January 9, 2014

XRD sign ROAR National Champion Apolaro

XRD sign ROAR National Champion Apolaro

XRD Engines have bagged themselves another big name with the signing of current ROAR National Champion DJ Apolaro to a 2 year deal. The Capricorn driver moves to his new sponsor having run 6 years for Novarossi previously. DJ gave the following statement:

I would like to thank all the people at Novarossi World for the 6 great years of support, especially Laura and Mrs Grazia. As I embark on this new venture, I look forward to making a great relationship with the XRD staff. Patrizio and Lorenzo have been very welcoming and we are going to work very hard to provide the best products for the future of XRD. I had a chance to test motors recently with both classes .12 & .21 and know that XRD has what it takes to keep me in the winner circle. Thanks again and see everyone at the track soon with my new XRD power package.

Source: XRD [xrdtech.com]


January 9, 2014

JJ Wang joins HB/HPI Factory team

JJ Wang joins HB/HPI Factory team

More Team HB / HPI announcements with JJ Wang set to again race for Team HB in Electric 1/10th Touring Car in 2014. JJ has previously represented HB / HPI competing with the TCXX in Europe, America and Asia on behalf of HPI China but he has now joined the ranks of their World Championship winning HB Factory team. JJ had this to say:

Electric racing is something I want to excel at, and to be part of the HB Factory Team gives me the performance, support, and confidence I need.  I am really excited to be part of this team! Thank you Mr. Tatsuro Watanabe and Hiroyuki Kasuya for giving me this opportunity.

Source: HPI [hpiracing.com]


January 9, 2014

Smokem Racing TC6.2 spool cups

Smokem Racing TC6.2 spool cups

Smokem Racing have released their new spring steel spool cups for the Team Associated TC6.2 and TC6.1. Made from Smokem’s own spring steel formula, these claim to be some of the toughest wearing drive cups available on the market today. They are further hard coated to increase durability. Ready for use without blades it provides a smooth yet reliable setup as blades can break or wear during use which has a big effect on the handling during a run.

Source: Smokem [smokem-racing.com]


January 8, 2014

Olly Jefferies confirmed at Xray

Olly Jefferies confirmed at Xray

As expected Xray have announced that five time BRCA national champion Olly Jefferies has joined their team for the 2014 racing season. ‘Olly has been constantly one of the best touring and pan car racers in the UK and we are very glad we could join the forces together to have Olly racing with the T4 & X12’. The former Team Associated driver will participate at all national level races as well at the World Championship in USA, European Championship 1/10 in Spain and European Championship 1/12 in Italy. Olly had this to say:

To continue to improve my racing result there was for me no other option and consideration than to join the Xray team, the company that I have always admired for their professionalism and the way they approach both business and racing. I would like to thank to Hudy family for offering me this unique opportunity and for having trust in me. The 2014 is the year of World Championship and I will do all my best to achieve the best possible result, with the car and team I am on board, I am very confident.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


January 8, 2014

Capricorn double reverse clutch & improved shocks

Capricorn double reverse clutch & improved shocks

Capricorn have released a number of new items for their 1/8th and 1/10th cars. First up is the new double reverse clutch system for their 1/10th car, which also works on the NT1 and Velox V10. The new clutch is available in red or black version and helps increase the power of the engine when it engages while maintaining the same top speed. An aluminium clutch bell reduces the weight by 70% over the steel version for more acceleration. New for both classes is an updated damper system with quadra o-ring and improved bottom cup for smoother shock shaft action as well as easier assembly. Finally for the C801 is a new front carbon shock tower with a different profile which helps increase steering in the entry of the corner.

View the other new parts here


January 7, 2014

Dario Balestri makes the switch to XRD Engines

Dario Balestri makes the switch to XRD Engines

Multiple 1/10th European Champion and World Championship podium finisher Dario Balestri has signed for new Italian engine brand XRD. The Italian leaves behind Novarossi for whom he has raced with for over a decade, a move which coincides with a chassis sponsor change from KM to Capricorn for both 1/8th and 1/10th having only raced with the Italian marque in 1/8th. Dario issued the following statement:

I want to say thanks to all the Novarossi factory for over 10 years of great race and performance. It is time to make a change for me and try to improve. I’m proud to race with another new Italian engine factory for the coming years.

Source: XRD [xrdtech.com]


January 7, 2014

Andy Moore signs for a tenth year at HB/HPI

Andy Moore signs for tenth year at HB/HPI

Following yesterday’s confirmation that team mate Teemu Leino has re-signed with HB/HPI, former IFMAR World Champion Andy Moore is also now confirmed in the team’s lineup for 2014. Andy has been a part of the team for nearly 10 years, taking the 2006 IFMAR ISTC World Championship and recently accomplishing an A Final finish with the HB R10 at the 2013 IFMAR World Championships for 1/10th Nitro TC. Andy had this to say:

I’m happy to announce my signing of a further 1 year contract extension with HB/HPI Racing. This takes me into my landmark 10th year racing for the company and I’d like to thank Tatsuro Watanabe and Hiro Kasuya for their continued support. This year’s schedule will see me travel to races all over the world promoting HB/HPI racing products including 2 World Championships so it’s going to be a busy year but I look forward to seeing everyone at the track.

Source: HPI [hpiracing.com]


January 6, 2014

Robert Pietsch signs for Picco

Robert Pietsch signs for Picco

A teaser image on Picco’s Facebook page, when adjusted, reveals that they have signed 2011 1/8th onroad World Champion Robert Pietsch. Having announced that he was leaving Novarossi late last year, the German driver and designer of the Mugen onroad line was linked to a number of companies but it seems he has settled for current World Champions Picco, who won the title in Japan back in October in the hands of Tadahiko Sahashi. We can expect the full reveal and statements from both parties in the coming days.

View the adjusted image here