The inaugural Ruddog Winter Race will take place at the RC-Indoor-Arena track in Köstendorf near Salzburg, Austria on the 29th of January. The 1-day fun event will see 2WD Modified, 2WD 13.5T blinky and 4WD Modified buggy classes and the weekend kicks off with free practice on Friday and Saturday. More information about the race can be found here while registration is available here.
Former IFMAR 1/8th Nitro Buggy World Champion and record National Champion, Robert Batlle has announced another new sponsor for this season with AKA being his official tyre supplier. The Spaniard’s first race for the US company will be this weekend’s The Italian Job Race in Padova, Italy and he has the following to say about the deal:
On the way to Padova for the first race of the year… is the moment to announce that AKA will be our tyres supplier for the next two seasons! I would like to thank Mark Pavidis, Joel Johnson and Bernard Duran to believe in me and my team, the season is going to start, stay tuned!
Aigoin Racing have announced the signing of French frontrunner, Jerome Aigoin. The former long-time Kyosho pilot and 3-times French National Champion will campaign Xray kits, Ultimate engines and Hudy accessories, joining his brother Yannick in running the Slovakian buggies.
Source: Aigoin Racing [aigoinracing.com]
Following the signing of son Ty, Xray and RC America have announced that Gord Tessmann has been appointed as the Xray North America Off-road Team Manager. Gord said “Team Xray and RC America have opened up an opportunity for me and I am thrilled to announce that I will be the North American team manager for them. Without a doubt, Xray and Hudy are known already worldwide for making the highest quality products and their attention to detail is second to none. Their commitment to racing is evident in everything they do. My goal will be to make a team built on passion, integrity and excellence. John at RC America has been instrumental in making this opportunity happen, and I look forward to working closely with him to grow the Xray team in North America. I would like to thank Juraj, Martin, Mario, Martin Bayer and John and everyone at Xray and RC America for this opportunity.”
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
RC Concept have confirmed Philip Atondo as team driver for 2017. In 2016, Philip was more than happy with the RC Concept engine line, he found what he was always looking for: power, stability, longevity and stability. Philip will travel to all major USA events in 2017 and will be able to support all drivers.
Source: RC Concept [rcconcept.net]
Following a first statement from Tamiya Japan on the future of TRF, Tamiya USA shed more light on the destiny of the iconic brand. Reading the latest statement and breaking it down to its core information it is understood that Tamiya will continue to produce kits under the Tamiya Racing Factory brand although it will take some time until definite results, in whatever form, may surface.
Lastly, rumors about Tamiya stopping its TRF brand and activities have been circulating within the hobby racing community. However, our most devoted fans must rest assured that Tamiya will continue the development of its TRF products and its activities, albeit in a different way.
Read the statement in full here
Robert Batlle’s major sponsor shake-up for 2017 continues as he has announced Team Corally as his new electronics sponsors. The Spanish frontrunner will use Team Corally products such as motors and speed controllers with his campaign starting at this week’s season-opening event in Padova, Italy. Robert has the following to say:
Today I’m informing you about my new sponsor for my car’s electronics, including motors and escs for my MBX7R Eco. It will be Team Corally! So from now on I will install their Revoc 160A Esc together with the Dynotorq motor. I invite you to try them. Season starts tomorrow in Padova! Thank you all!
JConcepts have announce the signing of current IFMAR 1/8th Off-Road World Champion and a 2x European 1/8th Off-Road Champion David Ronnefalk to the world wide race team joining other new signing Ryan Cavalieri. His accomplishments in 1/10th Off-Road are nearly as impressive, taking a podium finish at the 2015 World Championships in 4wd, finishing 3rd overall at the Yatabe Arena. Starting at a young age, David climbed the ladder to success very quickly with support from family and friends. However, his racing career really blossomed after uniting with Team Orion’s Adrien Bertin, who together with his father, have helped provide a steady force on and off the track. David, who won his World title using JConcepts Silencer body, had this to say:
I’m very glad and honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of such a dedicated company as JConcepts. Very excited to see what 2017 holds for us, and with the support from Jason and everybody at JConcepts I feel like my race program is complete.
Continue reading the announcement here
