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March 7, 2024

2024 TITC Chassis Focus Index

Last weekend thanks to the support of Hobbywing, Red RC made a return to the TITC for the 20-edition of this legendary Bangkok race. The biggest one yet, it has truly become the most significant annual electric Touring Car race in the World. It was extremely positive for the category to see so much manufacturer support for the race. Of all the major car brands, only Schumacher had no official team presence but here’s hoping the British manufacturer gives us the opportunity to see Michal Orlowski take on the challenging RC Addict track conditions for the first time next year. Such was the quality of the field, the B-Main was full of World Championship Finalist drivers and it was great to see six different manufacturers represented in the A-Main of Modified. Call us old school, but putting the iconic Tamiya logo in our results graphic was a nostalgic moment. In another positive for electric touring car we had three new cars at the race. We had the latest prototype from Yokomo, the Japanese brand going for a name change as the BD name is dropped in favour of MS for Master Speed. Nicolas Lee did try to get us permission for a chassis focus but we couldn’t get it across the line. Kyosho had two prototypes of what is expected to be their TF8. That news generated massive excitement, so much so Kyosho requested we take down the story we ran on their return to the category. Finally Ryan Maker debuted his exciting new SP1 that will see him realise the dream of his RC Maker brand becoming a fully fledged car manufacturer. While both RC Maker and Kyosho allowed us to look at their new creations, we were not granted permission to photograph them for a Chassis Focus which we fully understand given the cars’ designs are still to be fully finalised. Over the event we did however photograph 12 cars from seven different manufacturers and we have compiled them all here in our latest Chassis Focus index.

View Chassis Focus Index here

March 6, 2024

Schepis Model 2024 MZ GT 1:8 GT chassis

Italy’s Schepis Model has released the 2024 version of it MZ GT, a car which took victory at the final round of the competitive Italian National 1:8 GT Championship in the hands of Rosario Giaimo. The 2024 kit is available in a standard and limited ‘Black Edition’. Not going into the specific details of either kit, on the new car Schepis Model published that, ‘With the same exceptional performance and reliability we have always trusted, this version is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of speed without compromise. The 2024 MZ GT is ready to meet your expectations and overcome any challenge on the track.’ On the ‘Black Edition’ which gets black anodised aluminium parts, they wrote, ‘For the true enthusiasts who want to stand out on the track, we have created the limited edition Black Edition of the 2024 MZ GT! With an exclusive design and unique details. Available in limited quantities and by reservation only.’

View more images here

March 6, 2024

Xray RX8 Low Friction Composite Belt Pulley Set

Xray has release a set of Low Friction Composite Belt Pulley Set for its RX8 1:8 Onroad chassis. The molded composite pulley covers and collars are made from specially-formulated graphite composite mixture for increased strength and lower weight. Available as set or individually, they offer a balance between reliability and performance.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]

March 6, 2024

O.S. Engines MAX-B21 1:8 Offroad/GT engine

Japanese engine manufacturer O.S. has introduce their new MAX-B21 which is intended for 1:8 Offroad 1:8 GT Onroad use. The MAX-B21 is easy to use from entry-level users to sports users and has excellent cost performance. Based on the O.S.SPEED series engine, it has a well-balanced combination of smooth speed and power delivery that can be used in both onroad and offroad racing situations.  The engine head is based on MAX-21XR-B VER.3, it has been reduced weight for better performance and finish in O.S.’s trademark blue colour. Also the shape of the combustion chamber of the inner head has been revised to improve combustion efficiency and response in the low speed range.  In addition has improved stable idling and an easy to adjust carburetor.

View specs & images here

March 5, 2024

Fenix FWD prototype debuts at ‘Charity Race’

Best known for its Formula 1 chassis and in particular its classic body shells, Italian company Fenix Racing has revealed some details about its new prototype FWD car that was spotted whiled competing at the annual ‘Charity Race’ in over the weekend. Commenting to Red RC on the project, Fenix Racing owner Giorgio Favaretto said, ‘It is not yet a real production model, but something rather different than usual. It is clearly reminiscent the mid 90’s Yokomo at the rear, while the front it’s a bit different from the field.’ Check out the photos of the prototype taken by Francesco Redaelli during the event.

View images here

March 5, 2024

Orlowski wins ‘Charity Race’

While all the world’s attention was on the TITC in Bangkok over the weekend, Michal Orlowski was in Italy where he took yet another win at the annual ‘Charity Race’. One of the few manufacturers to not have a team driver at the TITC, Schumacher instead sent their star driver as the reigning ‘Charity Race’ Champion to the RC Landia indoor carpet track in Scandiano. The 13th running of the event, it has been raising thousands of euros over the years for local charities. In qualifying Orlowski took the TQ, and in the finals gave the British manufacturer’s new prototype car yet another win, it having dominated at the recent MIBO International in the Czech Republic. Joining the Polish driver in the podium would be Xray pairing Alessio Menicucci in 2nd and Luca Romagnoli in 3rd. The closest challenger to Orlowski over the four qualifiers, Filippo Domanin would finish P4.

Image: Michal Orlowski [Facebook]

March 5, 2024

Lens Bodies Maestrale GT 1:8 GT body

Lens Bodies has released digital renders of its first 1:8 GT bodyshell, the Maestrale GT. Going beyond the norm to explore new horizons, this is the basis of the design of the Maestrale GT. Freely inspired by the Tuatara SSC, the Maestrale GT calls into question the forms and functions of the bodyshells currently on the market. At the front end it has less aerodynamic resistance meaning more speed in a straight line (about 2km/h from track tests) and in turn lower fuel consumption. The sinuous shapes work together between the front and rear to generate excellent down force. Once trimmed and fitted on the car, the rear axle facilitates its advancement and gives an excellent feeling in fast corners without penalising tight sections. Engine cooling is improved by the linearisation of the air flows on the roof thanks to the ‘reverse intake’. The shaped bellies make it more stable on a straight line and facilitate the expulsion of exhaust gases on the engine side, moderating the quantity of oil that smears the rear wheel. To facilitate assembly, axes of symmetry are imprinted on the bodyshell. The Maestrale GT will be available in 2 different options of Light 0.75mm and Standard 1.0mm and is EFRA approved.

View rear image here

March 3, 2024

Record equalling 4th TITC win for Coelho

Bruno Coelho has taken a record equalling fourth TITC win but his victory at the 20th edition of the race is set to be remembered for incidents rather than the result equalling record achieved in Bangkok. Having qualified second behind Top Qualifier Ronald Volker, the Xray driver would make contact with his Mugen Seiki rival in the opening two A-Mains resulting in a wide open race going into A3. This time however Volker would spin on his own early on allowing Coelho to take the leg ahead of team-mate Alexander Hagberg, winner of A2. Giving Xray an overall 1-2 in the legendary touring car race, it also sees Coelho join Atsushi Hara as the races most winning driver. The benefactor of the Top 2 qualifiers’ clash in A1 but retiring from A2, Marc Rheinard would complete the podium at RC Addict for Awesomatix with a P3 in the final encounter ahead of Volker. For Volker, the high of taking the TQ honours after his B-Main appearance last year was overshadowed by the disappointment of being classified 6th overall. As a race that has become the most significant in the World for touring car racing & its manufacturers, and which is on par if not exceeding the dept of competitiveness of the World Championship, going forward it might be time for ‘the World’s biggest local race’ to consider appointing a referee to ensure the amazing atmosphere that surrounds the TITC is not overshadowed by incidents on track.

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