Seen at this year’s Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan that is taking place this week, is the new prototype Yokomo 2wd buggy. Currently just made from prototyping material there was little details available so we contacted Yokomo who told us that the car’s design is not yet finalized and that it will not be ready for this year’s Worlds. Their team drivers will once again run the B4.1 in 2wd.
Image: Tresrey [tresrey.com]
Thunder Power RC have announced the signing of 3-time World and multi-time European Champion driver Marc Rheinard of Germany. Known as one of the world’s best on-road touring car racers, Marc will bring over 15 years of RC racing experience to the Thunder Power RC Team. Marc has signed a multi-year agreement to represent Thunder Power RC by using, supporting and promoting products at races world-wide. He had this to say:
I am looking forward to using Thunder Power RC batteries. I have seen firsthand how the products have performed in the RC racing circuit over the past couple of years. Thunder Power RC continues to advance LiPo batteries and technology for the RC industry, I am excited to be a part of these advancements and the team.
Marc will represent the TPRC Team at all major International and US electric/LiPo events and Marc’s touring car will hit the pavement for the first time as part of the team at the 2011 Reedy Race of Champions.
Source: Thunder Power RC [thunderpowerrc.com]
O’Donnell Racing Fuel is on the move and has made their already impressive team roster even more so with the recent signing of super-fast Josh Wheeler. Wheeler brings countless years of experience to the team and will have invaluable feedback for the O’Donnell Racing Fuel R&D department. When asked about the signing, Josh had this to say.
It is totally cool to be back on the team at O’Donnell Racing Fuel. What they have done with the new Speed Blend fuel is just like they say…a true game changer. The performance of this fuel gives me the confidence to go out there and know I can run a ten-minute qualifier with ease.
In addition to adding Wheeler to the U.S. roster, O’Donnell Racing Fuel has also signed one of the East Coast’s fastest drivers, Chad Phillips. Chad brings a ton of knowledge to the table and will be putting the Speed Blend Fuel on the podium all across the East Coast. O’Donnell Racing Fuel has also started the establishment of an international racing team with the signing of Daniel Vega. Daniel, who will be racing out of the Ebremodel Import Team in Spain, plans to run Speed Blend fuel at all major European events this year.
Source: O’Donnell [odonnellracingfuel.com]
Schumacher have announced a new gear diff for the Mi4 range of cars. Made by World Champion gear diff suppliers Spec R this will fit directly into the Mi4CX but will also fit older cars with blade style drive shafts, such as the Mi3, Mi3.5, Mi4, and Mi4LP. So far in testing their drivers have been using Schumacher 70wt – 100wt shock oil in the diff for best results. Very little maintenance is required compared to regular ball diff under high load conditions with modern powerful brushless systems.
Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]
Sunday 8th May saw the first round of the 1/8 Irish Nationals held at the BAD MCC track. Heavy rain on Saturday evening after a long spell of dry weather saw the race track needing water extracted from the race straight and tight corners. During the course of the morning the track conditions changed from damp and loamy to dry and dusty making visibility difficult. The nationals consist of four qualifying rounds and a forty five minute final. The race began with Barkley Abernathy in the lead for the first 25 minutes however whilst coming in for re-fueling he had some issues and was overtaken by Christopher McCauley who would go on to win the race with his M.C.R Sweep tyres XRAY 808. Second place went to Gary Baird and 3rd place to Barkley Abernathy.
Source: Sweep Racing UK [sweepracinguk.com]
Last weekend saw the second round of the Argentinian 1/8th scale offroad National Championships held at the William Tell circuit in Rosario. With a large turnout of drivers, Saturday would see free practice and qualifying followed by the finals on Sunday. Mugen driver Sebastian Recio took the pole position for the final and would go on to win the final from Xray driver Juan P Golobic and Serpent drier Federico Piro. Having won 2 rounds now, Recio is emerging as the main title contender with 2 more rounds still to play for.
Source: Info Buggy [infobuggy.com.ar]
Xray have released new aluminium steering blocks with 5° kingpin for the XB808. CNC-machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium, they are then hard coated for extra durability and long life. The new 5 degrees of inclination increases in-corner steering and is recommended for technical tracks where in corner steering is needed. These new steering blocks are 1mm narrower which also helps increase the steering. Using the standard wheel hexes the offset is -1mm compared to old steering blocks with standard wheel hexes. Ultra-strong construction provides very long life and durability in even the most extreme racing conditions. Includes composite bushings to secure ball-bearings in both sides of the steering block, allowing perfect fitment and smooth operation to ultimately impart much higher lifetime compared to bearings installed directly into aluminium steering blocks.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
This past weekend at Palm Desert R/C Raceway was round 3 of the JBRL electric series. The track layout was fast and fun with really high grip setting up for a great weekend of racing. In the super competitive Mod 2wd class Frank Root would take TQ using both his TLR 22 mid motor car in Rd1 and in the final round of qualifying use his TLR rear motor car to hold off the overall TQ. In the Main, a mistake from Frank Root in the early stages of the 6 minute race would give the lead to Aaron Lane who would go on to take his first JBRL 2wd Mod win with his TLR 22.
Continue reading the report here
