Event: AARCMCC 1/8th Off-Road Victorian State Titles
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Dates: February 7th-9th, 2009
Classes: 1/8th Buggy
Race Reporter: Andrew Moore

This past weekend featured one of the largest races in Australia, the Victorian State Titles at the Melbourne Off-Road RC Club. The track conditions were rutted, loose, and rather rocky, with the ambient temperature being around 100 degrees during some of the days. JConcepts young driver Kyle McBride had a fantastic first practice run setting the fastest time of the round. The second round was a totally different story as the track blew out beyond belief, there were ruts that were up to half a foot high.

Drivers were frantically chasing a set up that would be capable of handling these massive ruts, but some teamwork helped get the JC guys dialled in. Matt Griffin put in a 14 lap qualifying effort which resulted in the quickest run of the weekend as well as overall TQ for the event. Kyle set the fastest time for the 5th round beating the current FEMCA champion Wayne Walker by 5 seconds.

The last round was the most exciting race to end the qualifying sessions. Matt Griffin was quick once again, setting the quickest time for the round, with Kyle 10 seconds behind. It was a fantastic result for JConcepts to be setting the quickest times before heading into the finals.

Heading into the finals Kyle decided to change the tyres from Double Cross to Hitmen as they would be a better option as the track was getting even worse. McBride had a fantastic start in the final grabbing the lead on the first lap only to have issues with traffic. After settling down and getting into a groove Kyle fought his way back into second place about 10 seconds behind Wayne Walker. After Wayne came in for Fuel, Kyle took the lead for a short time, until he broke the rear sway bar link. Kyle drove a fantastic race holding down second position for around 40 minutes. Matt Griffin was chasing hard and it was an awesome battle to the end with Kyle finishing 11 seconds behind Matt in the 45 minute main. JConcepts ended up with 2 of the 3 podium spots, at one of the largest races in Australia!

__________________
Chilly
Online News Editor
rccanews@airage.com
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?p=2390776#post2390776

The Psycho Nitro Blast race was held last weekend in Atlanta Georgia, and the crew presented the racers with another crazy and challenging layout. In the 1/8th truck class it was top qualifier Adam Drake, running the Losi 8ight T 2.0, that took the win from CEN racer Gene Hickersen, with Losi team mate Mike Truhe in 3rd. Mike Truhe had a better time in the buggy class, taking the TQ spot and going on to win from Ryan Lutz, who was running the prototype 801X, while Berry Pettit finished 3rd for Mugen.

Based on the ultra-successful NT1, the new 2009-spec NT1 has been improved yet again to have unbeatable performance and value. With many awards and successes on and off the track — multiple Car of the Year winner, World Championship podium finisher, US Champion, Euros TQ/Vice-champion, and dozens of National titles around the world — bringing the NT1 to the next level was a challenging task for NT1 Chief Designer Martin Hudy and the XRAY design team.

XRAY’s primary focus was on improving fine details while increasing reliability and performance. Value being a foremost consideration, XRAY is very pleased to include as standard many new and improved parts that were previously only available as options. The 2009 NT1 is a premier nitro touring car straight out-of-the-box, able to put you into the winners circle at a club, national, or world championship level… with all the finest features that put Chief Designer Martin Hudy himself on the podium at the 2008 World Championships. Bring home victory with the 2009 NT1, the best of the best.

New 2009 NT1 Specs:
included optional XRAY aluminum racing shock bodies
included optional HUDY Spring Steel™ front & rear CVD driveshafts
new wider 2-speed 2nd gear for increased durability & lifespan
new reinforced & improved suspension parts
new wider central drive belt for increased durability & lifespan
new fuel tank pressure cap with 1-pc profiled seal for perfect fitment
new steering servo mount for mid size servos
new top deck mounts for mid size servos
new belt tensioner holder for improved belt tension adjustment
new updated radio plate
new harder 2-speed springs

__________________
Chilly
Online News Editor
rccanews@airage.com
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?p=2389698#post2389698

ROAR, the U.S./Canadian sanctioning body for R/C car and truck competition, have announced a 1:8 LiPo Battery Specification Amendment. “The 1:8 Electric Racing Classes are an emerging form of our sport. Our responsibility in ROAR Leadership Role is to outline a set of specifications which ensure a responsible growth and flexibility to leverage advancements based on the benefits they offer our users. The Executive Committee, in accordance with our responsibility to ensure our Members, Organizers, and Affiliate Partners have access to provide the best Technology available for our members benefit, are issuing the following Revision to our 4S Battery Dimension Specifications. The change will allow our Affiliate partners to take advantage of a growing assortment of next generation LiPo cells for 1:8 Electric Racing, as well as the option using larger gauge wire in the assembly process. Rule 8.3.2.3.3. is revising the Hardcase Length dimension from 160mm to 165mm.”

Developed and tested with expert guidance from VP Racing Fuels, the premier nitromethane manufacturer for top fuel and funny car drag racing, Nitrotane and new Nitrotane Race Formula offer unmatched power and internal engine protection.

By teaming with VP Racing Fuels, Losi has harnessed the pure power of full-scale drag racing competition and brought it straight to your nitro vehicle. The premium ingredients in Nitrotane Race Formula offer a lower acidity level than most other nitro fuels on the market, ensuring that your engine will be fully protected against internal corrosion. No other fuel can offer your nitro vehicle the same level of power and protection that goes into 300+ mph competition drag racers. The combination of VP Racing’s quality and the nitro racing expertise of Losi means that Nitrotane Race Formula is ready to take you to the finish line, tank after tank.

Features:
Advanced lubrication package resulting in less wear and degradation of materials
Low acid content for longer glow plug, bearing and engine life
Runs cooler and cleaner for more consistent and reliable performance
LOSF0430 - $20.89