January 2, 2026

GRP Tyres sign Boots

In a major signing for GRP, the Italian tyre manufacturer has announced that multiple European Champion and World Championship Top Qualifier Elliott Boots will represent the brand in 2026.  Unveiling the factory Sworkz/Reds Racing driver, GRP posted, ‘After the launch of the new 1:8 Buggy line last May, we weren’t simply looking for a driver.  We were looking for the right driver.  Fast when it matters, solid in development, with real experience, a true racing mindset, and real weight in the international Buggy scene.  Profiles like this are rare. Very rare.  Among them all, Elliott was an immediate choice.  We’ve known each other for years—we know what he can deliver on track and off track. He immediately understood the direction of the project and embraced our proposal with enthusiasm and determination.  I, Maurizio, together with Susi and Sara, owners of GRP, are proud and excited to announce Elliott as the new official GRP Factory driver for the 2026 season.  This is not just a new driver.  It’s a step forward in our Buggy program.  And it’s only the beginning.’  Reacting to his new tyre deal Boots said, ‘I’m so excited to share with you all that I will be joining GRP Tyres for the 2026 season.  I’ve known Grp for many years, but since Maurizio, Susi, and Sara took over eight years ago, everything has changed for the better.  I visited the company personally and found it to be truly impressive.  They produce everything in-house, have direct control over the compound formulation, the laser-finished molds are fantastic, the tires they produce are unmatched on the current market, and their quality control is obsessive.  Despite having many years of experience, I was impressed by their quality and enthusiasm.  I’ll publish several tutorials in the coming weeks to better explain all the technical characteristics of the various components.  I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and really looking to our first race together.’

Source: GRP [grpgandini.it]


January 2, 2026

Haatanen switches to RUDDOG Racing Electronics

Top Finnish Offroad racer Joona Haatanen is making the switch to Ruddog Racing electronics for 2026.  The career long Team Associated team driver has run the US manufacturer’s package of Reedy Electronics but following his joining of Ruddog Distribution as a full-time employee in early 2025, he will now run the German based Team Associated distributor’s full range of own brand Ruddog Racing electronics in his AE cars.  This full performance package includes the RXS speed controller, Ruddog Racing motors, servos and LiPo packs.

Source: Ruddog [ruddog.eu]


January 1, 2026

Neumann joins WIRC Factory Team

Italian manufacturer WIRC has announced the signing of Joern Neumann to its Factory team.  The German starts a new chapter with WIRC after a successful 8-year program in which he was part of the growth of the Sworkz brand into a key industry player in today’s 1:8 Buggy market.  Announcing their new star signing with little information other than ‘Welcome Jörn Neumann to the WIRC Factory Team!’ after the Belgian flag!, it is expected the hugely accomplished offroad racer will focus on 1:8 Offroad but as WIRC also have a 1:8 GT chassis we might also see the former IFMAR 1:8 GT World Champion compete in onroad events.  WIRC has previously worked with Ryan Cavalieri, for one season, and Marco Baruffolo, for 14-months, and only recently signed Tyler Jones to its US team.

Source: WIRC Racing [wirc-racing.com]


December 31, 2025

EXO Design Updated Optima Mid LWB Conversion Kit

To support the re-release of the Kyosho’s Turbo Optima MID Special, Buggy conversation specialist EXO Design has released an updated version of its Conversion Kit for the 1:10 4WD Buggy.  This new version has received significant design upgrades including Belt Relief Groove, this recessed groove preventing friction between the belt and the chassis plate.  It also gets a Transverse Battery Setup which retains the stock Rere holder but upgrades to Metal Battery Holder Nuts for a secure, zero-risk fit.  The updated chassis design now accommodates the installation of the Kyosho #30623 Turbo Optima MID Special under tray. In addition to the updated kit, EXO Design also confirmed its 1:10 FF Buggy will officially release in 2026. The final production version features several design changes compared to the prototype previously shared. Targeting a release in Q2 2026, once the shipping schedule is confirmed, they will launch a pre-order campaign.

