For the RX8 chassis, Xray have released this strategically lightened locating collar made from tough 7076 T6 aluminium. Replacing the composite collar used on the 2-speed shaft, its rotating mass is reduced without sacrificing strength or durability.
Bringing together years of experience in rubber compound technology along with looking for a perfect tire shape, Sweep Racing have designed their all new OG Spec tire. This tire provides everything the modern touring car racer needs, consistent traction throughout the entire length of a race along with excellent tire life. Based on the optimum overall diameter of 64.8mm, the carcass has been re-designed to fit Sweep’s inserts perfectly, providing more consistent performance, while the new improved sidewall design is developed to create better cornering traction and wear characteristics. The OG Spec tire has been selected as the official tire for the 2011 Xray Challenge Series and initial impressions were very positive, performing brilliantly at the 1st round of the series at West Coast RC Raceway.
Source: Sweep Racing [sweepracing.com]
The third running of the Midwest Nitro series kicked off with round 1 at Leisure hours raceway in Joliet, Illinois. Despite poor weather relegating the event to the indoor track, that did not dampen spirits with a record 142 entries participating. Heated competition was found in all the classes. Pro Truggy started as a classic Jimbo vs. Sonny’O show as the two battled for top spot. With 5 minutes left in the main event Jimbo Kvidera, after retaking the lead from Ochoa, pits for fuel only to experience a spectacular fuel gun malfunction, leaving the top qualifier of the race a DNF with debris in his fuel tank. Letting Sonny Ochoa continue on with an easy win. Meanwhile Scott Shin, working his way through the field from a bump up starting spot, gains an impressive 2nd place. Kevin Bronner driving a solid race with only a couple bobbles late in the game which would drop him to 3rd.
Continue reading the report here
The first round of the Spanish 1/8th scale buggy Nationals was held this weekend in Antas, Almeria in the very south of the country. Qualifying would see Mugen driver Borja Hernandez take the top spot ahead of reigning champion and fellow Mugen racer Robert Batlle in 2nd with Daniel Bernabe, Ivan Carmona and Andres Marcelino completing the top 5. Following the semi finals, the order up front was reversed with Batlle lining up on pole position for the 45 minute encounter with both drivers winning their respective semis. Robert would go on to win the 45 minute final, leading from start to finish, by nearly a lap in front of Ignazio Candel, with Bryan Bernabe completing the top 3. Despite running in 3rd for much of the race following a crash at the start, Borja Hernandez would end the race in 5th. Stopping one more time than his competitors for fuel, and a tire issue close to the end of the final, put an end to his podium chances.
Source: Merlin [merlinfuel.com]
Here we have this weeks round up of product releases and race reports from our site sponsors Xray. Our summary includes everything published by the Slovakian manufacturer on their own website in the past week, so if you didn’t find the time to visit, be sure to read on. This weeks round up includes the following stories.
– New RX8 Brass Chassis Weights
– New M18 PRO LiPo Graphite Sets
– New XRAY X10 & XII Shock Springs
– New Alu Shock Spring Retaining Collar
– New XRAY T3’11 Center Balancing Chassis Weights
– T3’11 Double Win at French National Championship R2
– RX8 Dominates the 1/8 Indonesian Nationals R3
– T3’11 Wins Portuguese National Championship R2
– Western Australia State Championship 2011
– XB808’11 Wins the Race of Champions, UK
– XB808’11 Wins 2011 Greek Nationals R1
Click here to view the round-up
The 2011 EFRA European 1/10th scale 200mm ‘B’ Championships was held this week at the fast and smooth Rucphen track in the Netherlands, a late venue change after the original host, the MACH in Heemstede, had problems with noise and were unable to run the event. Some 81 drivers from around Europe attended the event and with 4 rounds of qualifying, two on Thursday evening and two on Friday morning, it was Dutch National champion Pedro Rombouts that took the top qualifying spot with his Xray ahead of Shepherd driver Patrick Nähr in 2nd, the top 2 separated by less than a second and well clear of the rest of the field. Adam Catchpole took 3rd spot ahead of Daan Jacobs in 4th.
Continue reading the report here
Viper R/C Solutions have added Cactus Classic champion and Worlds finalist, Billy Fischer, to their expanding team of top level drivers. Working with Billy since before the 2011 Cactus Classic, his professionalism and attention to detail is a tremendous asset to their race and development teams and they “look forward to working with Billy for a long time to come”. Billy said “I’m very excited to work with Viper R/C Solutions for the 2011 season and beyond. The products are great, and there’s nothing easier than the ProGauge for their line of ESC’s. It makes adjusting your Viper ESC much easier to deal with!”
Source: Viper R/C [viper-rc.com]
CSO have produced a full set of pulleys for the new Xray RX8 1/8th scale on road chassis. All pulleys are made from high quality 7075 T6 aluminium and then hard coated, with the side disc featuring holes for reducing weight but also allowing debris to exit from the teeth. There is a 24T front one-way pulley, 18T middle shaft inside pulley, 29T front side pulley, 18T rear side pulley and a 20T brake disc holder pulley. The 18T middle shaft inside pulley is different from the original in that it can be fixed on the updated CSO steel shaft by set screw instead of e-clip for quick and easy replacement.
View the 18T middle pulley mounted here
