Red RC » R Off Road

March 25, 2024

Toia doubles at New Zealand Offroad EP Nationals

Team Yokomo’s Logan Toia completed the double at New Zealand’s Offroad EP Nationals, the 16-year-old securing the 2WD Buggy title for the first time and successfully defending his 4WD championship. Hosted by the Taranaki Radio Control Car Club in New Plymouth, this year’s Nationals attracted 65 drivers for a total of 190 entries. In qualifying, it was three rounds per class to the best two deciding the grids with 2WD producing TQ runs from three different drivers. Kasey Dawson took the opener with Shane O’Connor topping Q2 before Toia TQ’d the third one and that was how the lined up for the final with Dawon the Top Qualifier. In 4WD Luke Duthie topped Q2 & 3 for the TQ from Toia who was fastest in the first round. The 2WD finals were a similar story to qualifying with a different winner in each of the triple mains and it coming down to a tie breaker between O’Connor, winner of A1, and Toia, winner of A3, the latter’s faster time giving him the title. Winning A2, Dawson completed the podium. In 4WD, Toia retained his title by winning A1 & 3, with Duthie winner of A2 finishing runner-up while fourth place qualifier Dawson completed the podium ahead of O’Connor.

Image: Logan Toia Racing [Facebook]

March 25, 2024

Lemieux & Champlin winners at JConcepts Spring INS

Xray’s Chase Lemieux and Schumacher’s Broc Champlin came out the main winners at the JConcepts Spring Indoor Nationals hosted by RC ONE Racing in Michigan. The second stop on the 2024 INS calendar, Spencer Rivkin having completed the double at the 14th season opener at Trackside Hobbies last month, in 2WD Buggy it was Champlin who secured the TQ ahead of Aydin Horne who opened the three rounds of qualifying with a TQ run before Champlin went fastest in Q2 & 3. Qualifying for 4WD would see TLR’s Dakotah Phend claim the TQ with Horne again lining-up second with Champlin P3. Starting the 2WD finals from P3, Lemieux took A1 from Champlin with that order reversed in A2 meaning it was all to play for in the third encounter. While Champlin made an early break from the chasing pack, Lemieux was chasing him down until he collected a lapped car and while he continued he would retire shortly after, the race now Champlin’s for the taking but it wasn’t to be. With Horne jumping out of lane and head on into the path of Champlin, it would take a corner off his car, handing Tom Rinderknecht the A3 win and the overall victory to Lemieux on tie-break. In 4WD, Champlin would get the overall win taking the opening two A-Mains to wrap things up early with the podium being completed by Phend and Horne.

Image: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

March 24, 2024

McBride adds another Australian National title

Kyosho’s multiple Australian 1:8 Offroad Champion Kyle McBride added to his tally with a double victory at the 2024 RCRA Nationals which was hosted by the Southern Districts Model Car Club at its track in Adelaide. In qualifying, Nitro Buggy would see the World Championship finalist top 5 of the 6 rounds to secure the overall TQ from the reigning Champion Alex Benadzik, the Team Associated driver having topped Q5 ahead of McBride. In eBuggy qualifying it was a similar story only this time Benadzik managed two TQ run as McBride secured the TQ. While able to convert his eBuggy TQ into a relatively straight forward title win ahead of Benadzik despite issues in A2, with Tekno’s Caleb Noble completing the podium, in Nitro Buggy it was a very different story. While leading his Semi final, McBride would have a random flame out that was followed by a few more that dropped him right to the back of the field. Turning out to be a glow plug issue he would finish 15th putting him P9 in the Last Chance Qualifier race. With only the winner progressing, he managed to work his way to the front to win the 10-minute encounter from Ben Panic to go to the back of the grid for 1-hour final. He wouldn’t take long for McBride to get into the hunt and with Benadzik hitting issues that would see him retire early, he took a lead he would hold to the finish for yet another National title. Behind, second place starter 17-year-old Christian Wolhunter took his Sworkz to second with Zac Foster completing the podium.

