A MOMENT WITH MIKE: 13.5 4wd buggy class - good or bad?

0 Oct. 30, 2017, 8:25 a.m.

Main Photo: A MOMENT WITH MIKE: 13.5 4wd buggy class - good or bad?

By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com

I will be the first to admit that my favorite R/C vehicle to drive is an 1/8-scale 4wd buggy (nitro or electric). Next in line would be a 1/10-scale 4wd buggy, followed by a 4wd short course. As you can see from the pattern, I am clearly a fan of all things 4wd. Every couple of years there seems to be a “new” class emerging as the most popular among races around the country. While it is not a new class by any means, over the past few years one class that has taken a major spike in popularity across the Midwest has been 13.5 4wd buggy. On a local level, the class is often more popular week to week than Mod 4wd buggy in most cases.

Regardless of the reason, as an avid fan of 4wd racing, I am more than excited to see anything 4wd gaining in popularity. I personally have had the opportunity to race the class, and find that it is an entirely different aspect of 4wd racing. It takes the aspect of a “level playing field” in terms of power, mixes it with the adrenaline and handling of 4wd, and produces a very competitive, precise, and exciting class of racing. Not to mention it dials down the speed from the often uncontrollable 5.5 turn motor to a more reasonable level of speed and power for newcomers and veterans alike to join in and enjoy 4wd racing without the frustration of lightspeed carnage.

While some will argue that the last thing we need in R/C is more classes, and often I would agree, to see anything 4wd becoming popular puts a smile on my face. I would gladly own and race two 4wd buggies any day rather than owning one 2wd and one 4wd just to have two classes to race. With that all being said, in addition to today’s “Monday Morning Poll”, I want to hear your opinion and see your votes in a poll of my own.

Is the addition of a 13.5 4wd buggy class to race programs good or bad?

Good! It offers another outlet for 4wd racers, as well as welcomes new racers to the scene.

Bad! No more classes, & don't ruin the excitement of 4wd racing by slowing it down!

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I am clearly biased, so after casting your vote in the poll above, I want to know more than just yes or no. Share YOUR opinion as to whether adding a 13.5 4wd buggy class consistently to race programs across the nation good or bad? Why or why not? For those of you who don’t currently race 4wd, would a strong showing of 13.5 4wd buggy at your local track persuade you to join the 4wd buggy scene as well?