Are you ready for an exhilarating new challenge in the world of RC racing? Adrenaline RC is thrilled to announce the formation of a brand-new Spec 1/8 Short Course class. This class is set to bring new excitement to our Amsterdam VA outdoor RC track, with two powerhouse trucks leading the way: the Traxxas Maxx Slash and the Arrma Mojave 4s. If you've been searching for a fresh racing experience, this is your chance to get in on the action!

The Spec 1/8 Short Course Class

Unveiling the New Class

The Spec 1/8 Short Course class is designed for competitive racing enthusiasts who crave adrenaline and high-speed action. This class emphasizes fairness and skill by requiring all participants to use stock electronics and tires. This ensures that every racer competes on a level playing field, showcasing their driving skills rather than relying on aftermarket upgrades.

Featured Trucks: Traxxas Maxx Slash and Arrma Mojave 4s

Both the Traxxas Maxx Slash and Arrma Mojave 4s have undergone rigorous testing and have proven to be evenly matched on 4s operation. These trucks are built for performance, durability, and excitement, making them perfect candidates for our new class.

Truck Specifications and Performance

Traxxas Maxx Slash

The Traxxas Maxx Slash is based on the reliable MAXX platform. Known for its robust design and high-performance capabilities, its key features include:

• Powerful VXL-6s Brushless Power System: This provides incredible speed and acceleration, perfect for short course racing.
• Heavy-Duty Drivetrain: The engineering on Maxx Slash continues to innovate, adding even more strength for critical 6s power handling and faster, harder-hitting action.
• Advanced Suspension System: Ensures stability and control, even at high speeds.

Arrma Mojave 4s

The Arrma Mojave 4s is equally impressive, offering:

• 4s BLX Brushless Power System: Delivers blistering speeds and reliable performance.
• Durable Construction: Built to endure the toughest racing conditions with ease.
• Precision Steering and Handling: Provides drivers with unmatched control and agility on the track.

Regulations and Modifications

Stock Electronics

To maintain fairness in the Spec 1/8 Short Course class, all participants must use the stock electronics that come with their trucks. This rule ensures that the focus remains on driver skill and strategy rather than modifications.

Permitted Upgrades

The only exceptions to the stock rules are the servo saver and remote control. Upgrading these components can enhance the reliability and responsiveness of your truck without giving an unfair advantage in speed or power.

Getting Started

How to Join:

Interested in joining the Spec 1/8 Short Course class? It's easy! Simply call us or stop by one of our stores, and our friendly staff will assist you in getting set up with one of these amazing trucks. Whether you choose the Traxxas Maxx Slash or the Arrma Mojave 4s, you're in for an unforgettable racing experience.

Why Join?

Participating in the Spec 1/8 Short Course class offers numerous benefits:

• Competitive Environment: Test your skills against other skilled drivers.
• Community: Join a passionate group of RC racing enthusiasts.
• Thrilling Experience: Enjoy the excitement of racing high-performance trucks on a challenging course.

FAQs

• What are the main differences between the Traxxas Maxx Slash and the Arrma Mojave 4s? Both trucks offer similar performance on 4s operation. The main differences lie in their design and handling characteristics. The Maxx Slash is built on the Traxxas Maxx platform, while the Mojave 4S is built on the modular Arrma 1/10 and 1/8 4S platform.

• Can I upgrade other parts of my truck besides the servo saver and remote? No, to ensure a level playing field, all other parts must remain stock as provided by the manufacturer.

• How do I sign up for the Spec 1/8 Short Course class? Call us or visit Adrenaline RC to get started. Our staff will help you with all the necessary details and ensure you're ready to race.

• Do I need prior racing experience to join? While prior experience can be beneficial, it is not required. Our community welcomes both beginners and seasoned racers.

The new Spec 1/8 Short Course class at Adrenaline RC promises to be an exciting addition to our racing lineup. With the Traxxas Maxx Slash and Arrma Mojave 4s leading the way, racers can expect thrilling competition and an unparalleled racing experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special. Call or visit us today to join the fun and adrenaline of the Spec 1/8 Short Course class!

Welcome to the exciting world of custom RC drift cars! If you're an RC enthusiast looking for a change, or new to RC, then this hobby is perfect for you. With rc drifting, you get to build, customize, and drift your unique, high performance dedicated build. Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of drifting custom rc cars!

Key Takeaways:

• Custom RC drift cars offer an exciting and immersive experience for RC enthusiasts.
• Building, customizing, and sliding your own unique RC drift car allows you to make it truly your own.
• Explore different customization options to personalize your RC drift car's body, wheels, accessories, and more.
• Upgrade your RC drift car with aftermarket parts to enhance its performance and handling.
• Mastering drifting techniques will help you become a skilled RC drifter and improve your performance on the track.

The Basics of RC Drifting

Before diving into the RC drift hobby, it's essential to understand the basics of RC drifting. RC drifting is a thrilling and skillful discipline that combines the precision of remote control cars with the excitement of controlled slides and drifts. To get started with RC drifting, it's important to familiarize yourself with the key components of an RC drift car. We'll go over these together:

Chassis:

The chassis is the backbone of any rc car or truck. It provides the structure and support for all other components. In RC drifting, there are different types of chassis available, such as belt-drive and shaft-drive, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, each offering unique handling characteristics. Choosing the right chassis is crucial for achieving the desired drifting performance.

Suspension

The suspension system of an RC drift car plays a significant role in handling and maneuverability. The suspension setup determines how the car responds to bumps and corners, allowing for controlled and smooth drifts. A well-tuned suspension system enhances the car's stability and control while drifting.

Tires

The type of tires you use on your RC drift car greatly affects its drifting performance. RC drift tires are specially designed with a unique tread pattern and compound to maximize traction during drifts. Different tire compounds provide varying levels of grip and slip, allowing you to control the car's drifting characteristics.

Electronics

The electronics of an RC drift car include the motor, electronic speed controller, and radio transmitter/receiver, among other various electrical components These components are responsible for powering and controlling the car. A high-performance motor and speed controller provide the necessary power and speed for impressive drifts, while a responsive radio system ensures precise control over the car's movements. A proper gyro allows the driver to hold a slide without spinning out.

Understanding the basics of RC drifting is crucial for building a custom drift RC car that meets your desired performance and drifting style. The chassis, suspension, tires, and electronics all work together to create an exhilarating drifting experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, mastering these fundamentals will set you on the path to becoming a skilled RC drifter.

Building Your Custom RC Drift Car

Now it's time to dive into the exciting process of building your own custom RC drift car. With a wide range of options available, you can create a high-performance model that reflects your unique style and preferences.

1. Selecting the Chassis

The chassis is the foundation of your custom drift rc car, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your needs. There are various options available, we offer several great options depending on your level & budget

Best All-Around Option: Reve D RDX
Best Budget Option: MST RMX 2.5 Classic
Best Top Line Option: Yokomo YD-2ZX

2. Choosing the Right Electronics

The electronics of your custom RC drift car play a vital role in its performance. Select a high-quality motor and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that offer precise control and smooth acceleration. A responsive and reliable radio system is also important for seamless communication between your transmitter and receiver.

3. Body Selection and Customization

The body of your custom RC drift car is where you can really showcase your personal style. Choose a body that complements your vision and enhances the drift car's aesthetic appeal. From sleek and sporty designs to replicas of iconic vehicles, the options are endless. Consider painting or applying decals to make your RC drift car truly unique.

4. Suspension and Drivetrain Upgrades

To improve the handling and drifting capabilities of your custom RC drift car, consider upgrading the suspension and drivetrain components. Adjustable shocks, reinforced suspension arms, and a limited-slip differential can enhance your car's performance and make it more responsive on the track.

5. Fine-tuning and Testing

Once you have assembled your custom RC drift car, it's time to fine-tune and test it. Adjust the suspension and wheel alignment to achieve the desired level of drift. Experiment with different tires and tire compounds to find the right balance between grip and drift. Testing your car on different surfaces and track conditions will help you gauge its performance and make any necessary adjustments.

"Building a custom RC drift car is an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to unleash your creativity and create a one-of-a-kind model that represents your style and passion for drifting."

By following step-by-step guides and seeking advice from experienced RC drift car builders, you can build a custom RC drift car that delivers outstanding performance on the track. Enjoy the process of building, customizing, and fine-tuning your RC drift car, and get ready to experience the thrill of drifting like never before.

Customizing Your RC Drift Car

One of the most thrilling aspects of owning a custom RC drift car is the opportunity to make it uniquely yours. With a range of customization options available, you can transform your RC drift car into a true reflection of your style and preferences.

When it comes to customizing your RC drift car, there are several avenues to explore. One popular option is to paint custom bodies. Whether you prefer vibrant colors, intricate designs, or eye-catching graphics, painting your own RC drift bodies allows you to showcase your artistic skills and create a car that stands out on the track.

In addition to painting, you can add decals and accessories to further personalize your RC drift car. Decals are a great way to display your favorite brands, logos, or designs, and they can easily be applied to the body of your car. Accessories such as spoilers, lights, and exhaust pipes can also be added to enhance the overall look and performance of your RC drift car.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced enthusiast, customizing your own RC drift car opens up a world of creativity and self-expression. It's an opportunity to showcase your personality and create a car that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Upgrading Your RC Drift Car

Once you've built and customized your RC drift car, it's time to take it to the next level. Upgrading your RC drift car allows you to enhance its performance and handling, giving you the edge on the track. Whether you're a seasoned drifter or just starting out, these upgrades can help you push your custom RC drift car to its limits.

Exploring Aftermarket Parts and Modifications

There is a wide range of aftermarket parts and modifications available that can significantly improve the performance of your RC drift car. From upgraded motors and ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) to high-performance suspension components, these upgrades can provide greater speed, control, and maneuverability. Investing in quality aftermarket parts will make a noticeable difference in your drifting experience.

Customization is not limited to the visual aspect of your RC drift car; it extends to its performance as well. Upgrading your RC drift car allows you to fine-tune its dynamics, making it a precision machine on the track.

Finding Custom RC Drift Cars for Sale

If you're looking for a pre-built custom RC drift car or want to add to your collection, there are various options available. Many RC hobby stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, offer a wide selection of custom RC drift cars for sale. These pre-built models often feature premium components and unique designs, allowing you to start drifting right away without the hassle of building from scratch.

Choosing the Right Upgrades for Your Needs

When selecting upgrades for your RC drift car, it's essential to consider your specific needs and goals. Think about the type of tracks you'll be drifting on, the level of performance you desire, and your budget. Research different upgrades and read reviews from fellow RC drift enthusiasts to ensure you're making informed decisions. Remember, the right upgrades can transform your RC drift car into a true beast on the track.

Remember, it's important to install and calibrate upgrades correctly to ensure optimal performance. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced RC drift enthusiasts or consult professional RC hobby shops.

