All over

I ran a brushless motor for the first time today in anger (well not so much anger, but for a full meeting rather than messing or getting snowed on)

I was a little concerned about running it as I normally race the 19turn brushed class at West Kent on Sundays, but asked and as there was a free spot, jumped on the chance to run.

I was out in the first heat, and had a decent run first time out, but the back of the car felt a little slippery so after I finished I came back to the pits and tightened the rear diff slightly based on a suggestion from Terry (thanks mate !). I had finished with 20 laps in 310 at the end of this one narrowly missing out to Daniel who was a few tenths quicker.

Round 2 was an improvement with the rear diff being tightened, and I ended up getting 21 laps this time round.

After Rounds 1 & 2 my cars' ride height was apparently too low, so I stood by the scrutineering desk and raised the ride height until it was acceptable. I went out for round 3 and had a good run other than one or two mistakes, and improved again. Still 21 laps, but it was faster this time, as I'd changed the gearing slightly for a little more top speed.

This put me in 9th for the stock placings, and 2nd in the B final, which I ended up third in when all was said and done.

My observations about Brushless Motors... they don't seem powerful and they sound a little bit strange when you spin them up, but BOY DO THEY FLY !

The big thing about them is that there's minimal "spin-up" time when you're coming out of a corner, so you have full power every time as soon as you need it. The braking on the Speed Passion motor I have is at least as good as any brushed motor I've tried, if not better !

The weird thing though, and something I'll have to get used to fairly quickly, is that they do not slow down like a brushed motor, they simply keep on rolling... as I found out when I let off for the end of the straight and ploughed into a wall that was nicely positioned. Once I started using the brakes again, I got a bit more used to it and once I got more comfortable it was fantastic.