Red RC

January 5, 2026

Rocket-RC Gecko PRO Micro Crawler Power Combo

Surpass Hobby has released this Rocket-RC Gecko Series PRO Micro Crawler Power Combo. Featuring their Gecko 1212 PRO Brushless Motor and MINI24 PRO ESC, this combo is tailor-made for micro crawlers 1:16 and smaller and integrates professional-grade power core and all-round adaptive technology. Whether tackling rugged mountain roads, rocky cliffs, or complex obstacle terrains, it delivers precise power output and stable performance to unlock pure crawling fun. The compact size 1212 PRO Brushless Motor features selected insulated copper wire windings with 220℃ temperature resistance, paired with 0.2mm ultra-thin silicon steel sheets, greatly reducing eddy current loss, significantly boosting magnetic flux density, and achieving more efficient power conversion. It is also equipped with imported Japanese NMB precision bearings and a top-tier engineer-designed magnetic circuit system, the three core components work in synergy to maintain consistent and stable output even under extreme operating conditions, maximising durability. The rotor undergoes high-precision dynamic balance calibration, resulting in nearly zero operational vibration, excellent low-speed linear control, and outstanding energy efficiency, delivering smooth and responsive handling feedback. The compact 15.8×21 mm frame packs a maximum power of 120W, with a no-load speed of 3500KV combined with high-torque characteristics, balancing low-speed crawling capability and high-speed burst performance that far outperforms peers in the same category.

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January 5, 2026

Mazzeo confirmed for inaugural ‘Nitro Party’ race

The organisers of the inaugural ‘Nitro Party’ race, which takes place later this month at the new Hongyu GDC track in China, has announced that newly crowned IFMAR 1:8 GT World Champion Alessio Mazzeo will travel to the city of Foshan for the brand new Asian nitro onroad fixture. Taking place at the 2026 IFMAR ISTC World Championship host track on January 24-25, the Gimar team driver is one of a number of new European entries confirmed for the race which Hongyu GDC has plans to grow & establish into one of the regions major nitro onroad events on the annual international racing calendar. With European GT Champion Natanaele Senesi previously confirmed for the Nitro Party, the latest drivers to join the race also includes Xray’s Filippo Domanin and Attilio D’Angelo, Spanish GT Champion & European Finalist Raul Daras Anton, and Hot Race tyres owner & accomplished 1:8 Onroad racer Nicola Marrone. Racing on the world class facility’s 80m X 43m asphalt circuit, the event has attracted huge interest in the region and beyond, with future high profile entries expected to be announced shortly. Having covered the recent FEMCA Asia Electric Touring Car Championships at Hongyu GDC, Red RC is excited to returning to the very impressive venue to cover the inaugural Nitro Party and to hear it echo to the sound of nitro engines.

Source: Hongyu GDC [Facebook]

January 5, 2026

Takashima D-13 X4 | Speciale 1.2mm Spring Steel Chassis

In its latest release of 1.2mm spring steel chassis for electric touring cars, Takashima D-13 has now expanded their offering with chassis designed for the Xray X4 and the Infinity IF14 Speciale after completing sample testing. With excellent feedback from that testing, all the chassis offerings in the range are produced from a specially selected steel that offers an optimal balance of strength and durability. The chassis features ultra-flat precision grinding with nanometer-level accuracy and a mirror-finish surface treatment for exceptional performance and consistency. Designed to be used with 120-degree flat head screws, this greatly improving cost efficiency and ease of availability, Takashima D-13’s own customised 120-degree, 12.9 grade carbon steel screws work perfectly with their chassis.