Upgrading your RC drift car is an ongoing journey of exploration and improvement. As you gain experience and evolve as a drifter, you'll discover new upgrades and modifications that can further enhance your custom RC drift car's performance. So, get ready to push the limits of your RC drift car and experience the thrill of drift racing like never before.

Mastering Drifting Techniques

Building and customizing your RC drift car is just the beginning of your journey into the exciting world of custom RC drift cars. To truly enjoy this hobby to the fullest, you'll need to master a variety of drifting techniques. By learning and practicing these techniques, you can elevate your skills as an RC drifter and experience the thrill of precise control and smooth, controlled slides.

One of the fundamental drifting techniques is the power slide. This technique involves inducing oversteer, allowing the rear wheels to break traction while maintaining control of the vehicle. It requires careful throttle control, steering input, and weight transfer to initiate, maintain, and exit the slide smoothly. Practice this technique in open spaces or controlled environments to gain confidence and refine your control over your custom RC drift car.

Another essential technique in RC drifting is countersteering. Countersteering involves turning the wheels in the opposite direction of the desired drift to initiate and control the slide. It requires precise coordination between steering input, throttle control, and countersteering to maintain balance and control throughout the drift. As you practice countersteering, you'll develop a better sense of timing and finesse, allowing you to execute tight and controlled drifts.

As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Set up a dedicated drift track or find local RC drift communities to practice and learn from experienced drifters. They can offer valuable tips and tricks to help you improve your drifting techniques. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or feedback, as the RC drift community is known for its supportive and friendly nature.

"Mastering drifting techniques is an ongoing process. The more you practice and experiment with different techniques, the better you'll become. Don't be afraid to push the limits of your custom RC drift car and try new maneuvers. Remember, the key is to have fun and enjoy the exhilaration of drifting!" - Mark Davis, experienced RC drifter

By mastering drifting techniques, you'll unlock the full potential of your custom RC drift car. Whether you're aiming for precision and control or high-speed slides, honing your skills will make every drift an exciting and rewarding experience. So, grab your custom RC drift car, hit the track, and start drifting like a pro!

Racing with Custom RC Drift Cars

Put your custom RC drift car to the test on the track! Racing with custom RC drift cars is an exhilarating experience that allows you to showcase your skills and compete against fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned drift racer or just starting out, participating in RC drift racing events and competitions is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the hobby and push the limits of your custom drift RC car.

Joining local RC drift communities is the first step to getting involved in organized races. These communities provide a supportive environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced drifters, and stay updated on upcoming events. Networking within the RC drift community is not only a great way to improve your skills but also a chance to make new friends and share your passion for custom RC drift cars.

RC Drift Racing Events and Competitions

RC drift racing events and competitions take place in various formats, from casual practice sessions to more competitive races. Some events feature open-track sessions where you can showcase your drifting skills and receive feedback from fellow racers and judges. Others may have specific challenges or races designed to test your control and style.

“Racing with custom RC drift cars is an exhilarating experience that allows you to showcase your skills and compete against fellow enthusiasts.”

Participating in races allows you to refine your drifting techniques, experiment with different setups, and push your custom RC drift car to its limits. It's an adrenaline-fueled experience that combines speed, precision, and style, making it a thrilling hobby for RC enthusiasts.

Experiencing the Adrenaline Rush

When you hit the track with your custom RC drift car, you'll experience an adrenaline rush like no other. The combination of speed, control, and precision while maneuvering your RC drift car through challenging corners and curves is an exhilarating feeling. As you master drifting techniques and become more skilled in controlling your custom RC drift car, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with each successful drift.

Whether you choose to race competitively or simply enjoy the social atmosphere of RC drift events, the thrill of racing with your custom RC drift car is a rewarding experience. It's a chance to push yourself, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and embrace the excitement of RC drift racing.

Exploring Unique Styles and Themes

Dive into the exciting world of custom RC drift cars and discover the vast array of unique styles and themes available in the RC drift car scene. Whether you're a fan of sleek and sporty designs or prefer something more eye-catching and flamboyant, there's a style that's perfect for you. One popular style that stands out from the rest is the iconic Rocket Bunny kits.

The Rocket Bunny kits have gained immense popularity among RC drift car enthusiasts for their bold and aggressive appearance. Inspired by Japanese car culture, these kits feature wide fender flares, aerodynamic body modifications, and distinctive bodylines that instantly grab attention on the track. With their stylish and edgy look, Rocket Bunny custom RC drift cars offer a thrilling blend of aesthetics and performance.

Customization Ideas

If you're looking to make your RC drift car stand out from the crowd, there are countless customization options available to express your individuality. Consider experimenting with different paint schemes, decals, and body accessories to create a unique look that reflects your personal style. From vibrant colors and intricate designs to sleek and minimalistic aesthetics, the possibilities for customization are endless.

"Customization is the key to truly making your RC drift car your own. It's not just about the performance; it's about standing out from the rest and turning heads."

- RC Drift Enthusiast

When exploring customization ideas, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Incorporate elements from your favorite cars, movies, or even video games to create a one-of-a-kind RC drift car that reflects your passions. From iconic liveries to unique body modifications, let your creativity run wild and transform your RC drift car into a true work of art.

Maintenance and Care for Your Custom RC Drift Car

Keeping your custom RC drift car in top condition is crucial for optimal performance. By following essential maintenance tasks and care tips, you can ensure that your RC drift car runs smoothly and lasts a long time.

To maintain the longevity of your custom RC drift car, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate the various components. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or dust that may accumulate on the body, chassis, and suspension.

Inspecting and replacing worn-out or damaged parts is also necessary for a well-maintained RC drift car. Check the tires regularly for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them if needed to maintain optimal traction while drifting.

Additionally, pay attention to the electronic components and wiring of your custom RC drift car. Ensure that all connections are secure and free from any loose wires or connectors. Regularly check the batteries and replace them as needed to prevent any power interruptions during your drift sessions.

When it comes to the motor and drivetrain, consider applying a high-quality lubricant to keep them running smoothly. This will help reduce friction and prolong the life of these critical components.

Remember, proper maintenance and care will not only enhance the performance of your custom RC drift car, but also extend its lifespan, ensuring many hours of thrilling drift sessions.

Quick Maintenance Tips:

• Regularly clean the body, chassis, and suspension to remove dirt.
• Inspect the tires for wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
• Check electronic components for secure connections and replace batteries as needed.
• Apply lubricant to the motor and drivetrain to reduce friction.

By following these maintenance tips and caring for your custom RC drift car, you can enjoy optimal performance and maximize your drifting experience.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

Popular Tools and Accessories for Custom RC Drift Cars

When it comes to custom RC drift cars, having the right tools and accessories can take your experience to the next level. Whether you're building, tuning, or maintaining your RC drift car, these essential tools will help you achieve optimal performance and precision. Additionally, there are various accessories available that can add a unique touch to your custom RC drift car, making it stand out on the track. Let's explore some of the most popular tools and accessories for custom RC drift cars:

Tools for Building and Tuning

Building and tuning your custom RC drift car requires specific tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Here are some must-have tools:

• Screwdriver Set: A comprehensive set of screwdrivers with different sizes and types will come in handy for assembling and adjusting various components of your RC drift car.
• Hex Key Set: Hex keys, also known as Allen wrenches, are essential for tightening hexagonal screws and bolts commonly found in RC drift cars.
• Pliers: Pliers are versatile tools that can be used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires or other components during the building process.
• File and Sandpaper: A file and sandpaper will help you smooth rough edges and make precise adjustments to ensure a perfect fit of parts.

Maintenance Tools

Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your custom RC drift car in top condition. These tools will aid in maintenance tasks:

• Cleaning Brush: A soft-bristled brush is ideal for removing dirt, dust, and debris from hard-to-reach areas of your RC drift car.
• Oil and Lubricant: High-quality oil and lubricant specifically designed for RC drift cars will help keep the moving parts running smoothly.
• Multi-Meter: A multi-meter is a handy tool for measuring voltage, resistance, and continuity, allowing you to troubleshoot any electrical issues.
• Tire Gauge: Maintaining optimal tire pressure is essential for grip and performance. A tire gauge will help you monitor and adjust tire pressure as needed.

Accessories to Personalize Your RC Drift Car

Adding accessories to your custom RC drift car can give it a unique flair and make it stand out from the rest. Here are some popular accessories:

• Drift Tires: Upgrading to specialized drift tires will improve traction and allow for more controlled slides and drifts.
• LED Lights: LED lights can be installed on your RC drift car to enhance its visual appeal and increase visibility during nighttime drift sessions.
• Sound System: A custom sound system can add an extra layer of immersion to your RC drift car, bringing the engine sounds to life as you race.
• Body Kits and Decals: Personalize the exterior of your RC drift car with body kits and decals that reflect your personal style, or go for popular themes like the iconic Rocket Bunny kits.

By equipping yourself with the right tools and accessories, you can elevate your custom RC drift car experience and truly make it your own. From building and tuning to maintenance and personalization, these tools and accessories will enhance performance, aesthetics, and overall enjoyment of your custom RC drift car.

Conclusion

The custom RC drift car hobby offers an exciting and immersive experience for RC enthusiasts. It provides the opportunity to build, customize, and race your unique, high-performance models, allowing you to truly make it your own. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drifter, the world of custom RC drift cars has something to offer for everyone.

By diving into the exciting world of custom RC drift cars, you can unleash your creativity and technical skills. Building your own RC drift car allows you to understand the different components, from the chassis to the electronics, and how they contribute to the overall performance and drifting capabilities.

Once you've built your custom RC drift car, the fun doesn't stop there. You can personalize it with custom bodies, paint jobs, decals, and accessories, making your RC drift car a true reflection of your unique style and preferences. Additionally, exploring upgrade options and mastering drifting techniques will enhance your skills and take your RC drifting to the next level.

Joining local RC drift communities and participating in racing events will provide you with the opportunity to showcase your skills and compete against fellow enthusiasts. The adrenaline rush of racing with your custom RC drift car is an experience like no other. So why wait? Start your journey today and enjoy the thrill of drifting with your very own custom RC drift car.

Warning: Science ahead! Close your eyes and turn away, you've been warned!

Many radio-control enthusiasts experience disappointment with the cycle life of their Lithium-based batteries in electric aircraft. Often this is because they're not entirely sure what's going on inside the battery, and choose a capacity or voltage that's inappropriate for their application. Ultimately, this manifests itself in "swelling" or "ballooning" of a Lithium battery. This editorial attempts to explain what's actually going on when this happens.

Chemically, there can be three causes for the swelling of a LiPo battery, and one exacerbating condition that makes it worse across the board. These occur in hard-shell Lithium Ion batteries, too, but the hard shell can withstand several atmospheres of pressure before expanding.

Note: This is MY understanding of the chemistry involved. I may be off-base, after all, I'm a college dropout. But I did love chemistry class!

Cause #1: WATER in the mix.

