December 31, 2022

Cavalieri joins WRC Racing

In a month that has been filled with driver announcements, the biggest surprise of them all has come in the form of Offroad superstar Ryan Cavalieri being announced as a factory driver with WRC Racing.   The Italian brand, who have the SBX-2 1:8 Buggy platform, simply posted an image of the multiple World Champion on their Facebook page with the simple text ‘Ryan Cavalieri welcome to the WRC factory team!’.  Recently the company announced a number of Team Managers across the US, with Cavalieri now the icing on the cake in terms of brand expansion in this key offroad market.

Source: WRC Racing [wrc-racing.com]


December 30, 2022

20-years of Touring Car bodyshell evolution by Jilles Groskamp – Video

World Champion Electric Touring Car ace Jilles Groskamp has wrapped up 2022 with an interesting video showing the evolution of the electric touring car body shell over the last 20-years.   Having gathered together of his old race bodies, which have been in storage in his father Frank’s house, the collection includes many that we here at Red RC have had the pleasure of photographing in the heat of battle.  Most notable of these are his 2009 European winning Protoform Speed 6 and his 2012 World Championship winning Protoform LTC-R.  Interestingly, the factory Infinity driver concludes the video on the topic of how the so called ‘Touring Car bodyshell’ no longer has any resemblance to an actual touring car and adds he hopes the rules will be adapted to try bring them back to resembling the real thing in the future.  Another interesting point is how the bodyshell is now almost half the weight of that of two decades ago.

Watch Jilles recount his 20-years of bodyshells here


December 30, 2022

MonTech Quattro C GT10 & GT12 body

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.

View more images here


December 30, 2022

Martin announces departure from Yokomo

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]


December 28, 2022

Kobbevik joins Sworkz 1:8 Factory Team

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]


December 28, 2022

Goto and Yokomo part ways

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]


December 28, 2022

Mattia Polito joins Sworkz

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]


December 28, 2022

Avid Motor Bearings & Ceramic Motor Bearings

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]


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