Red RC » International

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.

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

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

Akio Sobue leaves Tamiya & TRF

Akio Sobue has announced his departure from Tamiya and TRF, fuelling further speculation about the future of TRF as a car brand. The former JMRCA Electric Touring Car champion and IFMAR Worlds A-main finisher is another high-class driver to leave the successful TRF team and he has posted the following statement on social media, which is translated from Japanese:

On December 31, we will inform you that the contract is terminated. It was very special to me that the brand was very special for the first time in 2010 years since the first season in the all Japan Championship. I didn’t know the right side of the left, Mr. Seiwa, Mr. Kono, and before, I am very grateful to you. And also thanks to the teammates (Marc Rheinard, Jilles, randomeyes, Christopher, Nicholas, Nicholas, and Matsukura). I think I was blessed with the best team. In the end, I deeply appreciate your sincere thanks to you for the last one. Thank you so much for your time. I think we may be able to inform you about the upcoming activities. In 2017, I think it is a great year for me to be a new start. It’s not the same as the rest of the future, please.

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]

December 31, 2016

Arrowmax add Viktor Wilck to their factory team

Arrowmax have announced the signing of Viktor Wilck to their factory team. The Serpent driver and podium finisher at the 2016 IFMAR Electric Touring Car Worlds in China will use the whole Arrowmax range of tools and accessories to build, set up and maintain his rides in 2017 and beyond and he has the following to say:

I am very pleased to be joining the Arrowmax team. I have seen the dedication and professionalism going into the products first hand. I know Arrowmax are very motivated to extend there product line and keep improving on quality to give me the best possible package for 2017. I would like to thank Arrowmax for this opportunity and I am looking forward to the next years together.

Source: Arrowmax [arrowmax-rc.com]