Losi Asphalt Late Model GROM Review: More Than Just a Mini NASCAR

The Losi Asphalt Late Model GROM arrived quietly, but it immediately sparked a lot of discussion across RC forums and YouTube. At first glance, it looks like another member of the small Losi GROM lineup, sharing a familiar chassis layout and compact 1/12 scale footprint. But the reaction from hobbyists has been interesting. Instead of treating it as just another themed body release, many drivers quickly started comparing it to the existing Losi NASCAR platform and asking a different question: is this actually the better small-scale asphalt racer?

The easiest way to describe it is this: the Asphalt Late Model GROM feels less like a novelty release and more like something people will actually keep driving after the first week. The clipless body system, slightly different body proportions, and short-track inspired design give it a character that is a bit closer to grassroots racing culture than the NASCAR variant. That difference might sound subtle on paper, but it changes how people talk about the car.

The racing culture behind the Asphalt Late Model

Late model stock racing sits at the heart of American grassroots motorsport. Long before drivers appear in NASCAR’s top series, many of them learn racecraft in smaller late model divisions running on tight oval tracks. These races often happen at local tracks where the cars are closely matched, the speeds are manageable, and driver skill determines who wins.

The Losi Asphalt Late Model GROM borrows heavily from that atmosphere. In many ways, the car feels closer to a miniature RC oval racing platform than a typical small RTR basher, which explains why so many hobbyists immediately started imagining driveway short tracks and casual spec-style racing with friends.

Instead of focusing on extreme speed or stunt driving, the design leans toward controlled laps, corner entry stability, and repeatable driving on smooth asphalt. In practice, that means driveways, cul-de-sacs, tennis courts, and small parking lots suddenly become miniature short-track circuits.

First impressions: small details that matter

When hobbyists first unboxed the car, a few design elements immediately stood out. The clipless body system is probably the most obvious change compared with earlier small Losi platforms. Instead of traditional body clips, a hidden latch under the front splitter releases the body quickly. For anyone who frequently swaps batteries or performs quick maintenance, this alone makes the car feel more modern.

The body itself also reflects a proper late model shape rather than a simple NASCAR silhouette. The longer hood line and rear diffuser area give it a slightly more planted look. It’s not a dramatic change, but side-by-side comparisons show that the late model body feels purpose-built rather than adapted.

Asphalt Late Model GROM vs Losi NASCAR

Drivers who have tried both often describe the late model as feeling slightly more purposeful. The NASCAR version still appeals strongly to fans of the real racing series, but the Asphalt Late Model feels more like a small racing platform rather than simply a collectible livery car.

If the NASCAR version sometimes feels like a fun themed release, the Asphalt Late Model GROM comes across more like a small racing platform. The clipless mounting system, longer body proportions, and more planted look make it easier to take seriously as a purpose-built short-track RC car rather than just a collectible livery piece.

That distinction matters because early community discussion has not treated this release as a simple cosmetic variation. Some hobbyists do see obvious platform carryover, which is fair, but the more common takeaway is that Losi made enough practical changes to shift how the car feels in use. The clipless body alone changes the ownership experience more than many expected, and the late model shell gives the chassis a different identity from the NASCAR version.

In other words, the conversation around this car quickly moved past “is it just another body?” and into a more interesting question: whether the Asphalt Late Model might actually be the more complete small-scale asphalt racer compared with the existing Losi NASCAR version.

Community reactions: praise and criticism

As with most RC releases, early feedback has been mixed in interesting ways. Many hobbyists appreciate the clean clipless body design and the way the car encourages simple driveway racing sessions. Several users even mentioned that the platform reminds them of earlier RC eras when small on-road cars were raced casually in parking lots or local club tracks.

For many longtime hobbyists, that feeling carries a strong sense of nostalgia. Before giant bashers and huge jumps became the dominant RC image online, a lot of people discovered the hobby through simple on-road cars running in parking lots, schoolyards, or small club spaces. Cars from brands like Bolink, Losi, and early touring platforms defined that era. In that context, the Asphalt Late Model GROM feels less like a brand-new concept and more like a modern callback to that style of RC driving.

Others were less impressed with the stock performance numbers.

A common criticism appearing in comment sections is that a hobby-grade car in 2026 should be faster than the factory 20-plus mph range. Some drivers immediately began discussing brushless upgrades or larger pinion gears to unlock more speed.

Interestingly, a lot of experienced racers pushed back against that criticism. Their argument is simple: this platform was never meant to be a speed-run car. It is meant to create close racing in small spaces where control and consistency matter more than raw top speed.

Why “only 20 mph” might miss the point

Looking at the intended use case helps explain the design decisions. The Asphalt Late Model GROM is small, lightweight, and meant to run in tight areas where a 1/10 scale touring car might feel excessive. In those environments, excessive speed actually makes the car harder to enjoy.

