Vigor have introduced an aluminium upper deck stiffener for the Xray T4 2020 touring car. Machined from aluminium and coming black anodised for looks the bracket attaches to the front part of the upper deck and allows to reduce torsional flex in order to fine-tune the car’s steering characteristics. The stiffener is a direct fit and it comes including mounting hardware.
Coming from T-Works and designed for many nitro and electric on-road cars is a duo-purpose adjustment tool. Featuring a 4mm wrench and a 2mm steel pin, the tool allows for easy adjustment of 4mm camber and toe turnbuckles with the 2mm pin making camber adjustment of captured turnbuckles, as found on the front suspension of many, mostly 1/8th scale on-road cars, a lot more convenient. The wrench sports a black surface treatment for looks and wear and it comes laser-engraved for easy identification.
Mon-Tech Racing from Italy have introduced their all-new YSOT high-downforce body shell for 190mm touring cars. Developed over the recent months to fulfil the need of racers for even greater performances in both modified and stock racing classes, the body offers exceptional overall balance, allows for high cornering speeds and a very planted driving feeling, making it ideal for “green” carpet or very low traction conditions. Large wheel arches allow the driver to shift the body forth and back a couple of millimetres in order to fine-tune overall steering and rear balance. The YSOT is available as standard thickness body, weighing in at 78g, while the thinner La Leggera variant weighs in at only 62g. The EFRA approved body includes window masks and a decal sheet and it will hit stores very soon.
Kyosho Europe have announced the addition of former TLR factory driver, Reno Savoya to their team. The multi-time EFRA European and French National champion will campaign Kyosho’s range of vehicles, both in 1/8th and 1/10th scale classes from what is understood, while also relying on Picco engines, AKA tyres and Racing Experience fuel.
Source: Kyosho [kyoshoeurope.com]
Coming from JConcepts is their new Sprinter SCT tyre for 1/10th scale short course trucks. The Sprinter tyre is designed to bridge a gap between the popular Double Dees and other pin tyre options from JConcepts. The Sprinter has square, angled pins that are stacked vertically to flex and fold evenly across the tyre. Typically, a stacked tread will wear less and provide more forward bite while the aligned space helps rotation in the turns and gives a snappy release to square up quickly. Starting with the new tread, the team focused on durability and performance to bring a tyre option to market that competes on loose surfaces which are wet or dusty. With the popularity of dirt-oval racing, vehicles being designed with either mid-motor or laydown transmission options, a new generation pin style, carcass and outer tread design was needed. The outer sidewall of the tyre has angled pins incorporated into the design to help release the turn and provide the rotation not only needed in dirt off-road but specifically in dirt-oval racing. The blended tread to tyre body is supported with a generous radius which promotes “pin snap” and resists tearing or separation. Horizontal traction bars connect several pins near the centre of the tyre which bonds a critical area for increased push at high-speed. The sidewall area blends nicely into a step-spike feature which helps smooth the transition in bumpy sections and create side-bite. The Sprinters are built on the conventional and popular 3.0” x 2.2” bead and carcass design making them interchangeable. Since the Sprinter tyre is directional, there is a left and right marked and included in each package. The interior ribbing features the double-hatch pattern that helps maintain a comfy ride while each set of tyres includes the Dirt-Tech closed cell inserts.
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
Dash have announced the addition of top Australian on-road racer, Simon Nicholson to their team. Simon will be using Dash electronics during his upcoming campaign that will include all major Australian races as well as select international events. Simon had the following to say about the deal:
First off, i would like to thank Dash and Mr Lau for this opportunity to be part of the current strong dash team. Using their high quality products is the key factor to keep racing competitively both locally and internationally. After several months of testing, I feel motivated for the upcoming seasons. Any products enquiries, don’t hesitate to hit me up anytime for more info.
Source: Dash [dash-rc.com]
JConcepts have announced the signing of Dakotah Phend to the world wide race team for 2020 and beyond. The flagship TLR driver has been racing since 5 years of age and has blossomed into one of the fastest overall drivers in the world. The multi-time ROAR National champion, Reedy International Race of Champions winner and current vice champion at the 2019 IFMAR World Championships in the 4wd class has set his sights on a banner year in 2020. Dakotah plans to make his JConcepts racing debut at the CRCRC Winter Midwest Championships in Jeffersonville, Ohio, on January 8-12, 2020. Dakotah Phend states:
I am very excited to be joining the JConcepts team for 2020 and beyond! Jason, Allison, and the whole crew are extremely dedicated to not only winning but improving and growing the industry that all of us enjoy. I’m looking forward to a lot of success with them!
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
T-Works have announced the release of several option parts for the Xray XB4 2020 buggy. First up is a titanium turnbuckle set that replaces the standard spring steel spanners. Machined from lightweight yet durable 64 grade titanium the turnbuckles will reduce overall weight while adding visual impact. Included comes a suitable turnbuckle wrench for easy building and setup. Next up is a 64 grade titanium ball end set that is made to replace the standard steel balls for parts of lower weight. While scrubbing a good amount of weight the ball ends also add a bit of bling to the buggy. Also new for the 2020 edition of Xray’s World Championship winning buggy is a hard-coated aluminium suspension ball end set. The 8-piece set will lower the overall weight with the hard-coated surface treatment ensuring high durability and smooth suspension movement. Made to ensure a smooth drivetrain action is a 22-piece rubber and metal-shilled precision ball bearing set. It includes all needed ball races as direct replacements for the standard rubber-shielded bearings. The range is rounded out by a 104-piece UFO head titanium and a 124-piece gold-colour steel screw set.
