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March 24, 2009

Tower Hobbies 224 Radio System

Tower Hobbies have released the 224, a 2-Channel 2.4GHz Radio System, which they claim is the most dependable surface system ever. Through the use of Spread Spectrum technology, this entry level pistol grip radio system virtually eliminates the chance of same-channel interference by moving the signal from one channel to another hundreds of times every second while the lightweight receiver responds only to the particular signal coming from the 224 transmitter. Available mid April for a street price of $79.

Click here for more details

March 24, 2009

Robert Pietsch takes French EFRA GP win

The opening 1/8th scale EFRA GP of the year was held last weekend outside Paris in a town called Aulnay. The 81 drivers, split between 4wd Open and 2wd Classic, were presented with a fast smooth track and the weather, while cool, stayed dry. Qualifying for the 4wd class saw Mugen racer Robert Pietsch take the pole position in front of the Serpent pairing of World Vice Champion Andrea Cristiani and John Ermen, with another Mugen, that of Rick V. taking the final direct qualifying position in 4th. The 45 minute final started with Robert going straight into the lead, but a mistake behind from Cristiani saw him lose a lot of time in the pits to repair a broken crystal. Behind Pietsch the battle was between John and Rick, but then Ermen too had mechanical problems and had to join early retiree Walter Salemi in watching the race from the stands. With the top 2 positions locked out, the battle was for 3rd spot and this was between Shepherd main man Patrick Schaefer and French racer Louis Christophe with the German holding the 3rd spot, but a crash while passing a lapped car lost the Velox driver over a lap and allowed Louis into the 3rd spot to take the final podium place behind Rick V. in 2nd and Robert Pietsch in 1st, a lap clear up front.

Click here to see the final results

March 24, 2009

Much More 4000mAh & 5200mAh LiPo packs

More LiPo pack announcements, with the release of 2 new packs from Much More. Similar to those announced yesterday, these packs use high performance LiPo technology enclosed in a carbon look hard case that fits 90% of touring cars with little or no modifications. Available in 4000mAh with a 35C rating, there is also a 5200mAh version with a 30C rating, and both have European style connectors with a 2mm balancing plug.

Source: Much More [much-more.co.kr]

March 24, 2009

Lemieux & Blackstock take ROAR Carpet Mod titles

The 2009 ROAR Electric Carpet Nationals took place last week at the Gate in Cleveland Ohio and the race attracted 284 entrants. In the blue ribboned Modified classes it was Paul Lemieux that took the win from pole position with his Trinity powered Xray ahead of young Associated racer Keven Herbert in 2nd and Josh Cyrul, driving the self designed TOP Racing Photon, in 3rd spot. In 1/12th Modified it was Associated racer Mike Blackstock that won, in a close battle with CEFX designer Josh Cyrul who ended the day in 2nd, while Serpent racer Paul Ciccarello took 3rd spot.

Full final results can be found here.

Image: RC50 [rc50.com]

March 24, 2009

VRC Column – Brand Exclusivity in VRC Pro

Preparations for VRC PRO are in full swing and VRC is now starting to inform r/c manufacturers about the unique concept of VRC PRO and to give them insight in the rich features and communication opportunities the new platform has to offer to the r/c industry. Although there are many manufacturers who would like to join the VRC PRO partnership, VRC is restricting the partnerships to the 5 main manufacturers in each product category. We strongly believe it is in the interest of our partners and our racers to offer this level of brand exclusivity although this may also mean that some less popular brands will not be represented in VRC. Still, working with the top-5 in each category will ensure the major brands and their customers will be best served. Kyosho, XRay and Associated are among the most popular brands in most chassis categories.

March 24, 2009

Vampire Racing LiPo Saddle packs

Similar to those releases from Much More yesterday, Vampire Racing have released their line of LiPo saddle packs. The first version shown above is the 4400mAh versions, which are EFRA legal, while the 2nd version is a 6200mAh monster. Both packs have a 30C rating and sport a black printed hard case as required for racing.

Click here to see the 6200 pack

March 24, 2009

Surikarn takes 2nd Buggy Party win

The 2nd round of the Buggy Party series in Thailand was held at new RC Mania track last weekend with over 100 buggies in attendance. Following qualifying it was Meen V. that claimed the TQ spot, yet in the 40 minute final it was another victory for Surikarn C. The newly signed Xray factory driver took the win by 10 seconds ahead of his Xray team mate Meen V. with 2008 National Champion Yutthana D., driving a Hobao in 3rd spot. This is Surikarn’s 2nd win in as many races using his Xray XB808, powered by Nosram engine & tires.

March 23, 2009

Mark Green retains Merlin Fuel backing

Following previous announcements by World and European finalist Mark Green, the multiple British National Champion has confirmed his final sponsor going into the 2009 season, Merlin Fuels. The Spanish company has backed Mark in previous seasons and continues their support with Mark having already tried their latest batch of fuel, which he says works really well in combination with his new Novarossi engines. The Serpent 966 racer has been testing recently and is pleased with both his car, engine and fuel, as well as the new light weight Xceed wheels, which he feels offers a big advantage, especially upon acceleration.