CACTUS: Prototype Hobby Pro short course truck debuts in style

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By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Just a few weeks ago, Hobby Pro USA posted a photo of their upcoming SC-01 2WD short course truck to Facebook indicating that it was close to production. With a convertible chassis layout that can be built in rear- or mid-motor configuration, oil-filled big bore shocks with bladders, and aluminum CVD’s included in the package. Even now, though, there are only four running prototypes in existence and just one in the U.S.

That preproduction test vehicle is splitting time between two drivers this weekend, and one of them clinched the TQ in the Super Stock class.

See the two receivers tucked into the spacious electronics compartment of the chassis? Hobby Pro USA’s Andrew Smolnik and Brandon Lamey are both racing this SC-01, switching motors and prepping the truck twice per round (luckily, they’re about ten heats apart). Smolnik set the fastest time in the first three rounds of the 13.5-powered spec division, locking up overall TQ honors, while Lamey has had some trouble with traffic in his 17.5 stock class qualifying heats but still has a shot at bumping into tomorrow’s A-Main.

The truck they’re sharing was fitted with an array of Hobby Pro’s optional parts for the ST1 stadium truck, like carbon fiber shock towers, rear sway bar kit, and aluminum caster blocks and rear hubs. The aluminum CVD driveshafts, however, will be standard. The production truck will have a different front shock tower that’s built to fit the bumper mount, and may have different shock geometry too.

“Basically, it’s an ST1 that has been lengthened and fitted with bumpers,” said Lamey.

They didn’t change much on the box-stock setup to get the truck hooked up for the race, simply switching to a stiffer front spring.

“I'm thrilled by how easy it is to drive, even on this surface,” said Andy, “even when you’re pushing hard in a spec class.”

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