After a disappointing 6th place in the Mini A-Main at the Victoria WCICS last week, I did a autopsy and found this (photo attached below). Looks like a combination of the motor plate and spur gear melted and seized my bearing. I was running with what appeared to be drag brake, and I couldn't figure out why - even after re-programing the spec esc. Pulled out the motor and did a quick visual of the pinion and looked into motor-cave to visually inspect the spur. All seemed ok before the A-main.

But apparently the inside of the spur and attaching motor plate had emulsified, spun around the aluminum shaft, seized the bearing, and then proceeded to FILL the aluminum shaft and bearing from underneath!

After the race, my Spec motor came off considerably hotter than everyone else, and I was wondering why I was having a hard time holding onto 6th place, doing laps that were 1 second slower than my qualifying times.

So i have a bearing filled with melted plastic, a hollow shaft filled with melted plastic, a warped motor plate that has bonded with the above mentioned parts, and a decision between 3racing, Yeah racing, and Tamiya aftermarket replacements.