Following the introduction of the Velox V10 Pro Black Edition Shepherd have announced the Velox V8 EC Black Edition. Like the V10 Black Edition the 1/8th scale kit is equipped with black anodised aluminium parts instead of the regular Shepherd blue parts, giving the successful platform a new and stylish look. The black aluminium parts will be also available as a conversion kit or as single pieces.
Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]
Serpent have introduced a range of 61mm wheels for 1/10th off-road buggies as well as standard size 4WD front wheels. Starting with the 61mm rims, they are of a larger diameter compared to standard wheels to accommodate the latest ROAR wheel dimension updates. Available as 2WD front, 4WD front and general rear variant in yellow and white colour the wheels fit Serpent’s range of 1/10th buggies as well as many other brands. Also new are standard size 4WD front buggy wheels for the forthcoming Spyder 4WD kit. Like the 61mm rims they are available in fluorescent yellow and white colour.
Source: Serpent [serpent.com]
New from Serpent and made for the 977 Evo 1/8th scale kit is a radio plate support post. The 7075-T6 aluminium part will stiffen the front end of the car which can be a helpful tuning aid on very high-bite surfaces. The part is a direct fit on the Evo and must be used in combination with the central flex system to make it work.
Source: Serpent [serpent.com]
German company PSM have introduced a range of option parts for the Team Associated RC8B3 buggy. First up is a set of aluminium shock standoffs. Made from high-quality 7075-T6 aluminium and coming with EV2 silver coating for improved surface protection the set weighs in at only 11g including mounting material. The 12-piece set is made in Germany and includes the standoffs, shock alignment shims as well as counter shims. Also new are 5mm front and 4mm rear carbon fibre shock towers. Made from authentic PSM semi-gloss finish material the ultra lightweight parts are direct replacements for the stock shock towers and they weigh in at 16g and 18g respectively.
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LRP’s VTEC Groove 2WD front and rear tyres are now also available with white multi-spoke rims. The proven tread design allows to use the tyres on a range of surfaces while the special J-compound rubber makes for optimised traction and a high durability. Coming pre-glued and including moulded foam inserts the wheels are usable for many of today’s 1/10th 2WD off-road buggies with 12mm wheel hex adapters.
Source: LRP [lrp.cc]
Round four of the German West division 1/8th E-Buggy regionals was held at the RCRT Duisburg track. Hot weather made for dry and dusty conditions and this caused some headache for the drivers and after the qualifiers it was Chris Kammann who came out fastest from Lukas Strothmann an Max Kempchen. In the single 10-minute A-main leg Chris was able to conserve his performance to take a commanding win some 14 seconds in front of second placed Lukas Strothmann. Peter Schulte-Batenbrock would round out the podium in 3rd.
Source: Team Durango [team-durango.com]
Coming for Exotek’s recently introduced Exo22 chassis conversion kits are two replacement bottom plates. Made from either dark anodised 3mm 7075 aluminium or 2.5mm carbon fibre the plates not only are a direct replacement but they also act as a tuning aid as both are interchangeable and offer different characteristics. Using the carbon plate in a former aluminium car makes the buggy lighter and more responsive while the alloy chassis maximises stability and traction beside offering a lower centre of gravity.
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The OS/Futaba Nitro Challenge was held at the St. Louis Dirtburners track with a turnout of over 200 entries. The Levi Jackson built track was a lot of fun, watered and the grip level was pretty decent. As the sun got strong though the track began to dry quicker and it was made a decision to let it groove in early and hopes were it would hold together. By the end of practice on Friday everyone became aware that this wasn’t going as planned. The track got super dry and while there was a nice groove it had little holes in that groove that continually grew and spit out sand, dirt, and rocks. By the end of the weekend the track was a complete challenge as finding a setup to traverse the conditions was tricky. Everyone bemoaned about finding consistency and some found themselves using medium hardness tires, even though the conditions were loose.
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