From the first time the ISTC competitors hit the asphalt at Full Throttle Raceway on Thursday, it was apparent that the Yokomo team had something that no one else did. A complex combination of drivers and mechanics from all over the world, huddled under one tent working on a car that was kept out of sight from the public and media, only added to the mystique. The incredible performance continued throughout the week, as Japanese star Naoto Matsukura and German sensation Ronald Völker, both champions in their respective areas of the world, combined to win four of six rounds, start from the #1 and #2 spots on the grid, and finish first and third on the podium.
IFMAR ISTC World Champion Naoto Matsukura
Chassis: Yokomo BD7 2015
Motor: Yokomo Racing Performer 4.5-turn
Battery: Yokomo Max Power 5700mAh
ESC: Yokomo BL Pro 3
Radio: Sanwa M12
Servo: Sanwa SRG-BLS
Body: PROTOform LTC-R
Notes: Yokomo tried additional prototype parts at the event but would not comment on what they were. The additional options were only used during qualifying and removed shortly after.
IFMAR ISTC Third Place Finisher Ronald Völker
Chassis: Yokomo BD7 2015
Motor: LRP X-20 4.5-turn
Battery: LRP 6000mAh
ESC: LRP Flow Works Team
Radio: Sanwa M12
Servo: Sanwa SDX-801
Body: PROTOform LTC-R
Notes: Aside from running gear and small details, Ronald’s car was essentially identical to Naoto’s.
The BD7 2015 will feature a new chassis, with its most specific change being the “floating battery hold down system.” Rather than wrap tape through the chassis to secure the battery, which stiffens the right side of the chassis asymmetrically, the tape passes through aluminum loops at the front and rear of the pack which still allows the pack to shift around for proper chassis flex on both sides.
The driveline is the same from the previous model BD7, aside from the motor mount - which offers two different positions to alter the car’s weight distribution. The forward position is best for higher bite tracks, but the Yokomo drivers at the Worlds used the rear mounting position that’s the same as the older car.
The bulkheads are virtually unchanged, except for the ability to mount a new cross brace to either the front or rear of the car. The brace stiffens the bulkhead, which the team drivers feel is more consistent especially on high bite tracks.
The upper deck is new, though it’s not significantly different. Its shape is different, though, which changes the car’s flex characteristics.
Optional suspension arms will be offered for the BD7 2015, which are 1.5mm shorter on each side and work with correspondingly different suspension mounts to alter the car’s geometry. Though intended for high-bite tracks, the team hasn’t tried them on carpet yet - they did, however, try the parts during previous testing trips to Full Throttle Raceway and thought the combination worked well.
10/14/2014
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