Image: Kyle McBride [Facebook]

March 23, 2024

Mexico & Argentina join race to host World C/Ship

It seems IFMAR is going to a have choice of countries to choose from for the hosting of the 1:8 Offroad World Championships with Mexico and Argentina putting themselves forward as replacements for Brazil. Joining Bolivia’s bid yesterday, from Mexico, FEMARAC and the PicNic Royal Club in Guadalajara, have put together a presentation stating, ‘Following the announcement earlier today of the cancellation of Brazil’s planned hosting of the September event, Mexico has come out to present its formal proposal to participate and host this great event in Guadalajara Mexico, one of the most important cities in the country, with every amenities available even to the most demanding of all, as well as a city full of Music (Mariachi), traditional folk dance, typical food of the country and many other nationalities. A headquarters that, due to its international airport and connectivity, allows arrivals from any part of the world at very affordable prices.’ Having previously hosted the World Championships in 2012 where Robert Batlle won his title, Argentina has submitted a proposal to host the 19th edition of the Worlds at the same venue.

Continue reading here

March 22, 2024

Bolivia emerges as potential new World C/Ship host

Bolivia has emerged as a potential host of the IFMAR 1:8 Offroad World Championship following the announcement earlier today of the cancellation of Brazil’s planned hosting of the September event. The Bolivian RC Federation ‘Febolarc’ (Federación Boliviana de Autos a Radio Control) together with the Candelaria RC Pro club has submitted a proposal to the FAMAR Bloc offering to host the event at their track in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Neighbouring Brazil on its West side, Bolivia’s quick reaction to Brazil’s cancellation improves the chance of keeping the 2024 World Championship in South America. IFMAR stipulate that a new acceptable host must be received within one month of notice of the originally selected venue no longer being in a position to host the race.

Click here to view proposal

March 22, 2024

1:8 Offroad World Championship in Brazil Cancelled

IFMAR has just announced that it has been informed by FAMAR that the 1:8 Offroad World Championship scheduled for September has been cancelled. The Brazilian Federation FEBARC together with CASA Raceway in São Paulo had been awarded the 19th running of the World Championships. In breaking the news IFMAR posted, ‘We were just informed by FAMAR that the IFMAR 1/8th IC off-road event in Brazil, scheduled for 8-15th of September will be cancelled, due to permits and permissions they still have not received from the City Government. Your IFMAR committee is now discussing and looking for an alternative organizer, who can hold the event on the same dates.’ CASA (Clube de Automodelismo de Santana) has since published further details as to the reasons for the cancellation.

Read CASA statement here

March 22, 2024

Mick Cragg – RIP

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Mick Cragg. The father of 2005 2WD Offroad World Champion Neil, Mick was a hugely popular figure in offroad racing around the World with his friendly manner meaning he was always ready & willing to share his vast knowledge of racing with others. Supporting Neil in achieving the greatest prize in the sport, Mick could be regularly seen supporting and encouraging the next generation of drivers as they chased their own dreams. Having always found it a great pleasure to deal with Neil during our coverage of races this was a reflection of the man Mick was and the great job done in raising Neil. We would like to extend our condolences to his family, to the Team Associated team whom Mick passionately represented, and all the friends he made around the world being a great ambassador of our hobby and how a father & son can enjoy this hobby so well together. Rest in Peace.

March 19, 2024

Kurzbuch secures RCXX backing

With limited sponsorship opportunities in 1:8 Onroad these days, former World Champion & current factory Mugen Seiki driver Simon Kurzbuch has secured backing for his programme from Swiss based online RC retailer RCXX. Top Qualifier at last November’s World Championship in Japan on his debut with Mugen Seiki, finish 3rd in the 10hour final, the Swiss driver will receive support for his 2024 campaign from RCXX.Shop who on the news said, ‘We’re thrilled to announce our increased investment and expansion in pro sportsman sponsorship for the year 2024. It is with great pride we share that Simon Kurzbuch, a former World Champion and a renowned figure in RC racing, is now partnering with RCXX in Switzerland. As his third-party sponsor, we’re committed to supporting Simon throughout the 2024 racing season. He will be participating in multiple championships and races, in close cooperation with our brand. This collaboration is not just a partnership; it’s a statement of excellence and ambition. We are truly excited to see what we can achieve together and are looking forward to a year of triumphs and achievements. Welcome aboard, Simon!’

Source: RCXX.Shop [rcxx.shop]