Seen at this year’s Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan that is taking place this week, is the new prototype Yokomo 2wd buggy. Currently just made from prototyping material there was little details available so we contacted Yokomo who told us that the car’s design is not yet finalized and that it will not be ready for this year’s Worlds. Their team drivers will once again run the B4.1 in 2wd.
Image: Tresrey [tresrey.com]
Thunder Power RC have announced the signing of 3-time World and multi-time European Champion driver Marc Rheinard of Germany. Known as one of the world’s best on-road touring car racers, Marc will bring over 15 years of RC racing experience to the Thunder Power RC Team. Marc has signed a multi-year agreement to represent Thunder Power RC by using, supporting and promoting products at races world-wide. He had this to say:
I am looking forward to using Thunder Power RC batteries. I have seen firsthand how the products have performed in the RC racing circuit over the past couple of years. Thunder Power RC continues to advance LiPo batteries and technology for the RC industry, I am excited to be a part of these advancements and the team.
Marc will represent the TPRC Team at all major International and US electric/LiPo events and Marc’s touring car will hit the pavement for the first time as part of the team at the 2011 Reedy Race of Champions.
Source: Thunder Power RC [thunderpowerrc.com]
O’Donnell Racing Fuel is on the move and has made their already impressive team roster even more so with the recent signing of super-fast Josh Wheeler. Wheeler brings countless years of experience to the team and will have invaluable feedback for the O’Donnell Racing Fuel R&D department. When asked about the signing, Josh had this to say.
It is totally cool to be back on the team at O’Donnell Racing Fuel. What they have done with the new Speed Blend fuel is just like they say…a true game changer. The performance of this fuel gives me the confidence to go out there and know I can run a ten-minute qualifier with ease.
In addition to adding Wheeler to the U.S. roster, O’Donnell Racing Fuel has also signed one of the East Coast’s fastest drivers, Chad Phillips. Chad brings a ton of knowledge to the table and will be putting the Speed Blend Fuel on the podium all across the East Coast. O’Donnell Racing Fuel has also started the establishment of an international racing team with the signing of Daniel Vega. Daniel, who will be racing out of the Ebremodel Import Team in Spain, plans to run Speed Blend fuel at all major European events this year.
Source: O’Donnell [odonnellracingfuel.com]
Schumacher have announced a new gear diff for the Mi4 range of cars. Made by World Champion gear diff suppliers Spec R this will fit directly into the Mi4CX but will also fit older cars with blade style drive shafts, such as the Mi3, Mi3.5, Mi4, and Mi4LP. So far in testing their drivers have been using Schumacher 70wt – 100wt shock oil in the diff for best results. Very little maintenance is required compared to regular ball diff under high load conditions with modern powerful brushless systems.
Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]
Xray have released new aluminium steering blocks with 5° kingpin for the XB808. CNC-machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium, they are then hard coated for extra durability and long life. The new 5 degrees of inclination increases in-corner steering and is recommended for technical tracks where in corner steering is needed. These new steering blocks are 1mm narrower which also helps increase the steering. Using the standard wheel hexes the offset is -1mm compared to old steering blocks with standard wheel hexes. Ultra-strong construction provides very long life and durability in even the most extreme racing conditions. Includes composite bushings to secure ball-bearings in both sides of the steering block, allowing perfect fitment and smooth operation to ultimately impart much higher lifetime compared to bearings installed directly into aluminium steering blocks.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Yeah Racing have released a number of new parts for Tamiya M chassis’ beginning with this single piece aluminium gearbox plate for the Tamiya M06. A perfect replacement for the stock plastic plate it helps dissipate heat and unlike the stock version which requires assembling, this is a single piece. Also new is this large aluminium heat sink plate for the M05. The original M05 car does not come with a heat sink for the motor which can overheat, so this product is specially designed to solve this issue. Finally Yeah Racing have launch several new motor gears/pinions for Tamiya car kits, which are made from hard coated aluminium. Available in a wide range of teeth from 18T to 26T.
Shepherd have introduced their new 1/8 scale bodyshell called the GT-C5 light. Developed in Germany according to the new IFMAR regulations for the 1/8 scale class, which stipulates lower sides, this shell is EFRA homologated (#31524). Featuring easy handling with lots of downforce the new front end design and recessed central front area creates lots of steering too. The body is made from 0,75mm thick high quality clear polycarbonate and is available now.
Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]
To compliment the new carbon front body post mount released this morning for the RX8, Xray have have produced these aluminium front body posts. CNC-machined from premium lightweight Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium they work with both the composite and optional graphite plate. Sold in a set of 2.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
