Yokomo have released some new items beginning with a new motor and parts cleaner. Used to break up oil and other substances, it can be used as a multi-function cleaner for both car and motor. Also new is this simple and easy to use battery voltage checker that can be connected directly to any NiCd, NiMh, LiPo and LiFe packs and is accurate to 0.001V.
Source: Yokomo [teamyokomo.com]
Max Power have released the new MX 02649 EFRA homologated pipe set for the 2009 season. Looking to the 2009 EFRA rules, were an INS box will be required for the 1/10th scale touring car races, Max Power have released this new pipe design. The long shape and slim volume make the engine rev free throughout all ranges, and while fast in the straights it retains super bottom end power, a popular characteristic for the touring class.
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Kyosho has released some new gear for your Inferno GT and Inferno GT2. Now you have the option of replacing the stock nylon rear hubs carrier with Kyosho’s new aluminium uprights. This will greatly increase the life in the rear bearing due to the nylon ring that encases the bearings, which helps decreases wear. Both front and rear hub uprights are made from high grade aluminium and finished in a cool blue finish. The aluminum steering blocks originate from the World Champion Inferno 777 line and are hard coated for extreme durability and long life.
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Xray have confirmed that front running French driver Jérôme Ezazian, one of the top 10 drivers of the French Championship since 2002, is joining their team for the 2009 racing season. A former winner of the GP Montpellier & GP Pierrefeu, Jérôme will use RB engines to power his XB808 next season.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
RB Products are happy to announce that current European Champion Renaud Savoya has joined their team. Renaud and father Jean-Michel, who previously used Ninja motors, bring with them their vast experience gained from racing at the very highest level. For 2009 Renaud’s target is to retain his National and European titles and to prepare the 2010 World Championships.
Source: RB Products [rbproducts.com]
According to Italian newspaper ‘Il Sole 24 Ore’, engine and tire manufacturer GRP Gandini has been sold to a Chinese investor. The move follows some financial difficulties for the competition brand following bad months for sales in September and October. This led to the investment bank wanting out and so the owners, Stefano and Maurizio Gandini, were forced by the banks to sell the concern, which they started in 1994. The sale, said to be in the region of six million euros dollars, leaves the former owners no longer at the helm of the company, but both will stay on as technical advisors. It not confirmed whether the production will move to China where the paper claims production costs will be 1/3rd of that in Europe. We have contacted GRP for comment and will add their response when we get it.
UPDATE (17:52): The Gandini brothers have issued a statement (automatic translation) on an Italian forum saying they have not been sold and the whole story was a HUGE misunderstanding by the journalist who wrote the piece.
UPDATE (18:18): GRP have directly sent us a statement which is published below… content
RMV Deutschland have announced that current German 1/8th scale buggy and truggy National Champion Tim Bremicker will be joining their Team in 2009. He will run an RB powered Mugen Seiki MBX-6 along with brand new Tourex racing tires and of course will also be promoting the brands at all major races as an important part of the team. Tim leaves behind a successful time at Kyosho to once again team up with Daniel Reckward who recently also moved to Mugen.
Source: RMV [rmv-deutschland.de]
Kyosho have released the Birel R31-SE, a third generation kart that sets a new standard for scale appearance and performance. This 1/5th scale chassis is a scale replica of the popular R31-SE kart used in international FIA competition, where many Formula 1 drivers got their start in racing. Featuring scale bodywork and graphics identical to that of the full-size racing kart. Its factory assembled, so with some minor prep work, the R31 is ready to go in a very short time.
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