March 8, 2024

Xray XB8‘24

Xray has released its latest 1:8 Nitro Buggy with the 2024 iteration of its popular XB8 platform.  The Slovakian manufacturer introduced the first XB8 in 2004, and two decades later the main new feature of the buggy is an all-new shorter chassis with specially milled flex areas significantly improves traction on all surfaces.  The chassis is an important component that affects the XB8’s handling characteristics. The chassis’ dimensions and flex characteristics are selected for the best blend of stability, traction, and steering.  It also fits both Soft and Hard composite radio boxes without chassis modification for additional flex tuning choices. The chassis is CNC-machined from  high-quality 3mm Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium.  This is strategically machined in low-stress areas and then anodised to make it as light as possible without affecting strength or rigidity.  Also new is the Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium rear shock tower which increases stability on all surfaces while improving strength & reliability.  The front & rear shock towers are CNC-machined from 4mm aluminium and feature an additional row of shock absorber positions for super fine shock angle adjustments.  The lower row creates less chassis roll for higher corner speed, while the upper row increases roll to help generate additional traction when needed.

View the full XB8’24 presentation here


March 6, 2024

Xray RX8 Low Friction Composite Belt Pulley Set

Xray has release a set of Low Friction Composite Belt Pulley Set for its RX8 1:8 Onroad chassis. The molded composite pulley covers and collars are made from specially-formulated graphite composite mixture for increased strength and lower weight. Available as set or individually, they offer a balance between reliability and performance.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


March 4, 2024

Xray XB2 Steering Block Graphite Extensions

Xray has released graphite extensions for the steering blocks of its XB2 1:10 Offroad platforms.  Offered as a 1-dot or a 3-dot options, the 1-dot extension turns the outside wheels more making the car more aggressive and increasing overall steering.  The 3-dot extension, marked with three dots for easy identification, turns the outside wheels less making the car less aggressive.  The extensions work on either the left or right side blocks and allow for easy Ackermann position adjustment for fine-tuning on all surfaces and track conditions.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


March 3, 2024

Record equalling 4th TITC win for Coelho

Bruno Coelho has taken a record equalling fourth TITC win but his victory at the 20th edition of the race is set to be remembered for incidents rather than the result equalling record achieved in Bangkok.  Having qualified second behind Top Qualifier Ronald Volker, the Xray driver would make contact with his Mugen Seiki rival in the opening two A-Mains resulting in a wide open race going into A3.  This time however Volker would spin on his own early on allowing Coelho to take the leg ahead of team-mate Alexander Hagberg, winner of A2.  Giving Xray an overall 1-2 in the legendary touring car race, it also sees Coelho join Atsushi Hara as the races most winning driver.  The benefactor of the Top 2 qualifiers’ clash in A1 but retiring from A2, Marc Rheinard would complete the podium at RC Addict for Awesomatix with a P3 in the final encounter ahead of Volker.  For Volker, the high of taking the TQ honours after his B-Main appearance last year was overshadowed by the disappointment of being classified 6th overall.  As a race that has become the most significant in the World for touring car racing & its manufacturers, and which is on par if not exceeding the dept of competitiveness of the World Championship, going forward it might be time for ‘the World’s biggest local race’ to consider appointing a referee to ensure the amazing atmosphere that surrounds the TITC is not overshadowed by incidents on track.

Continue reading here


March 3, 2024

Coelho & Volker clash again handing Hagberg A2 win

Having made contact in A1 and handed the win to Marc Rheinard, A2 at the TITC once again saw a clash between Bruno Coelho and Ronald Volker only this time it was Alexander Hagberg who was there to pick up the pieces.  A result that leaves the 20th edition of the legendary Bangkok based race wide open going into A3, the second encounter saw Top Qualifier Volker and Coelho again the class of the field with a much improved Hagberg able to hang with them as they pulled clear.  Watched on by a huge crowd at RC Addict, as the race approached the final minute mark, Coelho was putting huge pressure on Volker who ran wide in a number of corners.  As they exited the S section on the right side of the track on Lap 15, Coelho attempted a pass on the inside of the German with a tighter line but as they got on the power contact was made sending both cars into a spin.  While Coelho again allowed Volker to resume position, with Hagberg going by to take lead, another broken anti tuck rod meant Volker’s race was done.  Pulling up in front of the drivers stand the former World Champion vented his anger & frustration at Coelho, the current World Champion and defending TITC Champion continuing the final to finish P2 ahead of Infinity’s Naoto Matsukura.

Continue reading here


March 1, 2024

Coelho holds overnight TQ in Bangkok

With Day 1 of qualifying at the 20th edition of the TITC complete it is Bruno Coelho who holds the overnight TQ in Bangkok.  The Xray driver would take both rounds of qualifying on today’s schedule helped by top seed Ronald Volker having a 360 spin while on TQ pace run in Q2.  The second of the four qualifiers would be a repeat of the opening round in terms of the Top 3 with Alexander Hagberg 3rd fastest having been the pace setter for a time during the 5-minute run.  After an early mistake and a bad set-up choice in Q1, Naoto Matsukura would get a P4 on his second attempt ahead of Souta Goto driving the new Tamiya TRF421 which is making its race debut here.  With many of the leading drivers having moments it was the Xray of Shin Sawada who was running in the second fastest along with Goto who completed the Top 6.

Continue reading here


March 1, 2024

Coelho takes opening qualifier at TITC

Bruno Coelho has kicked off the defence of his TITC title in the best way possible by TQ’ing the opening round of qualifying at the iconic Bangkok race.  Second behind Ronald Volker in the single seeding round yesterday evening, the Xray driver reversed the order in the first of the four qualifiers by topping the round by 7/10th over the Mugen driver.  Held just after midday local time on a very hot track, behind the Top 2 there was a considerable gap.  The third fastest time was set by Alexander Hagberg who was closely followed by Marc Rheinard and Akio Sobue, the Top 5 all previous winners of what is widely regarded as the most difficult race in the world.  Making it five different manufacturers in the Top 6, Xpress team driver Yugo Nagashima put in the sixth fastest time.

Continue reading here


February 29, 2024

Xray X4 UAM Anti-Roll Bars

New from Xray for its X4 Electric Touring Car is their UAM (Under arm mounting) front and rear anti-roll bars designed to work with the lower suspension arms.  Mounted under suspension arms for ultra-low CG, the anti-roll bar system is mounted to the bulkheads via bearings from outside for extra-smooth movement and for quick & easy changes and adjustment.  The roll bar turns in ball-bearings for maximum precision and free movement and the height is adjustable via a screw making adjustments quick & easy.  Each anti-roll bar has laser-engraved stripes (corresponding to bar thickness) for easy identification.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]