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January 2, 2026

GRP Tyres sign Boots

In a major signing for GRP, the Italian tyre manufacturer has announced that multiple European Champion and World Championship Top Qualifier Elliott Boots will represent the brand in 2026. Unveiling the factory Sworkz/Reds Racing driver, GRP posted, ‘After the launch of the new 1:8 Buggy line last May, we weren’t simply looking for a driver. We were looking for the right driver. Fast when it matters, solid in development, with real experience, a true racing mindset, and real weight in the international Buggy scene. Profiles like this are rare. Very rare. Among them all, Elliott was an immediate choice. We’ve known each other for years—we know what he can deliver on track and off track. He immediately understood the direction of the project and embraced our proposal with enthusiasm and determination. I, Maurizio, together with Susi and Sara, owners of GRP, are proud and excited to announce Elliott as the new official GRP Factory driver for the 2026 season. This is not just a new driver. It’s a step forward in our Buggy program. And it’s only the beginning.’ Reacting to his new tyre deal Boots said, ‘I’m so excited to share with you all that I will be joining GRP Tyres for the 2026 season. I’ve known Grp for many years, but since Maurizio, Susi, and Sara took over eight years ago, everything has changed for the better. I visited the company personally and found it to be truly impressive. They produce everything in-house, have direct control over the compound formulation, the laser-finished molds are fantastic, the tires they produce are unmatched on the current market, and their quality control is obsessive. Despite having many years of experience, I was impressed by their quality and enthusiasm. I’ll publish several tutorials in the coming weeks to better explain all the technical characteristics of the various components. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and really looking to our first race together.’

Source: GRP [grpgandini.it]

January 2, 2026

Hong Nor X3GTS’26 1:8 GT

World Champion manufacturer Hong Nor has released images of their latest 1:8 Nitro GT kit the X3GTS’26. Due for release at the end of January, the ’26 is an evolution of the WC edition which was released after Toni Gruber’s 2023 World title win in Australia. The most significant upgrades are increased rigidity from the new 4mm 7075-T6 chassis. The kit also features a new radio tray design, Carbon Top Deck, and CNC Machined Chassis Brace Mount, with the combined overall result of the new parts being improved corner speed. Running a 13/44T Spiral Bevel Gear, the’26 also gets a new fuel tank that has been fitted with a fuel pick up that can also function should the car flip.

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January 2, 2026

Haatanen switches to RUDDOG Racing Electronics

Top Finnish Offroad racer Joona Haatanen is making the switch to Ruddog Racing electronics for 2026. The career long Team Associated team driver has run the US manufacturer’s package of Reedy Electronics but following his joining of Ruddog Distribution as a full-time employee in early 2025, he will now run the German based Team Associated distributor’s full range of own brand Ruddog Racing electronics in his AE cars. This full performance package includes the RXS speed controller, Ruddog Racing motors, servos and LiPo packs.

Source: Ruddog [ruddog.eu]

January 1, 2026

Neumann joins WIRC Factory Team

Italian manufacturer WIRC has announced the signing of Joern Neumann to its Factory team. The German starts a new chapter with WIRC after a successful 8-year program in which he was part of the growth of the Sworkz brand into a key industry player in today’s 1:8 Buggy market. Announcing their new star signing with little information other than ‘Welcome Jörn Neumann to the WIRC Factory Team!’ after the Belgian flag!, it is expected the hugely accomplished offroad racer will focus on 1:8 Offroad but as WIRC also have a 1:8 GT chassis we might also see the former IFMAR 1:8 GT World Champion compete in onroad events. WIRC has previously worked with Ryan Cavalieri, for one season, and Marco Baruffolo, for 14-months, and only recently signed Tyler Jones to its US team.

Source: WIRC Racing [wirc-racing.com]

January 1, 2026

ORCA signs Sawada

Electronics brand ORCA has announced the signing of top Japanese Touring Car driver & recently crowned 2025 FEMCA Asia Touring Car Spec Champion Shin Sawada. The Xray team driver, who finished fifth at the 2024 IFMAR World Championships in the Spec Class and previously ran for Hobbywing, will join the likes of Naoto Matsukura, Akio Sobue, and Lucas Urbain, in representing the ORCA brand in 2026. A World Championship year, Sawada will be one of ORCA’s key challengers for the Spec title at the Hongyu GDC track in China next April.

Source: ORCA [orcarc.com]