Red RC

September 10, 2022

Ongaro defends title to make World Champ history

Davide Ongaro today made history in Spain as he became the first ever driver to successfully defend the 1:8 Offroad World Championship title. The Team Associated driver dominated proceedings at the 18th running of the IFMAR championship, first securing the TQ honours, then winning his Semi Final to secure pole position for the 1-hour final. Starting out the final and pulling away initially, the Italian would not have it completely all his own way however as 2016 Champion David Ronnefalk came up through the grid after a tough Semi to take the fight to the Perth 2018 winner. Ronnefalk would lead for a time with the duo swapping back and fort until an error in the dying minutes cost the newly crowned European Champion Mayako driver hopes of becoming the categories first multiple World Champ this century (Maurizio Monesi winning in 1988 & 1994). The error gave Ongaro the breathing space he needed and also meant his final lap was a victory lap as Ronnefalk’s clock had already stopped. Crossing the line to give Team Associated their 31st World title, joining him and a visibly gutted Ronnefalk on the podium would be crowd favourite Juan Carlos Canas with his Sworkz. A track layout that was always going to favour the Europeans, it would be Mugen’s Ryan Maifield who would be best of the US drivers finishing fourth followed by the Xray team-mates Ty Tessmann and Bruno Coelho.

Image – Davide Ongaro [Facebook]

September 9, 2022

“No pressure” as Volker carries Mugen hopes on ISTC World Championship debut

Ronald Volker says there is “no pressure” despite the German carrying the hopes of Mugen as they make their electric touring car World Championship debut in Italy next week. After a hugely successful run of seasons with Yokomo that finally culminated in him claiming the sport’s greatest prize in China in 2016, Volker believes he goes into the 11th running of ISTC Worlds “a better all round driver”. The years of the Umino and Ronald partnership at Yokomo were the envy of many. Ronald simply drove the car that was meticulously engineered & prepared by Yukijiro Umino.

Continue reading here

September 9, 2022

Leadfinger Racing ‘Beretta’ RC8 B4 Bodyshell

Leadfinger Racing has release the new ‘Beretta’ body for the Team Associated RC8 B4. With the release of the Team Associated new 1:8 offroad kit there has been a growing request from LFR fans for them to offer a second body option. Originally designed to bring a fresh look to the 1:8 scene, the Beretta was their first choice. After testing the results were the Beretta gave the car tighter corner entry and exit, jumped more level in the air, planted itself quicker on landings and gave the car an overall more balanced feel. The body works excellent on both loose and hard packed surfaces. To tie everything together they have added a steeper rake to the windshield while combining both stability and downforce to the roof. The top of the side pods have been equipped with our signature air dams that add functionality and style. On the back the body we molded in tighter shaped ailerons. This combined with a seamless rear fin tops it off for the perfect balanced body. The new Beretta body from Leadfinger Racing is the next generation of aggressive styling and performance. Each body comes with clear overspray film and window masks for ease of painting. Leadfinger Racing stickers are also included.

View more angles of Beretta bodyshell here

September 9, 2022

T-Works RC8 B4 alu & steel centre driveshafts

T-Works has released an offering of both aluminium and steel centre driveshafts for the Team Associated RC8 B4 1:8 buggy. Offered in lengths for both the nitro and the electric kit versions of the RC8 B4, the user can choose which material of shaft best suits their needs. The shafts are laser engraved with the T-works logo and shaft length for easy identification.

Source: T-Works [rc-tworks.com]

September 8, 2022

Defending Champion Ongaro is Worlds Top Qualifier

Defending 1:8 Offroad World Champion Davide Ongaro is the Top Qualifier of the 2022 World Championships in Redovan, Spain. Having opened qualifying yesterday with the fastest time in Q1 and again in the day’s 3rd encounter, the Team Associated wrapped up the overall TQ when he returned to the top of the time sheets today in the 6th and final round of qualifying. Behind the Italian, America’s Dakotah Phend ended up P2 overall despite a tough finish to qualifying today. The Team Losi Racing driver managed a TQ run in Q2 along with a second in Q3 and third in Q4. Home star Juan Carlos Canas took his Sworkz to the fastest time in the first of today’s qualifiers which together with a P2 in Q2 and three P3 runs secures the Spaniard third overall. Producing the biggest surprise of qualifying would be Berkan Kilic, the German TQ’ing the penultimate round with his Mugen to secure 4th overall. Making it six different manufacturers in the Top 6 at the end of qualifying, Xray’s Bruno Coelho takes 5th with a best run of P2 in Q3 followed by former Champion David Ronnefalk, the Mayako driver having his best performance in Q3 when he posted the third fastest time. View timing here.

Images credit – Team Associated [Facebook]

September 8, 2022

Element RC Enduro24 Ecto RTR Trail Truck

Element RC has released this 1:24 crawler, The Enduro24. Whether it’s outside on the trail or in the comfort of your own living room, this little rig will overcome the challenge. This small scale, 4-wheel drive crawler comes equipped with many features found on larger size rigs. Full-time 4-wheel-drive transmission with divorced transfer case, metal vertical chassis rails, and 4-link suspension ensure climbing over obstacles will be a breeze. Providing power and control is a 2-in-1 receiver/ESC, 2-channel radio, powerful servo, and single-cell LiPo. You get all this and more packed into a convenient package. View more images here

September 8, 2022

Team Associated SC28 General Tire RTR

If drag racing is not your thing (see DR28 Lucas Oil Drag Race Car news here), Team Associated has also added a Short Course truck to their new SC28 RTR line-up. With over 100 years experience and prowess, General Tire GT has been manufacturing quality products and continues to perfect its process. They are a proud supporter of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). With General Tire GT and Team Associated’s combined knowledge and experience, this makes the SC28 GT a true joy to drive and manoeuvre. So grab a friend and create your own Short Course Truck Racing Series. No need to prep or build your racer, just charge it and you’re ready to drive! The included 2.4GHz transmitter allows complete control, enabling you to navigate around, through and over obstacles with ease! A built-in rechargeable LiPo battery and 4 AAs are included, making the truck ready to go right out of the box!

Source: Associated [associatedelectrics.com]

September 8, 2022

Mugen MBX8R aluminium clutch shoes

Mugen has released two new aluminium clutch shoe options for its MBX8R 1:8 Buggy’s standard 4 shoe-clutch. The ‘Dot 1’ option engages the clutch a little faster than the kit standard E2718, but clutch slippage at high revs and high loads is reduced. With the ‘Dot 2’ version the point where the clutch connects is the same as the kit standard E2718, but the connection is a little slippery from the bottom to the top. By combining 3 types of aluminium clutch shoes, it becomes possible to respond to various track conditions and layouts.

Source: Mugen Seiki [mugenracing.com]