Why would they add the vinyl?

Seems like extra weight to me. Maybe it's some type of fancy paint? Still, fancy paint adds extra wt. too, which is why most racing boats are white, right?

That and it's much harder for the RC to pick out one 'over early' white hull out of a crowd of white hulls.

I would say it is paint. They have been using it on F1 cars for several years.

film

Film is lighter than paint and easier to fix. That is why Formula cars use it.

Unique Chrome Finish
The color of the Formula 1 car was a very special wish from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. For AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings, whose highest ambition is to always get color right, this request was a challenge to relish. Working closely with the McLaren paintshop team we exclusively developed the unique and spectacular looking chrome livery which millions of people see every race weekend.

“It has to provide the right impact that you are looking for through the television cam, when the car comes by with high speed. Our brand needs to stand out and to be clear. And of course, we want the other drivers to be intimidated of what’s coming behind them." Jonathan Neale, Managing Director, McLaren Racing.

“I love the car I drive. I think it’s the most beautiful car on the whole grid. The paint job is the best - I think it’s the most stunning car out there," said Lewis Hamilton during a BBC radio interview about his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-26.

Luna Rossa Flies

apparently the mirror treatment does weight more as used on LR as they have the same paint underneath as etnz use as their final copat

As far as the AC and its expenses are concerned. I am sure making the sponsors happy to keep the money coming is pretty high on the priority list.

makes you wonder . . .

This seems more appropriate here than in the Olympic thread.
Ben Ainslie

ouch! downfall video with larry as hitler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1OeudSStne8

not amusing

Poor taste especially considering Larry's Jewish roots.

I found it fairly amusing

I'll bet even Larry thought it was funny!

That was funny!

First time I saw one of those Hitler videos it was this one. I still think its the best. Though that one was pretty ****ing funny.