EDIT: Lithium manufacturers who's products are implicated in this assertion (read: Hextronik et al, circa 2006-2007, Thunder Power circa 2008) will dispute the assertion of contaminated Lithium. The most common contaminant is water, but there are many others that will cause lithium oxidation in the cell. Basically, any other substance containing oxygen that can be freed by electrolysis or heat will become a contaminant, and any substance that isn't the expected anode, cathode, or separator is a contaminant that will reduce the performance of the cell and cause swelling in other ways. Manufacturers have a fiduciary responsibility to claim that there was no product defect, otherwise they're responsible for a recall. I'll talk about the science and let you draw your own conclusions.

This was the common problem with many cheap Chinese LiPos of around 2005-2008. Most are better now, but it's the #1 cause of premature LiPo failure: water contamination in the plant. Many of China's LiPo factories are on the coast, where the altitude is very low and the humidity is high. You can't run the humidity too low on the assembly floor, because you're working with volatile chemicals that could explode in the presence of a spark, and you can't run it too high because then you end up with a worthless LiPo that swells on first use.

Here's the science. You have three ingredients that are functional in a LiPo battery. The rest is wrapping and wiring attachments.

• Cathode: LiCoO2 or LiMn2O4
• Separator: Conducting polymer electrolyte
• Anode: Li or carbon-Li intercalation compound

I'm going to be a little vague in my language here. The chemicals involved vary according to manufacturers, so I don't want to make any assumptions.

Remember your chemistry class? Note the absolute lack of any hydrogen atoms in the reaction. None, zero, zip, nada. If you have water inside your battery -- and virtually all batteries have a little bit -- you've got problems. When the chemical bond of H20 is broken by electrolysis and heat, you end up with free oxygen. You also have free-roaming hydrogen that typically ends up bound to your anode or cathode, whichever side of the reaction it's on and depending on the state of charge of your battery.

Now, this is a pretty unstable situation that's exacerbated by any over-discharge or over-charge condition creating metallic lithium in your cell. The end result is Lithium Hydroxide: 1 atom of lithium, one atom of hydrogen, and one atom of oxygen.

But you still have a free oxygen atom floating around inside the battery casing, that typically combines with one other oxygen atom -- O2, or what we sometimes think of as "air" -- or two other oxygen atoms, to form a characteristic tangy, metallic-smelling substance called "ozone", or O3. Gases expand with heat and contract with cold. Chuck a swollen battery in the freezer and it might come out rock-hard again... until it heats up. It's not frozen, it just got cold enough that the gases inside didn't take up much space at all.

And that free O2 or ozone is just waiting to pounce and oxidize some lithium on the slightest miscalculation on your part. The modest over-discharge during a punch-out, or running the battery a little too low or letting it get a little too hot, or running the voltage up to 4.235v/cell on a cold day when the actual voltage limit per cell is more like 4.1v. All of these create the perfect storm for a puffy battery to quickly turn itself into a ruined battery or an in-flight fire.

Understanding the role of free oxygen in your battery, from water and other causes, is CRUCIAL to understanding why batteries fail, and why sometimes you can get by with flying a puffy battery, and sometimes you can't.

Cause #2: Formula degradation from over-charge/over-discharge

If a Lithium battery is overcharged or charged too quickly, you end up with LOTS of excess free lithium on the anode (metallic lithium plating), and free oxygen on the cathode. A free oxygen atom is small enough to freely traverse the separator without carrying an electric charge, resulting in lithium OXIDE on the anode. Lithium "rust", in reality. Useless to us at this point, just dead weight being carted around inside your battery's wrapper.

But lithium oxide uses fewer oxygen atoms than existed in the ionized state, so you end up with, again, FREE OXYGEN. And people wonder why if you over-charge a LiPo underwater, it still ignites despite the lack of open air...

If it's over-discharged or discharged too quickly, the reverse is true, but you end up with Lithium Oxide on the cathode, but at a lower rate because there's simply less there. Basically, an abused battery quickly develops corrosion on both poles of the battery inside the wrapper. And the more it's abused, the worse it gets as the resistance goes up and it still gets driven hard.

This, by the way, is the most common cause of swelling today for our aircraft when flown with a high-quality pack (not knock-off eBay leftovers from expensive Chinese mistakes of 2004-2009). The reality is, these kinds of cells, regardless of their 'C' rating, are built for use where they last for several hours... not several minutes. While the chemistry if used as designed is good for thousands of cycles, we're driving them so far out of spec that we're lucky to get hundreds of cycles out of them.

In most cases, too, our batteries are under-specced. If slow-charged and slow-discharged, many of these packs would often hold considerably more mAh than we think they do. That's one of the reasons we get the performance we do from them. Higher-C-rated packs also often introduce gelled electrolyte into the separator, and carbon or phosphorous nano-structures on the anode and cathode mixtures rather than the "pound it out thin and hope it's mixed right" approach used with sheets of anodes & cathodes today.

Cause #3: Poor separator construction

A number of cheap LiPos also use a bad separator formulation. Ultimately, it often boils down to using a dry separator with way too high of an internal resistance to hold up to manufacturer "C"-rating claims. The internal resistance grows over time because a higher and higher percentage of the LiPo is simple Lithium Oxide, and the balloon grows bigger as more oxygen atoms are freed.

I'd also lump "poor anode or cathode chemistry" into this category, too. Ever get a bad battery out of a batch of good ones? Often it's because the mixture of chemicals was inconsistent, and you end up with too much or too little lithium on one side of the battery (well, in certain plates, you get my drift).

Exacerbating factor: HEAT.

A little heat makes everything work better for a Lipo. If you could fly your battery right at 140 Fahrenheit all the time, it would make fantastic power and be operating right in its happy zone. But it generates heat when charging, and when discharging. Hitting 150 results in significant metallic lithium generation, which as we can see from above is a major cause of puffing and cell destruction.

Similarly, the maximum 4.235v/cell limit is only at that mythical 140F. It goes down steadily from there, to about 4.2v/cell at room temperatures, and around 4.0v/cell below 50F, beyond which the over-abundance of electrons will again break chemical bonds and free lithium to bond with oxygen and create lithium oxide... which is just a disaster waiting to bond with humidity in the air if the LiPo ruptures, to create Lithium Hydroxide.

Conclusion

Chemically, there are no LiPos that will not puff under certain circumstances. But tightly-controlled humidity, a superb gel separator, nano-structured anode and cathode, and careful charging and discharging within manufacturer limits should also prevent puffing. Similarly, putting a pack that has been abused into a lower-discharge aircraft, even when puffed, often serves the purpose of stopping the puffing in its tracks because no more metallic lithium is being created in the cell by abuse.

And now you know the answer to today's geeky topic. Why lithium polymer batteries often puff up.

How they got their Start

First things first, we wanted to know just how long the two have been racing RC Cars and they both started around the same time. Ronda started driving in 1990 (28 years!) and Adam started in 1991! 

Growing up, Adam had a bunch of RC vehicles he used for bashing. However, once he found the local track, he started racing and never looked back. 

" Once I realized there was a local track, I started racing and the rest was history. I was hooked" - Adam Drake

As for Ronda, her brother-in-law gave her a Kyosho Raider for Christmas and that's what introduced her to the sport! 

The Drake Arsenal 

Ronda currently drives a Mugen Seiki 1/8th scale Buggy and Truggy. As for Adam he is currently driving the Mugen Seiki 1/8th scale vehicles and PR Racing 1/10th scale vehicles. We also wanted to know how many RC vehicles they each owned. 

Adam: "12 Vehicles"

Ronda: " I lost count! :)" 

In regards to brand dedication, the Drake's are loyal to Mugen Seiki. Both Ronda and Adam are sponsored by Mugen! 

"Mugen Seiki has always been my favorite car to race!" - Ronda Drake

"The products are amazing and it's a great company to work for!" - Adam Drake 

Next, we wanted to know how many times a week that Drakes practice. Adam said he usually practices once a week and races just about every weekend. As for Ronda she practices twice a week and also races every weekend. 

RC Car Travels 

Being a sponsored drivers allows the Drakes to experience tracks all over the world! The furthest Ronda has ever traveled to race would be Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico and all over the United States. Adam has also traveled far and wide to defend his professional title. 

"R/C racing has taken me all over the world.  I traveled to Australia, Italy, England, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and the Philippines just to name a few places." - Adam Drake

Advice for Others

We wanted to know what the Drakes would tell themselves if they could back in time to when they first started racing. The biggest piece of advice Adam would give to himself and to others would be to drive smooth and be patient. We personally, love this piece of advice here at Adrenaline. Getting good at something like RC Car racing takes a lot of practice and patience. You can't achieve greatness overnight very easily, but if you stay dedicated to it you will. Ronda cracked us up with her response when we asked her what advice she'd give herself. She said, " Let's not go back in time. lol" She thinks that RC car racing is a fun hobby for anyone to do and a great community to get involved in. Adam added that its also a safe and very hands on hobby. 

The two of them absolutely love that they get to travel and race together regularly! They are really happy they get to share their hobby! 

A Big Thank you

"Thanks for the interview and to my sponsors.  Mugen Seiki Racing, O.S. Engines, Pro-Line Racing, Futaba, Protek RC, Tekin, Flash Point, A Main Hobbies, Ibon Graphics, , CowRC, Avid, Darkside Designs,IB prostart, and Pro Motion T-Shirts."   - Ronda & Adam Drake 

Rapid Fire! 

1. Electric or Nitro?

Ronda: Nitro

Adam: Nitro

2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other? 

Ronda: Pro-Line

Adam: Pro-Line

3. Kit or Pre-Built? 

Ronda: Pre-Built from Adam Drake

Adam: Kit

4. Dirt or Road?

Ronda: Dirt

Adam: Dirt

5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling?

Ronda: Track Racing

Adam: Track Racing

6. Racing or Practicing?

Ronda: Racing

Adam: Racing

7. LiPo or NiMH?

Ronda: LiPo

Adam: LiPo

8. Big air or Keeping it tight?

Ronda: Big Air

Adam: Big Air

9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale? 

Ronda: 1:8 Scale

Adam: 1:8 Scale

10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy? 

Ronda: Buggy

Adam: Buggy

 * These are not our photos*

Step #1:

Disassemble and clean your differential, simple green or other de-greasers are recommended. Try to get as much grease and dirt off as possible, a brush and air compressor makes this job way easier. Remove the 4 screws that hold the ring or spur gear onto the diff cup and drain the old oil. Next, you can remove the 2 cross pins, 4 planetary gears, and the 2 sun gears. 

Note: Be sure to pay attention to how many shims and the condition of the shim that is behind each gear. Look for any imperfections in the shim such as “flaring” or “cracking,” if you see anything like that replace the shim.

Now you can remove the pin that is in your outdrive, just slide it out with needle nose pliers or another similar tool. The outdrive should come right out and you can also remove the o-ring that was under the pin. The only thing left is the bearings. When you remove the bearings, look for any problems, spin them, and see if they feel “crunchy” or have excessive “slop.” If so, replace them. Now that everything is apart, you can clean it again. On metal parts, use Brakleen or an electronic cleaner spray to remove any oily residue. For plastic parts, o-rings or bearings, stick to the Simple Green we used earlier. 

