Originally Posted by F N CUDA

It'll be good to see you on asphalt again and just in time, next race is at Tamiya, another of your homes.
I really like Sean and TQ raceway but the last few times out there I've had miserable times with traction rolling and breaking my stuff, F1 and VTA and the things take forever to get settled back down again. I get rid of the snap roll and the car is a pig so it's just not fun for me.
I think carpet gives me turrets syndrome, I'm cussing involuntarily all day long and it's gotta be annoying to the other drivers.

Originally Posted by David J.

I can understand that some of you are frustrated with the TRF101 not being legal for the remainder of the 2013 TCS season. So I’ll try to explain a few things in hopes of adding perspective to a decision that was not made lightly. The majority of new chassis releases such as the F104 X1, V2 etc. tend to be gradual evolutions. In addition, existing owners can “upgrade/convert” their chassis (or purchase the new model if they chose) while remaining compliant to the TCS regulations. However, sometimes there are new products that aren’t as easy to integrate for one reason or another and the TRF101 is one of those cases. At a glance, the TRF101 may look relatively similar to the F104 line. However, it features adjustments & geometry that could make its performance beyond the capability of the F104 chassis. If it has such and advantage, drivers with the F104 would have to by the TRF101 in order to be competitive. No, I don’t believe that most people serious about TCS are going to buy a new car for the finals anyway.

To highlight some of the advantages of the TRF101, the front end may look simpler than it really is. It features a “flex” upper arm system that provides camber change like the F104 front suspension, while being much more solid thus more stable than the F104. This paired with the conventional coil spring, should provide and very versatile range of rate/movement which can be adjusted via the upper arm screw. It also has much more caster angle (about 8 deg) which is a key geometry feature and something the F104 is in need of but not capable of. Moving to the rear, the side link ratios options allow for a significant increase in range/tuning. This is another area that the F104 is limited. In my opinion, the links are too far inboard on the V2 which not only reduces the resolution of the side springs but it also amplifies free play and fragility. The differential is also much better on the TRF101. It features twice the number of diff balls which reduces the assembly tension by half, resulting in a much more consistent and longer lasting differential. That’s just the way in comes out of the box. Then there’s the hop-ups (that won’t be compatible with the F104) coming. No, we can’t allow the use of components to be swapped from the TRF101 to the F104. “Hybrids” are not allowed in TCS and would create a far bigger can of worms.

Furthermore, “TRF” cars are prone to “high rates of evolution”. This means frequent new variants in a short period of time. For example, we’re on our 5th version of the TRF417 in about 18 months VS our 2nd version of the TA05 in about 6 years. Should the use of TRF cars be allowed in GT-2 and GT-3? I believe this would hurt these classes long term. Unfortunately, it’s not practical to create a separate F1 class at this time. As the race director, I have to consider all factors and the long term effects on the class. Is it counterintuitive in terms of sales to not allow the TRF101? Probably, I’m sure allowing the car would generate sales….short term. However, I believe that what’s best for the participants is what’s best for the series and I think overall sales will reflect that….long term.

In light of these factors, this late in the season (8 out of 11 regional’s complete), I don’t believe it’s in the best interest of the participants and the F1 class as a whole, to allow the use of the TRF101 chassis until a further review can be made. I can only offer my apologies for any frustration this decision has made to our customers. For this, I sincerely apologize.

Originally Posted by hickmeister

I hear that Fred had a 101 out at the Tamiya Track on Saturday?
Fred can you give us all a summary of the shakedown run?
I am sure everybody is interested?
Thx,
Steve

Originally Posted by edhchoe

F2012 front wing drags. And TCS rule says no mix and match among diffent body types. So is everyone favoring f60 or mclaren body over f2012 for TCS?

Originally Posted by robk

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Originally Posted by Kevin CBR

Dave - will the Tekin RS Gen 2 (white case) esc be legal for the Nationals ?

Panda

Originally Posted by Vacek22

B3'S Premonts ???? Finals

Originally Posted by nolo148

David,

Hi, how can I, a Canadian, register for a drivers license? The tcs race at galaxy hobby is coming up soon and I would like to register. There is no option for a Canadian address.

Thanks

Originally Posted by David J.

This seasons approved ESC list applies to the 2013 Finals but the Gen 2 will most likely be approved for next season.