Losi 1/12 NASCAR #3 Goodwrench & #8 Budweiser — First Look & Track Impressions

Two of NASCAR’s most iconic schemes—#3 Goodwrench and #8 Budweiser—return in RC form on a modern AWD platform. Shot at Junior Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, the first drives showed why this 1/12 Losi platform feels far from a toy: independent suspension, sealed metal-gear drivetrain, and RTR convenience that has you running within an hour.

Losi 1/12 NASCAR Earnhardt Edition: First Look & Track Impressions

On clean asphalt, the cars rotate predictably on medium slicks and put power down cleanly off corner exit. Test drivers in the behind-the-scenes footage kept repeating the same theme: “This isn’t your kid’s RC car.” AWD traction makes the cars easy to place, while the splitter/nerf bar protection shrugs off light taps.

Shared AWD Chassis & Dimensions (What’s Identical on #3 and #8)

• AWD composite chassis, sealed drivetrain with metal ring & pinion
• Independent suspension, oil-filled coil-over shocks (≈40wt)
• 380 brushed motor + 25A ESC/receiver combo with rookie-mode limits
• Goodyear Eagle slicks on BBS-style wheels, 8 mm hex
• Approx size: 386 × 173 × 109 mm; wheelbase ≈ 226 mm

#3 Goodwrench vs #8 Budweiser: What’s the Difference?

Mechanically none. Both cars share the same platform, electronics, and gearing; the difference is the officially licensed body shell and livery. If you like to personalize, clear bodies are available so you can paint your own scheme without changing the setup.

Battery Tray Size (102 × 34 mm) & Practical 2S Fit Tips

The shared battery tray measures about 102 × 34 mm (L × W). Keep height low for easy strap clearance, and push the pack forward for sharper turn-in or rearward for late-apex drive. Verify steering lock and body clearance after you set fore-aft position.

Recommended 2S 7.4V Packs (XT60 → IC2 Short Adapter)

Both cars ship with an IC2 lead. If your pack is XT60, use a short XT60→IC2 adapter or re-terminate leads to keep resistance and wire whip low. Lightweight 2S packs preserve rotation and reduce voltage sag under throttle.

• CNHL Black Series 1300mAh 2S 100C (XT60) — quickest direction changes on tight asphalt.
• CNHL Black Series 1500mAh 2S 100C (XT60) — a touch more runtime and mid-corner support.

Shopping by fit? We collected practical 2S options (tray ≈ 102 × 34 mm) here: Losi 1/12 NASCAR Compatible Batteries.

On-Road Setup Notes for Grip & Consistency

• Tires: scrub the slicks on clean asphalt; avoid harsh softeners that weaken sidewalls.
• Shocks: start around 40wt; match pairs carefully to keep cross-weight neutral.
• Gearing: stock 19T/59T (Mod 0.5) suits car-park ovals and short infields; recheck rollout after tires come in.
• Cooling: keep the 25 mm motor fan unobstructed and clean.

FAQ

Are the #3 and #8 the same chassis?
Yes. Same AWD platform, driveline, electronics, and dimensions; only the licensed bodies differ.

What battery voltage works best?
2S (7.4 V) as stock. Lightweight packs around 1300–1500 mAh keep the car lively while maintaining usable runtime.

Do I need a connector change?
The car uses IC2. If your pack is XT60, use a short adapter or re-terminate leads and recheck steering/body clearance.