December 23, 2023

New date confirmed for IFMAR 1:8 eBuggy World Cup

After being forced to cancel the event just days before its planned date of last September due to a lack of entries, IFMAR has announced the new date of April 5-7, 2024, for the first ever World Cup for 1:8 Electric Buggy.  Concerns were raised when the initial date was announced as it was just 1-week after the 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona which was probably one of the biggest contributing factors to it getting only 15 confirmed entries but the new date should allow for a much stronger entry.  With eBuggy a hugely important category for manufacturers while 1:8 nitro has enjoyed World Championship status since 1986, the World Cup will be the first step for the electric category to become a World Championship category in 2025.  The World Cup will be hosted by the Club ACDB “OS BEIROES” at their 310m track in Guarda, Portugal whichk previously hosted the 2010 EFRA European 1:8 Nitro Buggy Championship when Reno Savoya took the third of his European titles.  View the updated Stage 1 report here.

Source: IFMAR [Facebook]


December 23, 2023

2024 Philippine Masters registration opens

Having established itself as Asia’s biggest annual 1:8 Offroad race, the organisers of the Philippine Masters have announced the opening of registration for the 12th edition of the high profile Manila based event.  A sell out event in 2023, the race saw World Champion David Ongaro win the Buggy title for Team Associated while Sworkz’ Micha Widmaier came away with the Truggy victory.  With the Philippines famed as a holiday destination, the event has a truly unique vibe living up to the nations tourism tagline ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ with many of the large international driver entry combining the race with holidays at the country’s world famous white sand beaches.  Along with Ongaro and Widmaier, Robert Battle, David Ronnefalk, Adam Drake, Ty Tessmann, Atsushi Hara and Kyle McBride are just some of the other international drivers to enjoy both the racing and hospitality in the capital city.  Again a capacity entry is expected to be reached quickly as the Philippine Masters plays host to the second round of the Asia Buggy Championships which after kicking off in February in New Zealand will also visit Australia and Indonesia in 2024 and at the end of which there will be an overall Champion of the region crowned.

Source: Philippine Masters [philippinemastersrc.com]


December 22, 2023

1:1 Tamiya Wild One MAX – Top Gear first drive

We are sure the thought of what would it be like to actually drive an RC car has crossed many an RC racer’s mind.  Well legendary motoring TV show Top Gear has just done that, sort of.  Back in July we ran the news that British based The Little Car Company was releasing a full adult size versus of Tamiya 1:10 2WD Wild One MAX buggy from 1985.  Now Top Gear have had the opportunity to test the new creation with Jason Barlow getting behind the wheel and summing up the experience by saying, ‘Honestly, I think that is the most fun I’ve had in any car all year’.  Watch the test drive on the Top Gear Youtube channel here.

Source: Top Gear [Youtube]


December 22, 2023

RUDDOG 2.4GHz 4-Channel Receiver

New from RUDDOG is their RR492 2.4GHz 4-channel FH5 receiver that has been specially developed for compatibility with selected latest generation Sanwa remote controls.  The RR492 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for an affordable but high quality alternative Receiver for their Sanwa remote control.  Compatible with the Sanwa M17, MT-5 and MT-R transmitters, it supports both FH5 and FH5U to seamlessly works with select Sanwa radio systems.  With a compact and lightweight design it is only 18.5 x 20.5 x 28.0 mm and weighs just 5 grams.

View receiver content here


December 22, 2023

Sontag departs Fantom Racing

Newly crowned 2WD Buggy World Champion Tater Sontag has announced his departure from electronics sponsor Fantom Racing.  Racing with the US brand two years, the highlight of the partnership was the 16-year-old winning the 2023 IFMAR World Title at Hobby Action Raceway in Arizona using its Pro 2.0 ESC. Normally also running their motors and batteries, a lack of IFMAR approval of their products meant he had to use a Hobbywing motor and ProTek batteries.  Announcing his departure the TLR driver said, ‘With the 2023 season coming to a close, unfortunately so does my time with Fantom Racing.  I started with Fantom 2 years ago and we have had some awesome results and amazing times. Fantom helped me win races from a club race, all the way to clinching a World Championship. I could not be more thankful for what Troy, Craig, and everyone else at Fantom did for me the past 2 years.  It’s been an awesome journey, but unfortunately everything good has to come to a close eventually.  With that being said stay tuned for my announcement for my 2024 electronics!’

Source: Tater Sontag RC [Facebook]


December 22, 2023

RSRC ‘Miami’ setup board

Multiple European Buggy Champion Reno Savoya’s RSRC brand has produced a ‘Miami’ setup board.  In his own description of the PVC board, Savoya says ‘it will probably not make you faster, but it will for sure make you look gorgeous in the pits!’.  Compatible with all 1:8 and 1:10 models it is made of 10mm expanded PVC for lightness and durability and features a ‘Miami’ look for fine-tuning all your RC car’s settings: camber, geometry, ground clearance etc.  Measuring 400mm x 500mm and weighing 0.95Kg it has a matte finish and print protected against splashes from the main fluids such as fuel and brake cleaner.

View overview image here


December 21, 2023

2024 MIBO International registration opens

Following the hugely successful inaugural running of the MIBO International Race in the Czech Republic in March of this year, the race is back for 2024 with registration now open for the February 16-18 event.  Organised by former international touring car racer Michal Bok the race brings together both electric onroad and offroad racing on two tracks build side by side by the team from Mibosport.  A long time dream of Bok to host his own major international event in Hrotovice, the first edition of MIBO International saw Mugen’s Ronald Volker crowned the inaugural Touring Car Champion and Xray’s Bruno Coelho take double buggy honours at the Sport V Hotel venue. With everything from the track, restaurant, bowling alley and hotel rooms all under one roof, the venue was a hit with racers who travelled from 13 different countries. With a capped entry limit the relaxed schedule also meant plenty of time in the evening to wind down and socialise over dinner after each day’s racing. On the onroad track, the racing action will again cater for Modified, Stock & FWD Touring cars plus Formula.  The Offroad track will cater for 2WD and 4WD Buggy as well an open class of ‘Offroad Kids’ that will give the future stars of racing an opportunity to be a part of this international event.  Red RC is looking forward to making the return trip to Czech Republic for the 2nd edition of the race which will kick off our 2024 race coverage.

Source: MIBO [mibosport.com]


December 21, 2023

MIBO Oil Bag

New from MIBO is this Oil Bag designed to provide secure and organised storage for your racing shock and diff oils.  It ensures that your essential fluids are always ready for traveling and within reach in the pits.  MIBO Shock and Diff oils fit perfectly with their square-shaped bottles, but you can fit a wide range of other fluids as well.  It provides a durable protective shield for your oils and the sturdy design helps safeguard against impacts and external elements.  The compact size of this oil bag makes it easy to transport, whether you’re heading to the local track or a distant competition event.  The interior features 15 compartments, providing efficient organisation for your racing oils. This ensures easy access and minimises downtime during tuning and maintenance.

View more images here


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