Step # 2:

Find a fine grit sand paper (something around 1000 grit will work) lay it on a flat surface and slide the cup around it in a figure 8 pattern (see picture) until the glossy finish is all scuffed. This is making sure the cup is perfectly level and will get a good seal when its re-assembled. Normal driving conditions cause the differential to get hot and can cause warping, so this will help fix that as well. Next, place a couple of drops of bearing oil on each side of your bearings (any bearing oil works, I personally use 3-in-one). Get your two outdrives and two cross pins then coat them in a thin layer of grease (see picture). The black gear grease that comes with the kit will work or for that matter most gear greases will get the job done.

Step #3:

Re-assembly

Press your bearings back onto the diff cup and ring/spur gear. Then slide your outdrives back into place. You can put your o-ring back into the cup and over the outdrive shaft, also put any shims that were under the sun gear back and push the pin back through. While you're there, place a couple of drops of whatever weight diff fluid you are using onto the o-ring. This will lubricate the o-ring and help make sure the oil gets into every little spot. Now, its time to put the sun gears back in. When you put them back into place be sure that the pin sits into its slot on the bottom of the gear. Next, take your cross pins and put your planetary gears and shims back on. Place them back into their proper slots inside the diff cup, then you can add your oil.

Note: Just fill them up to be level with the cross pins and let that sit for a little while you rotate the outdrive. That will move the whole gear assembly to help the oil work its way into place.

After you do that, you will probably have to top off the oil. Almost done! Now we just need to place the gasket back into the ring/spur gear. When you set it into place, it helps to have a couple drops of grease to hold the gasket into place (see pictures). Make sure your screw holes line up with the holes in the gear.

Step #4:

Place the other half of the differential back onto the cup. Again, make sure to align the screw holes. Now, you can start to put the screws back in. Put all 4 screws in, barely snug, then come back around and tighten them in a criss cross pattern (see picture for number order). Go around doing that pattern a couple times until all are tight.  Now, you have a fresh completely rebuilt differential!

Quick tip: Take a silver sharpie to mark on the cup what weight fluid you used and which differential it is such as front, center or rear.

His Story: 

Rapid Fire!

1. Electric or Nitro?- Electric
2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other?- AKA
3. Kit or Pre-Built? - Kit
4. Dirt or Road?- Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? - Track
6. Racing or Practicing?-Racing
7. Lipo or NiMH?- LiPo
8. Big air or keeping it tight? – Tight
9. 1:8 scale or 1:10 Scale? - 1/10
10. Buggy, Truggy, Stadium Truck, or Short Course? - Buggy

In our June newsletter we featured Hunter's tire gluing process. Check out the Process Below!

Step 1: Remove the Inserts and put two holes (about 3mm size) opposite of each other in the middle of the tread of the tire. 

Step 2: Clean the Bead and sidewall of the tire with straight simple green sprayed on to a shop towel or rag

Step 3: Re-Install the insert and wipe down the bead again

Step 4: Pop the Tire on to the shell and seat it on to the wheel 

Step 5: Go Wash all the oils and simple green off your hands before gluing. Any little residue will result in a poor bond.

Step 6: Put the Tire "bands" around the edge of the tire and then peel back slightly to expose the bead, so you can apply the glue. Then slowly work your way around the tire. 

Step 7: Final Step, take a old wrench or hobby knife, and even/spread the glue. 

Nearly a decade ago Waters walked into a local hobby shop and has been hooked ever since. You may remember Waters when he was younger and spent his days at  East Coast Hobbies here in Amsterdam, VA. 

The Current Lineup 

Waters currently drives a Team Associated Rc8b3.1e (1/8 Buggy). However, he does own one other car which is a B6.1 2wd buggy. We wanted to know what brand Waters was loyal to, if any, and we got the answer.

"Team Associated, I have always been a fan of their cars and quality. I am also currently sponsored by them."

At the moment he tries to make time for one practice session a week, but he typically races twice a month. The furthest he's ever driven to race is 11 hours, to Alabama. 

Advice for Others

Why Waters thinks you should get involved:

" It’s a great hobby to get into and can be taken as seriously or as lightly as you want it to to be and you get to meet a ton of interesting people." 

This piece of advice seems like common sense, but it's a huge deal. We see drivers who get burnt out and lose their passion for the sport because they try to do too much too fast or they are way too hard on themselves. It's important to stay in tune with yourself and what you can handle. While this can be a really competitive sport, it's important to have fun with it too. It's all about finding the perfect balance for yourself. 

If Waters could go back in time, he would give himself one simple, but meaningful piece of advice: "Don’t hesitate, you're not going to regret it." 

Hunter Waters is hands down one of the fastest drivers on the East Coast, but it didn't happen over night. (He's been doing this for a decade!) It's important to realize that with anything, time is of the essence. The only way to improve is to practice and put the time in. 

If you've ever had the chance to talk to Waters, you'd know he's respectful, humble, and genuinely cares about the RC community. You'll notice Waters doesn't talk much about his racing wins, or fastest laps, but it just shows how humble he is. Waters is the kind of guy that will take the time to help out someone new to the sport or even the most seasoned driver. His positivity radiates and really sets the tone at any race day. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to bring him on to the Adrenaline RC Staff Team. 

(Some of) Waters Racing Portfolio: 

Pyscho Nitro Blast 2018: Pro 1/8 Electric Buggy

Mugen Challenge 2017: Pro 1/8 Electric Buggy 

           Read the J Concepts article: Here

           Read the Red RC article: Here

Adrenaline RC Invitational 2017 

- 1:10 Scale 2wd Buggy Winner

- 1:10 Scale Stock 2wd Buggy Winner

- 1:8 Scale Electric Buggy Winner

LCRC "The Big One" 1st Place 1:8 E-Buggy 

ROAR Region 2 Mid Atlantic Off Road Series 2016 1:8 E-Buggy Winner

ROAR Region 2 2015 1:8 E-Buggy Winner 

RAPID FIRE!

1. Electric or Nitro?- Electric
2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other?- Proline
3. Kit or Pre-Built? - Kit
4. Dirt or Road?- Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? - Track
6. Racing or Practicing?-Racing
7. Lipo or NiMH?- LiPo
8. Big air or keeping it tight? – Big Air

Where it all Started...

He was just a kid with the classic radio shack car, when the RC bug bit him. However, it wasn't until 2006 when he got his first hobby grade RC car. 

"I've been doin rc since i was a kid, good ole radio shack cars were what got me started. it wasnt untill about 2006 that i got my first hobby grade rc, the traxxas rustler. me and my neighbor were into making huge jumps and sending them into orbit."

Lyddane attended a few races at Awesome RC in Stafford, VA before the closed up and that's when got seriously in to the sport. Unfortunately, when Awesome RC closed their doors, there wasn't a lot of local racing. 

"I got into the sport of racing rcs during the last few races at awesome rc in stafford, they closed up after my 3rd race and I went back to bashing, until I discovered Adrenaline RC with my buddy Jeff Avery. That was earlier this year (2017). Since then we have met some great people, built a sweet track we call Powerline RC (shameless plug, look us up on facebook) and met great people that I now call freinds and team mates." 

One of the greatest things about this sport is the community. Will Lyddane is living proof of the positive effects RC has had on his life and we couldn't agree more. If you haven't been to Powerline RC it is a lot of fun and a great track! You can actually read our feature on Jeff Avery and his story along with more information about Powerline RC here. 

 Lyddane's Sweet Arsenal 

Currently, you can find him racing the following:

1. Tekno ET 48.3
2. Tekno SCT 410.3
3. Durango DEX 410
4. Traxxas Rustler (the one and only original)
5.  Traxxas Slash 2wd 

It's not uncommon to see Lyddane run at least 3 classes at Adrenaline on race days! We're still trying to figure out how he manages it all! 

BUT wait.... There's more! 

"I currently own 22 hobby grade rcs, ranging from quad copters to rock crawlers to race rcs to monster trucks. Brands include Tekno, Traxxas, Losi, Helion, Durango,and Helimax."

 Advice for Others

"I think RC is great for people to get into for many reasons, the main one is fun. They are just a ton of fun. But on the racing side RC builds many different skill sets from mechanical, problem solving, working under pressure and working with and around other people. I use RC with my son to help teach patience, sportsmanship and how to figure out problems himself."

If he could go back in time to when he got into RC he would tell himself to start racing sooner and practice, practice, practice!

Brands, Cars, Recommendations

Lyddane is pretty dedicated to the Tekno Brand, while he loves his Traxxas cars, his Tekno vehicles allowed him get to the front of the pack. 

"The level of chassis tuning and performance is in my opinion un matched by any other brand. The Tekno cars have also proved to be almost tank like in the durability department which is good since I love to send it!  O tried Losi but it was like driving a battery operated bull dozer so I went back to Traxxas, I even tried Associated which was better than the Losi but then my buddy Josh Lyall let me try his Tekno.....and then I was hooked." 

His practice schedule tends to be every Wednesday evening and weekends he doesn't have a race to go to. 

How far would you go?

The furthest Lyddane has traveled is up to Tiltyard which is about 2 and a half hours from his home. He plans to attend several bigger races in the upcoming season that will be further away.

Final Thoughts, Family, and Gratitude

He has multiple family members that participate in RC and he loves that it is something they can all do together. His son is crazy about RCs as well and drives some form every single day. He's mostly been in to monster trucks and rock crawlers lately. 

 "I would like to give a shout out to my PLRC team mates Josh Lyall, Jeff Avery ,James Greer, and Vince Dooley. We have all put in many many laps and helped each other get better and better at this awesome sport of rc racing. I'd also like to thank Marc Lyall for acting as the coach and helping us along the way. I'd also like to thank Donnie Ward for his help at the track. Marc and Donnie together are like an encyclopedia of racing hints, set up tips and all things Tekno. And of course I would'nt be able to do any of this with out the love and support of my amazing wife Katrina, with out her I wouldnt be where I am today. "

Rapid Fire!

1. Electric or Nitro? Electric 
2. Pro-Line or Aka or Other? AKA
3. Kit or Pre-Built? Kit
4. Dirt or Road? Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? Track Racing
6. Racing or Practicing?  Racing
7. LiPo or NiMH? LiPo ( but I do hope they eventually discover a battery thats as powerful but safer and less explosive lol)
8. Big air or keeping it tight? Big Air, "Hi I'm Will from Powerline RC, and I'm here to SEND IT"
9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale?   1:8 Scale 
10. Buggy, Short Course, or Truggy? Short Course

Here was the breakdown of the weekend:

Friday: Open Practice

Saturday: 3 Rounds of Qualifiers

Sunday: Mains & Huck Fest

Friday

We had open practice from 12pm-9pm the night before the races started. People started to pour in, set up camp for the weekend, and drive late into the evening. Schaffer's BBQ Truck pulled up and offered everything from delicious pulled pork BBQ to home made potato salad!

