Niche British 1:12 Mini kit manufacturer Mardave has released an updated version of their Viper Oval Mini, the Viper #26. This is the Mardave Viper 26 Oval Mini as used by current World Champion Mark Steele. For 2026 Mardave has made a few changes including a new battery tray, wider front track, and new servo position to make this even more competitive in ’26. The Viper #26 will be on sale in a couple of weeks.
Infinity’s Naoto Matsukura set the pace in Free Practice today ahead of the first running of the new ‘Asia Nitro Party’ onroad race at Hongyu CDG in China. A driver would just a month ago TQ’d a round of qualifying around the same track at the FEMCA Asia Championship, he would top the times from fellow Japanese compatriot Sinnosuke Yokoyama. Returning to nitro racing to support the hosting of what track boss Gavin Kwok will become a major race fixture on the international nitro racing calendar, Chinese American racer JJ Wang made it two Mugen Seiki’s in the Top 3 behind Yokoyama MRX-7. Expected to be the pace setter in the 1:8 Onroad class, Serpent’s World Championship Top Qualifier Andrea Catanzani would have a difficult day struggling to find a good balance but once we down to times counting tomorrow in qualifying he is sure to be right in the mix.
Italian engine manufacturer Picco has unveiled their all-new Monza-X .21 1:8 onroad competition engine. Describing it as the latest expression of their high-end racing philosophy for the 1:8 onroad competition class, it is the result of decades of hands-on experience in precision manufacturing, advanced material selection, and surface treatment technologies, combined with an intensive development program carried out throughout the 2025 racing season. At the heart of the Monza-X lies an all-new, exclusive 10-port cylinder, entirely developed in-house. Its port layout and internal geometry are the result of extensive fluid-dynamics studies and track validation, providing a substantial increase in power output while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and thermal stability. The long-stroke architecture has been carefully engineered to generate strong and consistent torque across the entire RPM range, resulting in outstanding drivability, immediate throttle response, and superior acceleration out of corners. Supplied with an 8.5 mm venturi, to ensure long-term durability and mechanical efficiency, the engine features a DLC-coated crankshaft, specifically treated to minimise friction, reduce wear, and protect against oxidation. The rotating assembly is completed by a 14 mm rear Swiss ceramic ball bearing and a meticulously aligned knife-edged aerodynamic connecting rod, designed to reduce turbulence and mechanical losses at high RPM.
New from Italy’s Fenix Racing comes their latest Pro10 body called the ‘Etna’. Its design has been completely developed using one of the most advanced CAD systems available and its mold ensures unparalleled symmetries thanks to the use of 6-axis CNC. Particular care has been taken in designing a bodywork that suit drivers of all levels. The Fenix Racing Etna explores the possibility of customising the front aerodynamics of the body shell and for the very first time, ‘canards’ front wings can be used to tune the front of the model. Front canards can be used to improve stability and maneuverability, giving Etna an unique agility in the class. Etna is available in 0.5mm and 0.75mm crystal clear lexan and it’s made to fit most popular 235 Pro10 models.
Xray has introduced new Narrow Composite Front & Rear Chassis Braces for their XB4 1:10 4WD Electric Buggy. Available in two options, they are precision-engineered components designed to improve chassis performance and consistency on high-traction surfaces. The Graphite composite option provides increased stiffness compared to the kit Hard composite, resulting in improved stability, more precise handling, and better corner speed on high-traction surfaces. The Medium composite version provides more flex compared to the kit Hard composite, resulting in improved traction of the car and more forgiving feel, especially on low-traction surfaces. The Hard composite included in the kit provides balanced handling and is the most versatile across a wide range of track conditions. The rear brace features a narrower design, allowing the battery and motor to sit closer to the car’s centerline and fitting the rear carbon T-Brace for improved rotation and chassis balance. Both braces are key elements of the Multi-Flex™ system, allowing fine-tuning of chassis flex characteristics to match track conditions and driving style. The set includes front & rear chassis braces.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Continuing to roll out option parts for their well received X5B 1:8 Buggy, Hong Nor has released this aluminium Front Top Deck for the platform which now includes the recently unveiled electric iX5B version. CNC machined from 7075-T6 Aluminium it is finished with black anodising and silver chamfered edges. As a direct replacement for the kit standard carbon front top deck, this upgrade reduces body twisted and improves cornering stability.
Images: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]
New from Team Associated comes the RC10 4×4 Pickup Truck Kit. The American manufacturer say the 1:10 truck is designed not only for scale looks with realistic wheels, tires and body, but also built for performance. The steel ladder frame chassis provides the perfect backbone for this rugged little rig. The 4-link suspension, scale shocks, and soft rubber tyres give the grip and performance needed to climb over the roughest terrain. Transferring power to the rocks is a compact 3-gear transmission, plastic low-friction slider-type drive shafts, front steel CVA axles, and metal shield ball bearings. Featuring RC10 Classic Gold anodised aluminium, dyeable white plastics throughout, a clear body and box art livery decals, it also included a Sport Reedy 400 Brushed Motor.
After entered the 1:10 offroad tyre market in 2025, tool manufacturer Hudy has added this Tyre Gluing Jig for 1:8 Offroad to its accessories range. Facilitating the gluing of rubber tyres to wheels in a quick & secure way, the CNC machined Jig is designed for portability and comes completed with its own Hudy Hardcase, making it easy to transport and store. The included large tire bands are used to compress the tyre against the wheel while the CA is drying for the best possible adhesion. The Jig fits all 1:8 Offroad Buggy tyre brands.
Source: Hudy [hudy.net]
