Spec-R introduce their version 2 front spool axles for Tamiya TRF417 and the Yokomo BD-7 kits. Both build around an aluminium spool body with the axles now coming with hardened steel outdrives that are of a new design with machined sections for a lower weight while retaining the needed overall rigidity. The TRF417 variant sports a lighter Tamiya blue colour while the BD-7 part is available in darker Yokomo blue.
Click here to view the Yokomo spool
Capricorn have announced that current 1/8th European vice champion and multiple British champion Kyle Branson has joined their team for this season. Kyle will be running the full car line from Capricorn and as always competing at the European championships in both 1/8th and 1/10th classes and also this years world championships for 1/10th. He will also attend all of the ENS series this year. Kyle had the following to say:
I am very happy to be joining Capricorn for this 2014 season. The continuous development from Capricorn is very impressive, they are always trying their best to improve their products and be on top. I first ran with Capricorn at last years 1/10th European championships and was extremely happy with the support from Patrizio. I think we have a strong team and also believe I have a strong package for this up and coming season. I would like to thank Patrizio for giving me this opportunity to run his products.
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
The 4th round of the RCProf Speedpassion Challenge was held in Budapest racing Stock 13.5T and Modified touring car. The 13.5T Stock class had Xray driver János Birinyi taking TQ after winning all of the three qualifying rounds. He then went on to win the first and second A final to take the day’s win early. Gábor Forrai and Péter Taál completed the top 3 result. In the Modified class Barnabás Tóth and Zsolt Kálnay where fighting for the pole position with the better end for Barnabás but come the finals Zsolt was able to grab the win in A1 and A2 after the leader made early mistakes allowing Zsolt to pass. This handed him the overall win in front of Barnabás Tóth and Christian Faur.
Click here to view the Modified podium
VBC Racing now have these 1-piece front rear suspension mounting brackets for the Wildfire touring car available. They are designed to replace the stock “split” mounts on the Wildfire and Wildfire D06 kits and help to make the front end of the car more rigid which can be helpful in very high-bite conditions. Available as P00 and P05 variant the brackets are a direct replacement.
Click here to view another photo
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]
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]
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]
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]
