Under the Hood: Pekko Iivonen’s Mayako MX8
Inside Pekko Iivonen’s Mayako MX8 at the Worlds: shorter shock caps, steering updates, a lightweight Delta Plastik shell and a return from LCG to conventional suspension.
This Under the Hood at the Worlds, presented by Elite RC Productions, features the Mayako MX8 of Pekko Iivonen!
Pekko has used the LCG shock layout for much of the year, but recently returned to a more conventional suspension layout—with a few tweaks from the standard Mayako.
- Driver
- Pekko Iivonen · Finland
- Chassis
- Mayako MX8
- Engine
- O.S. Speed B2105 Ongaro Edition
- Pipe
- O.S. Speed TB02
- Tires
- JConcepts Euro Bar
- Servos
- Savöx SB-3290SG
Mayako Performance updates
Pekko’s buggy runs a fairly standard setup with several Mayako Performance option parts. At the time of this coverage, some of these updates were expected to be introduced on the 2026 editions of the Mayako buggies.
The first addition is a set of shorter shock caps, allowing lower shock mounting positions on the towers.
In the steering department, an updated, wider Ackermann plate features a third hole towards the front. A one-piece servo mount connects the steering servo to the front steering plate.
We also believe the front arm mounts may be slightly wider than standard, although this has not been confirmed with complete certainty.
A lightweight shell and a thermal barrier
The Delta Plastik bodyshell uses extremely thin, lightweight Lexan. Its design differs slightly from the standard Mayako shell, including the spoilers at the ends of the side pods.
Another interesting detail is the carbon-fibre thermal barrier mounted to the chassis brace beside the engine. Its stated purpose is to reduce engine heat radiating towards the radio tray and throttle servo.
Returning to conventional suspension geometry
Pekko appears to be using the narrow rear pivot option, potentially to make the rear end more forgiving.
At the front, the shocks are mounted in the inner holes on the arms. This is consistent with our suspicion of wider front arm mounts, but does not confirm it.
Changes such as these may have helped the team find pace with the more conventional suspension geometry as Pekko moved away from the LCG layout.
Unconfirmed component details and explanations of setup choices are observations and interpretations from the event coverage, rather than confirmed explanations from the team.
Thank you to our Worlds coverage supporters!
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Words: Max Mört RC
Photography: William Venables RC