December 30, 2016

Muchmore Racing sign Ryan Cavalieri

Muchmore Racing have announced the signing of 4-times IFMAR Worlds and 24-times US National Champion, Ryan Cavalieri to their team. The factory Team Associated driver leaves behind a long-running and very successful partnership with Team Orion and he has the following to say about his move:

I’m very excited to announce that I will be joining Muchmore Racing. I feel that Muchmore is determined to succeed in the US and I’m glad I can be a part of that. Look out for all my Team Associated vehicles powered by Muchmore Racing products at the first race of the year CRCRC.

Muchmore Racing JP president, Yusuke Kobayashi adds:

So far, I have shared friendship with him. From now on, We will also share our business with him. We are proud of being his partner in both public and private.

Source: Muchmore [muchmoreracing.net]


December 30, 2016

Ty Tessmann makes HB Racing leave official

After a short Christmas break the silly season is picking up speed again with the latest Pro-level driver, Ty Tessmann, having announced his departure from long-term sponsors HB Racing. His move was awaited as industry insiders, such as HB Racing designer Torrance Deguzman, already waved Ty and father Gord goodbye on social media but an official word from Ty was yet to surface. Tessmann is still silent about his new home and in the meantime he had the following to say:

As most people already know, my relationship with HB Racing has come to an end, it is true that I will not be re-signing with HB for 2017. 12 years ago I started my career with what is now known as the HB Racing brand, the past 12 years there have been some struggles but many, many successes that many people can take credit for having a part of. I would like to thank Tatsuro Watanabe for giving me a start when I was very young and continuing to support my racing right up until June of 2016. I would also like to thank Philippe Neidhart who at that point purchased the company and continued the support until the end of 2016. I would also like to thank Torrance Deguzman for the efforts that he put into designing cars that gave me the ability to accomplish what I did with them. At this point in my career I feel like it is time to take on new challenges and I am excited for what the future holds.


December 27, 2016

Rheinard statement confirms demise of TRF race team

The opening round of the 2016/17 ETS marked the end of an era with Marc Rheinard unofficially announcing his departure from long-term sponsors Tamiya during the event. Having won three IFMAR Electric Touring Car World Championship titles, an ETS title and countless major event wins for the Japanese manufacturer, Marc has released an official statement regarding his time with Tamiya, the stopping of their TRF team as well as what the future holds for the super quick German:

I have often heard the saying ‘all good things must come to an end’ but now that I am faced with such a situation I really don’t know what to say. After 22 great years with Tamiya, it is time for it come to an end. It is really hard for me as Tamiya is and will always be in my heart. I started in 1994 with the Tamiya Euro Cup and since then I have used only Tamiya cars. We had many ups and luckily not so many downs and overall achieved lots of titles and had always a good friendship with all the great people who make up the Tamiya Company.

Continue reading Marc’s statement here


December 27, 2016

The Fabulous Barry Baker joins Serpent

Serpent have announced the signing of veteran racer and living RC legend, Barry Baker to their team. “The Fabulous” will be representing Serpent at national events and races around the West-Coast of the USA. Barry will focus on 1/8th and 1/10th off-road racing and also select on-road events, campaigning Serpent’s Project 4X touring car. The multi-time national and Reedy Race champion has the following to say about the deal:

I am so proud to represent such a legendary brand. Serpent produces some of the best quality products on the market. I will do my best to promote and build the brand throughout. Thank you to everyone at Serpent for this opportunity. Looking forward to the 2017 racing season. See you all at the track.

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]


December 20, 2016

Robert Batlle departs Modelix Racing

Former 1/8th Nitro Buggy World and European Champion, Robert Batlle has announced his departure from Modelix Racing. The change comes hot on the heels of the Baldo brothers/Modelix Racing split and it will affect areas such as tyres, engines and fuel but for now it is understood that he will continue to run Mugen buggies. In a statement issued on Facebook the multi-time Spanish national champion has the following to say:

After many remarcable moments with Modelix, time has come for a change in my equipment. It’s been some great years and I want to thank, Marc, Christian, Roger and everyone at Modelix for believing in this project and helping me through this awesome journey, achieving a Worlds, one Euros, 6 Nats and many other victories. This is our achievement, because only when a working team provides what is needed and makes it the best possible way, great things can be done together. I want to end this text by doing a special mention to our friendship, to all the Modelix family, it has been real and I feel proud for it. Thank you so much for this long relationship that we will preserve forever.

Thanks, Modelix Family.


December 20, 2016

Dario Balestri to roll on Hot Race tyres

Hot Race Tyres have announced the signing of Italy’s Dario Balestri to their team. The multiple national and European Champion will use the company’s tyres at open races world-wide while also helping with product development and being a brand ambassador at the races.

Source: Hot Race Tyres [hotracetyres.com]


December 19, 2016

Toni Gruber signs with WRC

Italian company WRC have announced the signing of Germany’s Toni Gruber. The former ARC driver will use WRC’s line of cars in his 2017 campaign that includes appearances at both national and international events. Toni has the following to say:

I want to thank ARC for the great season 2016. Now I take one opportunity that WRC gave me and I want to thank WRC for this great chance. I am really happy to a part of this great team!

Source: WRC [wrc-racing.com]


December 19, 2016

Contact announce 2017 factory drivers

Contact have announced their 2017 factory driver line up. Beside long established Robert Pietsch, who is in his seventh season and reigning 1/8th World Champion, Simon Kurzbuch, next year’s team will also see Germany’s up and coming Toni Gruber, who has shown some impressive results lately, including an overall 4th place at the 2016 Guan Kou Sunpadow GP in China.

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]