Saturday

Saturday morning came quick, and the doors opened at 8! Racers began to stream in and were welcomed by the big invitational banner and gift bags for everyone. We were so fortunate to have several sponsors donate free samples, product, gift cards, etc for all of our drivers to have! Every gift bag had Shoe Goo, a Traxxas Coozie, lanyard, Simple Green samples, Adrenaline RC stickers, and more! After receiving their gift bags and signing up for the classes they wanted to run, drivers went to dig in to the breakfast we provided. This year we had Panera Bread quiches and breakfast sandwiches. Additionally, we had Dunkin Donuts and coffee! 

Drivers were able to sign up for as many classes and events that they wanted to run, it was all included in their ticket price. Additionally they got lunch on Saturday which was Subway and Chic-fil-a! 

We knocked out 3 rounds of qualifiers and ended the night with a fire pit and s'mores. 

Sunday

The last and final day approached, and the competition grew as Sunday was all about mains. This would determined who would win one of the sweet Adrenaline RC Invitational trophies. We actually got our trophies custom made and designed by MX Trophies who also made the Reedy Race trophies. Once the mains were done it was time to find out which team would be this year's relay race winners! The winners get their names engraved on the huge trophy cup that sits in our shop as well as gift cards to Adrenaline RC and bragging rights!

Breakfast and lunch were both provided on Sunday! Dunkin' Donuts was for breakfast. As for lunch these drivers demolished 300 boneless wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and many pizzas from Little Caesars. 

This year we added a new event called Huck Fest! There were two sub events: the High Jump and the Long Jump. We built a huge box filled with hay for cars to land in after attempting the high jump, but we quickly found out not many people could land in it. Luckily, there weren't too many casualties other than Steve Batten breaking his car in half. 

A big shout out to all of our sponsors this year! This event wouldn't be possible without you!

See all the photos from Invitational here!

2018 Sponsors: 

- Boca Bearing

- Kyosho

- Team Associated

- Simple Green

-Mugen Seiki

- Shoe Goo

- AKA 

-Traxxas 

-Coca Cola

- Monster Energy

- Trick Trucks

- Alamo Drafthouse

- Tekin

-Protek RC

- SMC

-JConcepts

- The Greene Turtle 

- Savox

- McDonalds

- Pro-Line

- Racers Edge

Where It All Began...

Funk got into the sport because of his oldest son. His oldest, Josh, started racing a 1:18th scale vehicle on an oval indoor track in Amsterdam with his Aunt and Uncle. "When I finally went to watch him race I was hooked." Soon after seeing this for himself, Funk purchased his first car. 4 months later he was introduced to off-road racing. " I bought a nitro buggy and the obsession has grown into electric buggy, truggy, 4x4 SCT, and Mini 8ights in a friend’s garage." 

The Current Lineup

As of the Summer of 2017, Funk was driving all TLR brand cars: Buggy, Truggy, and 4x4 Short Course. In grand total he owns 6 RC cars at the moment. The reason Funk is so dedicated to TLR is because he loves the durability and performance of the vehicles. 

Advice and Why You Should Give RC a Try!

We asked Funk why he thinks RC car driving is a great sport to get involved with and this was his response: "RC driving is a great hobby to get into because you are able to make new friends, it can be a great way to spend time with family, however the main reason I do it is because it is FUN!" If Funk could go back in time he would tell himself that "Slower is Faster." Here at Adrenaline we really agree with his piece of advice. You'll always hear us say "Slow is Fast." In fact, we have that quote plastered on the back of our race track building. 

Practice, Racing, and Travel!

Dale Funk practices once a week and tries to race every time he has the chance to. In regards to traveling, the furthest he has ever traveled to race is 4 hours. As we mentioned earlier Funk's son races as well. He really enjoys having his son come along with him on race days and spending that quality time together. "I really enjoy watching my son race. I get excited and sometimes enjoy watching him race more than racing myself."

Final Thoughts

Lastly, in 2017 Funk was sponsored by FTM Grip and LiPos. He is currently seeking more sponsors in 2018. 

RAPID FIRE!

1. Electric or Nitro? Electric
2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other? Pro-Line
3. Kit or Pre-Built? Kit
4. Dirt or Road? Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? Track Racing
6. Racing or Practicing? Racing
7. Lipo or NiMH?Lipo
8. Big air or keeping it tight? Big air
9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale? 1:8 Scale
10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy? 4x4 SCT

This month Hunter is talking all about building shocks and maintaining them! We hope you enjoy his write up! We love that we will have a collection of posts that you will be able to reference at any time as we continue to create more tech tips. 

Step 1: Disassembly

Start by taking apart and cleaning the shock, basically tearing down to kit form for a proper rebuild. I usually just use simple green or another similar de greaser, paper towels and a air compressor. While taking the shock apart inspect all the o-rings and shock guides for any 'ripping' or stress marks in the guides. This can cause leaking and inconsistent performance, don't hesitate to replace if needed. While taking the rod end and piston off of the shock shaft be careful not to scratch the coating, aluminum shock shaft pliers are your best friend in this case.

Step 2: O-ring/Guides Install

The easiest, most efficient way to do this, is to build your shock cartridge on a spare wrench (see pics). Put your o-rings and guides onto the shaft of your wrench in the same order that you removed them from the shock in. Apply a thin coat of o-ring grease onto the whole assembly, I used the protek grease in this build. Then just insert the whole assembly back into the bottom of your shock body. Make sure as you put it all back in, everything stays straight and level, then you just have the o-ring that goes onto the bottom of the shock body reinstall. You're now ready to put the lower shock cap back on, when tightening the cap it just needs to be snug, no need to over tighten.

Step 3: Rod End/Piston Install

Reinstalling the piston is pretty simple. Most cars have a washer that sits on the shock shaft, then the piston, and then a nut to hold it all in place. Put a small amount of Loctite onto the threads where the nut threads on. Now just make it snug, again do not over tighten! Over tightening can cause piston distortion (also shock shaft pliers again will make this a breeze). Tech Tip: take a sharpie and lightly go over top of where the piston size is etched in, it will make it much easier to read. (see pic). Now you can put that all back into the shock body, then we can thread the rod end back on. When threading the end back on theres a couple ways you can do this. I thread mine back on to where you can still see one thread, this is a pretty common method on 1/8 cars. Now if you are working on a 1/10 most of those have a 'stroke' measurement which is just the distance between the bottom of your lower shock cap and the top of your rod end, in this case either see your manual or visit your car brands website for some popular setup sheets for their recommended stroke. Again do not over tighten! It will stress the plastic and make it way more likely to fail.

Step 4: Spring Collar/Oil Install

At this point we are on the home stretch! The spring collar probably has a o-ring seated inside of it to prevent it from turning when driving. I usually put a small amount of the o-ring grease we used earlier on it just to make our job a little easier. Then just get it started onto the shock body, no need to adjust yet. For the oil part, make sure the shock is fully extended, then fill with oil up to level with the top of the shock. Slowly compress it, then bring it back out. You will have to do this a couple times. This is getting all the air that was trapped under the piston out. You may have to let them sit for a little while so all the bubbles can work their way to the top. Once you have stopped getting air out, you can top off the shock again making it level with the top. Now the shock we are building here are a 'emulsion' style shock which means it has a bleeder screw to let out any air or extra oil. So remove that screw and screw the shock cap back on (make sure the shock cap seal is installed and seated well) while the shock is fully extended (this you can tighten pretty tight but still dont over do it). Tilt the shock so that the bleeder screw hole is facing straight up, this will also help make sure all the air gets out (see pic).  Slowly compress the shock, have a paper towel ready for the extra oil that will come out, once its totally compressed you can re install the bleeder screw.

Step 5: Final Assembly/ Spring Tension

Now that, that is all done you can thread the spring collar all the way to the top as a fresh starting point for setting ride height. Install your spring and spring cup. You can go to your manual or setup sheet for a measurement as a starting place for ride height. This is measured from the ground to the lowest points on the car. To raise your ride height you just tighten your spring collar, be sure to do the left and right sides the same amount you want them to be as even as possible, I will usually take a sharpie or make a mark on the collar so I can count the turns. Then to lower ride height just loosen the collars. Easy as that now your rebuilt and ready to go!

The Consequences of Discovery

"We saw that it was in our hometown, looked like a well maintained track, held regular races, and had a hobby shop with everything we needed. We browsed through some of the content on the website and watched some videos shot at the track. Then we saw there were rentals. Drew practically demanded we drop what we were doing and go immediately. The first week of December we came in, rented trucks, and fell in love. It was the longest couple of weeks ever, but finally Santa was good to us as there were four trucks under the tree. We practiced the week after Christmas and participated in our first race on New Years Eve. We’ve been hooked ever since."

Family Time = Race Time

Andrew Higgs has 3 kids who regularly travel with him to the races most weekends. Two of which who drive (Drew & Matthew)  and the youngest (Owen) comes to hang out and enjoy the community. Additionally, there are many weekends when Higgs brings a family friend who races with his kids. We asked Andrew what it was like to have a whole family of RC drivers. It is not super common that every family member drives and spends the whole day at the races. "It is expensive, but worth every dime! Race day is pure chaos for me. The kids are a rowdy bunch, so someone always breaks something. Between us racing and marshalling, there is never enough time. I wouldn’t have it any other way though."

Not only is RC good for family time, but Higgs tells us why it's a great sport for the kids to get in to. "It is a great family friendly activity, at least at Adrenaline. It feeds the competitive nature, but without a ton of pressure to perform. It is also teaching them you can’t always win. Some days the luck (or skill) just isn’t with you, but rather than give up you try to salvage as much as you can points-wise. Basically, it teaches the whole lemonade out of lemons lesson. It is also way cheaper than buying a real racecar or gokart!"

Let's Talk Setup 

Higgs recently launched his brand new youtube channel, Rowdy Chaos, that documents his races through vlogs and breaksdown how he built out his racing trailer. If you haven't checked out his videos yet, we highly recommend it. 

"I drive a TLR SCTe 3.0 and the Team Associated RC8B3e and B64d. The kids are both driving 4wd Traxxas Slashes, but I do have another B64d and a TLR SCTe 2.0 for when they are ready."  In regards to brand loyalty, Higgs prefers Team Associated. He doesn't have a strong reason for choosing this brand other than some of the best drivers like Ryan Cavallieri are associated with the brand. 

We talked with Higgs about his decision to buy a trailer dedicated to RC cars, and he is genuinely loving his decision. "Having so many cars running, the trailer has been amazing. I have everything organized so I can open it up and start working. There really isn’t a pit setup time. Just open the door, take the cars off the wall, and get to work. It is my little rolling garage. It is a bit of an investment, but worth every penny. I highly recommend it. The only downside is not pitting inside the shop and being in constant chit-chat with the other drivers."

Over the last 7 months the Higgs family has officially accumulated 12 RC cars. Higgs jokes," not sure if that is good or bad, but for 7 months, yikes!"  

