October 1, 2010

Tamiya and Ryan Lutz part ways

Ryan Lutz to use Byron Fuel in 2010

In response to all the talk around the internet today about Ryan Lutz leaving Tamiya and whether they will continue their off road program, Tamiya America have sent us the following statement. “Tamiya America Inc. would like to announce that it has ended its partnership with R/C factory driver Ryan Lutz. Throughout the recent 2009 and 2010 seasons, Ryan has been piloting Tamiya’s TRF 801Xt and TRF801X across the country and around the globe. We wish Ryan the best of luck with his future endeavors with his R/C driving.”

TRF members, Rest assured Tamiya is committed to continue the development of its TRF801 nitro program along with its other programs. With your support, feedback and help we will get you the best product possible for your enjoyment. As the lead TRF driver, Ryan has been one of the most active members on the TRF website. His race blogs, his good nature, his set up advice and overall funny wit will be missed. We are left with two good years of fond memories. Our best wishes will always be with him.

Source: Tamiya [tamiyausa.com]


September 30, 2010

DuraTrax Performance Tires

DuraTrax Performance Tires

DuraTrax Performance Tires deliver both high performance and low price in the same re-sealable package. They’re molded from a long-lasting compound that’s already racked up major wins around the world. And in addition to featuring tread patterns ideal for all off-road surfaces, DuraTrax tires and wheels are available separately as well as in mounted sets. Inserts are included with tires and mounted tire sets, for solid sidewall support and extra value. Available in late October for buggy and truggy in X-Cons, Lockup, Lineup, Shotgun, Posse, Derringer and Spurz thread patterns.

Source: DuraTrax [duratrax.com]


September 30, 2010

Pattaya Worlds track preperations in full swing

Pattaya Worlds track preperations in full swing

With the most anticipated event of the year, the 1/8th off road Worlds in Thailand, less than two months away and with a major test getting underway next week, the organisers have been flat out preparing the track for the event. As we can see from these photos, and as we know from models of the new layout, it is completely different from the Pre Worlds. Sporting carpet in areas, we talked with organiser Charlie Siribodhi when we were in Houston and he told us that they are preparing the most challenging track imaginable with off camber turns, large jump sections and other obstacles on this long lap. Red RC will be present throughout the entire event to bring you live coverage so be sure to stay tuned from the 7th of November.

View more photos from the track prep here


September 30, 2010

Pro-Line Suburbs for 1/8th buggy

Sneak Peek - Pro-Line Suburbs for 1/8th buggy

Pro-Line have sent us a sneak peek of their new 1/8th scale Suburb tire. No other information is available but of course the thread is already available for electric cars and those are aimed at use on a variety of blue-groove track and surfaces where you would typically run soft compound tires. Expect their release soon.

Source: Pro-Line [prolineracing.com]


September 30, 2010

Drake does Horizon Hobby Shootout double

Drake does Horizon Hobby Shootout double

Horizon Hobby partnered with JTEC Racing & fun in Tilton, IL for the 3rd annual Horizon Hobby Shootout, held over 3 days last weekend. Team Losi Racing’s Adam Drake, Billy Fischer and Dakotah Phend were on hand to answer questions and provide set-up help for racers from all over the mid-west. Festivities began on Friday with open practice from 9am-9pm. Saturday was three rounds of qualifying and the main events were on Sunday. Dakotah Phend TQ’d the 1/8th truck class with his Novarossi powered Losi 8ight T 2.0, second on the grid was Adam Drake and third was Billy Fischer.  In the final Dakotah and Adam were never more than a few seconds apart and traded the lead a number of times.  With five minutes to go in the final Dakotah was trailing Adam by only a few seconds and pushing to make up time, but had mechanical troubles.  The finishing order was Adam Drake, Sonny O and Daniel Yachnin.  All three drivers were running Losi 8ight T 2.0.

Continue reading the report here


September 28, 2010

Bitty Design Cobra S811 Fighter body

Bitty Design Cobra S811 Fighter body

Bitty Design have expanded their Fighter body line with the release of this new shell for the Serpent Cobra S811. Made from high quality 1mm thick polycarbonate, it features a forward cab design that gives your buggy faster steering response. Other features include side skirts for easy body location as well as an improved new cut line on the rear to allow the release of hot air from around the engine and pipe. The clear body is sold with protective film and window masks and decal sheets are included.

View more images of the new shell here


September 28, 2010

Capricorn Q5-TE .21 competition buggy engine

Capricorn Q5-TE .21 competition buggy engine

From Italian company Capricorn is the Q5-TE, their new .21 competition racing engine for the off-road class. Featuring updated and hand tuned internals, the combustion chamber has been optimised for a better heatsink and thermal efficency. The crankshaft has been hand modified and polished, while the piston and liner has been revised for maximum performance. Featuring rear ceramic bearings and a customized crankcase, this 2010 version comes with a new aluminium carburetor with plastic insert.

Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]


September 28, 2010

Serpent S811 Tapered pistons & Steering servo rod

Serpent S811 Tapered pistons & Steering servo rod

More new updates for the Cobra S811 with Serpent releasing these tapered pistons. Machined from Delrin these 16mm shock pistons are perfectly round and create a super smooth shock action. Available with 6, 8 and 10 holes and packed in sets of 4. Also for the S811 are these precision machined, lightweight steering servo rod. Made from top quality titanium, they are a direct replacement of the heavier kit spring-steel version.

View the other parts here