By Eric Schutt

Team Associated labeled their latest ready-to-run package a ‘Race Spec,’ or RS for short. Well, they weren't joking. The decision makers at Associated really took their time and created a track-ready package. With a mountain of trophies in the 1/10 Gas Truck class, the RC10GT has been a popular and successful truck. Some might say it was a risky move to redesign a winner, others might say it was time for a change. The result is the brand new Team Associated GT2 RS. Read on to find out what we think!

Kit Features
Suspension. The GT2 RS touts race inspired, four-wheel independent suspension. Associated has always made good shocks, and this kit does not disappoint. Blue anodized aluminum shock bodies with coil over springs are found on all four corners. Like any good race quality kit, there are several shock mounting options to tune to the track conditions for any given day.

Drivetrain. The two wheel drive truck comes pre-built with metal shielded bearings in the transmission as well as in the hubs. Power is transmitted through an adjustable, dual disk slipper clutch and out to the rear wheels via steel dogbones. While the GT2 Factory Team kit features quick release rear wheels, the normal mounting method is used on the RS version.

Steering. Designers at Associated redesigned the GT2 RS steering. The new truck features a dual crank design. All parts glide smoothly on bushings and the kit also includes an adjustable servo saver. Associated gets extra credit for spec’ing a metal gear steering servo for extra durability. Typically, this would be one of the first pieces that would need to be upgraded, but not with the Race Spec.

RTR Gear. Associated’s own XP2 radio system has all the features you need to dial in this gas truck. It features end point adjustment, dual rate steering adjustment, a battery charging jack, and even a repositionable throttle trigger. It was also a good sign to see the inclusion of a throttle return spring. This is a good idea for any R/C gas vehicle, and refreshing to see that it’s included right out of the box. Also in the box, are a pre-painted body, .15 pullstart engine with tuned pipe, D-size glow starter, mounted tires with foam inserts, fuel bottle, instructions, decals, and quick-start guide.

Performance Testing
When we first opening the box, we were greeting by the stunning look of the painted and trimmed body. I felt like I could be the stunt double for Jared Tebo, Associated’s factory driver! With the clean chassis layout and aggressive stance, I was anxious to find out for myself how Team Associated did on their latest effort.

After the second tank, I pulled the truck to get a closer look. After a detailed inspection, the ball diff needed to be tightened. This is normal and should be checked on any new or just rebuilt differential. The rest of the truck was perfect and ready for more action. On the next tank out, a larger 1/8 buggy hit the GT2 RS head on. I pulled the truck in to check out the damage. Turns out only one ball cup was broken. This is especially surprising since it was quite cold with temperatures in the mid 30’s. Temperatures this cold make plastic parts brittle and they can break much easier. The GT2 RS held up great. The track layout for this day was primarily made for larger 1/8 buggies and truggies, so there were several large jumps. I truly tested the durability of the truck, crashing on many of these jumps, hard. The GT2 RS shrugged off the hits and kept running strong.

When I replaced the ball cup, I was surprised to find Associated included new ball studs that feature an Allen wrench interface. These aren’t new in the RC scene, but this is the first time I’ve seen them on an Associated. This will make it much easier to utilize the various chassis tuning options. Brilliant!

Pulling the truck in for a splash of fuel turned out to be a bit of a learning experience. It wasn’t until then did I realize the windshield didn’t have a cutout. Cutting out a section of the windshield not only provides the much needed cooling for the engine, but it also allows access to the fuel tank for refills. Cutting out the body was easy, but the new fuel flap design was still awkward. This might just be because it’s different from the old design, and not what I’m used to. Time will tell here.

Team Associated addressed the needs of the dedicated racer by releasing the GT2 Factory Team first. Since the 1/10 truck classes have been dominated by Associated for nearly the class’s entire history, they wanted to make sure they continued to rule the roost. With the pure racing heritage on its side, you can rest assured thatthe GT2 RS is a performance truck.

