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

Hong Nor X3GTS’26 1:8 GT

World Champion manufacturer Hong Nor has released images of their latest 1:8 Nitro GT kit the X3GTS’26.  Due for release at the end of January, the ’26 is an evolution of the WC edition which was released after Toni Gruber’s 2023 World title win in Australia.  The most significant upgrades are increased rigidity from the new 4mm 7075-T6 chassis.  The kit also features a new radio tray design, Carbon Top Deck, and CNC Machined Chassis Brace Mount, with the combined overall result of the new parts being improved corner speed.  Running a 13/44T Spiral Bevel Gear, the’26 also gets a new fuel tank that has been fitted with a fuel pick up that can also function should the car flip.

View more images here


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

ORCA signs Sawada

Electronics brand ORCA has announced the signing of top Japanese Touring Car driver & recently crowned 2025 FEMCA Asia Touring Car Spec Champion Shin Sawada.  The Xray team driver, who finished fifth at the 2024 IFMAR World Championships in the Spec Class and previously ran for Hobbywing, will join the likes of Naoto Matsukura, Akio Sobue, and Lucas Urbain, in representing the ORCA brand in 2026.  A World Championship year, Sawada will be one of ORCA’s key challengers for the Spec title at the Hongyu GDC track in China next April.

Source: ORCA [orcarc.com]


January 1, 2026

Butterfield joins Team Associated

Having announced his departure from Serpent last week, multiple US Nitro Onroad National Champion Bryce Butterfield will race for Team Associated in 2026.  Racing both nitro and electric programs during his 5-years with Serpent, the 24-year-old will now form part of Team Associated’s Electric Touring Car team, the US manufacturer only returning to competitive racing with the TC8 which went on release in April of 2025.  Sharing the news on his social media, Butterfield who finished runner-up at the 2025 ROAR Modified Touring Car Paved Championships, said, ‘2026 brings a new chapter, Team Associated!  Super excited and proud to be a part of this iconic brand!  Thank you to BT and everyone behind the scene for allowing me to represent.  I’m looking forward to working with the team with a focus on the TC8 and onroad with some off-road sprinkled in here and there.  It’s gonna be a great, but busy year!  Feel free to come check out my TC8, and hit me up online if you have any questions regarding Team Associated products.  See everyone at the track!

Source: Bryce Butterfield [Facebook]


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.

View more images here


December 31, 2025

Genius XR5.26 1:5 Touring Car

Italian Large Scale and 1:8 GT chassis manufacturer Genius has unveiled its latest 1:5 Touring Car, the XR5.26.  They say the XR5.26 represents the most advanced evolution of their 1:5 platform developed through over two years of design, simulation, and intensive on-track testing under real race conditions.  The project was developed from a blank sheet, with the goal of creating a dynamically more efficient car, capable of delivering consistent performance, ease of setup, and a high level of control for the driver.  Featuring a completely new, it is designed to operate with controlled and uniform flex along its entire length.  The introduction of the new centralised engine mounting system, developed specifically for the Diablo R engine, allows for optimal mass centralisation and a significant lowering of the centre of gravity.  The new chassis architecture enabled a complete redesign of the suspension geometry, with particular focus on the management of the front and rear roll centres.  The steering assembly has been redesigned with new Ackermann angles and optimised linkages making the steering response more direct yet more predictable.

View more images here


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