RC Concept have confirmed Philip Atondo as team driver for 2017. In 2016, Philip was more than happy with the RC Concept engine line, he found what he was always looking for: power, stability, longevity and stability. Philip will travel to all major USA events in 2017 and will be able to support all drivers.
Source: RC Concept [rcconcept.net]
JConcepts have announce the signing of current IFMAR 1/8th Off-Road World Champion and a 2x European 1/8th Off-Road Champion David Ronnefalk to the world wide race team joining other new signing Ryan Cavalieri. His accomplishments in 1/10th Off-Road are nearly as impressive, taking a podium finish at the 2015 World Championships in 4wd, finishing 3rd overall at the Yatabe Arena. Starting at a young age, David climbed the ladder to success very quickly with support from family and friends. However, his racing career really blossomed after uniting with Team Orion’s Adrien Bertin, who together with his father, have helped provide a steady force on and off the track. David, who won his World title using JConcepts Silencer body, had this to say:
I’m very glad and honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of such a dedicated company as JConcepts. Very excited to see what 2017 holds for us, and with the support from Jason and everybody at JConcepts I feel like my race program is complete.
Continue reading the announcement here
The rumour mill was running hot on this topic and now the predictions of many have come true as Xray have officially announced the signing of former HB Racing factory driver, Ty Tessmann. The 2014 IFMAR World Champion and multiple ROAR Nationals winner will campaign Xray’s 1/8th and 1/10th off-road vehicles at all major events in the United States and Canada. He had the following to say about the deal:
I am very excited to be joining the Xray/RC America Team. Their drive for perfection in every aspect of the company, from the design and build of their cars to the presentation of their products, will perfectly compliment my current race program. I look forward to working closely with Martin Bayer on development of the off-road platforms to adapt them to North American tracks. I hope to be able to help grow and promote the brand worldwide with a focus on North America. I would like to thank Juraj Hudy, Martin Hudy, Martin Bayer and everyone at team Xray and John and his staff at RC America for giving me this opportunity.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
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.
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
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!
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]
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.
