28/08/2026
The RC Racer giving the Avalon Vortex a proper test run:
Is extreme downforce actually faster? 🏁
The Avalon Vortex has certainly got people talking. With its extreme shape and huge front-end downforce, it’s quite unlike any touring car shell I’ve driven before.
My first outing was actually pretty disappointing. Loads of front grip, but an unpredictable rear made it difficult to really attack the track. So I started changing the TRF421X set-up to see if I could make the Vortex work for Stock racing.
Different diff oil, bump steer, droop, springs and shell rake all helped, but one surprisingly simple change made the biggest difference.
By the final qualifier the car had been transformed, with an incredible front end and enough rear stability to finally push the Tamiya TRF421X. The lap times suddenly started coming.
So is the Avalon Vortex the future of touring car shells, or does extreme aero simply demand a completely different approach to chassis set-up?
Full track test and set-up findings here https://www.thercracer.com/2026/08/avalon-vortex-review-and-track-test.html 🏁
