January 25, 2024

Sparko F8e 1:8 Competition Buggy

Taiwanese buggy brand Sparko has released its new F8e competition-level 1:8 Electric Buggy which they claim has the world’s first battery mount design that provides the most configurations for a 1:8 vehicle in the industry.  It can use batteries of different sizes to meet the power and time requirements for all racers around the world.  In addition, the battery mount is designed in an eccentric mode.  With multiple battery positions, balance response needs for all drivers and track conditions will be met. With the Multi-configuration battery mount system you can achieve eccentric arrangements from 2s to 4s. From forward to back, to inside and outside, pure balance of the car can be achieved for optimal response.  The buggy also features an Anti-flex aluminium motor mount system, the rigid system eliminating unwanted flex allowing the motor to operate accurately and efficiently.  Result, smooth and reliable drivetrain. It gets a double rear brace design.  While the kit is equipped with one rear brace, you can use two for more balance of the left and right torsion of the chassis.  This can provide more consistent drive while cornering and accelerating with the official optional braces to be released soon.  Another feature is the built-in versatile aluminium fan mount.

View more images here


January 25, 2024

Ultimate Racing Green Tire Cleaner

Spain’s Modelix Racing has added a new tyre cleaner to its range of Ultimate Racing products.  Laboratory tested and certified, Green Tire Cleaner is the quickest and safest method for cleaning tires and wheels before gluing.  Supplied in a 100ml spray bottle, the specialised formula contains a mix of different degreasing products that ensures perfect cleaning for a strong and long-lasting bond.

Source: Modelix [modelixracing.com]


January 24, 2024

2025 IFMAR World Championship Calendar

With all of the 2023 IFMAR World Championships producing new winners, a picture of where those drivers will defend their titles is starting to come together with 2025 a year that will also see the number of World Championship titles awarded increase from 6 to 8.  With the 2-year cycle never long coming round, already confirmed is the 1:10 Offroad World Championships which was awarded to Australia after last year’s indoor event in Arizona where David Ongaro added a first Electric World title and Tater Sontag joined the elite club of World Champions.  Another event to be confirmed during the running of the 2023 edition was the 1:8 GT World Championship.  In Australia it was announced that South America would be destination with Toni Gruber set to defend his title in Peru.  Set to be only third running of the 1:8 GT World Championships, there will be two IFMAR World Championships up for grabs as Electric moves from two years of World Cup status to a full World Championship category.  After one of the most intense finals of the year in Japan, 1:8 Onroad is going to the FAMAR Bloc with Chile expected to bid to host the sport’s original World Championship.  Wrapping up the 2023 IFMAR World Championship season in Florida, where Michal Orlowski and Max Machler took the titles, 1:12 moves to the FEMCA Bloc with China widely expected to host the 22nd running of IFMAR longest running electric World Championship.  New to the calender for 2025 will be the 1:8 Electric Offroad World Championship.  Portugal will host an IFMAR World Cup this coming April for eBuggy with the host Federation expected to apply to run the inaugural World Championship for the category one year later.

View 2024 and provisional 2025 calendar here


January 24, 2024

Jetko J-ONE 1:8 Offroad tyre

Tyre manufacturer Jetko has announced the upcoming release of its new J-ONE 1:8 Buggy tyre which is designed with strong consideration for eBuggy users.  The tyre is the result of having recognised the excellent performance of “Bar” style tyres but also identifying the issue with rapid wear rate when used with today’s nitro-powered cars or high torque electric buggies.  To provide the best solution/performance for heavier/powerful electric vehicles, Jetko undertook the task of developing a tyre that also meets the specific needs of electric models.  Rather than simply designing a stronger tyre with a thicker pattern and more surface area, Jetko made the strategic choice not to compromise on performance. They maintained the optimal surface area in contact with the ground and the appropriate thickness of lugs/Bar to ensure better performance.

Continue reading here


January 24, 2024

Hotrace tyres for McBride

Multiple 1:8 Offroad World Finalist and Australian National Champion Kyle McBride will run Hotrace Tyres as part of his 2024 race program.  The Italian brand announced McBride as the latest driver they will be supporting this season as he embarks on a return season with Kyosho.  14-years since his first World Championship Final appearance, when he finished fourth in Pattaya driving for Mugen Seiki, the 27-year-old Brisbane driver brings vast experience to the Hotrace team.

Source: Hotrace Tyres [hotracetyres.com]


January 24, 2024

Sontag latest FlySky high profile signing

Continuing its impressive run of high profile driver signings, Chinese radio manufacturer FlySky has announced the addition of reigning 2WD Buggy World Champion Tater Sontag to its team driver line-up.  The American was spotted along with TLR team-mate Dakotah Phend using the Noble Pro at the recent season opening ‘Clash of Champions’ race in Indiana fuelling rumours the teenager would join their already impressive list of signings that includes Offroad World Champions Ryan Maifield & David Ronnefalk and onroad World Champions Marc Rheinard and Ronald Volker.  On the announcement Sontag said, “From the moment I first ran the Noble Pro radio I instantly was impressed!  It had a super responsive and smooth feeling, and felt good in the hand.  The options on the radio are endless and the updates come frequently just keep making it better and better!”

Source: Flysky [flysky-cn.com]


January 23, 2024

Donnelly joins Hobbywing team

Hobbywing has announced that front running Australian Offroad racer Lachlan Donnelly has joined its driver team.  The 19-year-old from Sydney who has raced with Team Associated for a decade, has already used Hobbywing electrics as part of his campaigns including at the 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona last September.  As part of a big push by Hobbywing to build a strong world wide team for 2024 he now joins the team officially.  An impressive showing at the 1:8 GT World Championship in Sydney in October, after just one club race as preparation, highlights Donnelly natural talent which Hobbywing is keen to help develop further.

Source: Hobbywing [hobbywing.com]