View more images here


December 31, 2025

Phend confirms switch to Matrix Tires

Having announced that he was leaving JConcepts after 6 seasons with the US tyre brand, Dakotah Phend has been confirmed at Matrix for 2026.  The Xray driver joins reigning 1:8 Offroad World Champion Davide Ongaro in running the Italian manufacturer’s tyres. On sharing the announcement Phend posted, ‘With time comes change and with change comes opportunity and I’m extremely excited for what the future holds. Cristian, the owner of Matrix, has been great to work with and I can’t wait to help the brand grow and flourish over here in the states. First race up will be Clash with the newly announced Matrix slick tires!’

Source: Dakotah Phend [Facebook]


December 31, 2025

JConcepts Micro-T Finnisher body w/Rear Spoiler

Ending out the 2025 year, JConcepts has released their Finnisher body for the popular 1:28 Micro-T from Losi.  The body incorporates pre-dimpled locations for the mini truck and has a slight cab forward, raked windshield and aggressive stance that highlights a performance-oriented core.  The front hood scoop allows plenty of clearance for mini front-end geometry and body mounts while smoothing out the front down force area.  Front chin spoiler, headlight, and grill protect the front-end from unwanted up-drafts during flight.  Just like the larger trucks, the Micro-T body has all the performance-based features like air-escape passages which can be trimmed by the customer for better “in-flight” characteristics. Recessed windows look heavy and add to the depth of the Finnisher styling.  Heavy bracing between the back of the cab and rear shock tower humps connects the features and add some rigidness to the design. The rear spoiler is included as part of the rear of complete body assembly mold.  To assemble the rear spoiler, it’s necessary to use the standard mounting hardware and brace included with Micco-T kit.  Each body receives window mask and a decal sheet.

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December 30, 2025

Phend leaves JConcepts

Top American Offroad racer Dakotah Phend has announced that his 6-year sponsorship with Florida based tyre & body manufacturer JConcepts has come to an end.  Joining Xray for 2025 after a career long drive at TLR ended, Phend achieved a triple at this year’s US Nationals winning the Nitro Buggy, eBuggy, and Truggy titles with JConcepts providing the traction for each of his wins.  Joining JConcepts in 2020, on making the announcement of his departure, Phend posted, ‘After 6 successful years my time with JConcepts is officially coming to an end.  We have had a lot of National and other major race wins over the years and I can’t thank everyone there enough for all of the support over the years.  Jason has been great to me and I appreciate the amount of time and effort that he has put into my race program.  He does a lot for his drivers and the industry and I have a lot of respect for what he has created and accomplished.  When I signed back in 2020 it was absolutely the right decision for my program and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.

Source: Dakotah Phend [Facebook]


December 30, 2025

Avid B7 -2° Wider C Mounts | Hard Anodised Slipper Screw

Avid Racing Concepts has released new -2° Wider C Mounts and a Hard Anodised Slipper Screw for the Team Associated RC10B7 platform.  The Avid -2° C Arm Mount was first innovated by the US Upgrade parts producer for the B6.3 and has turned into a must-have if you are racing on high bite surfaces such as carpet or turf.  These mounts for the B7/T7/SC7 and B84 frees up the vehicle in the turns and when landing jumps sideways such as corner tabletops.  Typically, to get to the low rear toe settings that you need on carpet, you have to start narrowing the pills through the D Mount which is increasing side bite by decreasing your track width. Our C Arm mount prevents that from happening by widening the C pivot block, thus starting you at 1 deg of rear toe with centred pills on the C and D mount instead of 3.  You will be amazed at how well your car handles with less rear toe done in the correct fashion.  Also new from Avid for the B7 is their hard-anodised 7075-T6 aluminium Slipper Screw which weighs just 1.43 grams.  While their titanium version saved weight it eventually picked up a slight bend which sent Avid back to the drawing board.  The result is a screw that stays straight, keeps the weight low, and costs a lot less than titanium.  The 2mm hex makes slipper adjustments easier, even with the motor fan still on.

View more images here


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