Red RC » R Off Road

January 8, 2023

Polito wins ‘OneRace OneMan’ at IBR Padova

Having only announced his move from Kyosho to Sworkz just after Christmas, Italy’s Mattia Polito has opened the 2023 season with the Pro Buggy victory at the annual ‘OneRace OneMan’ event at IBR Padova in Italy. In qualifying it was Mugen’s Berkan Kilic who claimed the overall TQ, but winning his Semi from Berkan’s brother Burak, Polito took pole for the 45-minute final. Finishing second to Berkan in the other Semi, Kyosho’s Renaud Savoya would split the German brothers on the grid with 3rd. In the final it would be Burak who would prove to be Polito’s closest challenge moving up to finish 2nd with Berkan completing the podium. Behind HB Racing’s Theo Lemaire took fourth from Max Hesse and fellow Frenchman Savoya. For defending champion Riccardo Bertin, it was a tough opening to the new season as he had to win the LCQ final to make the A-Main. Despite setting the fastest lap of the final, the Infinity driver would finish P13 and last. In E-Buggy it was again Berkan who took the TQ, this time being able to convert that into the win ahead of his brother and the Tekno of former Champion Marco Barufollo.

Image: Burak Kilic [Facebook]

January 7, 2023

Ongaro confirmed for Philippine Masters

The organisers of the Philippine Masters have announced back to back World Champion Davide Ongaro is confirmed to make the trip to Manila for the April 28-30 event. Ongaro is a previous winner of the Philippine Masters and the attendance of the high profile Team Associated factory driver is a major boost for the Asian 1:8 Offroad scene. As with previous editions of the race, the entry list is expected to be bolstered by further high profile driver announcements. Making its post Covid return to the international racing calendar, the Philippine Masters has established itself as one of Asia’s major international events with 2023 the 11th running of the event. Hosted by QCRCCC and directed by the voice of RC Scotty Ernst, the event takes place in the heart of the capital city at the beautiful Circulo Verde track. Already close to reaching its 120 entry capacity, the race has attracted many of Asia’s top drivers with a strong contingent of Australian racers signed up to enjoy both the racing and hospitality in Manila.

Source: Philippine Masters [philippinemastersrc.com]

January 5, 2023

Tebo joins Mayako in dual role

Jared Tebo has been announced as a new signing at 1:8 Offroad newcomers Mayako. After his departure from Tekno before Christmas it was widely rumoured the America star was headed to Mayako with the announcement finally being made today. Tebo will represent the brand both on the track and off it, filling the role of Mayako USA Community Manager as well as international factory driver. On the announcement Tebo posted, ‘Really excited to finally announce that I’m joining Mayako for 2023 and beyond. I’m excited to be a professional driver for them, and also take on the role of Mayako USA Community Manager. Working with Robert, David, Joseph and all the Mayako staff has been great so far. See you all at the track soon!’ Mayako added, ‘We are proud to continue our by welcoming our third World Champion, Jared Tebo, to our community’.

Source: Mayako [mayako.com]

January 5, 2023

Cavalieri joins Schumacher for 1:10 programme

Ryan Cavalieri is to race for Schumacher, with the news the British manufacturer has signed the high profile American racer to its 1:10 offroad race team. The multiple World Champion joins Schumacher after a 2 year stint with TLR and will be team-mate to new recruit Lee Martin and established team star Michal Orlowski. In announcing their latest significant signing, Schumacher said they, ‘are extremely pleased to welcome Ryan Cavalieri to the #SchumacherFamily. Perhaps one of the highest profile drivers in the World, Ryan is 4 x IFMAR World Champion and 30 x ROAR National Champion and will add massive presence to our USA and World 1/10th program. We said 2023 would be exciting and it is sure hotting up!’ Cavalieri, who made the surprise announcement he would be racing 1:8 Offroad with WRC Racing in 2023, added, “I’m super excited to be joining the #SchumacherFamily. I have seen a lot of growth within the team over the last few years and felt it was perfect timing to get on board. 2023 will be an exciting year of racing and I look forward it. Thanks to Muz, Robin, Tris and all of the guys for making this happen.”

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]

January 5, 2023

Evans returns to JConcepts

Dustin Evans has announced that he is returning to JConcepts. The former Reedy Race Champion moved to Pro-Line at the beginning of 2017 but after 5-years now returns to the Florida tyre and body manufacturer as part of his 2023 package with Team Associated. On social media, Evans, ‘Excited to announce I am back with JConcepts! I want to thank Jason Rouna and everyone at JConcepts for the opportunity. Their commitment to the racing team and constant push to stay on top is unparalleled. Looking forward to working hard and having a good year!” Evans will get his 2023 season underway this weekend at the Clash of Champions race at Hoosier RC Hobbyplex in Indiana.

Source: Dustin Evans [Facebook]

January 4, 2023

Schumacher announce Martin signing

Schumacher has announced a key driver signing for 2023 with the news Lee Martin is joining their 1:10 offroad program. The IFMAR World Championship podium finisher, EFRA European, EOS and BRCA Champion joins Michal Orlowski and Broc Champlin to give the British manufacturer a formidable offroad line-up for 2023. With Martin departing long time chassis sponsor Yokomo at the end of 2022, he joins Schumacher in place of Joern Neumann who has moved to Sworkz. Announcing this high profile signing, Schumacher said, ‘Lee will add some great speed and experience to the team and we are delighted to welcome him to the #SchumacherFamily’. The highly experienced British driver added, “I am excited to be joining Schumacher Racing in 2023 and beyond. With some very fast cars and a great team, I am proud to be part of the iconic UK brand. I look forward to working closely with the engineers to continue the rapid development of the products. Thanks to Robin, Muz and Tris for the opportunity and I’m excited to work with Michal, Broc, Daniel and the rest of the #SchumacherFamily.”

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]

January 3, 2023

Tollard announced at TLR

Cole Tollard will race for Team Losi Racing in 2023 with the American brand welcoming the offroad racer as their race team’s latest recruit. Having announced his departure just before Christmas from Team Associated after running with them for 11-years, the popular driver’s switch TLR was widely expected. Announcing his arrival, TLR posted, ‘We would like to welcome Cole Tollard to the TLR Race team. Fast, friendly, and fierce, Cole brings a wealth of knowledge, a ton of speed, and a whole lot of fun to the TLR team! 2023 is going to be awesome, welcome Cole Tollard’. Sharing the news on his on Facebook page, Cole added, “Super excited for this opportunity! Thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way. It has been an amazing journey! Cheers to 2023!”.

Source: Team Losi Racing [Facebook]

January 1, 2023

Red Racing to power Rivkin’s 1:8 programme

Italian engine brand Reds Racing has announced that US Offroad Road star Spencer Rivkin is to use their engines to power his 1:8 programme for the next two years. The factory Team Associated driver, who had been running Drake engines in 2022, will debut his new power units at the Southern Indoor Championship in Alabama in two weeks time. Posting on his own social media, Rivkin said, ‘So excited to announce I’ll be with Reds Racing for 2023 and 2024! Thank you to everyone at the Reds Factory welcoming to the family and giving me an opportunity to perform at a high level. My first event SIC. #letsgo.” The 1:10 Offroad World Champion also acknowledged the support of Drake adding, “I’d also like to reflect on the Drake family for all the help and support for 2022. Lots of fun memories good results that won’t be forgotten. The relationships you build in this hobby are priceless and I can’t thank them enough for everything they did for me.”

Source: Reds Racing [reds-racing.com]