Montech has just presented their latest body shell, the new Quattro C intended for both GT10 and GT12. The GT body takes its shapes from the well-known Italian Alfa Romeo brand’s mid-engined C4. The Quattro C GT10 can be mounted on all TC chassis while the GT12 is available in two versions, Standard and Leggera. Molded in premium quality polycarbonate, the kit includes screws and decals for the headlights, grilles and masking to protect the windows.
Lee Martin has announced his departure from Yokomo. The news the British driver will not continue with the Japanese brand into 2023 is the second such announcement in recent days with Ryan Maifield also out of their factory squad. Martin spent nine years representing the brand collecting plenty of championship titles in that time and was particularly important in establishing the brand in Europe in more recent years. Making the announcement on social media in which he hints a new manufacturer announcement is imminent, the multiple European Champion said, ‘With 2022 almost over, it’s time to say a massive thank you to Yokomo as our time together has come to an end. We have spent a fantastic 9 years together and brought some fantastic results, products, experiences and more! 3 x EOS series championships, 2 x European championships, BRCA National Championships and IFMAR worlds podiums to name a few. I would like to thanks Mr. Tom Yokobori for trusting me back in 2014 to lead the charge and then of course Shinno for being by my side throughout our time there together. We built a great team and made so many friends. I have some exciting news coming, so don’t think you have seen the end of me on the top step! 2023 is going to be a good year and it starts very soon’.
Source: Lee Martin [instagram]
Daniel Kobbevik has been announced as part of the Sworkz 1:8 Offroad Factory team for 2023. The former Xray driver, will split his offroad race duties between Sworkz and Schumacher, having joined the British manufacturer at the beginning of 2022 as part of their 1:10 race team. Commenting on the Sworkz announcement the 18-year-old Norwegian said, “I am very exited to join the SWORKz team for the next years. Being very impressed by the quality of the products, I am looking into a successful racing season!”. Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner’s added, “It’s a real pleasure to have the young Norwegian Top pilot in our factory team. I am sure he will fit perfectly into the SWORKz family and make his way!“
Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]
Leading Japanese Electric Touring Car racer Souta Goto is departing Yokomo with the news that his contract will expire at the end of this month. Claiming the All Japan Touring Car Championship and representing the manufacturer on the international stage, most recent of which was competing at IFMAR World Championship in Italy, Goto joined Yokomo in 2015. Announcing the news, Goto said, “At the end of December 2022 I will be terminating my driver contract with Mr. Yokomo, Ltd. Yokomo has given me valuable experience for 7 years and 3 months since joining the team. Ever since I joined the team, I was able to experience things that I couldn’t achieve on my own, winning the JMRCA All-Japan Championship, challenging the IFMAR World Championship, and winning the SPEED KING TOUR series title. I’m beyond thankful to Yokomo Co., Ltd. for supporting my immature self. And I would like to express my gratitude again to Mr. Fujii, the former president, who invited Team Yokomo at the time. I will continue to work hard in the radio-containing industry to achieve a big goal, so I ask for your continued support.
Source: Souta Goto [Facebook]
Sworkz has announced that former Kyosho driver Mattia Polito has joined its 1:8 Offroad factory team line up for 2023. On the announcement, the Italian and former European B Champion said, “After a few tests it was totally clear to me, that Sworkz will be my team in the next years. Can’t wait to hit the track with the cars!” Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner added, “Mattia is a perfect addition to our actual team. I am very happy that he has chosen Sworkz as his chassis for the next years and 100% sure we will have success and fun with him in our team!”
Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]
Avid Racing has released an updated motor bearing lineup designed to improve performance and increase lifespan in RC motors. They use chrome steel rings that are polished to a mirror-like finish to reduce noise and vibration, and maintain a very tight ABEC7 tolerance to minimise play in the bearing. In the ceramic versions, they use silicone nitride ceramic balls (Si3N4) for a smooth, slippery surface. All the motor bearings also feature a nylon cage instead of metal, which prevents expansion under heat for improved performance. Additionally, Avis use high-speed oil for low-friction rotation and metal shields to reduce contact on the races and protect against debris.
Source: Avid [avidrc.com]
Hotrace Tyres has announced that Jared Tebo has joined their factory team. The American star, who switches from AKA, is the second key signing for the Italian company who earlier this month announced that factory Sworkz star Juan Carlos Canas would be racing on their rubber in 2023. Commenting on the announcement Tebo said, “I’m really excited to be joining the HotRace family. I would say this has been in the works with Nicola for 5 years, and now the timing is finally perfect. Nicola shows so much effort, dedication, and love for RC and his brand, it is great to see and motivating. The products work amazing, I’m excited for this opportunity and long term plans to work together and build together!”
Source: Hot Race Tyres [hotracetyres.com]
Having previously brought you the news of Smart Workshop’s first batch of Starter/Ignitor for its testers program, they have now released full details and images of how the production Smart Starter Premium will look. Designed with high integrated solutions, a high efficiency high frequency synchronous step down DC/DC regulator is capable of delivering up to 6A output current. It integrates main switch and synchronous switch with very low RDS (on) to minimise the conduction loss, internal soft-start Limits the inrush current.
