Just released from Phat Bodies is the Optimus, a body shell suitable for the new Carisma GT14B and the LRP Shark LWB chassis. Made from high quality 0.8mm thick polycarbonate, it sports some aggressive styling especially in front of the rear wheels with its triple winglets.
View another image of the Optimus here
For 2011, JConcepts, together with Team Associated and the participating race tracks, have organized a first of its kind, true Indoor National Series. Scheduled as a 4 race series across the United States, drivers now have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national and regional level. Jason Ruona, president of JConcepts along with Team Associated race team manager Brent Thielke have made the commitment and are attending each race in support of this new series. Team Associated / JConcepts drivers, Ryan Maifield, Steven Hartson and Tanner Denney highlight just a small portion of the attending drivers traveling from across the United States to compete at select events. Commitments from many other drivers are coming in on a daily basis. Race 1 (February 5-6, 2011) is coming up quickly and there are already a number of surprises shaping up. Brent Thielke is tentatively scheduled to debut the Team Associated SC10 4×4 truck at race 1. Jason Ruona will be on hand releasing the new JConcepts Bar Codes V2 and Rips tires to the public for the first-time.
The organisers of next month’s Dirt Nitro Challenge in Arizona were in touch to firstly introduce us to the new Dirt girl (above) and secondly to tell us that entries are still open for this awesome annual event. Taking place at the Nitro Pit facility in Witmann, AZ, the event attracts the best offroad drivers in the World and this year will be no exception. This 2011 event is open to both gas & electric buggy as well as truggy and short course classes with the event starting on Wednesday the 23rd of February for practice and running through to Sunday the 27th for the buggy mains. For more information on the event and details on how to enter you can view the event flyer here (PDF).
Continuing their team announcements, Pro-Line have confirmed that 3 time European Champion and new Team Durango factory driver Renaud Savoya will continue will continue to use their products through 2011. The US based French driver had this to say about the deal:
I use Pro-Line tires for 6 years now, and I am always impressed by the quality and performances of their products. It’s a real pleasure for me to extend my contract with those guys, who always made all their possible to bring us the fastest products and the best support! I also would like to thank all the team for the great job we achieve together last year, and look forward to the coming season!
Source: Pro-Line [prolineracing.com]
Serpent have announced that their Cobra Truggy is nearing completion and the final production version will make its introduction at next week’s toy fair in Germany. Lead developer Billy Easton already achieved an impressive 3rd place at the 2011 CRCRC race with the car against Ryan Maifield, Jesse Robbers and Cody King. Based on the Cobra S811 Buggy and sharing the drivetrain and layout, the car is in full production and will hit the shops in late March 2011. You can follow Red RC’s coverage from this year’s toy fair from next Thursday onwards.
View more images of the truggy here
Axial Racing have released the 21RR-1 engine, a new .21 nitro engine to compliment the reputable RR Series of ABC designed engines designed for the racing enthusiast, from buggy basher to weekend race warrior. The engine features an all new precision machined crankcase, cross drilled fins for better cooling and a tuned 7 port engine sleeve. A precision machined and counterbalanced crankshaft and all new 2 needle carburetor design complete the list of new features.
View more details and images here
Miguel Matias and JQ Products have reached an agreement, which sees the former European Champion and Worlds podium finisher Matias drive THE Car for the coming years. Miguel is a driver who could be multiple European and World Champion. He has broken or flamed out while leading numerous times at Euros and Worlds. He has the speed and the skills, and they hope they can provide him with the equipment so he can finish those races in the future. Miguel is expected to a valuable addition to THE Team with all the experience and setup knowledge that he brings to the table.
Source: JQ Products [jq-products.com]
This past weekend JConcepts team driver Kody Numedhal attended the 3rd annual Field of Dreams Classic in Garden City, Kansas. Many of the top drivers from Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas were in attendance for this great event. In qualifying Kody was able to put his Associated cars equipped with JConcepts Bar Code tires on the pole for both 2wd Modified, and 4wd Modified buggy. As the mains rolled around Kody knew that he had the cars to beat in both classes. In 4wd buggy, Kody dominated the event with wins in both A1 and A2. In 2wd buggy the event win would come down to the third A main, but once again Numedhal would find himself on top of the podium. Congratulations to Kody on taking home the wins in both 2wd Modified and 4wd Modified buggy at the 3rd annual Field of Dreams Classic.
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
