There have been a few threads on here and on Racechat, I asked Jim Spencer (via pm) on RaceChat if there was a chance they would be sanctioned in 10th off road, Nationals - NO in 2008, Regionals - No in 2008.
Those are hard NO's, We need a proposal at the AGM to change the rules, (currently cars have to be driven by max of 6 subC cells - Nat & Regional level) then the Electric Board need to approve the batteries for the season. Club & what you do otherwise is up to you. I understand there is no problem with BRCA insurance, if they were approved they would be covered.
Here is the (edited) reply I had from Jim Spencer
" Hi, Ok first off we're only taking about 1/10 Off Road Regionals, as they're the only class to run regional racing under the control of the full section commitee.
So the answer to your question is 'No' as the 1/10 Off Road rules don't allow LiPo's for any of their sanctioned events.
Any other sort of 'regional' event such as TORC or STCC from the touring car world then it's their choice.
Homologation works like this
When a section passes the rules for a new class it can - if it wishes - ask the Electric Board to draw up a homologation list (Bikes didn't bother) and the Touring Car section may well yet do so they're busy discussing that bit.
Assuming they do the E.B. would then contact the manufacturers asking for product to be supplied. (
I suggested that a "vested interest" may propose & supply a sample-JCJC)
So in essence :-
No class uses them = no list.
1 class uses them = maybe a list > if they want one.
Get to a couple of classes and you'll definatly get a list.
The drivers in the classes need to vote in their use at Nationals to generate the info folks seem to want - almost as a comfort zone?
Hope this helps Jim -Jim Spencer "
Thread on RaceChat tucked away in the BRCA General Q&A forum,
http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=38852
http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=38896
In answer to your question, I think lipo will take over, mabey the top guys looking for ultimate punch will keep with Ni-Mh, but lipo would make my racing at club & regional level easier & cheaper, and I am carefull where I charge our IB4200 at 4.5amps.