I questioned this as well at one point. In on road racing with stiffer suspension and shorter throw in the shocks, this orientation would normally create torque steer. In the tc3 and 4 this was an issue. On this car, and any 1/8th buggy, it is close to impossible to notice because the suspension absorbs the torque forces of the motor. The placement of the motor on this car seems to be for static balance. I am not speaking for Danny in any way, just stating what I can see,