February 7, 2025

Xray XB8’25 1:8 Nitro Buggy

Xray has officially presented its latest 1:8 Nitro Buggy with the 2025 iteration of its popular XB8 platform which was first introduced 21-years ago.  The XB8’25 features new front and rear shock towers for improved suspension geometry that reduces roll & increases corner speed.  New shorter front and rear shocks have been updated to accommodate the new suspension geometry.  A split radio box ensures perfect left to right side flex that helps to generate more overall traction with the updated chassis combined with split radio box providing significantly improved & perfectly balanced side-to-side flex.  The Slovakian manufacturers has also made provisions for the new anti-roll bar centering holders on the front and rear gearbox covers.  The 2025 kit also includes new 3 dots carbon steering plate for improved Ackermann settings for smoother steering feel while a new front upper arm holder has been given a stronger more rigid design.  1 slot offset rear wheel hubs are now included having become a popular choice for most track conditions.

View the full XB8’25 presentation here


February 7, 2025

T-Works S35.4 Carbon Fibre side guards

T-Works has added these carbon fibre side guards to its range of aftermarket parts for the Sworkz S35.4 1:8 Buggy platforms.  Made using high quality carbon fibre material, they offer reduced weight, rigidity and durability with no change in handling characteristics.  The package includes one left and one right side guard with installation hardware.

Source: T-Works [rc-tworks.com]


February 6, 2025

Martin takes on UK Team Manager role

Having announced a 1:10 Offroad racing program with Xray at the end of 2024, Lee Martin is to now take on the role of UK Team Manager for the Slovakian manufacturer.  Kicking off his new racing deal with a debut win at the BRCA British Offroad Masters in January, the vastly experienced international racer will combine his racing duties with acting as the UK Off-Road Team Manager.  In his role, Xray say the multiple European Champion ‘will focus on building and nurturing the offroad team, ensuring that drivers receive the support they need to excel at every race.’  Martin will travel to all major events to provide hands-on assistance, technical guidance, and setup expertise to both team drivers and Xray customers.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


February 6, 2025

HoBao Hyper SC 2.0 Short Course Truck

HoBao has announced it’s latest 1:10 Electric Short Course truck, the Hyper SC 2.0.  Building on the structural design of the TT2E, the Hyper SC 2.0 features newly designed steering knuckles and arms with larger pivot balls, providing sharper and more precise handling.  The reinforced arm holder and steering rack offer enhanced durability, making these parts even stronger than those on the TT2E.

View Features list and more images here


February 6, 2025

JConcepts MBX8 P2 Body

JConcepts latest 1:8 Buggy body shell, the P2, is now available for the Mugen Seiki MBX8 platform.  The P2 design debuted in 1:8 at the last year’s Mugen Challenge and was then used at IFMAR 1:8 Offroad World Championship in Spain, having originally been created for the 1:10 racing.  Building up a prototype using styling cues from the World Championship winning body used by Spencer Rivkin in 2019, and reaching back to 2010, JConcepts experimented with a tall stabilising fin on the rear of the body.  They also incorporated a small mini fin placed behind the rear of the cab that does not interfere with the engine head.  In the rear, the ramping feature that is so popular on the P2, creeps up behind the cab and engine head to create extra force and stability. The P2 is offered in both standard and lightweight options.

View more images here


February 3, 2025

Reds Racing 721 Superveloce PRO-X Factory Team

As a follow-up to the release of the Limited Edition Gold version last September, Italian engine tuner Reds Racing has announced the addition of the 721 Superveloce PRO-X Factory Team to its competition engine line-up for 2025.  This latest evolution builds upon the success of their Limited Edition Gold version and stands as a testament to their team’s success throughout 2024.  Just like its limited edition precursor, the engine features an Ultra Tuned Crankshaft and sleeve by Mario Rossi.  This special tuning to the crankshaft increases engine power noticeably while maintaining excellent fuel mileage.  The crankshaft is hand-rebalanced to minimise vibration at high speeds.  Reds Racing’s RTX Rotating Backplate reduces friction between the connecting rod and backplate, improving stability at idle, boosting engine power, and optimising fuel efficiency for extended runtime.  A new Cooling Head Design features a lower centre of gravity for enhanced car handling, superior aerodynamics for reduced drag, and improved cooling efficiency.  High-Protection Bearings include a double-seal front bearing for durability and stability, along with a 9-ball rear ceramic bearing for reliability under extreme conditions.

Source: Reds Racing [reds-racing.com]


February 3, 2025

2025 IFMAR 1:8 Elec. Offroad Worlds – Stage 1 Report

IFMAR has published the Stage 1 Report for the inaugural 1:8 Electric Offroad World Championship confirming the first World title of 2025 will be decided in Portugal from August 26-30th.  With Spain hosting the 19th running of the 1:8 Nitro Buggy Worlds last September, their Southern European neighbours will open this new chapter in offroad racing as Associação Clube Moto Galos Barcelos host the first eBuggy Worlds at their 310m track in Barcelos, which is located in the north of the country.  While the World Cup Race hosted last April, a precursor to establishing a World Championship for a class, struggled to attract entries, given the growing significance of the 1:8 eBuggy market and the lure of a World title, all the leading manufacturers and their star drivers are expected to travel to Barcelos one month before making the trip to Sydney, Australia for the 1:10 Offroad Worlds.  Having previously hosted the 2022 EFRA 1:8 Nitro Buggy European Championship, won by former World Champion David Ronnefalk, and home to the annual International Buggy Challenge (IBC), won in 2023 by World Championship Top Qualifier Juan Carlos Canas, the home track of World Championship finalist Joao Figueiredo is sure to put on an event that reflects the significance of this new World Championship.  Red RC is looking forward to making the trip to Portugal in August for this new WC which is the first of four stops on our 2025 IFMAR World Championship coverage tour.

View Stage 1 Report here


February 2, 2025

Kilic wins 4WD at EOS

Mugen Seiki/LRP team driver Burak Kilic has taken the 4WD Buggy win at the EOS Race in Daun, German, the Turkish racer denying the former multiple race series’ reigning Champion Michal Orlowski from winning the now single stand alone race event.  In qualifying it was the Schumacher of Orlowski who secured the overall TQ from the Xrays of David Ronnefalk and Bartosz Zalewski with Kilic lining up P4 on the grid.  In the opening A-Main, Orlowski made the race look like just a formality while Kilic got through to finish second almost 5-seconds back.  A2 however would see a dramatic start as Orlowski and Ronnefalk’s buggies ended up tangled together allowing Polish talent Zalewski to go to the front.  Despite pressure from Orlowski in the closing stages, the 18-year-old stayed out front to win by 8/10ths with 2WD EOS Winner Marcus Kaerup, who qualified P8, finishing in third.  A3 would again see first lap drama as Orlowski and Ronnefalk touched with Kilic coming out in front after further contact in the next corner.  From there Kilic led from Zalewski, Orlowski and Ronnefalk before a mistake from Zalewski ended his chances of the title.  Next it was the turn of Orlowski to pile the pressure on Kilic until he ran wide allowing Ronnefalk passed and despite the Swede best efforts over the last minute of the race Kilic held on for the A3 win and overall victory.  Orlowski would finish runner-up with Zalewski completing the podium.

Image: Berkan Kilic [Facebook]


Mibosport
TargetRC
VP Racing
T-Works