Ya, The Norcal (Union City) group seem to be more interested in the electric 1/8 scales, but they also have a large group of people who have been into the sport for a long time and find that dealing with electric is easier and less messy. Although some do race nitro, but electric is the scene down there. Although if someone desired to run nitro I'm sure they would allow. One of the owners of Norcal is the owner of PRIME fuels, his name is Eric Vasutin and he also a likes to drive nitro.
When the 1/8th Scale Electric part of the industry grows to maturity,(which is happening very fast) then our race scene will also grow along with it. Especially when there are already people racing who have the necessary experience to help educate people and get them pointed in the right direction.
As for tire gluing, use AKA glue as it's one of the best. I use Losi glue since AKA is usually sold out when I need it. One thing to keep in mind is that some tires are packaged with a releasing agent to extract the tire from the mold, so you usually have to clean the tires and wheels with some sort of solvent based cleaner. (Motor Cleaner)
With that being said, I was told that AKA tires and wheels are not required to be cleaned since their releasing agent is actually a bonding agent for the AKA glue. I have glued AKA wheels and tires together, without cleaning them and they held perfectly. But for any other manufacturer's wheels and tires, I always try to clean and then glue.
You really don't have to balance your tires. But to those who do, it does make a noticeable difference. I will balance my truggy tires all the time and buggy when I enter races that I'm serious about.
Weight is important, and if you can figure out the best weight distribution method per your driving style and meet minimum weight requirements, you'll probably have a good handling car, assuming you go the setup right. |