Red RC » R Off Road

January 2, 2017

Robert Batlle joins Picco

Following his departure from engine and accessories sponsors Modelix, former 1/8th Nitro Buggy World Champion, Robert Batlle has teamed up with Italian company Picco. The record Spanish national champion will power his Mugen buggies using Picco’s competition nitro engines and he has the following to say about the deal:

I’m glad to inform that my new engines brand empowering my Mugen will be Picco! I would like to thank Alberto and Edoardo Picco to give me this opportunity. Our relationship has started and we have the first race in 4 days, I’m looking forward to start this season!

January 1, 2017

Davide Ongaro confirmed at Team Associated

Confirming what was a very badly kept secret, Team Associated have announced that Italy’s Davide Ongaro will be joining the team for 2017 and beyond. As one of the most exciting up-and-coming drivers, Davide continues to impress throughout Europe and on a world-wide stage. Best known for his success in 1:8 off-road; however, joining Team Associated he will also be competing in 1:10 electric off-road and on-road as well. Joining Davide on his journey to Team Associated will be his father Mauro (pictured above) and their mechanic Verry. Already with close ties to the Italian Team Associated distributor, LRP, Davide’s support team is more than capable and ready to take on the competition.

Source: Associated [teamassociated.com]

January 1, 2017

Dustin Evans joins Reedy / Team Associated

Reedy and Team Associated have announced the signing of former Reedy International Off-Road Race of Champions Invitational Winner and ROAR 2WD Modified Buggy National Champion, Dustin Evans. The former long-time TLR brings with him 10+ years of RC experience and countless victories around the world. Specialising in 1:10 electric off-road, Dustin’s experience and knowledge will be a great addition to the Reedy team as he will be assisting in the development of future Reedy products while providing customer support at events along the way. Dustin had the following to say:

I am really excited about the opportunity to join Reedy and Team Associated as they have one of the best race programs in the industry. The quality of products and drive from everyone to win races is second to none. The chance to join such a legendary company is truly an honor and I want to thank Brent Thielke, Rick Hohwart, Cliff Lett, and Shawn Ireland for making this happen. I’m looking forward to a great 2017 and beyond!

Source: Team Associated [teamassociated.com]

December 30, 2016

Muchmore Racing sign Ryan Cavalieri

Muchmore Racing have announced the signing of 4-times IFMAR Worlds and 24-times US National Champion, Ryan Cavalieri to their team. The factory Team Associated driver leaves behind a long-running and very successful partnership with Team Orion and he has the following to say about his move:

I’m very excited to announce that I will be joining Muchmore Racing. I feel that Muchmore is determined to succeed in the US and I’m glad I can be a part of that. Look out for all my Team Associated vehicles powered by Muchmore Racing products at the first race of the year CRCRC.

Muchmore Racing JP president, Yusuke Kobayashi adds:

So far, I have shared friendship with him. From now on, We will also share our business with him. We are proud of being his partner in both public and private.

Source: Muchmore [muchmoreracing.net]

December 30, 2016

Ty Tessmann makes HB Racing leave official

After a short Christmas break the silly season is picking up speed again with the latest Pro-level driver, Ty Tessmann, having announced his departure from long-term sponsors HB Racing. His move was awaited as industry insiders, such as HB Racing designer Torrance Deguzman, already waved Ty and father Gord goodbye on social media but an official word from Ty was yet to surface. Tessmann is still silent about his new home and in the meantime he had the following to say:

As most people already know, my relationship with HB Racing has come to an end, it is true that I will not be re-signing with HB for 2017. 12 years ago I started my career with what is now known as the HB Racing brand, the past 12 years there have been some struggles but many, many successes that many people can take credit for having a part of. I would like to thank Tatsuro Watanabe for giving me a start when I was very young and continuing to support my racing right up until June of 2016. I would also like to thank Philippe Neidhart who at that point purchased the company and continued the support until the end of 2016. I would also like to thank Torrance Deguzman for the efforts that he put into designing cars that gave me the ability to accomplish what I did with them. At this point in my career I feel like it is time to take on new challenges and I am excited for what the future holds.

December 30, 2016

World Champ Ronnefalk also takes Virtual Worlds title

The recent VRC World Championship saw 2016 IFMAR 1/8th Gas Buggy World Champion, David Ronnefalk, walking away with the win in the 15-minute long 1/8th E-Buggy final. The race was held at RC Tracks of Las Vegas, the very same track the Swede took his real life Worlds title about three month ago. 2014 VRC World Champion, Marcin Maliński from Poland, took second some 9 seconds back on Ronnefalk, while pole-sitter Warren Jones from the US snatched the final podium spot from Swede Robert Hillman in the last corner of the final lap.

Continue reading here

December 29, 2016

Tamiya announces future plans for TRF brand

The recent shock departure of 4-time World Champion Marc Rheinard from chassis sponsors Tamiya and TRF left many doubts about the future of Tamiya’s racing brand as the iconic company looked to clarify their future plans. Now Tamiya have issued a rather vague statement regarding their plans for the 2017 season and beyond that, from what we understand, will see the TRF brand used only to provide support at Tamiya-branded events rather than as a brand with its own competition products and race team which it was up until recently.

TRF has long contributed to Tamiya’s successful R/C product designs via the valuable race data gained through its racing activities in elite races such as world championships. In 2017 TRF will look to provide Tamiya R/C fans of all abilities across the world with even more comprehensive support. We will be present at official Tamiya-sanctioned events around the globe, ready to forge a closer bond with local racers and R/C fans, our goal being to provide a truly all-encompassing experience for the hobby. We look forward to your support and participation in 2017 and beyond.

Source: Tamiya [tamiya.com]

December 27, 2016

Rheinard statement confirms demise of TRF race team

The opening round of the 2016/17 ETS marked the end of an era with Marc Rheinard unofficially announcing his departure from long-term sponsors Tamiya during the event. Having won three IFMAR Electric Touring Car World Championship titles, an ETS title and countless major event wins for the Japanese manufacturer, Marc has released an official statement regarding his time with Tamiya, the stopping of their TRF team as well as what the future holds for the super quick German:

I have often heard the saying ‘all good things must come to an end’ but now that I am faced with such a situation I really don’t know what to say. After 22 great years with Tamiya, it is time for it come to an end. It is really hard for me as Tamiya is and will always be in my heart. I started in 1994 with the Tamiya Euro Cup and since then I have used only Tamiya cars. We had many ups and luckily not so many downs and overall achieved lots of titles and had always a good friendship with all the great people who make up the Tamiya Company.

Continue reading Marc’s statement here