Wanted a place for some MN specific VTA discussion, plus I feel like I need a history lesson for my own edification. I'm looking to switch out of USGT into VTA so I can hone my driving skills at a lower speed.

25.5t 2S vs. 17.5t 1S

Why do the VTA rules zero in on only Novak motors? It seems like there are several cheaper alternatives out there that apparently aren't allowed:

Speedzone $85 speedzoneusa.com/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_95&produ cts_id=394
Speed Passion $70 stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?src=ns&pn=SPRSP000410
Viper $70 amain.com/viper-r-c-vst25.5-brushless-motor-25.5t/p195683

Apparently putting a Novak 25.5 stator in a TrackStar can (rctech.net/forum/electric-road/646100-turnigy-trackstar-motors-27.html#400) would also be a cheap, but probably dubious option.

The real question is, would anyone care if I ran one of these cheaper motors?

I assume the 17.5t option with 1S battery is because 1) it's lighter and 2) there are several 17.5t motor options to choose from. But I shouldn't assume...

the rules for classes vary depending where you race. MMR spec has been 17.5 blinky/ single cell since 2008. no changes expected anytime soon.

The cars are different classes. 17.5 1s is nimbler and faster in the turns. 25.5 is like running a big block but so heavy it's point and shoot down the straights. Some places let other 25.5's run, but the national rule is Novak 25.5 ONLY. So if you put a different motor in you may or may not be able to run it. LSRCC is Novak only for their big race coming up for example. And you'll be adding a lot of lead to make weight for usvta.

Interesting, so do the MMR VTA guys going up north switch out to 25.5/2S and add a bunch of weight?

What was the impetus behind going with 17.5t and 1S for the MMR VTA class? I like it, it seems smart - just curious.

trans am started as a 4 cell 27 turn class in a sedan. same as 1/12.. when everything went lipo and brushless we followed the same path as 1/12th.

State Champs in March will have both MMR VTA and USVTA.

I liked 17.5t/1S vta, car was nimble (once you got it tuned right) and the speed were manageable.

Having driven and raced both before, I also agree the 17.5/1s was a better car. Drive better. More options for 17.5. The car handles better. But most importantly, as an entry level class for most, it taught you maintaining momentum and clean lines better then the heavy 25.5 did. In my opinion.

do you guys reuse the 17.5s in your say offroad vehicles?

with East Grand Forks now doing indoors VTA they pretty much run the USVTA rules other than motor.

Big thing why the novaks are used for USVTA that I keep seeing when it pops up there is that Novak was in first to meet the needs, so they get the nod.

That makes sense. Thanks for the insight!

a motor is a motor you need to look at the club or race rules if its allowed or not. Example Rule
-Trinity D3.5 not allowed for spec 17.5 races, MOD ONLY
-Trinity Short Stack 1 cell NOT Allowed for Class X or Race Y
-ROAR approved motor only Resistance XXX ohms


for the most part a 17.5 used in off road is the same 17.5 used for onroad. As long as you haven't overheated or abused the rotor/motor it should be more then fine.

My question was more so to get an idea of what type of motors you were using and how well they work out for offroad usage afterwards.

For example, if you guys are using say 1 cell motors or motor configuration 'X' for this class and find they are not good for offroad usage later on, that info would be helpful to get an idea if this is pretty much something you keep one motor for, or, you can look into reusing the motor later on from a competitive standpoint.

I have used 17.5's from my onroad for what little offroad I run and they work well. But the only thing a Novak 25.5 is good for is usvta.

Cool thanks for the info!

Every motor is different. expect to spend time setting your timing and gearing. for the car and the track.

Example:
- I run a 17.5 TrackStar from Hobbyking for 1cell VTA I'm not the fastest but I am competitive.
- Chris run the same 17.5 trackstar from Hobby king in his Stock t4.2 offroad and is Competitive.

USVTA doesn't handle as nice as the 1s 17.5. That said, having everyone on the SAME motor/rules package certainly levels the playing field. Take our club races @ LSRCC, a 10 year old tc3 associated not only competes, but wins. Whereas in years past its been a Motor/Car chasing class. Food for thought