Red RC » Drivers

January 2, 2017

Dakotah Phend departs Team Orion nitro team

In a statement on social media, TLR’s Dakotah Phend has announced his departure from Team Orion’s nitro team. The former ROAR national champion, that also recently left tyre sponsors Pro-Line, is understood to continue using Team Orion electronics and he had the following to say about his move:

After many years and lots of success with Team Orion, I have decides to part ways with them on the Nitro side of my program.I have had lots of success and learned a ton from Adrien Crf Bertin. I want to wish him and Orions nitro program nothing but the best as they are truly great people and put in tons of work! Excited to announce my future nitro program for this year!

January 2, 2017

Xray sign Alessio Mazzeo

Xray have announced the signing of Italian frontrunner, Alessio Mazzeo to their factory team. The former Serpent driver is EFRA Euro B and A title holder, 2016 IFMAR 200mm vice World Champion and 5-times Italian national champion. Alessio will compete in events such as the ENS, at EFRA GPs, the national championship, the XRS and also at the EFRA Euros and IFMAR Worlds and he has the following to say about the deal:

I am very happy to be part of a really prestigious but especially the forefront for the RC world. After many years spent in the Serpent there was no better team to be able to support me to carry on the hard work that I and my team have done in recent years, I can not wait to begin to address this challenge, see you on the track, ciao ciao Alessio.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]

January 2, 2017

Dylan Gerard teams up with SOAR Racing USA

SOAR Racing USA have added Dylan Gerard to the team for 2017. Gerard, a former TLR and Serpent driver, is a very fast and popular racer from the Mid-West United States region. After a little break from racing, Gerard is ready to get back to racing with the new SOAR 998 TD1 buggy and he has the following to say:

After a short break, I am really excited to get back to racing with an opportunity to join SOAR Racing USA as they have a solid, promising platform of 1/8 cars. The quality of their products and willingness to succeed is second to none. The chance to join such a great company is truly an honor and I want to thank Gene Hickerson, Matt Sistrunk, and Didian Ho for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to a great year of racing!

Source: SOAR [soar-rc.com]

January 2, 2017

Akio Sobue leaves Tamiya & TRF

Akio Sobue has announced his departure from Tamiya and TRF, fuelling further speculation about the future of TRF as a car brand. The former JMRCA Electric Touring Car champion and IFMAR Worlds A-main finisher is another high-class driver to leave the successful TRF team and he has posted the following statement on social media, which is translated from Japanese:

On December 31, we will inform you that the contract is terminated. It was very special to me that the brand was very special for the first time in 2010 years since the first season in the all Japan Championship. I didn’t know the right side of the left, Mr. Seiwa, Mr. Kono, and before, I am very grateful to you. And also thanks to the teammates (Marc Rheinard, Jilles, randomeyes, Christopher, Nicholas, Nicholas, and Matsukura). I think I was blessed with the best team. In the end, I deeply appreciate your sincere thanks to you for the last one. Thank you so much for your time. I think we may be able to inform you about the upcoming activities. In 2017, I think it is a great year for me to be a new start. It’s not the same as the rest of the future, please.

January 2, 2017

Robert Batlle joins Picco

Following his departure from engine and accessories sponsors Modelix, former 1/8th Nitro Buggy World Champion, Robert Batlle has teamed up with Italian company Picco. The record Spanish national champion will power his Mugen buggies using Picco’s competition nitro engines and he has the following to say about the deal:

I’m glad to inform that my new engines brand empowering my Mugen will be Picco! I would like to thank Alberto and Edoardo Picco to give me this opportunity. Our relationship has started and we have the first race in 4 days, I’m looking forward to start this season!

January 1, 2017

Davide Ongaro confirmed at Team Associated

Confirming what was a very badly kept secret, Team Associated have announced that Italy’s Davide Ongaro will be joining the team for 2017 and beyond. As one of the most exciting up-and-coming drivers, Davide continues to impress throughout Europe and on a world-wide stage. Best known for his success in 1:8 off-road; however, joining Team Associated he will also be competing in 1:10 electric off-road and on-road as well. Joining Davide on his journey to Team Associated will be his father Mauro (pictured above) and their mechanic Verry. Already with close ties to the Italian Team Associated distributor, LRP, Davide’s support team is more than capable and ready to take on the competition.

Source: Associated [teamassociated.com]

January 1, 2017

Dustin Evans joins Reedy / Team Associated

Reedy and Team Associated have announced the signing of former Reedy International Off-Road Race of Champions Invitational Winner and ROAR 2WD Modified Buggy National Champion, Dustin Evans. The former long-time TLR brings with him 10+ years of RC experience and countless victories around the world. Specialising in 1:10 electric off-road, Dustin’s experience and knowledge will be a great addition to the Reedy team as he will be assisting in the development of future Reedy products while providing customer support at events along the way. Dustin had the following to say:

I am really excited about the opportunity to join Reedy and Team Associated as they have one of the best race programs in the industry. The quality of products and drive from everyone to win races is second to none. The chance to join such a legendary company is truly an honor and I want to thank Brent Thielke, Rick Hohwart, Cliff Lett, and Shawn Ireland for making this happen. I’m looking forward to a great 2017 and beyond!

Source: Team Associated [teamassociated.com]

December 31, 2016

Arrowmax add Viktor Wilck to their factory team

Arrowmax have announced the signing of Viktor Wilck to their factory team. The Serpent driver and podium finisher at the 2016 IFMAR Electric Touring Car Worlds in China will use the whole Arrowmax range of tools and accessories to build, set up and maintain his rides in 2017 and beyond and he has the following to say:

I am very pleased to be joining the Arrowmax team. I have seen the dedication and professionalism going into the products first hand. I know Arrowmax are very motivated to extend there product line and keep improving on quality to give me the best possible package for 2017. I would like to thank Arrowmax for this opportunity and I am looking forward to the next years together.

Source: Arrowmax [arrowmax-rc.com]