New in the pits

Walking around the pits here at the 2014 ROAR gas offroad nationals we caught up with Hitec’s Billy Tompkins, who introduced us to their latest high end radio called Lynx 4s. The transmitter will be available for purchase with a receiver to be chosen between two options: together with the Axion receiver the radio would provide a very fast transmission, with a latency of 4ms, while the Tachyon receiver would feature a GPS system and telemetry capability. A 30-model memory – expandable with the aid of a Micro-SD card, 7 assignable switches, left handed capability and a fully adjustable ergonomics would complete the list of main features for the new Hitec flagship car radio.

Next we met up with Daniel Adams from Pro-Line. He had a new wing to show us, named the Trifecta after the three big vertical fins that are its distinguishing feature. Its completely new design is meant to maximise look and performances, while the fins in particular are meant to confer more side stability to your car especially throughout long fast sweepers. It also comes with two different whickerbills that will help you adjust the downforce.

After a lot of experiments, studies and testing about aerodynamics, Carson Wernimont got all his feedbacks together and designed, together with his father Russ, a new bodyshell. Characterised by very tall sides that end up becoming vertical fins, it is shaped to make the buggy more stable and aggressive at the same time, and will be available mid-july for the MBX-7 owners.

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Chassis Focus – Carson Wernimont

Chassis – Mugen MBX-7
Engine – OS Speed
Fuel – Flashpoint
Tyres – AKA Enduro Soft
Radio/Servos – Futaba
Body – RWD (Russ Wernimont Design)
Remarks – Mugen’s 17-year-old rising star is running an MBX-7 that features a full set of titanium screws and turnbuckles, that together with carbon fibre shock towers and a complete set of aluminum transmission parts make for a lighter drive train. Carson also opted for using a pair of rear aluminium hubs. The car is also equipped with Wernimont’s very own bodyshell which he will release for general sale in the near future.

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Chassis Focus – Mike Truhe

Chassis – Serpent 811 Cobra 2.1
Engine – TOP
Fuel – Byron
Tyres – ProLine Blockade X2
Radio/Servos – Futaba
Body – Stock< Remarks – At his first ROAR Nationals since signing for Serpent, Mike is here running the latest 2.1 version of the Serpent buggy. His car is pretty standard, although it features some aluminium options such as the servo saver and the steering knuckles, and titanium shock mounts and pins.

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Chassis Focus – Dakotah Phend

Chassis – TLR 8ight T 3.0
Engine – Orion
Fuel – Nitrotane
Tyres – ProLine HoleShot X3
Radio/Servos – Spektrum
Body – Stock
Remarks – Fastest TLR driver in the opening day of qualifying here at the Thornhill Race Circuit, Dakotah is running a completely stock – but very well prepared – Orion powered and ProLine shod example of TLR’s latest truck.

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Chassis Focus – Ryan Lutz

Chassis – Team Durango DNX8 Prototype
Engine – Alpha
Fuel – Byron
Tyres – AKA Impact Soft
Radio/Servos – Futaba
Body – Stock
Remarks – Having proved himself and his buggy to be in very good form here in Austin, Ryan is running a prototype of what will be the new buggy from Team Durango, the DNX8. With most of the parts on the buggy in their definitive stage of development, many parts of the car are already in production.

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