The crew at Team Associated really did their homework on the new GT2 RS. Don’t be fooled by the fact it comes fully assembled. This truck has the equipment and the performance to be the perfect club racer right out of the box. There are very few kits that can go from the hobby shop shelf right to the track. Associated continues to remain dedicated to competition, and to racking up National championships with this truck. They know ‘What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday!” Even if you never plan to hit the track, running a solid performance truck is fun even in your backyard.

What Did We Like?
Super clean chassis layout with plenty of attention to detail. It’s great to see a two-needle carburetor on an RTR—helps make great power and make it club race worthy. The GT2 RS sports some of the best tires seen on a RTR. I was stoked to find good protection for the receiver as well as the receiver battery pack. Bonus points for including full assembly instructions. It’s already built with a full set of bearings and metal gear steering servo—are you kidding me? Not only does this RTR come well spec’d straight out of the box, it hustles around the track with grace.

What Would We Change?
With all the improvements, I was surprised to still find those small plastic wheel nuts up front. Also, the new fuel tank lid is a bit awkward. Includes a stunning, precut and painted body, but it would have been complete if they cut out the engine cooling and fuel refill hole.

Conclusion
Associated took a great truck and made it even better. While the past RC10GT truck was extremely dominant at nearly every race scene, it was due for an update. Associated clearly listened to what pro racers and backyard bashers wanted, because this truck has it all. For anyone looking to go from opening the box to pulling trigger, the RC10 GT2 RS is a great package for the first timer or experienced racer alike.

TEST EQUIPMENT
Radio: Team Associated XP2 (included),
Servos: Associated S1903MG for steering/Associated S1903 for throttle and brake (included),
Engine: Associated .15x pullstart (included),
Body: Associated ‘Interceptor’ GT2 Prepainted (included), Tires: Associated ribbed fronts/Associated bow-tie style rear (included), Fuel: O’Donnell 10-percent

Test Setup
Setup We Used. Traction was high on the track, so we pulled some of the shock preload spacers to lower the truck’s ride height a touch. While the tires were hooking up and roosting, cutting the two small vent holes in each of the rear tires helped smooth out the ride. We also threw in a five cell NiMh receiver pack. The rechargeable battery pack is easy to top off after long sessions. For a bit more run time, we yanked out the fuel tank volume reducer.
Test Track: Leisure Hours Raceway, Joliet, Illinois
Track Conditions: Indoor clay track, open layout with a few larger jumps and plenty of traction. Mainly designed for larger 1/8 Buggy and Truggy classes.

THE FINAL CALL
 Highs: The Associated .15x engine starts and runs reliably. Great club racing engine! Very good transmitter features and a solid, metal-gear servo up front. Kudos to Associated for including a step by step Quick Start guide for helping out the first timer. Truck is built extremely well, is durable, and is ready for whatever you’re able to dish out.
Lows: They could have cut out the windshield. Fuel lid somewhat awkward.
The Final Call: Associated definitely came up a winner with their new GT2 RS. Top-shelf quality and a design that has national race wins to back it up. The GT2 RS is a steal, and as a racer myself, I’m proud to have this RTR in my stable.

ON THE OHTER HAND...
Collin: AE wasted no time at all following up their most recent truck nats victory with a package that can put many in contention of picking up some trophies. Using the design from the hot new Factory Team GT2, minus the pretty stuff, the RS comes factory assembled complete with radio, and even a replica Tebo scheme body. The ‘Race Spec’ is ready to hit the track right out of the box, as it includes a very user-friendly setup. Don’t let the RS badge fool you into thinking that it’s some non-upgradeable version, it accepts every part that the FT version uses, including the trick quick release rear wheel setup.

SOURCES
• Team Associated, 3585 Cadillac Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • (714) 850-9342
• O’Donnell, P.O. Box 9021, Champaign, Il 61826-9021 • (217) 398-8970