January 2, 2017

Dylan Gerard teams up with SOAR Racing USA

SOAR Racing USA have added Dylan Gerard to the team for 2017. Gerard, a former TLR and Serpent driver, is a very fast and popular racer from the Mid-West United States region. After a little break from racing, Gerard is ready to get back to racing with the new SOAR 998 TD1 buggy and he has the following to say:

After a short break, I am really excited to get back to racing with an opportunity to join SOAR Racing USA as they have a solid, promising platform of 1/8 cars. The quality of their products and willingness to succeed is second to none. The chance to join such a great company is truly an honor and I want to thank Gene Hickerson, Matt Sistrunk, and Didian Ho for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to a great year of racing!

Source: SOAR [soar-rc.com]


January 2, 2017

Akio Sobue leaves Tamiya & TRF

Akio Sobue has announced his departure from Tamiya and TRF, fuelling further speculation about the future of TRF as a car brand. The former JMRCA Electric Touring Car champion and IFMAR Worlds A-main finisher is another high-class driver to leave the successful TRF team and he has posted the following statement on social media, which is translated from Japanese:

On December 31, we will inform you that the contract is terminated. It was very special to me that the brand was very special for the first time in 2010 years since the first season in the all Japan Championship. I didn’t know the right side of the left, Mr. Seiwa, Mr. Kono, and before, I am very grateful to you. And also thanks to the teammates (Marc Rheinard, Jilles, randomeyes, Christopher, Nicholas, Nicholas, and Matsukura). I think I was blessed with the best team. In the end, I deeply appreciate your sincere thanks to you for the last one. Thank you so much for your time. I think we may be able to inform you about the upcoming activities. In 2017, I think it is a great year for me to be a new start. It’s not the same as the rest of the future, please.


January 2, 2017

Robert Batlle joins Picco

Following his departure from engine and accessories sponsors Modelix, former 1/8th Nitro Buggy World Champion, Robert Batlle has teamed up with Italian company Picco. The record Spanish national champion will power his Mugen buggies using Picco’s competition nitro engines and he has the following to say about the deal:

I’m glad to inform that my new engines brand empowering my Mugen will be Picco! I would like to thank Alberto and Edoardo Picco to give me this opportunity. Our relationship has started and we have the first race in 4 days, I’m looking forward to start this season!


January 2, 2017

E.Z. Racing Silvester Race – Report

The E.Z. racing club held an opening race on their new track in Wilrijk, in the South of Antwerp. The combination of a challenging layout, laid out on ETS carpet, and the fact that this was the the very last indoor carpet race of 2016, attracted a massive 64 racers to compete in the four classes of Touring Modified, 10.5T, 17.5T and Formula. The schedule saw two qualifiers followed by triple finals for everyone. In the Modified class, Olivier Buyltinck again put his Awesomatix on pole, in front of the Tamiya of Florian Joos and the Xrays of Steve Lambrechts and Nik Weyers while Nicolas Delisé put another Awesomatix in fifth.

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January 1, 2017

Davide Ongaro confirmed at Team Associated

Confirming what was a very badly kept secret, Team Associated have announced that Italy’s Davide Ongaro will be joining the team for 2017 and beyond. As one of the most exciting up-and-coming drivers, Davide continues to impress throughout Europe and on a world-wide stage. Best known for his success in 1:8 off-road; however, joining Team Associated he will also be competing in 1:10 electric off-road and on-road as well. Joining Davide on his journey to Team Associated will be his father Mauro (pictured above) and their mechanic Verry. Already with close ties to the Italian Team Associated distributor, LRP, Davide’s support team is more than capable and ready to take on the competition.

Source: Associated [teamassociated.com]


January 1, 2017

Dustin Evans joins Reedy / Team Associated

Reedy and Team Associated have announced the signing of former Reedy International Off-Road Race of Champions Invitational Winner and ROAR 2WD Modified Buggy National Champion, Dustin Evans. The former long-time TLR brings with him 10+ years of RC experience and countless victories around the world. Specialising in 1:10 electric off-road, Dustin’s experience and knowledge will be a great addition to the Reedy team as he will be assisting in the development of future Reedy products while providing customer support at events along the way. Dustin had the following to say:

I am really excited about the opportunity to join Reedy and Team Associated as they have one of the best race programs in the industry. The quality of products and drive from everyone to win races is second to none. The chance to join such a legendary company is truly an honor and I want to thank Brent Thielke, Rick Hohwart, Cliff Lett, and Shawn Ireland for making this happen. I’m looking forward to a great 2017 and beyond!

Source: Team Associated [teamassociated.com]


December 31, 2016

Avid M4 domed titanium droop screws

Coming from Avid are domed M4 titanium droop screws for most of today’s 1/10th touring cars. The M4x8mm screws are domed at the end to help prevent digging and grabbing of the chassis while the lightweight billet 6Al-4V titanium material makes for a very low weight of only 0.25g per piece. The screws are broached with a 2mm allen head on the outer side for easy installation and removal an they come in packs of four to outfit one touring car.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


December 31, 2016

Arrowmax add Viktor Wilck to their factory team

Arrowmax have announced the signing of Viktor Wilck to their factory team. The Serpent driver and podium finisher at the 2016 IFMAR Electric Touring Car Worlds in China will use the whole Arrowmax range of tools and accessories to build, set up and maintain his rides in 2017 and beyond and he has the following to say:

I am very pleased to be joining the Arrowmax team. I have seen the dedication and professionalism going into the products first hand. I know Arrowmax are very motivated to extend there product line and keep improving on quality to give me the best possible package for 2017. I would like to thank Arrowmax for this opportunity and I am looking forward to the next years together.

Source: Arrowmax [arrowmax-rc.com]