known for its tricky traction conditions due to the near motocross track blowing dust on the asphalt surface but the club did its best to clean the track as good as possible. Racing-wise the premier NK class saw Rick Vrielijnck walking away in the A-final one lap ahead of Jeffery Rietveld and Frank Baggen in second and third respectively.
Yokomo have introduced their updated Racing Pit Bag IV. Version four of the popular hauler bag was improved in terms of ease of use and also durability and it sports updated stitched graphics and seams. The bag features a four-drawer design, integrated tool holding loops, a pocket for a setup board and manuals, as well as sturdy wheels and an extractable extricable handle. The bag is available from early August.
Team Powers have introduced their forthcoming 6400mAh 7.4V LiPo battery pack. Aimed at Stock class racing the battery is made from high-performance 100C and it utilizes a protective hardcase equipped with “through-type” 5mm bullet-type connectors and a 2mm balancer port. The battery pack is hitting the stores soon.
Source: Team Powers [team-powers.com]
The third and final round of the Swedish Cup was held this past weekend at the Höör RC Klubb. The race for the title was on between Kyosho’s Jessica Palsson and HB Racing’s David Ronnefalk. The latter had to win the race in order to take the overall title as he missed a round due to a date clash with the World Championship warm-up race. In the qualifiers the two youngsters would then battle it out for the overall TQ with the better end for David who took the top qualifier position from Jessica in second. In the main final Jessica started from pole position after winning the semi finals with a 13 seconds margin on David and he would lead until around the 18 minute mark when David was able to pass her but a different fuel stop strategy meant the fight for the win was still on until some 10 minutes before the end the tyres on David’s car started to become unglued on all four corners while he was in the lead. Jessica in second then was able to close the gap and to eventually take the win, nearly a lap in front of David. With the win Jessica grabbed herself the Swedish Cup and All Swedish Cup title, leaving David with the vice championship title.
Source: Kyosho [kyoshoeurope.com] & David Ronnefalk
The 2016 Bring the Heat was held at Flowood R/C Indoor Park in Flowood, Mississippi. In the 1/8th Expert Nitro Buggy class, Ryan Lutz would take the TQ honours and he would go onto dominate the 35-minute A-main event by lapping the entire field to take the win from Cole Ogden and Blake Boggs.
