March 17, 2013

New in the Pits – AKA

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AKA are displaying their new additions to their tire lineup with updates to their Short Course and 1/10th buggy range. The Handlebar for SC & Buggy rear has been given a new standard thread depth (STD) option which while the same pattern as the previously available tires they have a slightly taller thread which make it ideal for outdoor blue groove conditions. These tires will be available in the usual range of compounds, including clay. Also new is the Wishbone 2 SC tire which has a slightly wider carcass like the previously available Handlebar SC tire. It also features a denser thread pattern for more even wear and more durability. Finally for the wider carcass AKA will release a new wider closed cell insert in red and black versions.

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March 16, 2013

Chassis Focus – Lee Martin

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Chassis Name – Tamiya 201X Vega Elite conversion
Motor – Speed Passion Competition V3.0
Batteries – Speed Power
Speedo – Speed Passion Reventon
Tires – Pro-Line
Radio/Servos – Sanwa
Remarks – European Champion Lee Martin is running a Vega Elite conversion for the Tamiya TRF201X here at SRS Raceway. In addition to the Vega parts he is also running a new carbon chassis plate and sides from Red Workshop and while he waits for the impending release of big bore shocks from Tamiya, coming in April, he is using Associated versions.

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March 16, 2013

Chassis Focus – Ryan Maifield

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Chassis Name – Associated RC10 B4.2 Factory Team
Motor – Reedy Sonic Mach 2
Batteries – Reedy 4100mAh Shorty
Speedo – LRP Flow
Tires – JConcepts
Radio/Servos – Futaba
Remarks – The 2012 winner of the Pro-Line Cactus Classic, Ryan Maifield is running a new in-line electronics configuration in his B4.2 Factory Team. Running a Shorty Reedy LiPo pack he has managed to mount his speedo and receiver in the battery tray towards the back of the car. The resulting change in weight distribution has allowed the car change direction more quickly and moves the weight more to the front. The Associated team is very positive about this new configuration with most of the factory team adopting it.

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February 23, 2013

Chassis Focus – Jared Tebo

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Chassis Name – Kyosho Inferno MP9
Engine – Team Orion CRF B321
Tires – AKA
Radio/Servos – KO Propo
Remarks – Jared is running the exact same car that he took off the track following the semi final at last December’s World Championships in Argentina. The only change in terms of equipment is a fresh Team Orion engine and Jared has also changed fuel sponsor to Sidewinder for this new season. Having not driven gas offroad since last year he seems to have lost none of his speed, taking the overall TQ in this highly competitive class.

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February 10, 2013

Chassis Focus – Brent Thielke

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Chassis Name – Team Associated T4.2
Motor – Reedy Sonic Mach 2
ESC – LRP
Batteries – Reedy
Tires – JConcepts
Radio/Servos – Airtronics
Remarks – Having only been released recently the new T4.2 from Associated Brent Thielke is running the kit standard car, the main differences between this and its predecessors outline here. In terms of the setup for the SmacTrac, apart from tire prep, BT is running the new tapered pistons on the car with the taper to the bottom to help speed up rebound, something that is important for this undulating track. He has also gone to a thicker shock oil to help slow the reactions of the car, something that makes the car suit his smooth driving.

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February 10, 2013

Chassis Focus – Ryan Maifield

Sun-MaifieldB4-2-1

Chassis Name – Team Associated B4.2 FT
Motor – Reedy Sonic Mach 2
ESC – LRP
Batteries – Reedy
Tires – JConcepts
Radio/Servos – Futaba
Remarks – 2wd top qualifier Ryan Maifield is running the Factory Team B4.2 buggy. The car is standard apart from a number of JConcepts option parts such as the new fin turnbuckles and he is running the all new Reedy Sonic Mach 2 motor. In terms of the setup it is the same as what he ran at the recent Reedy race with the only change being slightly lighter oil due to the colder conditions.

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