December 29, 2022

Schumacher Racing announce Neumann departure

Schumacher Racing has announced the departure of Joern Neumann from their factory 1:10 Offroad team.  The German joined the British manufacturer at the beginning of 2018 and over the followed four years enjoy much success with the brand.  Announcing the news on their Facebook page, Schumacher stated, ‘As we draw near to the end of 2022 Schumacher Racing would like to say goodbye and thank you to Jörn Neumann.  Jörn has contributed massively over the last 5 years to the team, development of our products as well as securing some great titles and results for us. We wish him all the best for the future’.  Shortly afterwards the multiple European Champion and former Reedy Race Champion posted on his own page, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone at Schumacher for 5 successful years together. It has been a fantastic time. We achieved great results at many events. Soon a new chapter will start.”

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]


December 28, 2022

Kobbevik joins Sworkz 1:8 Factory Team

Daniel Kobbevik has been announced as part of the Sworkz 1:8 Offroad Factory team for 2023.  The former Xray driver, will split his offroad race duties between Sworkz and Schumacher, having joined the British manufacturer at the beginning of 2022 as part of their 1:10 race team.  Commenting on the Sworkz announcement the 18-year-old Norwegian said, “I am very exited to join the SWORKz team for the next years.  Being very impressed by the quality of the products, I am looking into a successful racing season!”.  Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner’s added, “It’s a real pleasure to have the young Norwegian Top pilot in our factory team. I am sure he will fit perfectly into the SWORKz family and make his way!“

Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]


December 28, 2022

Yokomo ends Maifield contract

Yokomo has officially announced that it will end its contract with Ryan Maifield and the contract with the American offroad star will expire at the end of December 2022.  A title that eluded Maifield for so long, his partnership with the Japanese company finally delivered the sport’s greatest prize when he did the double at the 2017 1:10 Offroad World Championships in China taking both the 2WD and 4WD World titles.  Following the recent announcement that he switched his 1:8 programme from Mugen to Tekno, the announcement doesn’t come as a major surprise as the American brand has its own 1:10 4WD Buggy offering.

Source: Yokomo [teamyokomo.com]


December 28, 2022

Mattia Polito joins Sworkz

Sworkz has announced that former Kyosho driver Mattia Polito has joined its 1:8 Offroad factory team line up for 2023.  On the announcement, the Italian and former European B Champion said, “After a few tests it was totally clear to me, that Sworkz will be my team in the next years.  Can’t wait to hit the track with the cars!”  Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner added, “Mattia is a perfect addition to our actual team. I am very happy that he has chosen Sworkz as his chassis for the next years and 100% sure we will have success and fun with him in our team!”

Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]


December 27, 2022

Tebo to race Hotrace Tyres

Hotrace Tyres has announced that Jared Tebo has joined their factory team.  The American star, who switches from AKA, is the second key signing for the Italian company who earlier this month announced that factory Sworkz star Juan Carlos Canas would be racing on their rubber in 2023.  Commenting on the announcement Tebo said, “I’m really excited to be joining the HotRace family. I would say this has been in the works with Nicola for 5 years, and now the timing is finally perfect. Nicola shows so much effort, dedication, and love for RC and his brand, it is great to see and motivating. The products work amazing, I’m excited for this opportunity and long term plans to work together and build together!”

Source: Hot Race Tyres [hotracetyres.com]


December 23, 2022

Tollard leaves Team Associated

Long time Team Associated team driver Cole Tollard has announced he will not be re-signing for iconic brand and their electronics division Reedy Power.  The American was picked up by Associated at a young age and has represented them for an impressive 11-year stint. During that time he added to the company’s silverware collection including the ROAR Mod Truck National title.  In his announcement on Facebook, Tollard said the ‘decision was it was not easy’ and he thanked everyone at AE ‘for the opportunity to represent such a great company’.  A great ambassador for the sport with his friendly and helpful personality, we await news of his future plans.

Read Tollard’s announcement here


December 23, 2022

Ongaro ends RunnerTime Fuel sponsorship

Back to back 1:8 Buggy World Champion Davide Ongaro is set for another change to his 2023 racing package with the announcement he will no longer be using RunnerTime Fuel.  Having announced his departure from tyre sponsor AKA earlier this month, the Italian has enjoyed a similar 5-year stint with the RunnerTime netting the 2018 and 2023 World titles in that time.  On his Facebook page Ongaro said, ‘It has been 5 amazing years, We have achieved a lot of amazing results together and goals, we have had a lot of fun and you are part that helped me to be what I am. I hope you are happy about what we have done together, races, dinners, good and bad results because they are part of racing. I can only say a big thank you for all the help you have to use during these years, was a pleasure for us to work with you. It’s time now to take different roads, I wish you the best in your future. Thanks a lot for everything. Thanks Matteo Passerini and Runnertime.’

Source: Davide Ongaro [Facebook]


December 23, 2022

All change as Tebo announces AKA departure

With the news earlier in the week that his stint with Tekno RC was over, Jared Tebo has today announced that he will also not be continuing with long time tyre sponsor AKA in 2023.  The American started with the brand in 2009 and has been running their products every year since with the exception of the 2016.  Making the announcement on social media, in thanking everyone at AKA, he attributed their Three Rib front tyre as being a major part of his 2013 1:10 2WD Offroad World Championship victory.  Also switching engine for the new season, it will be interesting to see what new package Tebo hits the track with in 2023. Read Tebo’s announcement here