Coming from Axon and usable for a range of 1/10th touring cars are their new precision machined shock rod guides. The parts ensure an optimised O-ring seal seat for less friction, better sealing and an overall improved shock performance and the guides are usable for Axon’s own High Big Bore and Revoshock dampers as well as Yokomo BD9, Infinity IF14 and Tamiya TRF 419XR kits.
Source: Axon [team-axon.com]
Yokomo have introduced an aluminium ball diff kit for the YD-2 series of RWD drift cars. The lightweight unit features aluminium outdrives that weigh in at only about one third of the weight of steel outdrives, making for lower rotational masses and thus quicker throttle response and a reduced gyroscopic effect. The set includes all needed parts and as well as thrust bearing and diff ball grease.
Yokomo is the latest company to tease their new 4WD electric touring car kit for the 2020 season. The BD10 is understood to be a whole new platform despite the current BD9 being only roughly a year old. The new car however is expected to follow the current mid-motor/mid-layshaft trend as Yokomo’s teasing video clip is showing the car’s front end with the main gear lurking in on the right side. The kit is expected to hit stores by the end of the year and we bring you more details as they arrive. In the meantime you can check out the BD10 teaser clip here.
Source: Yokomo [teamyokomo.com]
RC Maker have introduced their new CentraFlex top deck for the Arrowmax Medius Mid conversion on the Yokomo BD9. Tested with some of the fastest Yokomo drivers in the world, RC Maker have developed optimised flex characteristics as seen from their successful Awesomatix CentraFlex. The top deck promises a big improvement in mid-exit and high speed steering while also making the car easier to drive due to the increased rigidity at the front of the top deck. The part also features a 3.5mm hole for use with a BD9 Motor-mount post. This hole is fitted to an optional Awesomatix ST019 special set screw, which allows the top deck to pivot but not flex upwards as a normal set screw would allow. Racers can also use a standard 3mm screw here to lock the top deck down. The upper deck is designed to provide ample clearance for all spur and pinion sizes and it is precision CNC machined in Australia from high quality carbon fibre.
Source: RC Maker [rcmaker.com.au]
Former IFMAR 2WD World Champion, Hayato Matsuzaki has announced his departure from Yokomo. Hayato spent seven years with the iconic Japanese manufacturer following a successful stint with HPI Racing. Part of the development team Hayato worked on the BD touring car and YD-2 series drift car platforms with his most recent duties being team mechanic for Yokomo drivers such as Ronald Völker. The departure of Hayato means another set back for Yokomo who are currently undergoing a restructuring process following the recent leave of founder and president, Tom Yokobori. This is what Hayato has to say about his departure:
I spent really exciting time with Yokomo team, customer ,Yokomo family! Speciality YD2 project and BD9 project was really big for me. I learn a lot of things during those project with Team member of Yokomo family!
In what sounds a bit of a shock announcement, record IFMAR World Champion, multi-time Japanese National Champion and all-time RC icon, Masami Hirosaka has announced his departure from long-time sponsors Yokomo. Being with the Japanese company for 30 years now, Masami has taken to social media that he will leave Yokomo effectively today, September 30th, following the retirement of company founder Tom Yokobori. Masami and mechanic Masaaki have won countless national and international titles campaigning Yokomo cars, with Masami being the company’s main brand representative after his official retirement from racing, a couple of years ago. For now Masami leaves open what comes next for him.
Yokomo have announced the release of a dedicated programming card for their SP-03D drift car servos. The compact programming card allows to adjust several parameters such as the servo’s speed and torque, the torque holding force, the anti-shake hunting suppression value, neutral width and the servo reverse. The device is powered externally by a BEC or USB power source and usable exclusively with the SP-03D servos.
Coming from JConcepts is the Finnisher truck body shell for both the Team Associated T6.1 and the Yokomo YZ-2T stadium trucks. The slight cab forward, raked windshield and aggressive stance highlight a performance-oriented core. A revised front hood scoop allows plenty of clearance for unique geometry while smoothing out the front down force area. Front chin spoiler, headlight and grill protect the front-end from unwanted up-drafts during flight while the supplied decals stand-out like an 18-wheeler. Like the ROAR National Champion Hi-Flow SCT body, the Finnisher body has built-in air escape passages which allow the customer to fine-tune the body for maximum outdoor performance. The latest stadium trucks can utilize shocks placed on the front or rear of the rear suspension, the JConcepts body accommodates both configurations for the utmost versatility. The new body includes a high-performance gurney spoiler which increases rear grip and balances the handling characteristics of the aggressively styled body. The body fits both the T6.1 and YZ-2T kits.
