TT EB4-S2 general excessive wear ?

[Dandare]

I know the EB4 isn't what you'd consider a 'race' buggy but i have been racing it for the last 8 weeks every thursday night, with a degree of success, but..

i've noticed when maintaining it each week there are maybe a few areas of concern. there is a HUGE amount of play on the ball joints connecting each front hub carrier though visually it looks ok ie, nothing broken. Secondly, the chassis itself, if i hold the buggy side on to me ie, front in one hand, rear in the other i'm able to 'bow' the chassis upwards & down to the point that it slightly affects the clearance between the clutch bell pinion & the spur gear !

The track we race is undoubtedly unforgiving, no huge jumps but very hard & bumpy.

I just wondered if this flex/wear is normal for such a cheap buggy ?