January 10, 2023

O.S.SPEED B21 Ongaro W.C

Famed Japanese engine manufacturer OS Engines are commemorating the addition of another World Championship title with the release of the special edition O.S.SPEED B21 Ongaro W.C engine.  In Redovan, Spain, last September factory driver Davide Ongaro took the overall TQ using a B21 Ongaro Edition before going on to secure a back to back World title.  Now this latest edition of the engine feature parts changed to during the successful defence of this World title.  The outer head has a new design that improved by reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity for better balance.  The laser design has also been brushed up and a graphic with a laurel wreath that honours the world champion has been applied.  The φ6.5mm reducer used at the World Championships is also used, and both parts are made with Ongaro’s request colour jewellery blue anodised aluminium, creating a strong presence as a special model.  The B21 Ongaro W.C special edition is only available in Combo Set with TB02 EFRA2089 (T-2090SC) + MB01-75 (M2000SC).

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January 10, 2023

Avid HB D2 Evo Carbon Shock Towers

Avid Racing has released new carbon fibre shock towers for the HB Racing D2 Evo 1:10 2WD Buggy.  The towers are made from 4mm carbon fibre and feature lightly chamfered edges to help prevent splitting.  They maintain kit geometry with the shock mount holes maintaining kit locations.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


January 10, 2023

Redcat Gen9 Trail Truck

Redcat has released its latest offroader, the Gen9 – International Harvester 800A Trail Truck.  Loaded with features, the Gen9 has a two speed transmission, newly designed portal axles, precision suspension geometry with zero bump steer, new compound tires, high torque steering servo, adjustable wheelbase and a highly detailed body with a rear pivot mounting design.  It features a meticulously crafted officially licensed International Scout 800A body.  Molded in three separate pieces which allow for a more realistic full depth interior, the body is internally braced and uses a rear locking pivot mechanism with dual quarter turn fasteners up front.  In the interior, you’ll find an injection molded dashboard, front and rear seats, foot pedals, shifters, door levers, window cranks, removable steering wheel and there’s even a turn signal lever on the steering column. The exterior includes an injection molded roll cage, rock sliders, bumpers, side view mirrors, door handles, windshield wipers, front grill, and buckets for headlights and taillights.

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January 9, 2023

Rose joins Sworkz

Sworkz has announced Brandon Rose as the latest driver in its 1:8 and 1:10 Offroad programme.  The America racer, who left Agama at the end of 2022 after three seasons, will form part of the US team with Sworkz USA Team Manager Tim Lime stating, “The Sworkz USA Team is super excited to add another Top25Rc.com driver to our strong team.  We look forward to helping him achieve great results withal of our Sworkz platforms.  Brandon will be running his cars in Texas and at other National caliber events across the United States.”  Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner added, “Great to have Brandon Rose in our factory team. He is a person that totally fits into our team, where working together, friendship and success are the main topics.”  Rose’s 1:8 Nitro programme will be powered by Ielasi Tuned with the announcement last week that he has teamed up with World Champion Daniele Ielasi’s engine brand.

Source: Sworkz [Facebook]


January 9, 2023

Azarashi ‘Elizas’ body for Genova Buggy

Japan’s Team Azarashi has released their popular Elizas body shell to fit the Genova 1:10 2WD Buggy from G-Force Hobby.  The Genova is best known as the retro style buggy kit that was brought to market with major involvement from RC racing legend Masami Hirosaka.  Team Azarashi describe the body as having ‘tastes that are a bit different from the standard traditional style’ we are used to in the market. The 0.8 Polycarbonate body comes with window masking sheet and velcro tape with the shown AZ-0063 Star Wing available separately.

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January 8, 2023

Phend does triple at ‘Clash of Champions’

Dakotah Phend has got his 2023 season off the perfect start with a triple TQ & Win at the 1st Annual ‘Clash of Champions’ at Hoosier RC Hobbyplex in Indiana.  Qualifying for 1:10 indoor electric offroad dirt event saw an untouchable Phend take the 2WD Mod Buggy TQ from Team Associated pairing Spencer Rivkin and Dustin Evans.  In 4WD Buggy it was Xray team-mates Tom Rinderknecht and Ty Tessmann who filled P2 and 3 on the grid behind the TLR star.  In Mod truck took all three rounds of qualifying for the TQ ahead of Tessmann, Rivkin and new TLR signing Cole Tollard.  In the triple main finals, Phend wrapped up all three classes by winning the opening two A-Mains of each.  In 2WD Buggy, the A3 win gave Rivkin second from Rinderknecht in third. While Tessmann won A3 of Mod Truck second places in A1 & 2 was enough for Rivkin to hold the overall runner-up spot.  In 4WD, with Phend again able to sit out A3, it was Rinderknecht who took the win to secure second overall with Tessmann completing the podium.

Image: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


January 8, 2023

Polito wins ‘OneRace OneMan’ at IBR Padova

Having only announced his move from Kyosho to Sworkz just after Christmas, Italy’s Mattia Polito has opened the 2023 season with the Pro Buggy victory at the annual ‘OneRace OneMan’ event at IBR Padova in Italy.  In qualifying it was Mugen’s Berkan Kilic who claimed the overall TQ, but winning his Semi from Berkan’s brother Burak, Polito took pole for the 45-minute final.  Finishing second to Berkan in the other Semi, Kyosho’s Renaud Savoya would split the German brothers on the grid with 3rd.  In the final it would be Burak who would prove to be Polito’s closest challenge moving up to finish 2nd with Berkan completing the podium.  Behind HB Racing’s Theo Lemaire took fourth from Max Hesse and fellow Frenchman Savoya.  For defending champion Riccardo Bertin, it was a tough opening to the new season as he had to win the LCQ final to make the A-Main.  Despite setting the fastest lap of the final, the Infinity driver would finish P13 and last.  In E-Buggy it was again Berkan who took the TQ, this time being able to convert that into the win ahead of his brother and the Tekno of former Champion Marco Barufollo.

Image: Burak Kilic [Facebook]


January 7, 2023

Ongaro confirmed for Philippine Masters

The organisers of the Philippine Masters have announced back to back World Champion Davide Ongaro is confirmed to make the trip to Manila for the April 28-30 event.  Ongaro is a previous winner of the Philippine Masters and the attendance of the high profile Team Associated factory driver is a major boost for the Asian 1:8 Offroad scene.  As with previous editions of the race, the entry list is expected to be bolstered by further high profile driver announcements.  Making its post Covid return to the international racing calendar, the Philippine Masters has established itself as one of Asia’s major international events with 2023 the 11th running of the event.  Hosted by QCRCCC and directed by the voice of RC Scotty Ernst, the event takes place in the heart of the capital city at the beautiful Circulo Verde track.  Already close to reaching its 120 entry capacity, the race has attracted many of Asia’s top drivers with a strong contingent of Australian racers signed up to enjoy both the racing and hospitality in Manila.

Source: Philippine Masters [philippinemastersrc.com]