Advice for those thinking about it...

If Higgs could go back in time and tell himself one thing when we started racing it would be to start with 4 wheel drive trucks. He thought the Traxxas Slash 2 wheel drive was a great entry car and great for bashing, but it does leave a lot to be desired on the racing side. He does believe starting with the slightly more challenging 2wd car allowed more learning opportunity for control and patience, as it does not always want to rotate in the corners. 

His RC Car Routine..

His goal is to make it to the track to practice at least once a week. However, Higgs explains his summer has been insane, so it hasn't always been a realistic goal. With fall approaching and the new school year, getting back in to a routine will help. Much like having a little league sport after school, Higgs will bring his kids to the track to practice. 

He races every time Adrenaline RC has a race, plus they committed to the ROAR Region 2 as well. Occasionally they will make time for a special race here and there. The furthest Higgs has ever traveled is to Alabama for the AMS 8.0 Race earlier this summer. They can't wait for 2018 as they hope to hit up Motorama, Psycho Nitro, AMS, Wicked Weekend, Region 2 ROAR races, and all of the Adrenaline Races. They have a lot of exciting things to look forward to in the busy upcoming year. 

Last Minute Details Higgs would like to Include...

"Shoutout to everyone who helped us learn the ropes and get our feet wet. Thanks to the entire Hardison family for making Adrenaline what it is. You have built an amazing community around the track and for that I am grateful. Also a HUGE shoutout to my wife for putting up with our new life. Check out our YouTube channel, Rowdy Chaos!" 

RAPID FIRE!!

1. Electric or Nitro?

Electric, but I do love the smell of nitro!

2. Pro-Line or AKA?

Pro-Line

3. Kit or Pre-Built?

Kit

4. Dirt or Road?

Dirt, but I’ve never done road. I’m a huge race fan, so if we had a track I would get a road car.

5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling?

Track

6. Racing or Practicing?

Race

7. Lipo or NiMH?

Lipo

8. Big air or keeping it tight?

Tight (because we break too much on big air… at least for now)

9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale?

1:8

10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy?

SCT is more fun, but I do love the buggy

Hello Racers! 

With our Track Building getting close to completion, we wanted to cover a topic that is important to us! We want our all of our racers to have a great experience at our track, but in order to do so we want everyone to display proper racing etiquette! 

1. The Drivers Stand: 

• Don't Cut in line: If there is a line of drivers trying to get on the stand, wait your turn. To build on that, it is important to wait for the drivers from the previous race to exit the stand. 
• One of the worst things you could do on the driver's stand is to yell at other drivers, marshals, or employees of the track. Most marshals will not flip over your car if you are yelling at them. If no one sees your car after an appropriate amount of time goes by, it would be okay to nicely call for a marshall. 
• "When on the stand be aware of how you are standing on the stand, having your radio hanging out, or leaning way out makes it difficult for other drivers to see sometimes. It’s called the drivers’ stand, not the drivers’ slouch. Stand up when racing. You’ll drive better and you’ll be less likely to block the view of other drivers. Also, if you have a preferred spot on the stand, get there first. Don’t be the last guy on the drivers’ stand and expect other to move for you." - adapted from RC Truck Stop

2. Driving: 

• Let off the Throttle: When you are waiting for a marshall to pick up your car, let off of the Throttle. It is not safe for marshals to pick up your car if  your holding down the throttle. 
• If your Car breaks down take it off the track: Pretty Simple. 
• Don't intentionally try to crash into other racers: This should be obvious, but be good sport and don't ruin someone else's car or race on purpose. Plus we all pay for parts, and know how the expenses add up. 
• That being said, if you accidentally bump into another racer, wait for them and allow them to re gain their position back. Once you do this, you can try to pass with a clean pass. 

A few notes in general:

• Watch Language: There are families and children that come out to race and spectate. We want it to be a friendly environment. All in all just pay attention to your audience. 
• "If you are having a bad race–and all of us do at some point–do not take your frustrations out on your truck. You have a couple of choices here: either slow your pace down and finish your race or pull your vehicle off the track at a safe spot and wait until the race is over to get it. If you happen to be in the unlucky position of being yelled at on the stand, be the bigger person and let it go, leave the battles for racing on the track, not on the stand or in the pits." - adapted from RC Truck Stop

A few notes: Content was adapted from RC Truck Stop and Track Etiquette by Shaun Duffy. 

After doing some research I finally narrowed down some of my favorite RC youtube channels! These are in no specific order. So check all of them out! 

#1 Ultimate RC  

This channel has been around for quite a bit and unfortunately the owner no longer posts videos. However, if you are looking for product reviews this is by far one of the best channels! There are also some videos entitled: "In the Workshop" which show you step by step instructions for a variety of mechanical work. Also if you are looking to watch some awesome videos of RC Cars being driven around the track! Then this is the channel for you! 

#2 Live RC 

This youtube channel is perfect for watching the latest races! It's great for keeping up with RC news and watching live stream races. They broad cast races like ROAR Fuel Off-Road nationals! Imagine waking up, sipping on a cup of joe, eating eggs and bacon, and watching Races all over the country LIVE. 

#3 Short Course World 

This channel is the Jack of all Trades when it comes to Short Course vehicles. This channel includes kit reviews, tool videos, a "How to Build" series, Q & A videos, R/C phone calls with friends, and more! If you want to know how to put a car together, maintain it, or find out which short course will be a good fit for you, this is the channel to go to! 

#4 Neobuggy 

This channel is based out of Europe and captures all of the perantinostravel scene over there! It covers the EURO race series and interviews professional RC drivers. This channel also has footage of Worlds! It's perfect to see what is going on in RC all of the world, and to find out the latest information on professional RC Drivers. 

#5 perantinostravel TV

This channel is similar to Neobuggy in the sense that it covers the European RC scene. But it also includes some tutorials on how to build certain cars and behind the scenes footage of these large races. The video quality is pretty good and one of my favorite parts is that they show the rankings of the drivers as you would see in Nascar or even horse racing. If racing was going to be broadcasted on TV this would be the channel to do it. 

#6 The RC Network 

This channel reveals new cars all the time and will review them so you know what you're getting before you make the purchase! They also have features like Tool Tuesday where the go over the latest tools and how to use them. This channel shows you how to upgrade cars and will review things like tires as well. I find this channel helpful when trying to figure what the best things to put in and on my car. I also get enjoyment out of the running videos, in order to see how the car handles. 

#7 RC Overload 

While this channel covers a bunch of RC Cars it also features Drones, planes and more! There are unboxing videos, but I am entertained more by the bashing, jumping, and drifting videos! This channel will also show you how to build a Sakura, HPI Baja, and more! He also show cars like the Losi Mini Cooper! All around fun on this channel!

#8 IJumpRC

You guess it! This channel is full of RC action videos! Who doesn't want to watch a RC Car vs a Watermelon? This channel is pure fun and adds an exciting twist to RC! Also who doesn't like to watch videos with a series of RC Fails? If you're looking to be entertained or wonder what it would be like to beat up on your cars then check out this channel! 

#9 1967illya 

This channel is all about projects! Have you ever wondered how to make Angel Eye LED's for your RC Car? Well here's your chance! This channel is also full of rock crawlers and extreme hill challenges! Want to mix things up with your crawler? Then this is the channel for you!

#10 Drone Racing League 

To finish up this top 10 list we are bringing in the rear with Drone Racing. Imagine this: Neon Lights filling the room, First person Point of View Racing, an empty football stadium with nothing but the sounds of engines, and the night crawling over the walls as you race for the podium. Drone Racing can be done in abandoned buildings, stadiums, and around major landmarks. You have to see this for yourself in order to believe it. 

This ends our round up of awesome RC channels! What are your favorite channels, that make the cut? Leave in the comments below! 

1. Online Shopping: It's Quick and Easy: Unlike the many myths that are out there in regards to start-up companies and small businesses, Adrenaline RC brings you the convenience of shopping online and having products shipped straight to your front porch. Our shipping is quick and easy. We have a standard shipping time just like many large scale corporations. No need to worry about long shipping periods with us! Whether you live in California or our founding town of Amsterdam, Virginia, you can get product shipped straight to your front porch! Plus maybe one day we will have an option where you can have an account with us and save the products you want or regularly buy so you can easily order those products from our website. 
2. You will get Expert Advice and Consultation: Unlike many large corporate companies who are over loaded with emails every day (too many to respond to quick enough), we are able to respond to your emails and give you the precise and custom advice you need in regards to selecting a product. Need help learning how to install a part? Come in to our shop and we will show you! Just starting out and want to get into the Hobby? Shoot us an Email, Facebook Message, or come in and we will help you find the perfect fit! We take our time with each customer to ensure they receive the care and advice they need in order to have the best hobby experience. 
3. You get to come out to our Races and Physical Track: RC Tracks are rare to find these days. If you want to keep one next to you it's important to support your local hobby shop! You can support us even when buying online. Our goal is to create a RC community and experience. It's not just about selling a product to make money, it's about growing the sport all over the world. 
4. We can get you any product that you need: A common misunderstanding in regards to current small businesses, is that the selection of product is limited. This is not entirely true. While we only keep certain products in stock in our physical shop at any given time, we can order anything for you. Don't see the product you are looking for on our website? Shoot us an email! We will order it and ship it to you! We can get you what you need without a problem! 
5. Myth: Small Businesses are too expensive! In regards to Adrenaline RC, we are not a marked up small business. We are competing with companies like Amain hobbies. We offer our products at the same price as Amain. We never overprice our products. We are about growing the sport and giving you the best experience! 

We just wrapped up the 2019 ROAR 1:8 Electric Off Road Nationals! It was an exciting week here at Adrenaline RC. A recap video montage will be coming soon, but we wanted to compile/feature some of the race reports various drivers shared about Nats! 

Results: https://www.perantinostravel.com/results/?p=event_overall_ranking&id=309669 

Check out a few of the race reports from the weekend! 

 Dakotah Phend

"Successful weekend at an awesome facility! Thank you to the whole Adrenaline RC Raceway family and crew for a great weekend! My Trinity powered TLR rides with AKA rubber were great from the very start so I was able to concentrate on my driving on a very close track. At the end of the weekend I was able to walk away with a podium in every class! In 4wd SC I was able to take the tq and win along with a 2nd in E truggy and a 3rd in E buggy. Now time to buckle down and get ready for The King of Kings this week!"

