Coming from Hong Nor is this Aluminium Nickel Coated X3GT-61I Adjustable Clutch Bell intended for 1:8 GT use. The light weight 2-speed clutch bell is made of 7075 aluminium alloy material allowing for engines to run more efficiently with lower operating temperature.
Source: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]
New from MIBO is this RC drifting specific lipo battery, the Drift King Shorty HV LiPo. This is high-performance battery is designed for use in remote control cars but in particular for drifting. With a capacity of 4000mAh, this battery provides a long run time and can handle high discharge rates of up to 130C continuous and 260C burst. The 7.6V voltage rating allows for efficient power transfer to the motor, while the 2S configuration is a standard for most electronic setups and provides a good balance between power and weight. The HV (high voltage) designation means that this battery can be charged up to 4.35V per cell, which results in increased power output and speed. The shorty form factor and low thickness of this battery are ideal for fitting into most current competition chassis and optimising weight distribution for better handling and maneuverability.
Source: MIBO [mibosport.com]
The third round of the 2023 Tamiya Championship Series made its way to Cal Raceway in Orange, California last weekend with the event attracting an impressive 186 entries. Now in its 28th year, this year’s series regional race at Cal Raceway hosted 119 racers competing for honours in 8 different classes. Fielding the biggest grid was the Euro-Truck class with 49 entries with Michael Monaghan taking the win ahead Mark Brown and Brian Ruvalcaba. Monaghan would also take the win in M-Chassis class. The next largest grid was GT2 (17.5 Tamiya tub chassis class) with Matt Allen the winner over Hector Martinez. The other Round 3 winners were Brian Ruvalcaba (Formula 1), Cory Belanger (GT Spec NOVICE), Pete Teh (GT-PRO SPEC), Edgar Fiallos (GT-1) and Phillip Enriquez (GT-E).
Source: Tamiya USA [tamiyausa.com]
New from Exotek Racing is this carbon fibre support braces set for their F1Ultra 1:10 Formula chassis. The set includes two front chassis braces for additional stiffening of the F1Ultra chassis and also reinforcing of the caster posts. The chassis braces can be used on the F1UltraCW (carpet works) if the battery is in the rear mounted lateral position or if the battery is inline with the servo then the centre tabs of the chassis braces must be trimmed off. Also included is a front wing brace, this cross brace giving added support to Exotek F1 wing #2071 for reduced flexing or warping. Finally you also get one mini lipo tab for a slimmer profile tab for easier battery access.
New from Factory Team is this RC10B6.1 Carbon Laydown Gearbox and Chassis Braces set. The carbon material offered by Factory Team has become a popular upgrade for many parts across the Team Associated line of race cars. Adding rigidity to suspension components and limiting chassis flex is a great tuning option for race cars. The carbon laydown gearbox and chassis braces reduce the flex in the rear of the chassis, resulting in a more consistent and precise feel on track. This set is a direct replacement for the original kit parts.
Source: Associated [associatedelectrics.com]
The nitro onroad community is in shock today with the news of the untimely passing of well known race mechanic Felix Heyse. A gentle giant of the sport, Felix was a huge part of the racing scene and was one of the most recognisable faces in pit lane at World and European Championships. Having worked with some of the best drivers, he played an integral part in many of their racing achievements. A member of the Infinity team, when he wasn’t busy executing super fast pit stops Felix was a keen racer himself. Having travelled the world alongside Felix and had the chance to spend time with him both on and off the track, Red RC would like extend our condolences to his family, the Infinity team and all those who had the pleasure of calling Felix their pitman over the years. Rest in Peace.
Italian specialist RC Formula car producer Fenix Racing has introduced their latest Formula body, the Φγ3 (Phi-Gamma3). As the predecessor PhiGamma and PhiGamma2, the body has been designed on 3D CAD with CFD validation. Phi-Gamma3 in intended to give the best result on typical “electric” circuit, giving to the model a nice amount of steering while still keeping a solid rear end, sidepods are shaped in order to allow a good speed with a minimal amount of aero resistance. The Phi-Gamma3 is supplied transparent with “retro” decals included.
Last weekend, the first round of the Mexican 1:8 Off Road National Championship was held in the beautiful city of Los Cabos, BCS where Mayako driver Jose “Tito” Ceseña took the win. Drivers from all over Mexico and the US showed up for the opening round of the 2023 season. In qualifying it was Luis Gudiño who was the Top Qualifier topping 2 of the 3 rounds with Ceseña topping Q2. Qualifying directly into the Semi Finals HobbyShop.MX’s star driver Ceseña faced some electrical gremlins that forced him to retire from the race. This meant that the Last Chance Qualifier Race was the only way to make it to the A Main. Ceseña led from start to finish and secured the last spot in the 60-minute-long main final. Starting 13th on the grid, the Mayako driver was able to push forward his Energy Fuel powered car to the top 3 by lap 7. Here is where the real battle started with Sworkz team drivers Diego Marroquin and Gudiño. Strategy played a huge role during the race too. Mayako Mexico Team Manager Daniel Ornelas, performed lighting fast pits stops with Tito’s wife Dani, that helped close the gap to the lead drivers. Ceseña continued to push placing fast lap after fast lap. After 65 laps Ceseña was able to dispose of both Sworkz Mexico drivers to secure the first win of the season for the Mayako/HobbyShop.MX team. Marroquin and Mark Morrow completed the podium. Next round will be held in Guadalajara at the new Huecos Track in May.
Report: Juan Herrero
