Red RC » Industry

February 17, 2021

Robert Batlle joins RC-Project to create 36Mood line

RC-Project have announce that former World Champion Robert Batlle has joined their official team. No doubt talented, Robert is also a great brand ambassador and while he will become an official driver, a close collaboration has also been created between 36Mood and RC-Project which will lead to the birth of many interesting new products. Robert joins current WC Davide Ongaro as having his own line from the Italian brand.

Source: RC-Project [rc-project.it]

December 29, 2020

Yukijiro Umino joins Arrowmax as team consultant

Arrowmax have announced that Yukijiro Umino has joined their company as team consultant. Having recently announced that he was joining Serpent as a designer, Umino will join forces with Arrowmax to develop their range of tools as well as gathering feedback and assisting customers. Umino brings with him vast experience and had the following to say:

I am very happy to join Arrowmax. I will help develop Arrowmax products, which are promised to be the best. You are about to see the very promising designs.

Source: Arrowmax [arrowmax-rc.com]

December 24, 2020

Yukijiro Umino joins Team Serpent as designer/manager

Serpent has announced that former Yokomo touring car designer and top mechanic Yukijiro Umino has joined them in a designer/manager role. Away from the sport for 3 years, Umino was responsible for designing some of the most successful touring cars in recent years and was well known as Ronald Volker’s mechanic, their partnership culminating in the 2016 World title. Umino had the following to say about the deal:

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Joaquin and Mr. Lau for giving me this great opportunity for joining Team Serpent. During the past three years I was away from the RC racing scene. However, my passion and motivation have never stopped. And now it is the time for me to move on. I will continue to come up with innovative ideas and create cars that will please everyone. Other than that, I will be involved not only in the races, but in all aspects of Serpent, so you can count on me.

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]

December 4, 2020

Joe Pillars joins 1up Racing as sales & team manager

1up Racing have announced that Joe Pillars has been promoted to their international sales manager. Joe has been an asset to their company over the past 2-years with top-notch communication skills that will now be used to relay useful information to our customers, dealers and distributors directly from the team. The former US Yokomo team manager will also take on the role as their international race team manager, a position he has perfected with over 2 decades of World Championship winning experience. Joe will be using Team Associated vehicles to compete at the highest level. ‘For us at 1up Racing we wanted to choose what we felt were the best cars on the market, Team Associated was the clear choice and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this collaboration with them.’

Source: 1up Racing [1upracing.com]

August 16, 2020

Horizon Hobby acquires PROTOform

This past week Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of Pro-Line and together with the move, the Champaign, Illinois based company also took over PROTOform in the process. Founded in 1991, PROTOform Race Bodies has captured multiple IFMAR World Champions and countless national, regional, and local championship titles. In 1995, PROTOform made a strategic move by joining forces with Pro-Line Racing to expand its marketing reach and meet the increasing demand for more race-winning on-road and oval bodies. With the recent acquisition of Pro-Line Racing by Horizon Hobby, PROTOform Race Bodies joins the Horizon Hobby lineup of radio control brands.

Continue reading the statement here

August 10, 2020

Horizon Hobby acquires Pro-Line Racing

Horizon Hobby have announced the acquisition of Pro-Line Racing, known for their hugely popular tyres, body shells and accessories. “Pro-Line Racing is one of the strongest RC brands in the world, with over 38 years of providing innovative products,” Chris Dickerson, Horizon’s President, said. “Horizon has a longstanding partnership with Pro-Line. Throughout our relationship, we’ve always admired Pro-Line’s commitment to expanding the customer experience through innovative product design.” Dickerson continued, “Beyond the product, we’ve always admired the Pro-Line team’s passion and feel they share the same values as Horizon. We are very confident this will be a strong cultural fit.” Todd Mattson, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Pro-Line, said, “For over 38 years, Pro-Line Racing has created unforgettable memories for the everyday backyard hero and won 12 IFMAR World Championship titles. We are proud to have built a strong brand with Pro-Line that is known for innovation and quality. Our partnership with Horizon creates significant opportunity for us to take Pro-Line to the next level by leveraging Horizon’s resources, such as global marketing and distribution channels.”

Continue reading the statement here

May 28, 2020

Byron Originals discontinues Byron Fuels brand

Iowa-based manufacturer Byron Originals, Inc. has announced that the company will be ending production and discontinuing their Byron Fuels brand after 32 years of operation in the RC fuels industry. Over the last decade, demand for RC nitro fuel has significantly declined due to industry and consumer-related factors. Production will officially end in late May, and the brand will be retired when the remaining product inventory is sold.

Read the statement in full here

September 11, 2019

Gil Losi Jr. returns to TLR & Losi

Horizon Hobby have announced that Gil Losi Jr. has returned to consult with Team Losi Racing and the Losi development team. Losi Jr. will work closely with the race team to produce innovative vehicles as well as supporting design on the Losi side of the business. “As one of the living legends in the RC community, he has immediate credibility with retailers and consumers alike, and his experience, insight and creativity will help us produce amazing new vehicles for both Losi and Team Losi Racing”, said Horizon Hobby President Chris Dickerson. “We are excited to once again have him on our Horizon team!” Losi Jr. was one of the premier racers in the 1980’s winning the 1985 IFMAR Two Wheel Drive World Championship. He formed Team Losi with his father Gil Losi Sr. and over the years added many innovations to the RC racing industry including chassis construction, suspension systems, and more. Over the years, Losi Jr. had a hand in creating some of the most well-known early RC racers including the XXXT, JRXS, and the 8ight. In his new role, Losi Jr. will help create new Losi and Team Losi Racing vehicles, consult on new products, designs and advances, and be an ambassador for RC racing. Gil Losi Jr. has the following to say about the deal:

I’m excited to have the opportunity to help Horizon and the industry grow. It’s been a while since I’ve really been able to dig into some car projects so I’m looking forward to that.

Source: Horizon Hobby [horizonhobby.com]