Yes, you're right. Naoto is using the mini front dampers on the rear. I spoke with him and he said "the left and right side motion of the side shock damper is not consistent, and is difficult to setup properly." So, they've opted for damper tubes. The front springs on his car are yokomo yellow, which is quite soft, but the traction was low at this event.

He's also running the new Yokomo ESC and motor.