January 2, 2017

Xray sign Alessio Mazzeo

Xray have announced the signing of Italian frontrunner, Alessio Mazzeo to their factory team. The former Serpent driver is EFRA Euro B and A title holder, 2016 IFMAR 200mm vice World Champion and 5-times Italian national champion. Alessio will compete in events such as the ENS, at EFRA GPs, the national championship, the XRS and also at the EFRA Euros and IFMAR Worlds and he has the following to say about the deal:

I am very happy to be part of a really prestigious but especially the forefront for the RC world. After many years spent in the Serpent there was no better team to be able to support me to carry on the hard work that I and my team have done in recent years, I can not wait to begin to address this challenge, see you on the track, ciao ciao Alessio.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


January 2, 2017

Awesomatix A800X 2017 touring car kit

Coming soon from Awesomatix is the A800X touring car kit. The 2017 version of the popular touring car will feature several improvements, refinements and option parts including updated main chassis plates with updated flex, suspension and drivetrain geometry. Adding to this is a redesigned top deck with new flex adjustment and updated ST55 and ST019 parts while new bulkheads and a new motor mount are also part of the 2017 package. Other parts included are updated eccentric diff holders for altered axle heights, as well as a ball-raced swaybar system with integrated droop adjustment feature, a new spool and 38T pulley, and new damper mounts with limited A and B setting adjustment. The kit is rounded out by new SPR02X damper output shafts, AM06WL hubs, optimised geometry C01M1 carbon A-arms as well as the linear steering rack. The A800X is available as 2.2 carbon fibre chassis, soft alloy and hard alloy chassis variant and it will hit stores in the coming weeks.

View a list of the new features here


January 2, 2017

RDRP RC8B3 aluminium chassis brace rear mount

Made for Team Associated’s 3rd generation RC8 1/8th off-road kits is RDRP’s new aluminium chassis brace rear mount. A direct replacement for the standard composite plastic part the connector between the rear chassis brace and the rear gearbox is made from high-quality aluminium and it comes blue anodised and laser-etched for cool factory looks and improved durability. On top of this the brace will make for more equal flex characteristics, leading to an improved overall performance of the vehicle. The brace is compatible to all RC8B3 and RC8T3 kits including the RC8B, RC8B3e, RC8T3 and RC8T3e.

View another image here


January 2, 2017

Tesla 13.5T Modified brushless motor

Italian company Capricorn have introduced their new 13.5T Modified brushless motor for “outlaw” stock racing classes. Made using the highest quality materials the motor offers an updated design for improved performance over standard stock motors and it features an adjustable timing to adapt the powerband to various racing conditions.

View more images here


January 2, 2017

Yaniv Sivan TQs and wins Israeli League Rd4

Round four of the Israeli League 1/8th nitro buggy racing series took place at the Omer Ring racing track. After a rainy week the track was a little wet and muddy but the sun was shining, making for fantastic weather conditions. After four rounds of qualifications, Yaniv Sivan took the TQ and in the opening stages of the 40-minute A-main event, Yaniv Sivan, Ido Carmon and Ofir Avitan swapped position for the lead. Meanwhile the battle for fourth was on between Tal Siles, Aviv Maymon and Gil Harush but later Aviv had to pull out due to engine issues. At the end it was Yaniv Sivan who took the win followed by Ido Carmon and Ofir Avitan in second and third respectively. Tal Siles and Gil Harush completed the top 5 result.

View the final results here


January 2, 2017

Dylan Gerard teams up with SOAR Racing USA

SOAR Racing USA have added Dylan Gerard to the team for 2017. Gerard, a former TLR and Serpent driver, is a very fast and popular racer from the Mid-West United States region. After a little break from racing, Gerard is ready to get back to racing with the new SOAR 998 TD1 buggy and he has the following to say:

After a short break, I am really excited to get back to racing with an opportunity to join SOAR Racing USA as they have a solid, promising platform of 1/8 cars. The quality of their products and willingness to succeed is second to none. The chance to join such a great company is truly an honor and I want to thank Gene Hickerson, Matt Sistrunk, and Didian Ho for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to a great year of racing!

Source: SOAR [soar-rc.com]


January 2, 2017

Akio Sobue leaves Tamiya & TRF

Akio Sobue has announced his departure from Tamiya and TRF, fuelling further speculation about the future of TRF as a car brand. The former JMRCA Electric Touring Car champion and IFMAR Worlds A-main finisher is another high-class driver to leave the successful TRF team and he has posted the following statement on social media, which is translated from Japanese:

On December 31, we will inform you that the contract is terminated. It was very special to me that the brand was very special for the first time in 2010 years since the first season in the all Japan Championship. I didn’t know the right side of the left, Mr. Seiwa, Mr. Kono, and before, I am very grateful to you. And also thanks to the teammates (Marc Rheinard, Jilles, randomeyes, Christopher, Nicholas, Nicholas, and Matsukura). I think I was blessed with the best team. In the end, I deeply appreciate your sincere thanks to you for the last one. Thank you so much for your time. I think we may be able to inform you about the upcoming activities. In 2017, I think it is a great year for me to be a new start. It’s not the same as the rest of the future, please.


January 2, 2017

Robert Batlle joins Picco

Following his departure from engine and accessories sponsors Modelix, former 1/8th Nitro Buggy World Champion, Robert Batlle has teamed up with Italian company Picco. The record Spanish national champion will power his Mugen buggies using Picco’s competition nitro engines and he has the following to say about the deal:

I’m glad to inform that my new engines brand empowering my Mugen will be Picco! I would like to thank Alberto and Edoardo Picco to give me this opportunity. Our relationship has started and we have the first race in 4 days, I’m looking forward to start this season!