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

Dutch Xray Racing Series Rd1 – Report

Indoor Model Racing Oss played host to the opening round of the Dutch Xray Racing Series with 45 drivers attending in the three classes of 2WD Buggy, 4WD Buggy and Rookie. In 2WD it was Jarno Pijpers who TQ’d three out of the four qualifiers to take the overall TQ from Wesley van Helmond followed by Bart Mullink and Bart Wubben.

Continue reading the report here


January 3, 2017

SWorkz release new S35-3 teaser image

SWorkz have released a new teaser image of the forthcoming S35-3 1/8th nitro off-road buggy. Following a front suspension image the Asian company now also released an image of the rear section, showing the updated suspension geometry, the redesigned radio tray and a part of the 7075 aluminium chassis that allows to add up to 45g of weight to fine-tune the weight bias. Still no word yet on a release date but when looking at the teaser it seems that the buggy is pretty much production ready.

Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]


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

Dakotah Phend departs Team Orion nitro team

In a statement on social media, TLR’s Dakotah Phend has announced his departure from Team Orion’s nitro team. The former ROAR national champion, that also recently left tyre sponsors Pro-Line, is understood to continue using Team Orion electronics and he had the following to say about his move:

After many years and lots of success with Team Orion, I have decides to part ways with them on the Nitro side of my program.I have had lots of success and learned a ton from Adrien Crf Bertin. I want to wish him and Orions nitro program nothing but the best as they are truly great people and put in tons of work! Excited to announce my future nitro program for this year!


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