Red RC » Hot Bodies

February 11, 2016

Freddy Südhoff leaves HPI/HB

Following the recent announcement of Andy Moore and Hiroyuki Kasuya leaving HPI/HB, another high-class driver has declared his contract termination by mutual consent with the Japanese company. Germany’s Freddy Südhoff joined the team back in December 2014 and his departure will only fuel speculations about the current state of HB mother brand HPI. Freddy states:

I would like to take the opportunity to let you know that I have by mutual consent ended my contract with HPI/ HB inc. Sometimes, things change faster then expected and even it was a short time, I truly enjoyed this and it was great to work with some of the biggest names in RC business together. Thanks to the whole HPI crew around the world. You guys taught me a lot! I wish you all the best for the future.

February 11, 2016

Exotek D413 alloy rear hubs & 72T Flite spur gear

Coming from Exotek is an aluminium rear hub set for the HB D413 as well as a 72T Flite series spur gear. Starting with the rear hubs, they are machined from high-quality 7075 aluminium and they feature vertical ball stud mounting positions for easy and precise roll centre adjustments. The hubs are of a heavy duty design but light of weight at the same time. Machined bearing seats make for precise bearing fit. An optional 3mm set screw on the hinge pin makes for improved hinge pin fit. Included with the hubs come two 2mm alloy washers to match the stock suspension geometry. Also new is the 48 pitch 72T Flite spur gear for Exotek’s slipper eliminator hubs. Made from fully machined POM to insure true roundness, the extra interior machining reduces the overall weight for a low rotating mass.

View more images here

February 10, 2016

Andy Moore & Hiroyuki Kasuya depart HPI/HB

In a shock announcement former IFMAR World and EFRA European Champion, Andy Moore as well as team manager Hiroyuki Kasuya have announced their departure from HPI/HB. Both ended their contracts by mutual consent after being with the company for more than 10 years. The news comes after recent problems with the HPI company, in particular HPI Europe which was put in administration in January and we are sure it is not the last team driver to announce his departure in the coming days and weeks. This is what Andy has to say:

I’d like to inform everyone that I have by mutual consent ended my contract with HPI Inc. I want to especially thank Tatsuro Watanabe, Toshihiko Hara and Hiroyuki Kasuya for their help and support over the years. And of course my team mates and work colleagues both past and present for the great times and lots of memorable moments. During almost 12 years together we’ve had some fantastic results becoming World Champions, European Champions, National Champions and multiple TITC Champions along the way. I’d like to wish everyone at HPI all the best for the future and look forward to seeing you all at the track soon.

Read the full statement from Hiro here

February 8, 2016

Flash Point pre-oiled air filters & .21 exhaust gaskets

Flash Point have new pre-oiled air filters for a range of off-road vehicles as well as .21 exhaust gaskets available. Starting with the air filters, they come in packs of four and in a specified Mugen or a general variant with the latter being usable with 8ight, RC8B3 and D815 vehicles. The 2-stage filters come pre-oiled and they allow for exceptional airflow and maximum engine protection. Also new are the high temperature .21 exhaust gaskets that can be used where the tuned pipe manifold attaches to the rear of the engine. The gasket is also good for tuned pipe exhaust systems to seal the connection between the pipe and the manifold.

View the other new parts here

January 28, 2016

Pro-Line B44.3 Predator & D216 Type-R bodyshells

Pro-Line have two new 1/10th buggy bodyshells available for the Team Associated B44.3 and HB D216 buggies. Starting with the B44.3 body, the Predator called body design was originally developed for the RC8B3 and has now been scaled down to fit on the B44.3. The Predator takes design features from the Phantom and Type-R bodies to create a whole new look and balanced performance in any condition.

Continue reading here

January 18, 2016

HB/HPI Racing split with Renaud Savoya

HB/HPI Racing split up with Renaud Savoya

Following ongoing rumours, French frontrunner Renaud Savoya today announced the split with chassis sponsors HB/HPI Racing. The contract was terminated by HB/HPI Racing after only 13 month and, from what is understood, is because of Renaud’s recent move from Team Orion to French electronics and engine suppliers RC Concept. Renaud has the following to say about the situation:

As rumors are going wild, I need to clear the situation…Indeed as of Monday, January 11th, HB / HPI Racing has decided to terminate my contract prematurely without notice and for reasons unfounded in my opinion. For the last 13 months now I had more fun than ever in my work, being part of a team that I appreciated greatly. The people, the products, the services, everything was perfect and I always spoke good about the company, my smile on the racetracks could attest it every day. I find myself today without employer with personnal projects and a family that will soon expand.

I decided to leave Team Orion because the performances and service no longer reached my expectations. My present breach of contract might be a collateral damage to my engine change…

I want to thank everyone at HB / HPI Racing who welcomed me and helped me during these 13 months: Torrance Deguzman, Hiroyuki Kasuya, Ty and Gord Tessman, David and Pierre Ronnefalk…

I hope to see you soon on the tracks, because my passion is the same as you: R/C car racing.

December 2, 2015

HB D216 1/10th 2WD buggy kit

HPI Racing have released first official images of their forthcoming D216 1/10th scale 2WD buggy kit. Sharing many of its details with the ROAR championship winning D413 4WD buggy, including the triangulated shock towers and 12mm Big Bore V2 shocks, the new D216 machine has many of its own aspects. The narrow carbon fibre chassis allows to mount the battery pack in a transversal or longitudinal position and the mid-motor-only design makes for a nimble handling with maximum steering and rear traction. The carbon fibre battery strap and its orange anodised aluminium brace add additional stiffness to the rear of the chassis and the very distinctive mid-mounted transmission encloses a 3-gear transmission for the most efficient drivetrain possible, fitted with an externally adjustable 3-plate, large diameter slipper clutch. The high volume gear differential is easy to remove from the transmission case for tuning, and can be replaced with an optional ball diff if needed.

Continue reading here

November 11, 2015

Leespeed Angel Stick TC bulkhead alignment tool

Leespeed have introduced the Angel Stick touring car bulkhead alignment tool. The square block makes sure the front and rear bulkheads sit parallel on the chassis, making for less tweak issues and perfect drivetrain efficiency. The block is made from black anodised 7075 aluminium and it is usable with Yokomo, Xray and HPI/HB touring cars.

View another photo here