SMJ has released a new thicker version of their foam car stand. At 20mm, it leaves the car sitting 6mm higher than the previous version to allowing for more versatile use. Measuring 300 x 90 x 20 mm, the stand can be used for both 1:10 and 1:8 onroad cars with the Japanese company highlighting it for 1:10 Nitro pit work and engine adjustment.
VP Pro has released new tyre gluing bands specifically intended for mounting Truggy and Monster Truck tyres. Made from high-elasticity silicone rubber and finished in VP-Pro Brilliant Blue, they come supplied as a pack of four bands.
Source: VP Pro [vp-racing.com]
Another much anticipated switch up for the 2023 season, Mugen has confirmed that star driver Ryan Maifield joins Robert Batlle in leaving the manufacturer. Officially posting the announcement on Facebook, it read, “Mugen Seiki Racing would like to make Ryan Maifield’s exit from the factory team official ahead of the 2023 season. Maifield joined Mugen Seiki Racing at the beginning of 2017 where he made history being the first racer to do the impossible by sweeping all three pro classes at The Dirt Nitro Challenge. Still being the only driver in history to sweep The Dirt Nitro Challenge, Maifield and Mugen Seiki did it again in 2021. Maifiled and Mugen Seiki’s success together includes multiple Silver State Nitro Challenge titles, winning both classes at the 2021 1/8th Fuel Nationals, winning every ROAR 1/8th Electric Buggy National Championship Maifield competed in during his time at Mugen Seiki, and multiple IFMAR World Championship finals including a podium finish. It’s been an honour to have worked with such a talented and committed racer like Maifield, and Mugen Seiki Racing wishes Ryan the best with his future endeavours.”
Source: Mugen Seiki Racing [Facebook]
Grand Prix 3D brings you the missing link in our R/C off-road racing history – the iconic 1989 IFMAR Worlds “Stealth” RC10GX Team Associated prototype that Masami Hirosaka drove to the World Championship at the famed St Ives track all the way down-under here in Australia. This replica conversion kit is available now. The kit contains recreations of all the unique/prototype parts as per the original Stealth car. The chassis and top-deck is made from 3k plain weave matte finish UD core carbon fibre, with the 30 degree angle formed into the chassis nose kick-up!! Also both shock towers are included in FR4 natural green fibreglass to mimic the original pale colour. All the plastic parts are 3D printed using PCBlend-natural colour for the suspension arms, rear bulkhead, battery cups and various other parts – this material is amazing in strength/impact resistance and an almost perfect colour match to the original Associated nylon.
Continue reading & view more images here
Awesomatix has released a new rear steering arm for their A800 touring car platform. The new AM23-R version is longer compared to the previous AM23-1 Rear Steering Arm. This feature reduces the free play of the rear toe and improves ARS characteristics. The improved characteristics of the ARS helps with better mid-corner steering and reduce the risk of snap oversteer during load changes. Awesomatix recommend to use 0.5mm less bumpsteer shims, to keep the same ARS action as with AM23-1.
View comparison of rear arm options here
Arena RC Racing have announced the release of carbon parts for Xray’s X4 ’23 Touring Car. The Split Front 2.0mm Graphite Upper Deck gives increased initial response and is suitable for medium to high traction conditions. The Split Rear 2.0mm Graphite Upper Deck provides a little extra flex making it suitable for a wider range of conditions. The other new offering are Graphite Protectors for X4 Composite Hub that are made from 2.0mm graphite and replace the washer for protection of your hub.
Former World Champion Robert Batlle has announced his much anticipated departure from Mugen, a combination that triumphed at the 2012 IFMAR 1:8 Buggy World Championships in Argentina. The Spaniard’s announcement ends a lengthy and fruitful 12-year stint with the Japanese manufacturer. Batlle made the announcement on his Facebook page in an open message to Mugen.
Read Batlle ‘Letter to Mugen’ here
Yokomo is now offering their successful BD11 in a new American-spec chassis kit equipped with a new hard aluminium main chassis. The 2mm-thick high-strength aluminium main chassis is a solid spec, with no cutting of any parts to reduce weight. The strength of the chassis improves stability and lowers the centre of gravity, making it ideal for the ultra high-grip surfaces found in American indoor racing. It optimises steering response for smooth driving and prevents high-sides caused by over-grip. The US aluminium chassis version also features suspension tuning to match the rigidity of the main chassis, with 2.1-2.4 progressive springs installed in the front and 1.3mm front and rear sway bars made of a new material. In addition, a new rear belt tensioner has been installed to prevent the belt from jumping teeth during sudden acceleration, making it possible to be fully prepared for driving on high-grip surfaces.
