November 29, 2023

Kyosho V-ONE R4 Front Mass Damper

Kyosho has released a Front Mass Damper for their V-ONE R4 1:10 Nitro Touring Car chassis which is a device other than the suspension that absorbs vibrations and shocks.  A donut-shaped weight is placed between the upper and lower springs around a shaft fixed to the upper and lower bumpers.  Tested by Kyosho’s head of RC car development Kazuhiro Miyazaki, who himself admitted he was sure it would work, when fitted it is possible to absorb minute vibrations that cannot be controlled by the suspension.  In addition to the sense of stability when accelerating and decelerating, the sense of stability when the car hits bumps in the road surface, curbs, etc. has also been significantly improved.  The set includes two 0.2mm thick shims, and by using them to add tension to the spring, the feeling will change slightly.

View Front Mass Damper set parts here


November 28, 2023

Boki Racing XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body

American niche bodyshell producer BOKI Racing has unveiled a rare find to the vintage RC racing community with the release of the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body.  Crafted to seamlessly integrate with the original kit, the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body offers an unparalleled fit.  The kit includes a clear, uncut, unpainted body, complete with window masks and paint masking, all expertly constructed from .030 Lexan made in the USA.  Designed originally by Josh Cyrul, the XX4 X5 body embodies the X-Factor philosophy of prioritizing function above all. Despite initial reservations about its aesthetics, the design’s prowess becomes evident when working with and painting the shell, ultimately growing on enthusiasts.  Notable features include a prominent motor cooling hump, providing ample space for a motor heat sink beneath the shell. The driver’s cockpit is strategically positioned in the center, with a rearward swoop to enhance downforce. The team behind the XX4 X5 body asserts its significant contribution to the car’s aerodynamics, promising a noticeable performance boost on the track.

Source: Boki Racing [bokiracing.com]


November 16, 2023

RadioMaster MT12 Radio

A brand well known in drone racing/FPV circles, RadioMaster has announced the upcoming release of its MT12 surface radio.  The RadioMaster MT12 is a pioneering open-source surface radio, and the first surface radio officially supported by EdgeTX, ExpressLRS, and the Multi-module project.  Boasting 10 physical inputs and the capability to handle either 16 or 32 channels*, the MT12 is primed for a wide array of surface models, from cars and trucks to boats and beyond.  Featuring extensive customisability and a versatile operating system, the MT12 stands out as a highly configurable surface radio, prepared to excel in virtually any scenario.

View Features, Specs and more images here


November 13, 2023

2024 ISTC World Championship Stage 1 Report

The organisers of the 2024 IFMAR ITSC World Championship have published the Stage 1 Report for the 12th running of the title which will be decided at Finishline RC Raceway in Bakersfield, California.  With the dates for Electric Touring Car listed as ‘To be Confirmed’ on the provisional calendar issued by IFMAR back in August, the dates are now confirmed as November 5th to 10th.  Constructed in December 2022, Finishline RC Raceway is a joint-venture between Finishline Signs and Track Time Hobbies with the 40.2m x 18.2m asphalt track designed specifically to host 1:10 electric and nitro onroad racing.  Back to back reigning World Champion Bruno Coehlo will travel to Finishline RC Raceway next year with the chance to make it three in a row, a feat not yet achieved by any driver in the category.

View Stage Report here


November 1, 2023

Schumacher LD3 Alloy Differential

New from Schumacher is this Alloy Differential for their recently launched LD3 1:10 2WD Competition buggy.  Also compatible with the ST2, LD2, LD, KD and Cougar KR models, this optional diff gives super precision and strength and has a larger oil volume for more consistency during a run.  Available as a complete diff build with all necessary parts included, it can also be purchased as a conversion kit that includes all the parts to form a new diff using your existing kit parts.

View Alloy diff conversion kit here


October 5, 2023

EFRA seeks support on EU nitro fuel petition

EFRA, the federation for RC racing in Europe, is seeking the support of racers and the industry with a petition submitted to the European Parliament to amend the rule regarding nitro fuel for model car racing.  The petition is titled “Petition No 0519/2023 by Markus Dirks (German) on amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors” and is opposed to the reduction from 25 % nitromethane content to 12% in the fuel used by model sport pilots and model sport car drivers.  The petitioner claims that this would lead to thermal problems in engines and prevent European or World Championships from being held in Germany and calls for exemptions and for paragraph 10 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors to be adapted.

View & sign petition here


September 28, 2023

TDK Edge Tire Sauce

Arizona based TDK Repair has added a new tyre additive to its range with the release of TDK Edge Tire Sauce.   A safety focused company that offers high performance products that are safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, TDK Edge is engineered to deliver the utmost traction on sealed track surfaces.  Ensuring minimal tyre deformation, TDK Edge is crafted to keep your tires in optimal shape, ensuring consistent performance throughout your races.  While it excels on sealed tracks, it also performs admirably on normal clay surfaces, making it a versatile choice for racers who demand excellence across various terrains.

Source: TDK Repair [tdkrepair.com]


September 24, 2023

’23 Offroad World C/ship Chassis Focus Index

With the dust now settled on what was a fantastic & exciting 1:10 Offroad World Championships at Hobby Action RC Raceway, we have put together a full index of all the buggies we were able to photograph for our ‘Chassis Focus’ during our time in Arizona. While we request chassis focus with all the manufacturers, some are forced to decline to protect prototype parts or developments they were trying at the Worlds. We are always happy to respect this as in this modern era it has become easy for parts to reverse engineered from online images and made available before the chassis manufacturer, who has invested the time & funding into the buggy, has fully tested and signed off the final design of parts. Sworkz was one manufacturer who was unable to provide their buggies because of a new suspension parts they had for the event.

View Chassis Focus Index here