January 6, 2026

Infinity confirms Matsukura for inaugural Nitro Party

Infinity has confirmed they are sending multiple World Champion Naoto Matsukura to the inaugural Nitro Party race which takes place later this month at the new Hongyu GDC track in China.  The Japanese driver holds one of the most impressive World Championship records in our sport winning 6 World Championship title over three different classes, 1:12, ITSC, and Nitro Touring Car, and has appeared in World final across numerous disciplines including 1:8 Onroad and 1:10 Electric Offroad.  Fresh from racing at the FEMCA Asia Championships, TQ’ing the opening qualifier, at the impressive Hongyu GDC facility in December in preparation for the upcoming ISTC World Championships, the Japanese ace will return to the city of Foshan on January 24-25 for some nitro action.  With the Nitro Party race creating great excitement within the Asian nitro onroad scene, the race has also attracted international attention with newly crowned 1:8 GT World Champion Alession Mazzeo one of a number of Italians already confirm for the first edition.

Source: Hongyu GDC [Facebook]


January 6, 2026

Sturdy moves to Schumacher for 2026

After 9-years with Team Associated, multiple Australian National Offroad Champion Chris Sturdy has been confirmed as joining Schumacher for 2026.  Schumacher described the signing of Sturdy as ‘a great addition to our high level Off Road team.’  Announcing his departure from Team Associated back in November, giving his reaction to joining the British manufacturer & newly crowned 1:10 2WD World Champions Sturdy said, ‘I am beyond thrilled to be joining Schumacher for the 2026 season! Schumacher is where my story began and this feels like a homecoming for me.  I look forward to joining the Schumacher Family and representing the Historic name and brand, as well as working with the team, both locally and abroad.  A thank you to Harvey, Robin and all those at Schumacher for welcoming me on board for 2026.’

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]


January 6, 2026

Batta joins Hobbywing

Hobbywing has officially announced the addition of IFMAR 1:10 2WD Offroad World Championship podium finisher Davey Batta to their team for 2026 and beyond.  The 20-year-old, who previously represented R1 Wurks, returns to Hobbywing and will use their electronics as part of his package as a Team Associated driver.  Winning 2WD over the weekend at the Clash of Champions, on the announcement the American said, ‘Really Excited to be back with Hobbywing for the 2026 Season and Beyond!  Huge thank you to Charlie, Matty G, and Spencer Rivkin for helping me hit the ground running with the equipment.  Hobbywing has proven to set and raise the bar for power. I’m excited to be a part of the amazing team!’

Source: Hobbywing [hobbywing.com]


January 6, 2026

EXO Design Works 91 12mm CVA set

To allow for wheel compatibility with modern buggies, EXO Design has released this dedicated 12mm CVA set specifically designed for the Yokomo Works 91.  It allows the buggy to use standard 12mm HEX wheels found on modern buggies.  This means if you run both vintage and modern RC buggies you’ll find this upgrade essential as it eliminates worrying about wheel compatibility.  The set includes 4 X CVA Shafts (12mm HEX specification) however the HEX & Pin are not included.  The shaft materials is identical to those used in modern racing buggies, ensuring high strength and durability.

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January 6, 2026

RC Discharger Tire Break-in Machine

US discharger specialist RC Discharger has expanded its range of offerings with the addition of this Tire Break-in Machine.  Engineered to accommodate 1:10 Touring Car, VTA, and 2.2″ Off-Road tires using a standard 12mm hex mount, it runs on 7.4V input (2S LiPo) to 12V DC with an ultra-low consumption of less than 1 Amp.  This ensures long runtimes without draining your pit supply or spare battery.  Equipped with a high-quality XT60 input connector and a dedicated On/Off power button for safety and ease of use.  Allowing you to save significant time, you let the Break-in Machine handle the work automatically while you manage other pit duties or prepare for your next heat.  Providing maximum consistency it eliminate human error ensuring all four tires possess identical surface texture and foam compliance.  It also primes foam inserts and softens rubber tires so they perform perfectly on asphalt, carpet, or dirt the moment they hit the track.

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January 6, 2026

JConcepts 1:8 Truggy Injection Molded Front Wing

JConcepts has released this new lightweight injection molded front wing for 1:8 Truggy.  With 2 wings per package it is available in bright white, stealth black, fluorescent yellow, cool grey, and retro pink. The front wing on Truggy is a concept brought on by the JConcepts team during the 2022 racing season and since that time has been available as a vacuum formed part produced in polycarbonate.  The front of the vehicle is often covered with a nose cone or item which can be painted or decorated to match the body shell paint or scheme.  The front wing or scoop available in polycarbonate has since taken over providing some functional consideration to vehicle performance.  The polycarbonate versions are often left clear or scuffed, but with new injection molded option, many colors are available to match.  The durable nature of the material, the tall side dams built in conjunction with lower front lip gives the front-end benefits in high-speed turns, and sweeping sections.  On most vehicles, it simply attaches using an existing screw or set of screws located on the front-end.  In some instances, it might be necessary to source a 3mm BHCS to accommodate or mount to a vehicle.  It is necessary to drill or ream holes to align with the popular vehicles listed such as the Tekno NT48 2.2, RC8T4, Mugen MBX8TR, Sworkz S35-T2 Evo.

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January 5, 2026

Schumacher announces Schimmel signing

While he was busy helping them claim a 1-2 behind new team-mate Broc Champlin at the Clash of Champions in the US over the weekend,  2WD World Champions Schumacher has officially announced their signing of Brennan Schimmel to its offroad team.  After a 1-year stint with Xray, the reigning ROAR 1:10 2WD Modified Buggy Champion unveiled his move to the British manufacturer when he posted photos of his two new Schumacher buggies ahead of flying to the Hoosier RC Hobbyplex in Indiana for the first race of 2026.  In the official announcement from Schumacher today, Schummel said, ‘As the Clash of Champions event has just concluded it was my first outing with the new rides and working with the team, I couldn’t be happier! Bringing home a solid P2 overall finish in 4wd also. I’m looking forward to getting back to the track to learn even more on the cars. A huge thank you to Muz, Robin and the Schumacher team for making this happen.’

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]


January 5, 2026

EXO Design Top Force Conversion Kit

Kicking off its 2026 releases, buggy conversation specialist EXO Design introduces this kit for the Tamiya Top Force 1:10 4WD Buggy.  By optimising the kit for Shorty batteries, the chassis is significantly lighter, providing a more agile and responsive driving experience.  Compatible with both the Top Force and Top Force EVO, the competition version conversation kit made using premium materials and is optimised for performance and specifically designed for mainstream Shorty LiPo batteries.  The kit includes 9 precision-cut carbon fibre parts, plus aluminium stand-offs, washers, and screws.  Both front and rear shock towers are reinforced to 3.5mm thickness for maximum rigidity.  Fully compatible with modern 1:10 buggy shock systems (e.g. the EXO-005SGD 12mm Big Bore Shocks), multiple mounting positions allow for precise suspension fine-tuning.  A high-reliability design keeps your battery firmly on the chassis during intense racing and battery swaps are performed effortless by simply releasing one screw for a quick change.

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