Shepherd have started to release some new upgrades for its Velox V8.2 with a trio of new Anti Roll Bars options for the 1:8 Onroad Chassis. Developed in conjunction with the factory team drivers, these new additions to the V8.2 Anti Roll Bar range will give racers extra flexibility and greater tuning options. The new roll bars are offered in 2.3mm, 2.7mm, and 2.9mm thicknesses.
Source: Zen Racing [zen-racing.co.uk]
Manzo46 has announced an update to its Digital Caster Gauge Set with the release of the all-new M46-018. Due to long-term production problems at their measuring instrument supplier, their popular sM46-018 gauge was out of stock for a long time. With strong customer demand and an extensive search for a new supplier, Manzor46 took the initiative and developed their own measuring instrument. The all-new M46-018, which comes as 2-units, is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but still offers the same proven functionality. While it now has a single-axis measurement, you can still measure both camber and caster, albeit in a slightly different way. For caster measurement, the process remains unchanged, with direct mounting of the gauge to the hub using the precision CNC-machined aluminium bracket. An alternative measurement option is provided for the camber with the M46-018 compatible with platforms such as Awesomatix, Xray X4, Mugen Seiki and Schumacher.
More new parts for the XB2, with Xray releasing a mid and a short 2.0mm thick aluminium chassis option for the 1:10 2WD Buggy. The Mid size is for tracks where more traction is required and the the Slovakian manufacturer suggesting it for low to medium traction tracks. Both CNC-machined from high-quality Swiss 2.0mm 7075 T6 aluminium, the Short chassis option is suitable for tracks where more stability is required with it suggested for medium to high traction conditions. The 1-piece chassis design with more flex characteristic generates more overall traction and improves steering. Both chassis features 4 extra holes to mount extra stiffener to reduce side to side chassis flex which helps to increase rotation and precision on high speed.
Having established itself as Asia’s biggest annual 1:8 Offroad race, the Philippine Masters takes place this weekend in Manila with the 12th edition of the famed race also counting as the second round of the ambitious 4-round Asian Buggy Championships. Almost 200 entries from 16 countries will battle in out in the capital for top honours in Nitro & Electric Buggy and Nitro Truggy with Team Associated’s 2023 winner Davide Ongaro leading the entry. The back to back 1:8 Offroad World Champion returns to the Philippine Masters for a fourth time but with his schedule means he’ll arrive just in time for the final seeding round and will have a little bit of catching up to do on his rivals. After a superb opening round to the Asian Buggy Championships at Counties RC in New Zealand, the best of Asia and Australasia, are joined by drivers from around the world including American Ryan Lutz, the Kyosho driver having taken the win at the season opener in February. This will be Lutz’s first time to attend the Philippine Masters with Sworkz’ Jorn Neumann, Sparko’s Ryan Pavadis and Team Associated’s Alex Bernadzik also rookies of the Circulo Verde track. Legend of the sport and former winner of the race Atsushi Hara makes a hugely popular return as does 2023 podium finisher Christian Wolhuter with both drivers running Sworkz buggies. Others expected to feature over the weekend include Tekno’s Jackson Beale, together with the finds of ABC Round 1, Kiwi duo Logan Toia and Jayden Jamieson.
Following on from their Shock Tower Protector, RC Upgrade has also introduced a Bumpskid Protector for the Team Associated’s RC8B4 1:8 buggy. Made from high-quality polyurethane, this versatile accessory serves a dual purpose. As a Front Bumper the Bumpskid shields your chassis and front arm mount from the rigors of intense jumps and rough landings. Its flexible composition ensures it absorbs impact energy, preventing damage to critical components. As an integrated 3mm Skid Plate it is positioned strategically to acs as a robust barrier between your chassis and the ground. Its reinforced construction safeguards against razor blade wear, ensuring longevity and performance.
Japanese engine manufacturer O.S has released a new TR03 (EFRA2196) exhaust for 1:8 Onroad use. It has been designed to give powerful characteristics at the mid-speed range after reviewing the internal shape of the current TR02 (EFRA2165) exhaust. A special coating applied to the surface also plays a part in this improved area of performance. Additionally, the engine sound that can be noticed from the moment the engine starts. Also released is the new MR04 manifold that can also be purchased as a set with the new TR03 exhaust. This manifold has a revised shape from the current product MR03-WC, and has the characteristic of extending smoothly to the high speed range without compromising the medium speed range. Both the exhaust and manifold have a buff finish and are laser engraved for easy identification.
Source: O.S. Engines [os-engines.co.jp]
New from Hobbywing is the EzRun MAX8 G2S ESC intended for 1:8 Onroad, Short Course and Monster truck use. Based on the MAX8 G2 ESC, the brand new G2S ESC is equipped with optimised hardware design application such as intelligent freewheeling technology. The stability and reliability of the ESC has been further improved and the ESC has a built-in Bluetooth module. This allows you to connect to the mobile APP directly without plugging any device. It is simple and convenient to perform parameter settings, data reading, firmware upgrades and other operations.
Alex Thurston enjoyed the perfect debut with his new Mugen Seiki MRX6 at the opening round of the BRCA 1:8 Onroad British National Championship taking the TQ and setting a new lap record on the way to victory over reigning Champion Tim Wood. Over the four rounds of qualifying Thurston was the only driver to run 18-laps, securing the overall TQ ahead of the Shepherd of Wood and Vice-Champion Karl Dransfield. In the half hour final an opening lap incident involving hitting a pitman delayed Thurston but worse for Dransfield resulted in the end of his race. This allowed Wood to go to the front but losing 8-seconds with a slow first pitstop, he dropped back to second as Thurston took over a lead. Once out front Thurston held station winning by 11-seconds from Wood with the Shepherd of fourth place qualifier John Carr completing the podium. While a great day for Thurston, unfortunately after 20-years racing at the Cotswolds track this was to be the last race before it is permanently closed down due to the site being developed for commercial use.
Image: Alex Thurston [Facebook]
