December 31, 2010

Jörn Neumann rejoins Durango

Jörn Neumann rejoins Durango

After 3 years of racing for different brands, most recently Yokomo, Jörn Neumann is going back to his roots. Jörn was one of the first drivers for Team Durango, and the most successful. At the age of 13 he won the 2004 Euros and in 2007 he made the A-main at the Worlds in Japan. From now on, with the support of Team Durango and Gerd Strenge, Jörn will race the DEX410 and the upcoming DEX210. His first race will be the Petit Race in the UK followed by the Reedy Invitational in the USA at the end of January.

Source: Durango [team-durango.com]


December 30, 2010

Renaud Savoya leaves Mugen Seiki

Renaud Savoya leaves Mugen Seiki

Triple European Champion Renaud Savoya has gotten in touch to tell us that he will not be renewing his contract with Mugen. Keeping tight lipped about his new sponsor, Renaud, who is currently based in the US working for RB Products, also informed us that he will not continue his driver/mechanic relationship with his father:

After 6 years driving with Mugen, I decided not to renew my contract with the Japanese factory. I’m really happy with all the great results we had together since 2005, being 3 times French Champ’, 3 times Euro Champ’ and 2 times World finalist. I want to thank all the Mugen Seiki Japan and Europe for their support. It’s not without sadness to leave this team who always did all the possible for me. However, I’m really motivated with new challenges and looking forward to the future…More to come… Actually, for personal reasons, “Moustache” and I decided not to follow our “driver-mechanic” relationship. Starting in 1993, my dad has always been on my side to support me and pit for me. I can’t be more thankful for everything he did for me. However, today, our geographical situation and our different goals forced us to stop working together. So I will continue racing on the highest scene on my side… The shark is ready to bite again…


December 30, 2010

A-Main Hobbies signs Chad Bradley

A-Main Hobbies signs Chad Bradley

A Main Hobbies today announced that they have signed Chad Bradley to the 2011 A Main Hobbies Race Team. Chad’s main sponsors will be A Main Hobbies and ProTek R/C and his chassis sponsor will be JQ Products. One of the most respected and liked drivers in the 1/8th Off Road buggy class, Chad Bradley was the 2001 ROAR 1/8 Buggy National Champion and has been at the top of the class since that win. In the upcoming 2011 race season Chad will be driving the JQ Products “THE Car”, powered by O.S. Engines, ProTek R/C batteries and bearings, Airtronics radio and servos, Pro-Line tires, Werks fuel, and Upgrade R/C decals. For Chad’s electric classes he will use Novak Electronics speed controls and motors in his Jammin SCRT-10 4WD Short Course Truck.

Source: A-Main Hobbies [amainhobbies.com]


December 30, 2010

Keven Hébert re-signs to Reedy, Associated & LRP

Keven Hébert re-signs to Reedy, Associated & LRP

Keven Hébert has signed a 2 year extension to his contract to run Reedy LiPo batteries, Team Associated’s TC6 & 12R5.1 and LRP brushless systems. Reedy department manager Rick Hohwart was excited to be able to continue working closely with Keven, saying, “Keven is not only a driver who can win races, but who has been instrumental in the development of the TC6 and 12R5.1 platforms. He is not only fast, but is always willing to help others with setups and questions concerning motor and ESC gearing and tuning, as well as battery care and maintenance. He is a great asset and an excellent representative of the Reedy brand.” Keven was excited about the signing, saying:

Reedy, Team Associated and LRP have supported me for the last three years, which has allowed me to get where I am today. I am very happy to be with such a strong team for the next two years. I have made many friends at Reedy/Team Associated/LRP and I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to keep doing what I like the most.

Source: Reedy [reedypower.net]


December 29, 2010

Team Durango sign Elliot Boots

Team Durango sign Elliot Boots

Team Durango have announced that one of the UK’s and Europe’s most naturally talented drivers joins Elliot Boots has joined their team. As well as being a regular BRCA national winner and Euros junior champion, the former Mugen driver set the 6th fastest time in one of the earliest qualification rounds at the Pattaya worlds, without any pre-event practice; which really shows Elliott’s raw talent. The DNX408’s fast but secure handling will suit his aggressive style, but for the next couple of months it’s just a case of him getting some track time with the new car to be best prepared for the 2011 season. One of Elliott’s first outings for Team Durango will be with the DEX410 10th scale 4wd buggy, which should keep his thumbs defrosted while snow limits what’s possible with his 8th scale DNX408.

Source: Durango [team-durango.com]


December 28, 2010

Ryan Maifield extends contract with JConcepts

Ryan Maifield extends contract with JConcepts

JConcepts have announced that they have extended their deal with Ryan Maifield, a partnership that begun in early 2004. From the Top Qualifying position at the 2005 1/10th IFMAR Off-Road World Championship with the BJ4 to most recently taking 2 TQ rounds at the 1/8th IFMAR Worlds in Pattaya Thailand, this duo has been one of the most consistent and dynamic pairings on the racing circuit in both 1/10th and 1/8th off-road. Already a 7-time ROAR National Champion, Maifield and JConcepts have won countless titles together and look forward to an even brighter future. Maifield had this to say about the deal:

It’s been an amazing ride for me with JConcepts since 2004. I can’t imagine a better relationship for a driver / accessory company than I have with JConcepts. With a complete line of accessories, JConcepts has really stepped up their game and have helped take my racing to the next level. A lot of their products are focused on starting new trends or pushing the limit which is exactly what a racer is looking for. With JConcepts, I feel I have a competitive advantage, for sure.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


December 24, 2010

Mikael Fransson back with Serpent

Mikael Fransson back at Serpent

Serpent have announced that former European Championship finalist Mikael Fransson has rejoined their team for the upcoming season, having driven for Mugen most recently. The Swede will run the S120 during the cold winter months before turning his attention to the 733 and 966 in the spring time. He will compete in the Swedish Championships, the Nordic Cup as well as the European Championships for both 1/8th and 1/10th scale.

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]


December 24, 2010

Stéphane Bouche joins Motonica France

Stéphane Bouche joins Motonica France

Italian company Motonica have announced the signing of front running French driver Stéphane Bouche has joined their National team. A 3 time runner up in the French National Championships, last year’s Coupe de France winner hopes to finally capture the National title for his new team. Stéphane had the following to say about the deal:

Firstly, thanks a lot to team Shepherd for their support for the last 3 years. Now it’s a new challenge for me and I’m really happy to join the Motonica team and I will make my best for the next seasons in the different races. The P81 was really performing well and I’m sure that the new RS will be even better for all Motonica’s drivers.

Source: Motonica [motonica.com]