Ran mine for real last night for the first time (radio check/field trip to the skatepark doesn't count) at a track I've never seen before. Running saddle packs, Novak 4.5 550, Havok, and Caveliari setup.

I won the second qualifier when the fast guy broke, and led 2 1/2 minutes or so of the main before I lost half a lap when I crashed (into a backmarker who was trying to pull over and let me go), wound up finishing second. The guy who won told me I had the best Associated truck he'd seen at the track so far. A couple of other guys I didn't know randomly walked up and told me the same thing. During the main, I could totally make time on anybody but I have run on dirt exactly once in the past 16 years, and to say I was a little rusty would be an understatement. All in all, a successful evening.

First, tire selection is super important on this truck. The guys running Losi product could run just about anything and it wasn't that different. The difference between subcultures and double dees in the same compound was staggering. Before I got the tires right, I wished I had less motor.

I started with a 12t, and switched to a 13t before I changed tires, trying to take some of the punch away. Worked opposite. I could jump everything before, now I could REALLY jump everything.

At the end of the 10 minute main, I could still jump everything thanks to the clutch basket.

I think the stock rear springs are okay, but IMO the stock fronts are too soft. Moving the upper shock mount to the outside hole helped, but it wasn't enough. I'd of cut a coil off each spring except that's something you really don't want to do 1) at the track and 2) with the only set of springs you own.

Anyway, this truck must be good, cause the driver sure ain't.