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  • JConcepts Drops Retro Pink & Black Mono Wheels for Vintage RC10 Racers

    JConcepts Drops Retro Pink & Black Mono Wheels for Vintage RC10 Racers

    JConcepts is giving vintage RC fans a fresh option with the launch of its new Mono front and rear wheels in black and retro pink. The wheels are designed for the classic Team Associated RC10 platform, including the RC10, RC10B2, and RC10B3, and bring modern performance to beloved old-school buggies.

    Mono Wheels: Black & Retro Pink

    The new Mono wheels retain the iconic dish shape that vintage enthusiasts love, but JConcepts has reworked the offset to increase track width. The 2.2″ wheels use a pin-drive setup compatible with 3/16″ axles, and the added width is split between the inside and outside – a move that allows racers to fit today’s wider tires without clearance issues.

    Practical touches include a vent hole on the outer diameter and an outer “catch” that prevents glue from dripping down the wheel face during tire mounting. JConcepts molds the wheels in a durable material using precision techniques, aiming for dependability and performance race after race.

    Front wheels (part #3403B for black, #3403P for retro pink) retail at $13.00 per four-pack, with a MAP of $11.05. Rear wheels (part #3404B black, #3404P retro pink) come in at $15.00 retail and $12.75 MAP. Both use the 3/16″ axle pin-drive setup, and the rears are also designed for the RC10 series.

    These two colors join the existing lineup, which already includes bright white and fluorescent racing yellow. That means builders can match their vintage rides to almost any team scheme.

    Pioneer Width Adapters: 3D Printed Solution

    Alongside the new Mono wheels, JConcepts is also offering a clever workaround for owners of its Pioneer wheels. The brand has introduced a 3D-printed width adapter that adds 3.5mm of additional track width, making Pioneer wheels comparable to the Mono’s offset.

    The adapters are produced using SLS printing in a stealth black finish and bolt directly onto the #3464 Pioneer wheel (2.2″) as well as the #3449 (2.0″) wheel. They come in two versions: one for 1/4″ axles (part #5354-001) and one for 3/16″ axles (part #5354-002). Each pack contains two adapters and retails for $10.00, with a MAP of $8.50.

    JConcepts notes that to match the wider front track width with a Pioneer front wheel, racers will need Team Associated #7222 wide front axles. For the rear, the adapter alone brings the track width to Mono-level specs.

    Why It Matters for Vintage Racers

    Vintage RC10 owners often struggle to find wheels that accept modern tires without sacrificing the classic look. JConcepts’ Mono line solves that problem by keeping the dish styling while accommodating wider rubber. The new black and retro pink options give builders more choices – and the 3D-printed adapter ensures that even if you already invested in Pioneer wheels, you can still get the wider stance without buying a whole new set.

    Both products are available now through JConcepts dealers and direct. The Mono wheels are sold in four-packs per color, while the adapters come two per pack. For details, reference part numbers: front Mono 3403B/3403P, rear Mono 3404B/3404P, and adapters 5354-001 (1/4″) or 5354-002 (3/16″).

  • Schumacher Doubles Down on CAT PB with Aerox Body and Titanium Chassis

    Schumacher Doubles Down on CAT PB with Aerox Body and Titanium Chassis

    If you race a Schumacher CAT PB, the aftermarket support just got a whole lot more interesting. The British brand has released two performance-focused upgrades in quick succession: a redesigned AEROX bodyshell and a new titanium chassis that promises added stiffness and predictability. Whether you are chasing tenths at your local club or prepping for a national, there is fresh hardware to bolt on.

    Aerox Returns, Refined for the CAT PB

    The AEROX bodyshell is a familiar name in Schumacher circles, but this version has been modernised specifically for the CAT PB platform. According to the team, the low-profile shell lowers the car’s centre of gravity and boosts stability through high-speed corners — exactly the kind of tweak that pays off on fast, sweeping tracks. The shell is described as “much loved” and it now returns for the CAT PB, having been updated to fit this particular model.

    It is not just a concept, either. The shell was used by Ben Smith to win the latest BRCA National at RHR, which gives it solid real-world credentials right out of the gate. Smith’s win demonstrates the body’s effectiveness in competitive conditions.

    Buyers get a choice of two thicknesses:

    • Standard (0.75mm) – £24.99 (part #AX132)
    • Lightweight (0.5mm) – £25.99 (part #AX133)

    Both are supplied clear and include window masks, so you can finish them in your own livery. No paint, no decals — just the raw shell ready for your airbrush.

    Titanium Chassis Adds 20 Grams, Promises Consistency

    Hot on the heels of the body launch, Schumacher announced a titanium chassis for the CAT PB that takes a different approach to performance. Instead of reducing weight, it adds a bit — 20 grams more than the standard kit alloy chassis — but the payoff is a significantly stiffer platform.