Spencer Rivkin

"My trip from Amsterdam, Virginia is now over. I have to say it was a great event and couldn’t have gone smoother. The track was unique and challenging at the same time. It definitely brought the best out of us Drivers.
__________
I had a good weekend, I finished 2nd in the Pro Ebuggy class and 5th in the Etruggy class. My Team Associated whips felt awesome and comfortable to drive. Looking forward on getting them back out at a different event.
__________
My Hobbywing North America electronics were flawless all weekend! Super pleased on how smooth and predicable they have been for me all year. Definitely the most reliable electronics on the market!
__________
The JConcepts Inc tires were great the whole time during the event. With Jconcepts always on hand at these events it makes it nice to consult with the team to figure out what’s the best for the conditions.
__________
It was good seeing the boys and hanging out with @alex_kosciuszek and @jackson_brunson . 🤟🏽"

Jackson Brunson 

"The ROAR 1:8 Electric Nationals, the second Nationals of the year, has come to a close. At a facility I’ve never traveled to, I knew it was going to be an exciting time. I would only race my RC8B3.1E and RC8T3.1E; coming home with a BQ finish with the EBuggy and wasn’t able to finish my B-Main in ETruggy.
———————————————————————
I have to say the host this year, Adrenaline RC Raceway, was pretty dialed in. From indoor A/C pits, covered track area, and friendly owners, it surely made this race one to remember. The track layout was a blast to drive on all weekend with very little changes to the surface.
———————————————————————
Traveling with the Man, Jason Ruona, we were dialed in with tires as usual and weren’t lacking anything. Getting together with teammates, we would settle on the Ellipse tire in Blue compound. After some practice after qualifying each day, we all decided this was what we’d settle on for main day.
———————————————————————
Huge thanks to the guys for all their help and assistance this weekend! Looking forward to buckling down hard for a few weeks getting things situated and dialed in for the 1:10 Electric Nationals in Columbus, OH with #LFB! Thanks to my family and sponsors for their help and support."

Cody Saner

"Finished up here at the 2019 ROAR Electric Nationals. I was able to get myself into both the truggy and buggy B mains. Overall I finished up 17th in truggy and 20th in buggy.

It was a fun week hanging out with everyone. Thank you Adrenaline for putting on a great event.

Thanks to my sponsors Mugen and JConcepts for the help and support throughout the week.
Thank you to LCRC for everything they do for me."

Ryan Maifield 

"The Summer tour rolls on with the ROAR 1/8th E-Nationals from Adrenaline Raceway in Amsterdam, Virginia. This is a great location and facility for a race of this magnitude.
__________
We were able to put in a half day of practice on Wednesday and get a little shake-down of the @mugenseikiracing MBX8 Eco vehicles. As with all indoor racing, finding the tire setup proved to be the focus and we got closer and closer through Wednesday and then into control seeding on Thursday, we narrowed down the @jconcepts tire selection.
__________
Qualifying was a bit rough on Friday, trying to get clean runs, quick laps and test setup and tires. Struggled a bit in buggy and needed a much better run to qualify up front to have any chance. The Truggy was a bit better scoring a 2 and 3 for the rounds to have a top 3 grid position. Saturday’s qualifying proved to be much better in buggy taking a 2nd in round 3 and later a TQ in round 4 to take the tie-breaker and start on the pole position for Sunday’s A-main events.
__________
The mains were just good ole fashioned no mistakes racing. The driver up-front needed to be perfect and error free. Take your grid position and run with it, a bobble here or there set you back and it was hard but not impossible to make up time. In Truggy I had a few openings but tapped out just when things were getting interesting. Raced hard with Dakotah and Joe but in the end had to settle for 3rd and a podium. Buggy was another story, with clear track out front, it was safe to set the pace and let the rest battle it out for 2nd and 3rd. A1 was run how I hoped for and a little more stressful A2 ended with a victory and a seal on the 1/8th Buggy title.
__________
Congrats to Dakotah Phend on his 4x4 SCT win, Joe Bornhorst on his E-Truggy win and James Henry on his 40+ master win. Thanks to Adrenaline Raceway, The ROAR management team on a picture perfect event. Mugen Seiki teammates and Team LCRC was awesome on the support all weekend. @jruona from @jconcepts for the trackside support and media content all weekend. Along with our crew in the pit area making the days go by with many laughs in the pits.
__________
Next event up, the ROAR 1/10th Electric Nationals at EN Hobbies."

Jared Tebo

"The 2019 ROAR 1/8 Electric Nationals are in the books. It was a fun race weekend, a new track for me, and a new class for me to race as well. The racing conditions were very intense, with a tight track and low traction, but it was fun. Finished 2nd in 4WD SCT, 4th in Buggy, and 8th in Truggy. All my Tekno cars were awesome all weekend 👍🏻 Congrats to Joe Bornhorst on his Truggy National Championship 🏆 Thanks to Matt Wolter, Red, Donnie Ward, and Kyle Chasen for all the help and support, also to all my great sponsors." 

Joe Bornhorst 

"Just got home from an awesome weekend at the ROAR #Enats. I converted my TQ into a win for the #NationalChampionship in Truggy, and also a 3rd in SCT. Luck wasn’t on my side in Buggy, but all good. 👍 Super pumped on the weekend and to get my 2nd National Title! Thanks to my sponsors for everything, I’ll keep digging!"

Joe Fiocca

"The 2019 #ENats is in the books. What can I say, I had a great time! This multi day event started on Thursday with two rounds of seeding practice. Qualifying started Friday, and I did pretty well, sitting 2nd going into round 2. Unfortunately, qual 1 would end up as one if my best runs of the weekend. I would ultimately qualify 5th, and finish 4th overall in the triple A mains. What surprised me most of all this weekend, was that I actually felt a little nervous. I’m usually pretty chill up on the stand so I didn’t expect that. I suppose 29 years between Nationals events could do that to you. I know what I need to clean up, and will continue to work to get my results on par with my buggy’s potential. The program ran very smoothly and was evidence that this track is more than ready to handle an event like this. It was awesome to see the pros do what they do best, and equally impressive to see some of our local talent run right along with them in the triple A mains. I couldn’t have asked for a better pit mate, as I witnessed Dakotah Phend put in work all weekend and was rewarded with the National title in SCT and podium in 1:8 Electric Truck (Truggy) and 1:8 Electric Buggy."

Caden Burnette 

"Had a good weekend at the ROAR Electric Nationals!! Ended up 1st in the C Main almost made the B Main! I had a good race going and messed it up. But got back up and ended up finishing 4th. Had a great time pitting with the Team Associated guys!! I would like to thank my sponsors Team Associated, Reedy Power, AKA Tires. Had a great time and thanks to @spencerrivkin , @jackson_brunson , and @alex_kosciuszek for all the help and support!!!"

Your Go-To Guide for Everything E-Nats

This guide includes hotels, airports, restaurants, local attractions, E-Nats Checklist, Schedule, RV Parking, and more!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Rob Isaac's Story

Written: Jan. 2018

"I was introduced to R/C when I was 15. We raced on road and oval at Hobby Hanger in Amsterdam, VA. After a 20 year break I discovered Adrenaline. I convinced my wife to let me buy a kit. I visited the track a few times prior to check out how the sport has changed. Everyone at Adrenaline was really helpful, and after watching my first race there I had to get started. This is the close of my first ( now second!)  year racing and I must say I’ve had a blast, learned a bunch and met a whole lot of good people. I was able to pick up several sponsors this year. My first manufacturer sponsorship is with Team Orion and I look forward to getting better and representing them in 2018 . My brother and Nephew joined me in racing and we now race as a Team. We have many plans this year and plan to host more charity events as our first Toys-For-Tots held at Adrenaline was a success. I think racing is great for any family or individual. It’s very competitive and teaches any age person sportsmanship and patience. My kids spend a lot of time with me at the track. I try and practice at least once a week weather permitting. The farthest I’ve traveled to race was R/C pro’s near Chesapeake.  I thank Adrenaline for providing a great facility and place to unwind and enjoy this awesome sport.  I run Mugen E-buggy , Team Losi Truggy and SCT, Team Associated 1/10 4wd. We run Pro-line and AKA tires between the tracks we race at. Thanks again for the support." 

Avery has been doing RC car racing since 2003 and was first introduced to the sport by his father. His father raced RC cars through the 90s, and recently Avery has gotten him back into it. Honestly, that's the beauty of this sport. This sport brings people together in a way that is heartwarming. No matter how old, how tall, how small, how young, it doesn't matter, anyone can do this. It brings families together and the RC community is so welcoming. So it is very cool how it came full circle for Avery and his father. 

Avery's RC Arsenal

Here's the lineup! The Avery arsenal includes the following:

• Kyosho MP9e Tki4
• Losi SCTE 3.0 
• Kyosho ZX6

What's cool about Avery's collection is his diversity in brands. Many people tend to be brand loyal, which prevents them from trying out a diverse collection of cars. These are just Avery's current active cars within his 10 car arsenal. 

Why RC and Avery's Pro Tips

"People should get into it because it's a quick and easy way to be competitive and have fun with your friends. I'm just getting back into it since the brushed days, and after leaving motocross I needed less risk and to still be able to enjoy myself." 

If Avery could go back in time and give himself advice in regards to RC racing it would be this:

"If I could go back I wouldn't just tell myself to stick with it, I would also tell my Dad to keep me in it." 

Avery makes a good point with this piece of advice. If you are just getting into RC for the first time or again after being on a break it is important to stick with it. This type of consistency will make you a better driver in the long run, no matter your age or skillset. 

We wanted to find out what Avery's practice schedule is like and this is what he said: 

"I practice when I can, I'm active duty Marine Corps so my schedule doesn't always cooperate. Some friends and I started Powerline RC and built a track in the Fredericksburg area that allows me to go and practice when I can. Also some trips to Adrenaline RC when I have extra time."

Despite Avery's busy schedule his practice pays off, as he performs well at races! With this he mainly races here at Adrenaline RC and his own operated track called Powerline RC. If you haven't checked out Powerline RC you can find them here on facebook. They hold occasional races and it is always a blast! You'll find some of our Adrenaline Team up there on race days! The farthest he's ever traveled to race is about 2 hours away. 

Final Thoughts

Jeff Avery's family is adorable and it is always a treat when they are all up at our track for race days! 

"Seeing my Wife drive when she has the time is awesome, she is a lot better than she thinks. I enjoy seeing how much fun she has."

Rapid Fire Questions!

1. Electric or Nitro? Electric 
2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other? JConcepts
3. Kit or Pre-Built? Kit
4. Dirt or Road? Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? Track Racing
6. Racing or Practicing? Both
7. LiPo or NiMH? LiPo
8. Big air or keeping it tight? Got to send it!
9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale? Both! 
10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy? Buggy 

Darius has been racing since June of 2015 and it shows out on the track! When Royer was seven years old his dad had sold his remote controlled helicopter for an RC Buggy. 

 "I kept breaking it by hitting the curb, so my dad did some research and found the Traxxas Slash. 7 years later I put a Slash 4x4 on the track, kept showing up to races, and the snowball effect took over from there!"

Currently, Royer exclusively drives Team Losi Racing vehicles. He owns 12 vehicles at the moment but at the most he's had 13 at a time. He personally chooses TLR because their cars are extremely reliable, durable, consistent, and all built off the same platform making maintenance and set up easy.  His fleet includes the following:

1. 1/8 eBuggy
2. 1/8 eTruggy
3. 1/10 4WD Short Course
4. 1/10 2WD Buggy

For those thinking about getting into the Sport

"I feel it's good for people to get into because it's a hobby that brings people together to do what they enjoy. It's a hobby with many great people who are willing to do anything to help each other, especially on raceday!"

