Associated go top in Buggy practice
Team Associated have set the pace in the second Buggy practice for the US Nationals with their star Ryan duo, Maifield and Cavalieri, being the only drivers to record 15 laps around the Thunder Alley track. Having switched to LRP engines after struggling in the opening practice yesterday, Maifield was much happier with his RC8B, a fact that was backed up by him also setting the fastest lap of the run. Planning to make some clutch adjustments for the final practice run later today he will also change the front sway bar to try and make the buggy a little more comfortable to drive.
Running his Orion powered example, Cavalieri will leave his RC8B set-up untouched saying it felt really consistent to drive. Running Proline Holeshots in CP2 he said he will try out their new Blockade tyre in the final practice, but his main focus is on his driving rather than making lots of changes to the buggy.
Canadian Ty Tessmann set the third fastest time despite having problems with traffic. The 18-year-old said changes to the front springs and sway bar had improved his OS powered D8 and they plan to make further changes in that direction. Like Cavalieri, Tessmann plans to use the last practice to try Proline’s new Blockade tyre as preparation for Sunday’s finals.
The quickest Losi, Adam Drake set the fourth fastest time. Running soft AKA Grid Iron tyres on his Novarossi powered 8ight, the 2009 Champion said they were too soft for the conditions making his buggy a little twitchy but overall the balance of the car felt good. Planning to run a thicker shock oil for the final practice he will make his tyre choice nearer to the time of run.
Running the fifth fastest time, reigning champion Jared Tebo was much happier with his engine performance in CP2 having changed to a new Orion pipe. Helping to deliver better power he said it felt really good but the front end of his MP9 was now a little aggressive. Having opted to run without wheel inserts he plans to run them for his next outing saying this should cure the problem.
Completing the Top 6 was Team Losi Racing’s young star Dakotah Phend. The 14-year-old said he is still getting used to the track but his Losi Grid Iron fitted 8ight is working well and his focus is on trying to drive smoother and with less mistakes.
Mark Pavidis took his Kyosho to seventh ahead of the pace setter from the opening practice Travis Amezcua. Mugen’s main team driver, Amezcua said there was a lot more track bite now and he will switch to a stiffer spring for the final practice. Xray’s Josh Wheeler and Serpent’s Billy Easton completed the Top 10.
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