November 30, 2023

Masami / GForce Hoodie collaboration

One of the greatest drivers of our sport, 14-time World Champion Masami Hirosaka and G-Force Hobby have collaborated for the release of a limited edition ‘Masami’ hoodie which comes with a special sticker set.  Masami has been involved with the Japan’s G-Force Hobby in recent years following a hugely successful and historic 30-year stint with Yokomo that lead to him becoming one of the best known RC racers in the world.  The zip-up light hoodie has a ‘Turn around Masami illustration’ drawn by Team Sealwith and comes with a set of 6 manga style Masami stickers.

View more images here


November 30, 2023

Avid 1:10 Buggy Shock Parts Box

America’s Avid Racing Concepts has released a second version of its shock parts box which is intended for 1:10 Buggy racers.  Designed and produced by Bryan Badgett, the handy box takes your springs (12/13mm), pistons, rod ends, spring cups, and even your Avid Ringer cartridges and collars and transforms them into an organised wonderland.  Giving you the perfect arrangement and effortless accessibility, the V2 box has an improved latch.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


November 29, 2023

Kyosho America recruits Phi-Long Nguyen

Kyosho America has announced that it has recruited up & coming 1:8 Offroad talent Phi-Long Nguyen.  Having earned the nickname ‘Little Bump’, the 12-year-old joins the iconic Japanese brand having announced earlier this month after AMS 14.0 that he was departing HB Racing after 5-years.  Nguyen will team-up with Ryan Lutz in representing Kyosho on the busy US Offroad race calendar.

Source: Kyosho America [Facebook]


November 28, 2023

Boki Racing XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body

American niche bodyshell producer BOKI Racing has unveiled a rare find to the vintage RC racing community with the release of the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body.  Crafted to seamlessly integrate with the original kit, the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body offers an unparalleled fit.  The kit includes a clear, uncut, unpainted body, complete with window masks and paint masking, all expertly constructed from .030 Lexan made in the USA.  Designed originally by Josh Cyrul, the XX4 X5 body embodies the X-Factor philosophy of prioritizing function above all. Despite initial reservations about its aesthetics, the design’s prowess becomes evident when working with and painting the shell, ultimately growing on enthusiasts.  Notable features include a prominent motor cooling hump, providing ample space for a motor heat sink beneath the shell. The driver’s cockpit is strategically positioned in the center, with a rearward swoop to enhance downforce. The team behind the XX4 X5 body asserts its significant contribution to the car’s aerodynamics, promising a noticeable performance boost on the track.

Source: Boki Racing [bokiracing.com]


November 28, 2023

Tessmann dropped by Xray

Former 1:8 Buggy World Champion Ty Tessmann has announced he has been dropped by Xray and their US distributor RC America.  The Canadian driver will depart after a 7-year stint with the Slovakian manufacturer whom he joined after a lengthy stint with Hot Bodies.  Posting confirmation of the much rumoured news, fuelled by the recent signing of his former HB team-mate David Ronnefalk, on his social media, Tessmann said, ‘There have been a lot of rumors about my future with Xray. For the last 7 years I have raced for and been committed to Xray and RC America, my Dad and I helped develop the Xray offroad cars, and grow the Xray brand in North America, and we have had a lot of successes over the last 7 years with their cars’.  Listing his achievements with the brand which included the TQ & 2nd at the 2018 1:8 World Championships in Australia, he continued, ‘That being said I will not be continuing with Xray for 2024 and beyond, this was not my choice, but Xray and RC America have decided to not renew my contract. I would like to thank Xray and RC America for the opportunity and support over the past 7 years.  Stay tuned for an announcement on what 2024 holds for me.’

Source: Ty Tessmann [Facebook] 


November 28, 2023

Associated RC10 Protech Body and Wing Re-release

Team Associated has announced that the body used on the original RC10 1:10 2WD electric buggy is available again.  It fits the RC10 classic, RC10 re-release, and upcoming RC10CC Clear Classic car.  The body comes with window masks.

Source: Associated [associatedelectrics.com]


November 27, 2023

Jacinto & Dela Cruz crowned Philippine 1:10 Offroad National Champions

In a major boost for the offroad racing scene in the Philippines, after a long absence the country hosted National Championships for 1:10 Offroad with the event attracting a record entry for a Nationals.  With over 100 entries for the 2-day event at the Circulo Verde track in Manila City, home to Asia’s biggest annual offroad event the Philippine Masters, in qualifying it was Sworkz driver Dino Jacinto who took the 4WD TQ with the 2WD honours going to Jomil Dela Cruz at the end of the three rounds of qualifying.  In the triple finals, Jacinto would win the opening two encounters to secure the title early ahead of Dela Cruz and Tyler Cheung.  In 2WD, Dela Cruz would also convert the TQ into the title albeit needing the win in A3 to do so.  He was joined on the podium by Rains Viola and A2 winner Gerome Ling.  The event also marked a major improvement for the track with its new oiled surface a game changer.  More and more racers/hobbyist are enjoying the track with it now having good grip anytime of the day and most of all, it’s rubber friendly.  The existing layout and surface will be used for 2024 edition of the Philippine Masters which takes place on April 18-21.

Image: Edward Sio [Facebook]


November 27, 2023

Yokomo ‘Super Dog Fighter’ re-release buggy images

Having announced the re-release of its 1980’s ‘Super Dog Fighter’ 1:10 4WD Buggy in October with a CAD image, Yokomo has just released images on social media of the production buggy which is set to be with distributors in December.  The Japan company is the latest manufacturer to enter the retro market after many requests from passionate fans.  Having considered commercialisation many times but with no resin part molds left from that time, it was a big undertaking for the company.  Although new parts have been remade, the settings have been made to recreate the atmosphere of the time as much as possible. In order to be able to drive with current power sources, it will be equipped with a gear differential, slipper clutch, Lipo battery, etc., but it also have a slot for a Sub-C size battery, natural-coloured resin parts, and aluminium die-cast front and rear parts. The bulkhead, hard-anodised aluminium shocks, and other features give you the feel of the time.

View images here