September 3, 2026

Drivers full of praise for track at Asian Buggy C/ships Finale

With free practice for the season finale of the Asian Buggy Championships complete, drivers have been heaping praise on Adrian Wicaksono for his track layout for the season finale here in Jakarta, Indonesia.  After the race was cancelled last year, West Side Raceway returns to the Season 4 calendar after it previously proved a huge hit with driver as the concluding round of the 2024 championship.  With many of this weekend’s race favourites making their first visit to the Southeast Asian country for Round 4, they are all relishing a weekend of racing on the ‘proper dirt track’ which over the previous edition takes things up a notch by being a lot more technical.  One of the drivers expected to be in the mix for a podium in the main Nitro Buggy class this weekend, on his track design Wicaksono explained, ‘basically the previous year it was more like an open layout, fast with big sweeping corners.  This year I wanted to make the track more technical but still have enough space for passing.’

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September 2, 2026

Sworkz S35-5 1:8 Buggy Kit

Sworkz has released details of the 5 generation of their competition 1:8 Buggy platform, the S35-5 and S35-5e.  The next evolution in 1:8 Buggy racing builds on the proven success of the S35-4 EVO platform, with the well-known and successful geometry of that predecessor having been carefully optimized in key areas for the S35-5.  This delivers higher cornering speeds, increased traction, and a more forgiving driving feel-without changing the fundamental driving character. Sworkz say this result is a buggy that remains predictable and easy to control, while offering increased consistency and confidence across a wide variety of track conditions.  The S35-5 is built around a lightened T7075 hard-anodised aluminium chassis, based on the proven wheelbase layout of the S35-4 EVO, which has been extensively used by their factory drivers.  In addition, an optional +3 mm extended chassis will once again be available.. This longer version is ideal for fast, high-grip tracks, providing improved stability and easier handling at high speeds.  The buggy gets a redesigned radio tray that offers multiple receiver battery mounting options, flexible receiver positioning, is compatibility with various switch types, and has two transponder mounting locations.  This all ensures clean installation and easy setup customisation.  The S35-5 is equipped with LCD (Large Caster Design) front upper arms, which were already available as an option on the S35-4 EVO and have proven their performance and durability over several years of racing. To improve durability and cleanliness, plastic covers for the front and rear lower suspension arms are included. These covers provide effective protection against dirt and debris while also giving the buggy a cleaner and more aggressive appearance.  The shock system of the S35-5 has been completely updated, with new high-quality X-rings for smoother shock action and improved sealing.  The kit also gets new double-line shock towers, the Upper line based on the proven S35-4 EVO design and the Lower line optimised for high-grip tracks, offering a lower center of gravity and more precise handling.  All-new Samurai Competition spring line has been developed specifically for improved balance and consistency.

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September 2, 2026

Reckward-Tuning MBX8R Flat Lying Shock Conversion Kit

Coming from RMV Deutschland’s Reckward-Tuning brand is this Flat Lying Shock Conversion Kit for the Mugen Seiki MBX8R 1:8 Buggy.  The kit was developed in close cooperation with the team at RMV Deutschland and Paul Eckmann, and has been extensively tested in close cooperation with Burak, Berkan and Abdullah Kilic.  They are currently using the conversion kit on their buggies in both Nitro and Electric configurations.  What makes it particularly interesting is that they did not simply focus on changing the shock position, but on solving the mechanical details around the conversion properly.  A major focus during development was durability and material protection.  The suspension-arm mounting uses high-strength screws combined with a special nylon locking system to prevent vibration-related loosening.  At the same time, the inserts feature a precisely designed groove on the front side to reduce clamping pressure on the sensitive seam of the plastic suspension arm and minimise the risk of cracking.  Another detail is the lower shock mounting. Instead of using conventional through-bolts with lock nuts, RMV Deutschland developed an asymmetric wing-style mounting solution.  One side features a precise through-hole, while the opposite side is reinforced and threaded.  This creates a very rigid and play-free connection while allowing the steel ball to work correctly and reducing wear and thread damage during repeated maintenance.  The kit supplied as a complete F/R solution, rather than requiring racers to source individual components or purchase separate conversion parts for each axle.  The idea was to provide a properly matched system that can be installed directly and gives the MBX8R a consistent front-to-rear setup.

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September 1, 2026

G-Force Genova Carpet Edition 2WD Buggy

Japan’s G-Force has announced the upcoming release of a ‘Carpet Edition’ of their Genova 1:10 2WD Buggy.  The new edition kit which will go on sale on September 19th, will include a front wing and machined aluminium wing mount designed to increase front downforce.  It is also equipped with front and rear “Carpet Edition” tyres suited for carpet tracks and includes newly developed rear inner inserts for the kit.  “Carpet Edition” springs are also included and are designed for a lower centre of gravity and a lower ride height.  Under the supervision of Masami Hirosaka, the Genova body and wing design evoke a sense of nostalgia.

