Team Associated DC10: a CNC-machined aluminium flex chassis for 1/10 drift

Photo: Team Associated (source)

Team Associated is expanding its DC10 range with a new CNC-machined aluminium flex chassis designed for competitive 1/10 drift. Developed by the Area 51 Factory Team engineering group, it aims for more predictable behaviour than rival flex plates.

An aluminium flex chassis built for 1/10 drift

The idea behind this DC10 chassis is not simply to add flex, but to control how that flex is released. Team Associated explains that it worked on a high-grade aluminium combined with a flex design studied zone by zone, in order to deliver “consistent flex, stability and rebound for snappy corners under full control”.

The manufacturer directly targets the main flaw it identifies in existing flex plates: an overly aggressive rebound, which makes the car unpredictable when the power goes back down. In a discipline like drift, where the angle is held to the millimetre and where the slightest weight transfer is paid for instantly, that parameter is anything but secondary.

Two finishes, two part numbers

The chassis comes in two anodised colours:

• DC10 Chassis, Gold — part number #72300
• DC10 FT Aluminum Flex Chassis, Blue — part number #72306

It is compatible with models 30134, 30133 and 30135 in the range. Both versions are announced as available now from Team Associated dealers.

A factory option rather than an accessory

By adding this plate to its Factory Team line, Team Associated confirms that the DC10 is treated as a genuine racing platform and not as a touring car spin-off. For 1/10 drift drivers looking to tune their chassis stiffness without resorting to home-made solutions, this is a welcome factory option.