Sweep have introduced their new Defender 1/8th buggy tyre. Just like the recently introduced Pixel, the Defender builds on the V5 carcass for an increased footprint and less ballooning under acceleration with the latter being achieved by an inner web design. The tyre is developed especially for dusty and bumpy mid-traction conditions and it comes including the V3 closed cell inserts and in a total of five different long-wearing compounds.
The opening round of the Spanish Nitro Series Espanolas was recently held at the Nitro 15 track in Villareal. Edu Escandon took the 1/10th 200mm class TQ with his Novarossi-powered KM Racing car. Behind him, Jonhy Pastor (Mugen/Novarossi) and Juan Hidalgo (Mugen/Novarossi) came in second and third respectively. In the main final Edu would set the fastest lap and a new track record, but the win would be for Juan Hidalgo in front of Jonhy Pastor. Raul Amella (Xray/Novarossi) completed the podium result in third.
Source: Novarossi [novarossi.it]
Muchmore have introduced the Fleta ZX8 line of 1/8th competition brushless motors. The motor is based on a machined aluminium motor case with a large number of heatsink ribbings and Flow-Max venting hole technology for maximised cooling. The rotor runs in super low-friction ball bearings that offer both high efficiency and exceptional protection against dust and dirt and on top of this the ZX8 is of a dual sensor port design with adjustable timing. The motor is available in a 2050kv and a 1900kv variant and it includes a super flexible sensor wire.
New from JConcepts come the Bolt 2016 T-shirt and hooded sweater. Seen for the first time at the recent Reedy Race of Champions the design revolves around the lighting bolt logo. The yellow, blue and white graphic decorates the design while the message of JConcepts.net remains the highest priority front and rear. Both the T-shirt and hoodie are available in adult M to XXXL sizes.
JConcepts have introduced new aluminium shock parts for Team Associated’s fifth generation 1/10th scale off-road vehicles. First up are the Fin series shock caps with angular bleed hole for correct building procedure and maintenance. The precision machined caps features weight reducing holes positioned about the centre to reduce weight and add to the popular styling. A knurled portion makes for increased grip when fastening or undoing the cap.
Serpent have introduced aluminium steering bellcranks for the SRX4 4WD off-road buggy. The parts are machined from high-quality 7075-T6 aluminium and they come grey anodised to match with the remainder of the option parts. Designed to replace the standard moulded bellcranks the parts make for improved rigidity and durability, resulting in a more direct and reliable steering response.
Source: Serpent [serpent.com]
Rumours about a possible new Kyosho 1/8th nitro buggy are around for some time, and now things started to materialise as the follow-up model of the successful MP9 TKI3 seems to be around the corner following the appearance of a first image including a features sheet on the Asian website rcfans.com. Still being an MP9 series vehicle, with all its winning pedigree, the TKI4 will be more of an evolution than a revolution of the existing design and according to the information available so far the buggy will feature redesigned steering knuckles with a different steering Ackermann setting, longer front A-arms and redesigned front suspension mount, all of which lead to improved stability and easier vehicle control. Also new are longer and reinforced rear wishbones as well as aluminium rear hubs that allows the adjustment of the suspension shaft height for a wider setup window. The successor of the 2015 European Championship winning car is rounded out by an upgraded servo saver for more linear and precise steering input, a new bodyshell with improved aerodynamics and a newly designed rear wing with two different wickerbills. Shipping of the MP9 TKI4 will start in March.
Source: RC Fans [rcfans.com]
The fourth and final round of the French Indoor National Championship was held this past weekend in Zillisheim in the East of the country. Three titles were still up for grabs in the Touring Modified, Touring Stock and Formula class. In the Modified category Leo Arnold had the best chances to snatch the overall title after winning five of the five qualifying rounds to take the overall TQ and the pole position for the finals. The fight was on for the 2 spot on the grid between Alexandre Laurent, the title rival, and Jeremy Limoges. Jeremy finally took the 2nd spot with a better time over the 5 minute runs.
Continue reading the report here
