Ryan Maifield topped the opening round of eBuggy qualifying at the Dirt Nitro Challenge, the TLR driver heading the times from reigning champion Ty Tessmann. Behind them 2WD Buggy World Champion Spencer Rivkin, who found himself in the C heat after a troubled practice yesterday, would complete the Top 3 followed by Ryan Lutz, Ryan Cavalieri and 2014 Champion David Ronnefalk.
Continue reading this report here or view our full event coverage here.
Ty Tessmann claimed the first TQ run of the 17th running of the Dirt Nitro Challenge, the multiple champion putting his HB top of the times in the first of the three rounds of Truggy Qualifying at the Fear Farm. The four time champion, who held a three year reign over truggy at the Phoenix based event from 2012-2014, would finish 4-seconds clear of rivals. In a close battle wth Ryan Maifield, a last lap error would drop the defending Buggy Champion back to third leaving Ryan Cavalieri to claim a P2.
Continue reading this report here or view our full event coverage here.
The opening round of the Spanish Nitro Series Espanolas was recently held at the Nitro 15 track in Villareal. Edu Escandon took the 1/10th 200mm class TQ with his Novarossi-powered KM Racing car. Behind him, Jonhy Pastor (Mugen/Novarossi) and Juan Hidalgo (Mugen/Novarossi) came in second and third respectively. In the main final Edu would set the fastest lap and a new track record, but the win would be for Juan Hidalgo in front of Jonhy Pastor. Raul Amella (Xray/Novarossi) completed the podium result in third.
Source: Novarossi [novarossi.it]
The recent team driver exodus over at HPI Racing and HB continues with the announcement that JJ Wang is the latest factory team driver to leave. Following the departure of Andy Moore, Freddy Südhoff and also team manager Hiroyuki Kasuya in the past few weeks, JJ parting ways with the Japanese manufacturer leaves just Jilles Groskamp as the sole remaining Factory onroad team member. This is what JJ has to say about his departure:
I would like to inform everyone that I have ended my contract with HPI/HB Inc. The past 6 years has been a life changing experience for me. I would like to give a big thank you to Tatsuro Watanabe, Hiro Kasuya, and Toshihiko Hara for supporting me and believing in me from the start. I also want to give a big thanks to my teammates from all over the world. It was fun meeting everyone and it has taught me that there’s more to a team than just results. I will never forget the laughter we shared and the experiences we’ve been through. It was truly an amazing ride. I am certain that this is a new beginning of my racing career and I am really looking forward to what the future holds for me. I wish HPI/HB the best and I look forward to seeing you all at the track soon!
The annual Florida Winternats where held this past weekend at the The Fort track in Fort Myers, Florida. As usual the event attracted some of the country’s fastest gas racers and in the 1/8th Open class DJ Apolaro would take the TQ while the 1/8th Masters category was lead by Joaquin Desoto Sr after the qualifiers. In 1/10th Sedan Paolo Morganti came out fastest while 1/8th GT had Rino Lino taking the TQ honours. In the 45 minute main 1/8th Open class A-main it was Paolo Morganti who came out fastest after TQ DJ Apolaro had to retire around the 35 minute mark. Veteran racer Mike Swauger ended the race on the runner-up spot some five laps down on Paolo. Rafael Angulo completed the top 3 result.
Korean company Highest have announced the signing of Swedish frontrunner David Ronnefalk to their factory team. The former European Champion joins prominent team mates such as Robert Batlle and Reno Savoya and he will use the company’s servo line from now on. It is understood that his first official outing for his new sponsors will be the forthcoming The Dirt Nitro Challenge.
Source: Highest [highestrc.com]
South Africa will soon host their first 1/8 GT Cup Endurance event as part of a new annual series, after recently including the growing 1/8 GT discipline to its National calendar. The first event is a 3-hour endurance race between teams of three to four drivers and it will take place on the 20th of February at the TRAP RC Venue in Pretoria. The race has already received over 10 teams onto its entry list and more information about the event and the series can be found here.
Creation Model have officially announced Finnish pro Teemu Leino as one of their Factory Infinity team drivers. The former European ISTC Champion and multiple World finalist in almost all categories, brings with him, his skills, competence and experience which will be a great addition to this new company’s future projects. Teemu, who had up until the end of last season driven for HPI/HB had the following to say:
After my old contract runs to the end I decided to have new venture on my R/C career. Creation Model Ltd has some interesting projects coming up and I feel could help them with my know-how from R/C many ways on and off the tracks. Will race with Infinity cars from now on. I look forward to spend next years with them and develop some great products with them. See you at the race tracks.
Source: Creation Model [cm-infinity.com]
