Hong Nor has released these new optional Lightweight Diff Cups for use on both its 1:8 Buggy and 1:8 GT platforms. Compatible with the Taiwanese manufacturer’s X3GT GT car and X5B buggy, they use a 5×4 mm head screw to provide a tighter and more secure fit.
Taiwanese manufacturer Ming Yang has announced the upcoming release of its newest 1:8 Nitro Buggy Kit, the MY3. The 2023 FEMCA Championship winning manufacturer with team driver Jeff Wang, has released two CAD images of their latest buggy which is due for release in April. While giving no details of the new kit or improvements over the previous MY2, they did confirm an electric version of the MY3 is set to follow later. Wang used an example of the MY3 to claim a podium at the SIGP in Xiamen, China, over the weekend, the race won by Japan’s Kouki Kato.
Team Associated has introduced two new soft spring options to its 13mm shock spring line-up. Intended for the RC10 platform, the front lineup now includes a Green spring option, while the rear lineup now has a Black spring option. Giving racers a greater range of adjustability for various conditions the 13mm Front Green Spring is rated 3.1 lb/in, L44, 7.5T, 1.2D, while the Black Rear is rated 1.7 lb/in, L61, 12.5T, 1.2D.
Source: Associated [associatedelectrics.com]
New from Xray are these Heat Resistant Alu Diff Pin & Inserts intended for use on their XB8, XT8, GTX platforms. The high-strength lightweight aluminium differential pin and insert set is designed for 2-gear differential configurations. This setup delivers a smoother, more stable, and easier driving feel on high-traction tracks. The no flat spot pin design enhances durability when running only two gears, while the heat-resistant inserts maintain consistent performance under load and elevated temperatures. One set covers both front and rear differentials (includes 2 pins + 4 inserts).
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Kouki Kato completed the double at this year’s SIGP, the Infinity successfully defending his 2025 Nitro win and adding the eBuggy title this year in the Xiamen, China. Rescheduled from its traditional end of year date, this year’s earlier running of the race mean’t a much reduced international entry for the Sunpadow Batteries staged race. With a 2025 entry that included Xray’s David Ronnefalk, Infinity’s Bruno Coelho, and Mayako’s Pekko Iivonen, Kato won a thrilling Nitro A-Main last year but this year the Asian Buggy Championships Champion would dominate proceedings. A race that only made its post Covid return in 2024, World Champion Davide Ongaro taking that win, qualifying for the 2026 edition would see the Japanese driver top all 5 qualifiers to secure the TQ honours ahead of Team Associated promising Korean teenager Jung Hyunkyu and 2023 FEMCA Champion Jeff Wang from Taiwan. In the 45-minute final, while Hyunkyu got out front early on for a number of laps, once Kato got back in the lead he would hold on to win by a final 6-second margin, Hyunkyu showing strong pace with the fastest lap of the race. Wang would complete the podium, this being the same order as they finished eBuggy.
Image: Kouki Kato [Facebook]
Defending Spanish National Champion & professional 1:8 Offroad racer Juan Carlos Canas is to miss this weekend’s opening round of the National eBuggy Championship after a new administration process introduced by the national governing body AECAR. The factory Sworkz driver appears to have missed a new 24-hour registration window and has no entry for the opening encounter of the highly competitive national championship. Making a post on social media Canas, who won the nitro season opener, explained that once he noticed entries had opened, and given he was racing in the US with an 8-hour time difference, he made his entry and payment. However it was only when he contacted a ‘delegate of Spain’ about the race at RC Silla that he discovered he didn’t have a place due to the new 24-hour rule.
Serpent’s Alvaro Fernandez Calvo has won the opening round of the AECAR 1:8 Onroad Spanish National Championship. Staged by the AUTET track in Almussafes the race attracted an impressive 56 drivers and offer the 4 rounds of qualifying it was Fernandez who would be fastest. Running FTD format, the 22-year-old laid down the fastest 5-minute run in the 3rd round with the Infinity of Nacho Lopez his closest rival with his time from Q2. The Mugen Seiki of Sergi Franch Codina completing the Top 3. While Fernandez, with the TQ, and Nachos, as winner of Super Pole, went direct to the final, after the Semi Finals it was Victor Pelaez with the faster Semi Final winning time who line-up 3rd on the grid. In the 45-minute final Fernandez would be pressured by Pelaez until the Mugen driver went out after 23-minutes. After that Fernandez controlled the race eventually winning by a 3-lap margin over Lopez with Ruben Olivares Muñoz completing the podium.
Image: Alvaro Fernandez Calvo [Facebook]
RC-KleinKram owned ZooRacing has released its latest competition 1:10 190mm Electric Touring Car body the Jackal. Utilising their latest insights, the Jackal delivers significant improvements in downforce, stability, and overall handling with increased aerodynamic efficiency for enhanced cornering stability and sharp rotation, it provides a dynamic and stable driving experience in modified and also stock racing. Several design innovations have been incorporated into the Jackal to ensure it excels in all different racing environments. To enhance high-speed steering precision, both the front and hood have been redesigned. The front has less edges and a much more efficient design for a perfect laminar airflow. The side contours have been strategically shaped to direct airflow over the rear wheel arches, optimising the aerodynamic pressure differential and increasing downforce. The rear end is designed with an extra large spoiler to minimise turbulences and increase downforce. Its narrow-shaped waist design reduces the frontal surface area, allowing for faster acceleration and better agility in tight corners. Aerodynamic efficiency is maximised through an elongated roofline that reduces drag and improves stability at high speeds. The ZOOlite molding process used in the Jackal reduces the weight of the standard 0.7mm body shell by approximately 10 grams. The Jackal is also available in the lightweight ULTRALIGHT 0.5mm version, while for super high grip tracks and hardcore modified racing there is 0.4mm AIRLIGHTversion.
