Zero Tribe have introduced new ultra low shock towers for the Yokomo DB8-2018 touring car that allow to run Xray’s ULP or Axon’s High Big Bore shock absorbers. The shock stays are cut from high-quality carbon fibre and using them in combination with the ultra short shock absorbers will lower the car’s overall centre of gravity for improved handling especially on high to very high bite surfaces.
The fourth round of the 2018 Speed King Tour took place at the Crest Speedway indoor carpet track in the Gunma prefecture. Although held just one week after the Japanese Electric Touring Car nationals, a lot of top drivers attended this event that saw the running of the usual Modified and Stock classes as well as the Oval class. In the Modified category Yokomo driver Ryosuke Yamamoto took the TQ in Q1 and Q2, while Destiny’s Yugo Nagashima set the pace in Q3. After the top 5 Super Lap qualifying, that determines the pole position, CRC Japan driver Kosuke Suzuki got the fastest time with Yugo’s ‘T car’ while Yugo snatched P2 on the grid as Ryosuke had to settle for 3rd.
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Coming from Motiv is their new universal motor bearing tool for the company’s own brushless motors as well virtually any other brand. What makes this bearing tool special is its ability to adapt to any design motor and also that it can be completely rebuilt to replace any part necessary in the event that something strips or gets bent. Included are three different cup sizes which will allow owners to choose the proper place on the sensor unit or end bell to apply the pressure necessary to install new bearings. This results in drastically reducing the chance of motor damage during bearing installation.
Source: Motiv [motivrc.com]
Team Associated have announced their newest 1/10 scale 4WD electric touring car kit, the TC7.2 Factory Team Kit, the next generation in the TC7 lineage. With current touring car platforms reaching higher plateaus of precision and performance, the engineers behind the doors of Area 51 wasted no time to ensure that the TC7 exceeds expectations. The TC7.2 comes packed with a host of new components and the features necessary to keep drivers on top. As the on-road market advances at an ever-increasing rate, more is demanded from the chassis to accommodate the ultra-competitive racing classes. A successor to the TC7.1, the TC7.2 maintains the proven suspension geometry, but adds refinement to chassis balance and the flex necessary for today’s racing class. The centrally positioned IFM Inline Flex Mount motor mount adds several mounting configurations to help fine-tune chassis flex to the racing surface, and has an integral mounting position for an optional chassis pitch control system PCS. The TC7.2 also carries an all-new aluminium rear gear differential for the ultimate in precision and heat dissipation, as well as an ultra-light front spool assembly. Along with a list of new features, the TC7.2 Factory Team gives drivers everything they need to race at the highest level. The kit is set for a release in September.
View a list of the features and more images here
Made for 12” to 13” wheelbase rigid axle monster trucks is JConcepts’ new 2010 Ford Raptor body shell. As the full-scale trucks hit the mid-2000’s, they were looking for a body to spice up their act, look more racy and add another dimension to the appearance. A lot of the teams raced to market the first “trophy truck” body or desert themed monster truck and a new generation started. On the RC side of things, the option just did not exist which left a lot of scale monster truckers scratching their heads while trying to come up with that look for the scale counterparts. This is where JConcepts’ latest MT body steps in with large wheel well openings, sculptured cab, recessed windows, hood scoop and race tucked rear fenders. The body will work well on a number of solid axle trucks on the market but is also adjustable in wheelbase fitting trucks from 12” to 13” long. The race proven extra cab look allows ample room to mount the body on an Axial SMT10 and still packs a mean punch mounted on custom “shafty” and clod buster based rigs. The flat bed area can be left clear during the painting process or detailed exactly how the user wants to replicate their favourite monster. Each package includes window masks, a 2010 generation Ford Raptor specific decal sheet and the clear polycarbonate body.
Raceform RC have introduced their all-new wheel arc cutter for 1/10th scale on-road body shells. The tool is adjustable from 60mm to 70mm diameter and it works with any standard hobby knife blade. The ball-raced design ensures fully round wheel arcs and the secured position design will make sure the tool stays in place even when a second or third cut is necessary, eliminating unsightly second cut lines. Due to the tool’s design the blade is not exposed during cutting, ensuring save and convenient usage with bodies of up to 1mm thickness.
Round 8 of the Chilean National IC Track Championship was hosted by the Aeromodelos de Chile club in Santiago de Chile. In the 1/8th class Francisco Lara (Serpent/Picco) from Spain, after been out of the racing scene for eleven months, took the overall TQ, scoring a new track record of 22.151s in the process. From the tone Francisco took the lead while a huge battle for the 2nd place was going on between Alvaro Jara (Shepherd/Sonic), Matias Otaegui (Xray/Sonic) and Cristobal Herrera. Later however Francisco ran into trouble as his car was loosing performance, allowing Alvaro, Cristobal and Matias to get by. Soon after Cristobal began to attack Jara on every short straight and in every curve, trying to show his car in Jara’s “mirror”. When the final five minutes began, Jara’s car suffered a flame out but thanks to some quick pit work he was able to bring home a 3rd place behind runner-up, Matias Otaegui and eventual winner, Cristobal Herrera.
Zero Tribe from Japan have introduced their new Stock conversion kit as well as a hard chassis and narrow upper deck for the Xray T4 2018 and 2017 kits. Starting with the Stock racing conversion, the set includes new large diameter middle layshaft pulleys as well as new standard and low-friction belts to ensure full compatibility with the standard spool and diff gears. Also part of the package is a 2.0mm carbon fibre upper deck. Using the conversion will make for reduced drivetrain drag thanks to the larger centre pulleys which can lead to 0.1s lower lap times, better rolling feeling in corners and also improved drivetrain efficiency.