If Royer could go back in time he would've told himself not to waste money and buy a top notch racing rig that has great equipment. It's well worth the investment of purchasing something up to racing standards if you know you're going to be serious about racing. `

Additionally Royer practices 3-4 times a month on average and races about 2-5 times a month. Traveling is part of the deal unless you have a relatively local track when it comes to RC car racing. The furthest Royer has traveled is to Wall RC in Township, NJ ( 2 hours 33 minutes from his house). 

We also tried to find out the details on who sponsors Royer, and we were successful! 

"Currently I have VooDoo Racing Cells." 

We finished up our Interview with a series of Rapid Fire Questions!

1. Electric or Nitro? Electric (Currently)
2. Pro-Line or AKA or Other? Raw Speed Inc.
3. Kit or Pre-Built? Kit
4. Dirt or Road? Dirt
5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling? Track Racing
6. Racing or Practicing? Racing
7. LiPo or NiMH? LiPo
8. Big air or keeping it tight? Probably keeping it tight, however sometimes it's just fun to send it.
9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale? 1:8 Scale for sure, however I enjoy the challenge both styles of racing have to offer.
10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy? Definitely Buggy because it's the most challenging class I race in. 

This past weekend Adrenaline RC celebrated a big milestone! We were so excited to celebrate our 1 year anniversary! When we were planning and designing what we wanted our anniversary weekend to look like we immediately thought of showing our customers some love. After all, we wouldn't be around if it wasn't for each and every one of you who supports us. We decided to make custom invitations for each of of our customers and invite them to the biggest party of the year! 

We spent hours planning catering, contacting sponsors, and coming up with creative races to make this weekend a blast. It all came together perfectly! 

Day One:

Doors opened at 9am and the racers began to pour in to the shop. Dunkin' Donuts and Panera Bread waited on our customers as they got themselves set up and prepared for a long day of racing. As each racer registered they received a sample bottle of Simple Green. (Shout out to Simple Green for sponsoring our event ;) ) Each table was packed in the both the shop and the track building. Additionally, racers were set up outside enjoying the beautiful weather on Saturday. 

The Stats: 

-65 Drivers

-163 Entries

-20 Heats per Qualifier

-4 Rounds of Qualifiers

This weekend we launched our 40+ Class for 1/8 Electric Buggy & 4x4 Short Course. These participants were allowed to run both the regular and 40+ heats for these classes. This class is a fun way to divide up the competition and allow different people to win awards! The 40+ classes will continue in to our Fall Points Series starting October 22nd. 

Throughout the day on Saturday we did random giveaways! Our Sponsors who will be listed at the bottom of this post, donated some incredible product to give away to our customers! It worked out perfectly that we had enough random giveaway prize bags for every single one of customers! 

Lunch time came around and we had Chick-Fil-A and Subway Cater. A line quickly formed and the food was gone before we knew it. It was a huge hit! As the day progressed people played corn hole between heats, socialized, and watched college football. Around 9pm we were finishing up the 3rd Qualifier, so we pulled out the fire pit and made s'mores! What a great way to end the night! We ended up doing Qualifier 4 at 9am on Sunday. 

We made four big collage posters with pictures from the past year of all our customers! We had everyone sign next to their picture so we have a fun keepsake to hang up at the shop! We are so thankful for our RC community! 

Day Two:

With one long day of racing under our belts, people poured back in to the shop at 8:30am to prepare for the 4th round of qualifiers. Our racers left their spots set up so they didn't have to do much when they came back on Sunday. Breakfast was provided with coffee, donuts, and pastries from Dunkin Donuts and Panera Bread. Fizzle's BBQ Food Truck came out to serve up some lunch! Once the last qualifier was done it was finally time to start mains.

There were 20 heats within mains and the adrenaline was truly pumping by then. This was it. This is what determined who would win a plaque! The top 5 racers from each main could win a plaque. We had plaques for pictures, but we will be sending each winner a customized plaque with their name on it. Once the mains were completed we had three unique races to run! 

A group of guys decided to run a 1/10 Stock 2wd Buggy A3-Main. Each person put $20 in a jar and whoever won, would take all the cash. The winner, Hunter Waters, won $120! Next we ran our relay race. It was teams of 3, E-buggy, 4wd Short Course, and 4wd 1:10 Buggy. Each car did 10 laps and the team who finished the relay first won $150 to Adrenaline RC and their names will be engraved on our huge relay trophy! Wil Alameida, Bryan Frymyer, and Brandon Swisher won the relay! Finally, we ended with a last man standing race. Whoever could race the longest won. Tommy Gooch, was able to outlast the rest of the racers! He won a $25 gift card to Adrenaline RC. 

Overall it was such a fun day! We even gave away 3 bigger prizes! We gave away a small Kyosho drone, a Kyosho boat, and a 3PV Futaba Controller donated by Hobbico!

We are so thankful that the weekend was so successful and everyone had a great time! We can't wait to do it again next year! 

A Big Thanks to our Sponsors!

• Futaba
• Hobbico
• Reedy 
• Team Associated 
• Kyosho
• SMC
• Martin's
• AutoZone
• McDonalds
• J Concepts
• Horizon Hobby
• DE Racing
• Lead Finger Racing
• ProTek
• Pro-Line
• Trick Trucks
• Boca Bearing
• Punched RC
• Tekno
• Simple Green

The Line Up 

It all started with an HPI Savage, then a HPI 5t, which he would just bash around in the driveway at home. It wasn't until he came across The Track in Gaithersburg, Maryland in 2013. It only took one step in to a racing facility for Alameida to get hooked. His RC Car collection is impressive, as he currently owns six cars. 

1. E-Buggy (Tekno)
2. 4WD SCT (Tekno)
3. 2WD Mod SCT (Pro2)
4. 2WD Mod SCT (Traxxas)
5. 2WD Mod Buggy
6. 1/16 4WD Buggy

At the moment, He primarily races two classes. Those being 1/8th E-Buggy and Four Wheel Drive Short Course (4WD SCT). 

Building Character

"I believe that perantinostravel/Driving is great for people to get into, because it is a hobby that the entire family can be involved in. As well as teach our young (and old) ones how to win and lose with modesty and character. Additionally, it teaches children about responsibility and common sense. Which I feel are important lessons in this day and age."  

It is not very often that you will run into Alameida at the race track without a kid with him. For Wil this is the ultimate way to do what he loves while spending quality time with loved ones.

"I really enjoy having my girlfriend's children and of course my son involved in racing RC cars. Its really a great family hobby, and teaches the kids a lot of good responsibility and sense of pride when they make accomplishments! Our goals are to make clean laps, not crashing into other people, and being good marshalls. Because we always want to have good marshalls, and appreciate it in return on the drivers stand. :) " 

Remember when I told you Alameida was admirable? That's why. For him this sport goes beyond the surface level. It's not just about the racing and cars. For Alameida it's about being a great role model for his son and his girlfriend's children. He wants to help them build character and he truly cares about teaching the future generation of RC racing how to be good sportsmen. 

His RC Car Routine & Advice for Beginners 

We asked Alameida what he would tell himself if he could back in time to the first time he walked up on that driver's stand and his advice is simple yet extremely effective. 

"If I could go back in time to the beginning of my RC racing career, I would say “SLOW DOWN! You’re a Ferrari with no road map! Slow down, hit your marks, and keep the car rubber down.” " 

Wil has a goal to make it out to the track for practice at least once a week. "If I don’t get to make my way to the track, I am constantly trying different setups in the driveway, and of course maintenance is continuous." He tries to make it out to 3 races a month and 4 on a good month.

"Ugh, if I could I would already be a professional, and race non-stop!"

In regards to preferred brands he is a dedicated Tekno RC supporter. Alameida states how he is impressed with their customer service and their mentality that "there is always room for improvement." #bigfan  Another fun fact about Wil is that he is a Pro-Line Team driver and loves their tires. 

Distance Will not Stop Him 

The farthest Alameida has ever gone to race is Hartville, OH. What's in Hartville you may ask? NEORCRC! 

"This track is interesting, because technically it is just over 6 hours away from my home. However, it was only about 30 mins from my sons’ grandparents. When I would travel out there to visit family, I was lucky enough to get out to this facility and it was a great place, and very fast competition."

Last Minute Details Alameida would like to Include...

"I would very much like to thank Adrenaline RC for their great facility and outstanding hospitality. I hope this hobby can reach out to more young racers, and get the chance to make it out to the Young Guns races. Its my personal favorite to see the kids smiling faces on the drivers stand, and having the time of their lives!"

We are very fortunate to have a driver like Wil Alameida at our Track! He's been coming to our track since we opened almost a year ago! 

Rapid Fire! 

1. Electric or Nitro?

2. Pro-Line or AKA?

3. Kit or Pre-Built?

4. Dirt or Road?

5. Track Racing or Rock Crawling?

6. Racing or Practicing?

7. Lipo or NiMH?

8. Big air or keeping it tight?

9. 1:10 Scale or 1:8 Scale?

10. Buggy, Short Course or Truggy?

ALL CLASSES! Love em!

Gear Up, RC Fans! Your Favorite Models Are Coming to You!

If you're in Amsterdam, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Potomac, or Leesburg, get ready for a game-changer in the world of remote control racing. We at perantinostravel are thrilled to announce our latest offering: a brand-new Local Delivery Service!

Why We're Bringing RC Closer to You

At perantinostravel, we're always looking for ways to enhance your RC experience. We understand that sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your next RC adventure is the distance to our stores. That's why we've decided to bridge this gap with our local delivery service.

What This Means for You

Whether it’s that high-speed car, agile boat, or a soaring airplane you've been eyeing, getting your hands on it has never been easier. Our local delivery service promises speed and convenience, bringing the thrill of RC racing straight to your doorstep.

How It Works

Simply visit our website, choose your favorite RC models, and place an order choosing ship, with local delivery as the shipping option. We'll take care of the rest! Our dedicated delivery team, who share your passion for RC, will ensure your order arrives safely and swiftly.

Please note that there are delivery fees and minimum order values, which vary depending on your location. These details are designed to ensure the most efficient and effective service possible.

The Adrenaline RC Promise

Our commitment to you extends beyond just selling products. We aim to create a community of RC enthusiasts, providing not just the vehicles but also the joy and excitement that come with them. This delivery service is a step further in our journey together.

Ready, Set, Race!

So, what are you waiting for? The next addition to your RC collection is just a few clicks away. Experience the convenience and joy of having your next RC model delivered to your home.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news from perantinostravel. Remember, the track might be where the race happens, but with our local delivery service, the excitement starts right at your front door!

#AdrenalineRCDelivery #RCRacingAtYourDoorstep #LocalRCThrills #AdrenalineRCRacing