Martin Bayer was in touch to tell us about the Astra Nitrocross event that he is hosting this year from the 1st to the 3rd of July in Slavkov u Brna in the Czech Republic. The event is open to 1/8th scale buggy and, as with the last time the event was run, it is expected to attract a large number of top international racers to this awesome track. Registration opens on the 1st of March and you can find more information on the official event site here.
Tamiya America have announce its newest member of their 1/8th off-road team. World class on-road ace Marc Rheinard has joined in a partnership with Tamiya America, Inc. to pilot the TRF801X at upcoming 1/8 Off-Road races in both the USA and in Europe for 2011. The 3-time IFMAR ISTC World Champion from Germany, has already achieved great success piloting Tamiya’s many revered TRF on-road touring cars. Marc will also be joining forces with fellow team member Lee Martin of Great Britain to take on the world in both the USA and European racing events.
I am looking forward to the new challenge racing the Tamiya 801x/xt for Tamiya America. It’s a bonus that I will get to race along side my friend Lee Martin and have someone to share ideas with in the upcoming nitro races in the USA and in Europe. The 801x/xt has great potential, and I am anxious to get it on the track for my first race in the USA. I would like to thank Tamiya America for giving me this great opportunity, and look forward to many great results in the future.
Source: Tamiya [tamiyausa.com]
Merlin Fuel have announced that former European Champion, Worlds finalist and multiple Spanish Nat Champion, Robert Battle will be joining their international race team for the following 2 seasons. Having also recently moved to Mugen, Robert had this to say about his new deal:
I’m really excited to be part of one of the best fuel brands around the world. They provide me all I need for my engine and my run time, so I cannot want anything else. We (my dad and myself) will help in the development of all Merlin products the best we can and we hope to offer to all customers the best option to buy. I would like to thank Nitrolux to support me during all past years. We keep in touch and remember, the track is open, and I’m ready to race!
Source: Merlin [merlinfuel.com]
Byron Fuels continues to confirm its 2011 team with the announcement that Ty Tessmann is continuing his representation of Byron Race Gen2. When asked, Ty had this to say about his association with Byron Fuels, “I am looking forward to another successful year running Byron Fuels. It is an awesome product that provides me consistent power and good run time. I would like to thank all the Byron staff for their continued support. I am excited about the upcoming season with my sponsors.” Marc Jensen of Byron Originals says the company could not ask for better representation on or off the track and is pleased to have Ty on board for another season.
Source: Byron [byronfuels.com]
This past weekend was the Colonel’s Winter Classic at SCORE in Savannah, GA. The race was a one day event with 90 entries. The weather was cold and wet leading up to the race, so the track was bumpy and slick. Travis Dupree was driving his Nitrotec/Nitrotane powered, Team Losi Racing 8ight 2.0 and was able to TQ 2 of the 3 rounds of qualifying, which gave him the overall TQ in the 1/8th Pro Buggy class. In the main, Travis jumped out to an early lead and was on a 2 stop fuel strategy in the 30 minute main event which allowed him to make one less stop than everyone else. This helped him increase his lead even more and leading every lap he took the win ahead of privateer Losi driver Jason Smith in 2nd.
Source: TLR [tlracing.com]
After a short away, Andrew Smolnik is back to Byron Fuels for 2011 to run their Race Gen2. Andrew will continue to drive Agama and will continue his affiliations with VP Pro, Airtronics, Avid Bearings and Protek. When asked about his new fuel of choice, Andrew stated, “I am excited for the opportunity to once again race for Byron Fuels. I believe in the product and the people behind the company. It is sure to be a winning combination.”
Source: Byron [byronfuels.com]
Continuing with the driver signing news, HB and HPI have announced that 1/8th buggy Worlds A-Finalist and consistent front runner Jesse Robbers has extended his contract with HB. He will continue to partner Ty Tessmann and Atsushi Hara in the factory squad and will run the D8 Hara Edition buggy and D8T truggy. Jesse had this to say about his new contract:
I will continue to race for HB throughout the 2011 racing season. I started racing for HB at the beginning of 2008 and the past few years have been very good for the both of us. I feel the platform of cars and tires HB offers has been a key factor that has, and continues, to help me improve my results on a consistent basis. The cars are very durable, easy to drive, and fast all while being offered at a low price. The tyres have great performance while outlasting other brand tires. From the beginning HB has been very open to accepting me into their company and has allowed me additional responsibilities which continue to prove beneficial for us. I look forward to continuing the awesome relationship HB and I have and also I to the great things to come in 2011 from HB. I do not plan to change any of my other sponsors and I will continue to use O.S. Speed Engines, Sidewinder Fuel, KO Propo radio and servos, HB Tires, HPI Racing and Avid R/C.
Source: Hot Bodies [hbeurope.com]
Samual Chiu, top 1/10 sedan driver from Hong Kong drove his Murnan M3 powered NT1 to TQ and the win at the 2011 Novarossi China Open. In 2nd place was Wang Hei Feng from China driving a Mugen MTX4, also powered by Murnan Modified Motors. The event saw 70 plus drivers participate in this the season opener in China.
Source: Murnan Modified [murnanmodified.com]
