December 3, 2008

JConcepts signs JR Mitch for 2009

Multi-time US National A main driver and Multi-time Worlds Qualifier JR Mitch has switched to JConcepts for the 2009 racing season. In a statement from the company, JConcepts welcomed JR’s wealth of ability, skill, and knowledge to the team with open arms and they feel that JR will make a great addition to the growing lineup of World level drivers, and will promote their product effectively on and off the track. JR had this to say about the move:

I would like to take this opportunity to announce my departure from Pro-Line. I’ve worked together with Pro-Line promoting and running their products for just over 10 years. It’s a difficult move but I’m looking forward to my new venture with JConcepts. Thank you to Todd, Scott and Jessica for their support over the years. I greatly appreciate all that you have done.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

December 2, 2008

HPI Racing Cyber 10B buggy

We showed you some photos of the new Cyber 10B over a week ago and we said we would find out more information on the car, well we have. HPI Japan have replied and told us that the car will be released under the HPI brand, not the Hot Bodies brand, and is aimed slightly lower down the competition scale than the Yokomo B-Max, designed for use by beginners and intermediate racers. The car accepts a stick pack, which means the batteries can be shared also with a 2wd chassis for example and the 10B is very simple to work on, with minimum adjustments. However they do say that there will be option parts released to increase its performance and setting possibilities. The car is due for release in February 2009.

Image: Hobby Media [hobbymedia.it]

December 1, 2008

Darren Bloomfield wins EMMA Indoor

The 1st annual CML sponsored EMMA indoor meeting was held last weekend at the Newark Showground, where the organising club had built a challenging and exciting track that ensured a lot of action and close racing. The qualifying sessions saw some incredibly close times and some awesome driving by some of the best drivers in Europe and it was Associated driver Lee Martin that took the TQ, being the only driver to secure his place in the A-main. Following the semi finals, the 45 minute race got underway with Lee taking the lead followed by Losi man Darren Bloomfield and another Associated racer Neil Cragg in 3rd. After 10 minutes, Darren took over at the front and steadily pulled away, eventually taking the win by over a lap from Lee in 2nd, with a clean drive from Craig Drescher giving the RC8 driver the final step on the podium.

Source: CML [cmldistribution.co.uk]

December 1, 2008

O.S. Engines .21 VZ-B V-Spec II

O.S. Engines have released the engine that Atsushi Hara clinched the 1/8 Scale Buggy World Championships with. The .21 VZ-B V-Spec II features a lightened V-shaped machined head for a lowered C of G and cooler running. Better fuel mileage is now standard due to the new carb insert and racers will continue to appreciate the hardened, chrome plated, 4-port cylinder and liner for high durability and long life.

Source: OS Engines [osengines.com]

December 1, 2008

Jared Tebo returns to Kyosho

After a three-year hiatus, Jared Tebo who left O’Donnell earlier this year, is returning to Team Kyosho. Tebo will be running all off-road classes for Kyosho, including 1/8 buggy and truggy, 1/10 2WD buggy, 4WD buggy and 1/10 electric truck. He will also be running AKA Tires, Team Orion motors, batteries and electronics, KO Propo radio gear, and Byron’s fuel. Tebo achieved great success during his previous tour with Kyosho, winning most of the major 1/8 off-road races for nearly two seasons. His dossier includes an IFMAR off-road World Championship title, seven ROAR National Championships, and some 16 other championships at national-level events.

Click more to read what Jared has to say about the deal… content

November 30, 2008

Losi 454 Engine with Pull/Spin Start

Losi have released this new 454 engine complete with pull/spin start backplate. A terrific power source for ready-to-run vehicles, this exceptionally fast motor fits all existing big-block applications. Featuring 8 ports and an easy to tune slide carburettor, Losi claim it has has exceptional power for high speeds and rapid acceleration.

Source: Losi [losi.com]

November 29, 2008

Riccardo Perin rejoins Team Xray

Young Italian buggy racer Riccardo Perin, has confirmed that he is rejoining the Xray team for 2009. Perin, who previously drove for Xray in 2007, raced for Mugen Seiki this year making the European Championship main event in Crete, eventually placing 12th after some problems in the final. Riccardo also confirmed that he will be continuing with Novarossi to power his XB808.

Source: Modellismo RC [modellismorc.net]

November 29, 2008

Capricorn Q-5TE .21 Buggy engine

Yesterday we showed you the Sirio based Capricorn CL-9TE .21 circuit engine, but the Italian company have also released a new .21 off road buggy engine. Called the Q-5TE, this new 5 port engine features extra porting work on the liner, while the lightened crankshaft has also been polished and sports a large turbo scoop.

Click more to see the internals… content