For casual racing with friends or family, predictable handling often matters more than top speed. Several hobbyists mentioned using similar cars for backyard tracks or cul-de-sac circuits where multiple drivers run together. In that environment, a controllable platform can produce better racing than a faster but harder-to-drive machine.

That disagreement actually says a lot about what kind of RC car the Asphalt Late Model GROM is meant to be. For drivers who expect every new platform to chase bigger numbers and higher top speed, a brushed setup that tops out around 20 mph can feel underwhelming. Those drivers are usually comparing it to 1/10 scale bashers or modern brushless RTR cars.

But for hobbyists who enjoy driveway tracks, cul-de-sac racing, or spec-style competitions with friends and family, that top speed is not really the point. In those environments, controllable pace, consistent handling, and the ability to run multiple cars together often create better racing than simply making the car faster.

Why small-scale asphalt racing works so well in real life

Brushless potential and upgrade curiosity

Even though the stock power system is brushed, many hobbyists quickly started experimenting with brushless setups. Early tests from content creators showed that the chassis can handle significantly higher speeds when upgraded. Some runs pushed the car well past the stock performance envelope, with reports of speeds approaching the 50 mph range depending on gearing and electronics.

That potential is part of why the community seems excited about the platform. Instead of being a one-purpose car, the Asphalt Late Model GROM sits in an interesting middle ground. It can be enjoyed as a simple ready-to-run racer, but it also leaves room for experimentation.

That dual appeal may be part of the reason the platform is getting so much attention. In stock form, it works as an easy, low-stress driveway racer. But at the same time, the chassis also invites experimentation, which makes it equally attractive to hobbyists who enjoy pushing small platforms far beyond their original design.

Battery setup and practical considerations

The factory setup uses a compact 2S LiPo battery and a battery tray measuring roughly 102 x 34 mm. The vehicle also uses an IC2 connector, which is worth noting because many aftermarket batteries use different plug formats. In practice, many owners who explore alternative packs simply run an adapter solution when necessary.

If you want a closer look at battery size limits and replacement options, you can explore the full guide here: best battery options for the Losi Asphalt Late Model GROM.

For stock driving, a clean-fitting 2S pack is usually all most owners need. For longer sessions, the key is not simply choosing the highest capacity possible, but finding a battery that still matches the available tray space without making the car feel clumsy. And for anyone already planning a brushless conversion, battery choice becomes part of the setup discussion rather than just a replacement purchase.

Who this car is really for

The Asphalt Late Model GROM is surprisingly versatile, but it will not appeal to everyone in the RC hobby. Drivers who prefer large bashers or extreme speed builds may find it underpowered in stock form. On the other hand, people who enjoy simple racing sessions, scale-inspired cars, or compact platforms often appreciate exactly what this model offers.

Families racing in a driveway, hobbyists creating small oval tracks, and longtime fans of stock-car culture may find this platform especially appealing. The size keeps things manageable, the setup is beginner friendly, and the platform still leaves room for experimentation.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Asphalt Late Model GROM just a NASCAR with a different body?

Not exactly. While both share a similar small-scale platform, the Asphalt Late Model introduces a clipless body system and a body shape designed around late model stock racing rather than NASCAR styling.

Is the clipless body system actually a big upgrade?

For many owners, yes. It makes battery changes and routine maintenance quicker, and it also gives the car a cleaner scale look without visible body clips. On a small RC platform, that convenience adds up fast.

Is 20 mph fast enough for this RC car?

For large open areas it may feel modest, but for driveway racing and tight parking-lot tracks it provides a controllable speed that allows closer racing.

Can the Losi Asphalt Late Model GROM be upgraded to brushless?

Yes. Many hobbyists experiment with brushless upgrades to increase speed and performance. The chassis is capable of handling higher power levels when upgraded carefully.

What battery does the Asphalt Late Model GROM use?

The stock setup uses a compact 2S LiPo battery with an IC2 connector. Aftermarket batteries may require an adapter depending on the connector type.

The bigger picture

What makes the Asphalt Late Model GROM interesting is not just the Dale Earnhardt Jr inspired livery or the connection to real short-track racing. It is the way the car seems to bring attention back to a style of RC driving that does not rely on giant jumps or extreme power. Small asphalt tracks, close racing, and repeatable laps have always been part of the hobby’s DNA.

In that sense, the Asphalt Late Model GROM feels like a modern reminder of an older kind of RC fun. It is not the car for everyone, and it is not trying to be. But for drivers who enjoy close laps, simple setup, and the idea of turning ordinary pavement into a tiny short track, this might end up being one of the most satisfying small RC releases Losi has done in a while.