December 11, 2008

Losi 8ight Smart Differential

Losi have released a patent pending differential that knows exactly how to respond to track conditions and throttle input. Losi’s innovative custom SmartDiff design adjusts the amount of lock based on throttle position for optimum power transfer into and out of corners. The results are improved maneuverability, increased off-power steering and outstanding acceleration. The SmartDiff makes an easy, drop-in hop-up for every 8ight buggy vehicle, with versions suitable for the 8ight T also released. The SmartDiff replaces the stock diffs on the 8ight without any additional modification required and is fully assembled and ready for immediate installation.

Source: Losi [losi.com]

December 10, 2008

Robert Batlle joins Team Associated

2007 European Champion and 2008 IFMAR World Championship finalist, Robert Batlle has signed on to represent Team Associated and Factory Team products. Formerly racing for Hobao, Batlle brings an impressive resume to the Team and now at the controls of the Factory Team RC8, looks to take the next step in his career. Batlle joins BRCA Champion Neil Cragg as a top racer for Team Associated in Europe and will also work closely with Craig Drescher of England. Upon learning of Batlle’s signing Drescher had this to say, “I don’t know Robert very well on a personal level, but his results are very impressive and I look forward to working with him to build the Associated name in 1/8th European racing”. Batlle will also be working with Team Associated’s Spanish distributor Fasol to increase the exposure of Team Associated and Factory team products across Europe. When asked what he is most excited about in joining the 23 time World Championship winning team, Batlle had this to say:

I want to drive for a top team and working with Team Associated brings that. I am really anxious to start the 2009 season leading towards the 2010 World Championships.  Thank you for this opportunity and I hope to win many championships with Team Associated.

First on the list for Batlle is The Dirt Nitro Challenge hosted by the famous Nitro Pit in Wittmann, AZ.  Here he will join fellow Team Associated IFMAR World Finalists Ryan Maifield and Ryan Cavalieri in kicking off the season’s major events.

Source: Associated [rc10.com]

December 10, 2008

Vienna Off road Winterchamps

We were contacted by the organisers of the 2009 Vienna Off road Winterchamps set to take place from the 13th to 15th of February in the Austrian captial. Hosted by RC-CarpetFun, it will be run indoors on carpet at the Arena Nova Halle 4 (Fun) and is open to buggy 2wd, buggy 4wd, Truck (Monster) and 1/18 Open and LiPo’s are allowed in all classes.

For more information visit the event site here.

December 10, 2008

Cavalieri & Denney Victorious at SIGP

Hosted by Competition Hobbies in Tucson, AZ the 6th Annual Southwest Indoor Championship gathered racers from across the Southwest for a fun weekend of racing at arguably the best indoor offroad facility in the World. Qualifying saw Team Orion driver Ryan Cavalieri take his Factory Team B4 & B44 to the TQ position in all 4 rounds of both classes giving him the clean sweep of qualifying in both the 2wd Modified and 4wd Modified classes. Picking up where he left off in qualifying, Cavalieri drove away from the field in the 4wd class to win A1 and A2 convincingly and thus sitting out A3 where Associated Team Manager Brent Thielke was able to edge out fellow teammate Frank Root for the victory. In the 2wd class Cavalieri looked to be on the same hard charge, however a few tangles with lappers allowed Root to close and eventually take the lead and victory of A2. In A3, Cavalieri checked out from the field to claim the overall title, adding to his earlier 4wd title. In the 2wd 10.5 class, Team Associated driver Tanner Denney took the lead from TQ Danny Stojakovic and never looked back to take the overall victory.

Source: Associated [rc10.com]

December 10, 2008

JConcepts Truth for Traxxas Slash

The Truth is specifically designed for the Traxxas Slash and represents the latest in trends by offering a completely redesigned off-road truck body. The cab, bed and fenders are all areas of focus on the Truth and without disappointment the new Slash body slides into the front of the pack.   In addition, one of the highlights of the styling cues includes extra fender clearance to minimize troublesome tire rubbing issues. Made from clear durable lightweight polycarbonate, with protective overspray film, it is supplied with window masks and detailed decal sheet.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

December 9, 2008

Truhe & Drake victorious at Toys for Tots

We already mentioned the Toys for Tots race at Thunder Alley last weekend, but thanks to Adam Drake we have further details on the other classes run at this charity race. In the 1/8th Pro Buggy it was Losi driver Mike Truhe all the way, having TQ’d the class he went on to win from Jared Tebo who placed 2nd. In the 1/8th Electric buggy, a class making its debut at this event, it was Losi 8ight E 2.0 driver Kevin Gahan that took the top spot in qualifying but in the race it was Adam Drake that took the victory with his Xcelorin powered Losi. In the Intermediate buggy, Eddie Laret TQ’d and won the class, with fellow Losi driver Robert Wickham taking top honours in Intermediate truggy.

December 9, 2008

RB Concept C6 BBT II L2G US Edition

The RB Concept C6 BBT II L2G is now as popular as the famous, 3 times world champion, RB Concept WS7. As a result, RB decided to launch a special edition for USA only with specific parts increasing performance. This engine was especially developed to meet the needs of US tracks with high power at low RPM allowing you to jump higher and further. Featuring a specific Turbo combustion chamber providing higher RPM, the hand modified crankshaft has been designed to increase power at low RPM and received the RB Concept coating in order to prevent the wear of the pin. Finally, the carburetor is provided with a 8mm venturi.

Source: RB USA [rb-usa.com]

December 9, 2008

Lemke is Monstertour series Champion

Kyosho have been in touch to tell us that their German team driver Frank Lemke has recently won the 2008 Monstertour.info event series. Winning multiple tour stops and podium places with his Team Orion CRF engine powered Inferno ST-RR gave Frank the ability to win the overall ranking in this years series. After the tour series wins in 2006 and 2007, this years success brings both parties their third consecutive title in the Truggy class of the Monstertour.info series.

Source: Kyosho [kyosho.de]