Red RC » Gas

January 3, 2017

Ryan Lutz leaves engine sponsor Alpha

The silly season continues with the latest pro driver to leave a long-term sponsor being Tekno RC’s Ryan Lutz who has announced his departure from engine sponsor Alpha. Ryan leaves behind a pretty successful campaign with countless wins on a national level and a number of international A-main finishes. This is what Ryan has to say:

This is a very sad day for me to part with a longtime sponsor and great friends. I have been with Alpha Plus Model Co, Ltd. for 7 years, and feel I have shown that you don’t need the most expensive engine to compete at the highest level of R/C. My friends at Alpha have been behind me 100% and have done way more for me than simply supply me with engines to race. At their recommendation, I entered into small business ownership with LutzRC, and they supported me with a great product, and customer service that I could use to grow my own business. I am forever grateful for that opportunity. […] Please know that there is any number of reasons for this change for me. I’m sure I could, but honestly I do not want to divulge into why I am making this change. Just know that for me, my family, and my current career path, that it is the decision that I have to make for myself. I wish Alpha Plus nothing but the absolute best. They truly are great people and are passionate about R/C car engines. Also to anyone that has purchased engines from me, please know that I am still available at any time to help you if you need assistance.

January 2, 2017

Ryan Cavalieri teams up with JConcepts

JConcepts have announced the signing of 4-times World Champion, Ryan Cavalieri to their team. The record ROAR National Champion and former AKA factory driver brings a lineage of racing experience and history back to JConcepts, for whom he has World Championship winning history with. Ryan carries the ability to race in eight different classes of competition which makes him the ideal candidate to race, promote and assist in further development of an already complete line offered from JConcepts. Ryan states:

I’m really excited to be part of the JConcepts team. I’ve had a great relationship with Jason over the years, especially back in 2005 winning the 4wd IFMAR World Championships for JConcepts. Look out for all my Team Associated cars equipped with JConcepts at the 30th annual Winter Midwest Championships.

Read a statement of JConcepts’s Jason Ruona here

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

Yaniv Sivan TQs and wins Israeli League Rd4

Round four of the Israeli League 1/8th nitro buggy racing series took place at the Omer Ring racing track. After a rainy week the track was a little wet and muddy but the sun was shining, making for fantastic weather conditions. After four rounds of qualifications, Yaniv Sivan took the TQ and in the opening stages of the 40-minute A-main event, Yaniv Sivan, Ido Carmon and Ofir Avitan swapped position for the lead. Meanwhile the battle for fourth was on between Tal Siles, Aviv Maymon and Gil Harush but later Aviv had to pull out due to engine issues. At the end it was Yaniv Sivan who took the win followed by Ido Carmon and Ofir Avitan in second and third respectively. Tal Siles and Gil Harush completed the top 5 result.

View the final results here

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

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]