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]
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.
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]
Following a first statement from Tamiya Japan on the future of TRF, Tamiya USA shed more light on the destiny of the iconic brand. Reading the latest statement and breaking it down to its core information it is understood that Tamiya will continue to produce kits under the Tamiya Racing Factory brand although it will take some time until definite results, in whatever form, may surface.
Lastly, rumors about Tamiya stopping its TRF brand and activities have been circulating within the hobby racing community. However, our most devoted fans must rest assured that Tamiya will continue the development of its TRF products and its activities, albeit in a different way.
Read the statement in full here
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!
The third round of the LRP-AE Challenge Italy was recently held on the technical RC-Evolution track with 50 entries for the four classes of Touring 13.5, Touring 17.5, Formula and Cinquone 299. Touring 13.5T saw Andrea Valerio taking the TQ in front of Stefano Bizzocco and Andrea Simari. In the final Andrea took advantage of starting from the pole position and thanks to winning all three finals he also took the day’s win from Stefano Bizzocco and Antonino Mangiaracina.
Continue reading the report here
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]