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September 1, 2026

JConcepts 2.0″ X-Bite 4WD Front Tyre

JConcepts has introduced their all-new X-Bite 1:10 4WD tyre which the Florida based company say is ‘a fresh pin tire option developed for outdoor racing and future events around the world’.  Produced specifically for 2.0” 4WD front wheel applications, the X-Bite draws influence from the successful Dirt Bite 1:8 offroad tyre.  Tipping a cap to pin tyre trends from the early 2000’s, the X-Bite delivers a unique combination of modern performance and nostalgic styling.  It features an aggressive radius pin layout loaded with square pins for exceptional forward traction and balanced side-bite on loose and evolving surfaces. At the center of the tire, an integrated “X” design helps define the tire’s character while assisting stability and feel during acceleration and directional changes. Designed for racers searching for grip before the groove develops, the X-Bite excels on loose, damp, and natural outdoor surfaces that have yet to take on rubber. Whether conditions are fresh, rough, or moisture-packed, the X-Bite provides confidence and consistency lap after lap.  Each X-Bite tire includes Dirt-Tech closed cell inserts for additional support, consistency, and long-lasting performance in low traction conditions. The carcass is smooth without any features and provides a steady contact patch to included inserts. Combined, these details provide racers with a more planted and predictable feel when pushing through demanding outdoor conditions.  For the ultimate performance and control, JConcepts recommends pairing the X-Bite with genuine Mono or Pioneer wheels.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


September 1, 2026

Smith crowned double British 1:10 Offroad Champion

Ben Smith is the new double British 1:10 Offroad Champion, the Schumacher driver claiming his first ever National title success on Saturday with a 2WD podium finish and then doubling up on Sunday to take the 4WD title in style with victory at the season finale hosted by Batley Model Car Club.  Having finished runner-up to Team Associated’s Tommy Hall in both championships last year, Smith lifted the 2WD title by 2-points from Hall with 5-points separating the Top 2 in 4WD.  The sixth & final round of the championship would see Scotland’s Daniel Pole secure the 2WD TQ and win for Associated.  Becoming the fourth different winner of 2026, his first win of the season came ahead of Luke Holdsworth and Smith.  In 4WD, it was the perfect weekend for Smith as he secured the TQ ahead of Hall with Josh Holdsworth lining up third for Schumacher. In the finals they would finish as they started.

Image: Schumacher [Facebook]


August 31, 2026

Tellez crowned 1:8 Euro B Buggy Champion in Portugal

Usually a marker of more to come, Spanish racer Iker Tellez is the new EFRA 1:8 Nitro Buggy European B Champion,  the Team Associated driver winning the title ahead of Top Qualifier Bradley Baird at the ACDB Os Beirões track in Guarda, Portugal.  A champion that counts David Ronnefalk, Juan Carlos Canas, Riccardo Berton, and Mattia Polito as some of its past champions, in qualifying it was the Mugen Seiki of Northern Ireland’s Baird that secured the overall TQ with fastest times in the final 2 of the 4 rounds.  Fastest in the opening round, British Agama driver Erik Lykke qualified in P2 followed by Tellez, fastest in Q2, and Portuguese Xray driver Pedro Gomes.  Winning his Semi in the fastest time it was Lykke who started on pole ahead of Tellez, Gomes and Baird.  At the start of the 45-minute final a strong start by Tellez saw him take a lead he wouldn’t relinquish with the fastest lap of the race helping him to a winning margin of over half a lap on Baird.  Lining up 11 on the 13 car grid, Spain’s Erik Becerril Rodríguez came through to complete the podium with his Team Associated ahead of the similar buggy of Italy’s Andrea Cairoli.

Image: EFRA [Facebook]


August 31, 2026

Edmunds becomes double FEMCA Asian Champion in Malaysia

Australian Team Sparko driver Jayden Edmunds completed the double at the FEMCA 1:8 Offroad Asian Championship which took place in Malaysia over the weekend.  Racing on the oil treated Putrajaya Offroad RC Park track which is located south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the race to be crowned the official champion of Asia attracted just 49 drivers and with Kyosho’s back to back champion Phi-Long Nguyen not in attendance this year, the title was wide open. In qualifying five rounds saw Edmunds take the TQ with 3 fastest runs compared to the two of the compatriot Zac Foster whose Mugen Seiki took P2.  In eBuggy, Edmunds, who only joined Sparko at the end of June, completed a clean sweep to lock in the TQ again ahead of Foster.  In the 12-car eBuggy main, Edmunds took A1 and 2 to lift his first FEMCA title before going on to secure the double in the 1-hour 15-car Nitro final.  From the front he controlled the race to win with a comfortable margin over Foster while from P4 on the grid it was Malaysia’s very own Ken NG who completed the podium with his Sparko.

Image: Jayden Edmunds [Facebook]


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