the discharge and tray thing is only if you want to get the last little bit of performance out of the battery. I can tell you I have driven Lipo in TC and have tried most of the popular brands. none compare in performance to nimh.

for 10 races, I would probably not even invest in the car. I am one that does like to run the current cars and also the current electronics. at least for the most part. I can't see purchasing a car, batts, and electronics and running it for 4 years. that would be the only way that it would be affordable. I run 1/12 almost every weekend and buying a new car once a year is out of the question. and I get 46-48 race weekends 2 major races and some local events

I was not at the nats, a couple of our guys were there. I know 9 of the 10 stock 1/12 ran brushless. the 17.5 is a slower motor then a good co27, but in an 8min race most are seeing that the 17.5 runs much better late in the race then a co27. I know locally that I was running a co27 and converted to a 17.5 the last 2 weekend. my fast laps were in the same ball park, but the co27 falls off about 6min into the race. I think you maybe gearing way to high. I am running a 80-81mm roll out and really on pace with our fast guys at the track