January 5, 2017

Christopher Krapp leaves Tamiya/TRF and Team Orion

The latest Tamiya and TRF driver to officially announce his departure from the disbanded race team is Germany’s Christopher Krapp who will also leave long-term electronics sponsors Team Orion. Christopher joined the TRF team in Spring 2015 while his ties with Team Orion span even longer, back into his early days with Kyosho. The German front-runner will soon announce his future plans and in the meantime he has the following to say:

First I want to wish all a happy and healthy New Year! I want to take the moment to announce my departure from Team Tamiya/TRF and Team Orion. I had a great and successful time together with the whole TRF team and I want to thank all my teammates for keeping up with me at that time. Especially I want to thank Kiyokazu Suzuki and Takayuki Kono for being my mechanics and mentors. I also want to thank Team Orion for the awesome support they gave me. I used Team Orion products since I started RC and we had many great moments together. Personal thanks to Oscar Jansen for all his efforts! Now it is time for something new and I am extremely motivated for the new challenge. Look out for the news soon!

January 5, 2017

Jerome Aigoin to run Xray and Ultimate

Aigoin Racing have announced the signing of French frontrunner, Jerome Aigoin. The former long-time Kyosho pilot and 3-times French National Champion will campaign Xray kits, Ultimate engines and Hudy accessories, joining his brother Yannick in running the Slovakian buggies.

Source: Aigoin Racing [aigoinracing.com]

January 4, 2017

Paolo Morganti and Serpent part ways

Multiple ROAR National Champion Paolo Morganti has announced his departure from Desoto Racing and Serpent, effective immediately. Paolo was the corner stone of the US Serpent onroad team since moving to the US and even held the distribution for a time, so his leaving comes as a bit of a surprise, however we do expect him to announce a new drive in the coming days. Paolo released this statement:

As of today I have decided to quit my position at Desoto Racing and as a result also stop my relationship with Serpent Industries. I am very grateful for the past 17 years with Serpent and i would like to thanks Michael Salven, Ronald Baar, the Lau family and everybody at Serpent for everything they have done for me in all this years.

January 4, 2017

Robert Batlle powered by Team Corally electronics

Robert Batlle’s major sponsor shake-up for 2017 continues as he has announced Team Corally as his new electronics sponsors. The Spanish frontrunner will use Team Corally products such as motors and speed controllers with his campaign starting at this week’s season-opening event in Padova, Italy. Robert has the following to say:

Today I’m informing you about my new sponsor for my car’s electronics, including motors and escs for my MBX7R Eco. It will be Team Corally! So from now on I will install their Revoc 160A Esc together with the Dynotorq motor. I invite you to try them. Season starts tomorrow in Padova! Thank you all!

January 3, 2017

David Ronnefalk joins JConcepts

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

January 3, 2017

Xray welcome Ty Tessmann

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]

January 3, 2017

Warren Jones takes VRC Worlds Spec E-buggy title

The recent VRC Worlds event saw Warren Jones capturing his first title in the 1/8th E-buggy spec class. Held at RC Tracks of Las Vegas the race did not saw a flawless run from Warren but he had the speed to make up some lost ground to fight himself back into the lead just before the finish line. Peter Knight (GB) and IFMAR and VRC World Champion, David Ronnefalk from Sweden battled it out for the remaining podium spots with Peter slipping past David just before the finish line to claim the runner-up spot just a tenth ahead of David.

View the final results here

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.

Mibosport
VP Racing
T-Works