The 2016 EFRA 1/10th Electric On–road European Championships are being held this week at the Hudy Racing Arena in Trencin, Slovakia. After five rounds of qualifying in very hot weather conditions it was Yokomo’s Ronald Völker who put his car on the 1 spot for the triple A–main events with Xray’s Bruno Coelho coming in second. Marc Rheinard (Tamiya) rounds out the top 3 result for now.
New from MIP comes the Super Diff bi-metal kit for the Team Associated B6 and B5 series of vehicles. Featuring a unique bi-metal outdrive design the kit utilises 7075-T6 aluminium outdrive hubs and heat-tempered steel outdrives to scrub 30 percent of weight compared to the standard differential. The weight reduction will make for quicker spool-up and acceleration especially in stock classes. Included in the set are also Tungsten Carbide diff balls and MIP’s rebuildable machined aluminium T-nut as well as hard polished drive rings and small parts such as needed spacer shims for the B6 gearbox. Needed for completion of one diff is only the stock Team Associated diff gear.
Source: MIP [miponline.com]
Team Corally have introduced their new top-of-the-foodchain AC/DC multi-chemistry charger. The Eclips 2400 400W dual channel device allows for up to 20A of charge current with its independent output ports with channel 1 offering up to 20A charge current and 400W charge power while the second port is good for up to 12A and 200W. The device can handle up to 6S LiXX, 15 cell NiXX and 2 to 20V Pb batteries, it offers several LiPo, LiHV, NiXX and Pb-specific charge and discharge programs including fast and balance charging and it makes use of a sturdy case and dual backlit LC displays. Dual internal balancers and temperature-controlled fans round out the package.
German Team Associated distributors LRP have announced the signing of Carsten Keller to run the RC8B3 and RC8B3e at all major races across Germany and Europe. The former SWorkz driver and national frontrunner will also use LRP, AKA, JConcepts and Sanwa equipment, with the campaign for his new chassis sponsors starting at the forthcoming EFRA 1/8th Nitro Buggy European Championship A in Spain. Carsten has the following to say about the deal:
I want to thank Jürgen Lautenbach, Andy Krämer and the whole LRP team as well as Team Associated for making it possible for me to run a full “Blue package” from now on. I am very proud of all the faith LRP is having in me and I am sure their efforts will pay off. I will do my best to represent all brands as good as possible.
Source: LRP [lrp.cc]
Coming from Xray are new graphite composite steering blocks and rear uprights for the XB4 buggy. The parts are aimed at racing in high-grip condition, they improve durability and corner speed. The rear hubs make use of larger 5x12mm outer and smaller 5x10mm inner bearings to maximise durability and minimise unsprung weight. Both parts are of a symmetrical design, allowing to use them on both sides of the car.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Arrma have introduced their new Raider XL Mega 1/8th scale 2WD ready-to-run buggy. The combination of a longer wheelbase, a wider track and larger wheels and tires make this 2WD 20 percent larger than the 1/10 scale version. Its bigger size makes it more stable and forgiving, and it features metal gears, adjustable oil-filled shocks, a Mega 15T brushed motor, waterproof receiver box, steering servo and ESC, composite side bumpers and a Tactic TTX300 radio system.
Following quality issues and too-easily breaking suspension arms, Serpent have announced a replacement program for the A-arms of the SRX8 buggy. The new suspension parts are made of a softer compound, resulting in more flex and more forgiveness in the event of severe crashes. The arms also underwent a redesign with beefed-up sections and also relocated set screws for the lower shock mount bolt. The revised front and rear suspension arms and shock bolts are available through the local Serpent dealers.
Read Serpent’s full statement here
Round three of the Norwegian 1/10th Electric Off-road National Series was recently held at the Oslo-based Hverven Raceway. In the 4WD Buggy class, Xray’s Malin Karlsen would bring home the day’s win with victories in A1 and A3, coming from the 3 spot on the grid. Yokomo team mates Eirik Andreassen and Daniel Kobbevik rounded out the podium in second and third respectively.
