The Choice of World Champions O.S.SPEED 21VZ-B V-Spec II

216 top drivers from various countries around the world gathered for the 2008 IFMAR 1/8 Buggy Off Road Championships held in Charlotte, North Carolina where the U.S. ROAR Nats and Pre-World were held. Owing to being held in their home country, US drivers showed remarkable strength during the qualifying rounds. As the qualifying heats continued, many people said “This is just like the U.S. Nats.” Under this stiff competition, not only the US drivers but other drivers using O.S. engines placed high in the qualifying rounds. When the qualifying rounds were finished, one half of the drivers in A Final were using the O.S. SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II engine. An outstanding achievement proved why many top drivers around the world chose O.S. engines. The track was very large taking more than 40 seconds a lap which required high driving skills. The O.S. SPEED’s controllable power characteristics and surprisingly lower fuel consumption were a contributing factor to the good results. On the final starting grid including bump ups, four O.S. SPEED drivers out of twelve aligned. This was the largest number among the various engine brands.

At 4:23 pm, the final race began. At early stage, the American drivers were very fast as expected. Mayfield, the first position starter, Truhe, top qualifier and Tebo, U.S. 1/10 Truck Champion battled vigorously alternating for the first position with Atsushi Hara, the only Japanese driver, running close behind. As the race progressed, Hara took the lead and the race ended with Atsushi being the new 1/8 Off-Road World Buggy Champion. As Hara had been a competitor in many major races around the world, he seldom showed signs of being nervous. However, this time it became obvious that he was exceptionally nervous. On the contrary, his pit crew mechanic Miura remained calm and had every confidence that “We will win!!” The basis for his confidence was the super fuel economy that the O.S. SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II exhibited. Rivals had to refuel every 7 minutes and 30 seconds while the O.S. SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II which Hara and other O.S. drivers were using, could safely run a minute longer or 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Miura’s judgment in watching the rival driver’s pit stops assured him that the SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II’s fuel economy would pay off allowing Atsushi Hara to win the race. After the final refueling, Hara had a 13 second lead over the second place driver, Truhe. Hara’s excellent driving skill, judging capability and concentration in conjunction with the new D8 chassis and overall superior performance of the SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II led to the top place finish.

18 machined holes in the cooling head are the secret for lighter weight and more efficient cooling
7mm, 6.5mm and 6mm carburetor restrictors with Red anodized finish are supplied with the engine as standard equipment.
O.S. SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II was driver Atsushi Hara’s choice as the best engine to win the World Championships.


One of the strong incentives for Atsushi Hara to win the World Championships was the overall performance the new SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II offered. Output characteristics backed by advanced technology, stable response over the entire speed range and superior fuel economy are the reasons many top drivers around the world choose the O.S.SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC II engine which had evolved from the earlier O.S. SPEED 21VZ-B V-SPEC. A significant modification has been made to the cooling head in the form of 18 machined holes which not only improve the cooling but lower the weight approx. 14g as well.