    The team reports that this stiffness translates into a smoother, more predictable feel over a run. The key words here are consistency and confidence: the chassis is said to provide a controlled front-end feel that works in all conditions. According to the company, the titanium chassis gives your CAT PB “a smoother, more predictable feeling buggy” and “adds consistency and confidence over a run.” The controlled front-end feel provides comfort regardless of track conditions.

    Priced at £79.99 (part #U9574), it is a premium upgrade for racers who want a car that stays planted and predictable through long mains. The chassis weighs 20 grams more than the kit alloy version, but the added stiffness is intended to improve handling consistency.

    Two Paths to a Faster CAT PB

    Together, these releases give CAT PB owners the option to tackle handling from opposite ends. The AEROX body addresses aerodynamics and centre of gravity, while the titanium chassis attacks flex and chassis response. Neither is a full car replacement — they are targeted upgrades that fit the existing platform. Both parts are designed specifically for the CAT PB and can be used separately or in combination to fine-tune the car’s performance.

    The AEROX body has already proven its mettle with a BRCA National win, while the titanium chassis builds on the platform’s potential by increasing stiffness and consistency. For CAT PB owners, these are drop-in options that address different aspects of handling without requiring major modifications.

    Both parts are available now through Racing-Cars.com, Schumacher’s direct retail channel. Whether you prioritize high-speed cornering stability or a more predictable chassis feel, Schumacher has provided factory-backed upgrades that let you tailor your CAT PB to your driving style and track conditions.

  • Aluminum Bellcrank Upgrades Tighten Steering for SWORKz and RC10 Buggies

    Aluminum Bellcrank Upgrades Tighten Steering for SWORKz and RC10 Buggies

    Two RC hop-up manufacturers have released new aluminum steering bellcrank upgrades that replace stock parts with stronger, CNC-machined designs for better steering response. SWORKz has unveiled an aluminum plate for its S35-4/e EVO and T2/e EVO series, while JConcepts launched a Gen2 assembly for the classic RC10 family.

    SWORKz Samurai Black Bellcrank Plate

    SWORKz’s new option part, numbered SWC-338133, is a CNC-machined aluminum plate finished in Samurai Black with diamond-pattern machining. The company states that the plate provides more solid reinforcement during hard crashes and creates a smoother steering response. It is designed for both the S35-4/e EVO and T2/e EVO series vehicles. The diamond-cut detailing gives the component a high-quality appearance. SWORKz describes it as a new quality option for 2026. Interested buyers can find the plate directly via the SWORKz website.

    JConcepts Gen2 Bellcrank Assembly

    JConcepts has introduced a Gen2 aluminum steering bellcrank set for the RC10 and RC10 Factory Team cars. The design moves the driving bellcrank to a one-piece solid construction and gives the idler bellcrank a beefy symmetrical form, with the goal of increasing steering response and feel. The parts are CNC-machined and available in blue or black anodizing, featuring silver chamfered edges and a laser-etched JC logo.

    The bellcranks are supported by heavy-duty flanged bearings and include threaded standoffs. The kit comes with 8/32 x 5/16” titanium FHCS screws and 5.5 x 4mm titanium ball-studs. An aluminum washer secures the top end with 4-40 x 5/16” FHCS screws. JConcepts recommends applying a light amount of thread-locking compound on all fasteners during assembly. The set also includes CNC-machined steering standoffs and a retaining washer.

    Compatibility and Required Parts

    The steering kit fits all traditional RC10 models, but requires updating to 5.5mm ball-studs and Team Associated #6535 ball-cups for complete assembly. The ball-cups are available separately. The kit also requires 3.5mm turnbuckles, which are not included. JConcepts notes that the design was optimized around modern racing conditions, using components better suited to durability and track performance.

    Design and Testing

    Spencer Rivkin, Jason Ruona, and Paul Wynn tested and debuted the new steering system during the JConcepts ONS series round 1 in Savannah, Florida, during the 2026 racing season. The team collected several victories and podium finishes while repeatedly testing the durability of the steering design. JConcepts states that its team builds, tests, and travels the world to support the brand, gathering driver feedback to refine appearance and performance. The product is designed and formed in the U.S.A. and is backed by JConcepts customer service.

    Pricing and Availability

    The JConcepts Gen2 assembly is offered in two part numbers: #5325-1 (blue anodized, UPC 845937040305) and #5325-2 (black anodized, UPC 845937040312). The retail price for either color is $40.00, with a MAP price of $34.00. The SWORKz bellcrank plate is available through SWORKz.com. For owners of the SWORKz S35-4/e EVO, T2/e EVO, or RC10 series buggies, these aluminum steering upgrades offer a direct bolt-on path to sharper steering feel and increased durability on the track.