Open season for open-wheelers

Radio Control Car Action, Apr 2003 by Vieira, Peter

STARTING LINE

Are we heading for a second coming of "open-wheel" cars? You know: F1 and Indy racers, or "pointy cars" to you NASCAR fans. DuraTrax's new Delphi Indycar is the latest open-wheel release (see the review on page 122), and it joins Kyosho's ultra-scale Mini-Z F1 line and Tamiya's innovative 4WD F201 chassis in the vanguard of what could be RC's next trend.

Open-wheel cars have been part of the RC scene since the early days and were part of the big boom in the 1980s; many Tamiya Road Wizards probably still lurk in closets and attics-if they haven't all landed on Ebay, that is. In the late '90s, "F1 cars" (as they were universally known) were hot items; Tamiya's F-101 and F-102 chassis set the standard, and Kyosho launched its own direct-- drive open-wheeler to match it. You may even remember the Impress-Kyosho's full-option version of the car. And don't forget HPI; the company's first kit was the F1, which trumped everything else with

a sophisticated rear suspension, articulated front wishbones and graphite construction-a true race-- car. At the time, Indy and F1 designs were the parking-lot players of choice and were the impetus behind a new parking-lot racing movement. Meanwhile, a few clubs started to bring newfangled touring cars to the events. Before long, touring became the Big Thing and F1 faded.

So why is the open-wheel scene heating up now? Well, why not? There are more ways to enjoy the cars, since you can now hold a grand prix in your living room with the Mini-Z, and it's easier than ever to get behind the wheel because the DuraTrax Delphi and Kyosho Mini-Zs are ready to run. And it doesn't hurt that the Mini-Zs double as display-quality static models; the bonus of actually being able to drive them has to be tough for any die-cast car collector to resist. In the case of Tamiya's F201 (which also looks like a display piece when it's complete), F1 fans get authentic inboard, independent suspension for realistic handling. Full-time 4WD is a big help in the handling department as well; sure, no full-size F1 car has 4WD, but it sure makes the F201 a lot easier to drive than the skittish rear-wheel-drivers of old.

Will open-wheelers really take off? That's up to you. But I know what my next car will be!

IN THIS ISSUE

Kiss your crystals goodbye. Hitec was the first to release a frequency-synthesizing pistol radio (the Lynx 3D with Spectra module), and Novak was the first with a synthesizing receiver (the XXtra, which you can also purchase with the Lynx 3D), but only JR Racing's XS3 is the first with a same-brand transmitter and receiver frequency-synthesizing system. And it's affordable! We have the complete review on page 176. Mom merg. Only Toho has more monsters than the RC scene. Hot Bodies will be the latest to join the fray with its soon-to-be-released Dirt Demon. It's shaping up to be the biggest of the big-- block nitro monster trucks, and you'll be one of the first to see it when you flip to page 78.

Join the mod squad. Winds, turns, comms-oh my! If you're ready to install a modified motor for more speed and power but you need help sorting out the features and jargon, we're here for you. What better way is there to understand mod motors than by reading an article called "Understanding Modified Motors"? It starts on page 182.

Charge It. So, you're taking the plunge and upgrading to a racing-caliber charger. Lots of choices, lots of features; how do you pick? We show 15 current models (forgive the pun) and give all their specs to help you decide which charger to add to your pit box; turn to page 132.

Peter Vieira

Executive Editor