Team Powers have introduced their new line of LiPo Batteries for 2012. The range includes a 7.4V 6800mAH 70C stick pack, a 7.4V 4400mAH 60C Shorty (94mm long) pack, a 3.7V 6400mAH 70C 1S pack and finally a 7.4V 5400mAH 35C saddle pack. All LiPos feature a hard case and gold plug connectors. Finally they have also released their Mighty Gripper V2 tire additive, which they claim was the best kept secret from TITC 2011.
Shepherd Micro Racing have announced that Swiss star Simon Kurzbuch has extended his contract with them for another two years. The World and European Championship main finalist will continue to use the Velox V8 at various national and international events including the European Championship A in Portugal. Together with his father and brother as mechanics he will also help the Shepherd team to improve their products by giving assistance on testing new items. Simon had the following to say:
I’m looking forward to racing another two years for Team Shepherd. The A-Final at the WC in Miami and at the EC in Luxemburg were definitely the highlights of the last season. This hadn’t been possible without the good support and cooperation of the whole team. I would like to thank Team Shepherd and my two fantastic mechanics.
Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]
Edam have released a new optional battery holder set for their Espirit touring car chassis. The new set includes an aluminium backboard, a battery strap, a battery frame, aluminium washers and the screws needed for the installation. This optional set helps to hold the battery tightly to prevent movement while racing and in the event of crashes.
Big news tonight with Hobbico, Inc. announcing that they have acquired the Axial, Team Durango and Arrma brands. Axial will continue to operate as an independent company from its facility in Irvine, California, while Team Durango and Arrma will also continue independently from their current offices in Ashby, Leicestershire, UK. The product lines will continue to be available through a worldwide network of distributors. “We’re proud to bring these strong product lines into the Hobbico family,” said Wayne Hemming, President of Hobbico. “I’m particularly happy to welcome the teams of talented professionals at Axial, Team Durango and Arrma and look forward to the innovative products that they are developing.” “I’m excited about this new affiliation with Hobbico,” said Jeff Johns, General Manager of Axial R/C Inc., “This will give Axial additional resources to continue our rapid growth.” “I look forward to working with Durango and Arrma staff as well as those within Hobbico to continue to introduce innovative and successful products. This is an exciting step which we are sure will help take us to the next level” said Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Arrma Durango, Ltd.
Source: Hobbico [hobbico.com]
Top International touring car driver Freddy Sudhoff has made the switch from Hot Bodies to race for the Russian Awesomatix team. The German driver, who is a front runner in the Euro Touring Series, where the A700 took its first international win last summer in Rd6 of the Pro Stock series, will join an already strong team that includes Ivan Laptev, Steen Graversen and Martin Lissau. He had this to say:
First of all I want to thank HPI/ HB for the support during the last two years. But now I am looking forward to a great experience and new challenges. Therefore I changed to the very innovative Awesomatix team with it’s designer Oleg Babich. My first tests went very well and I am quite confident for the upcoming season as the car sets new standards in quality and performance.
Source: Awesomatix [awesomatix.com]
UK-based Reedy/Team Associated driver Olly Jefferies’ cars will be powered by Reedy Sonic motors for 2012. Olly’s Team Associated TC6.1 and 12R5.1 have been powered by Reedy LiPo batteries for some time, but he now expects to take advantage of the powerful motor/battery combination early on in the season and at the World Championships this summer. Jefferies, one of the premier on-road drivers in Europe and a regular on the BRCA UK 1/12 and TC circuit, is looking forward to his new equipment and had the following to say:
I am very happy to be running the Reedy Sonic motor for 2012 and to carry the Reedy name on my car. I have been extremely pleased with how testing has gone. Combined with the Reedy LiPo, TC6.1, 12R5.1, and the hard-working guys at Team Associated/Reedy, I feel very confident for the coming season.
Source: Associated [rc10.com]
Ball bearing specialist, ABEC35, continues with a strong team this year by extending their contract with Hot Bodies factory driver Atsushi Hara and Tamiya factory driver Marc Rheinard. Both world champions will once again run the company’s range of high quality ball bearings in their respective cars throughout 2012.
Source: ABEC35 [abec35.com]
Kyosho France were in touch to inform us of the 14th running of the Kyosho Masters. The race will take place at Sucy en Brie in France from the 15th to the 17th of June this year. It will be your typical Masters with top racing, lots of fun and giveaways. For more information you can contact the organisers at kyoshomasters@kyoshoeurope.com
