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March 13, 2026

‘The Direct Drive Experiment’ – Insights Video

With his ‘The Direct Drive Experiment’ generating huge interest and online technical debates, Infinity team driver Jilles Groskamp has in response to the massive reaction to the ‘teaser video’ produced a second video regarding the unique four in-wheel drone motors powered IF14 Speciale. In the second video the Electric and Nitro Touring Car World Champion goes into more detail about the car build and technology used and is joined by Hans who started the project over a year ago and who brought Groskamp onboard to bring things to the next stage. While Groskamp answers questions regarding the drivability of the car, Hans gives a nice insight into the controlling of the motors and the creation of the software differential. The big debate on Unsprung Weight is also addressed. Watch the Insights Video here.

Source: Jilles Groskamp [Facebook]

March 13, 2026

1:12 & ITSC World Championships in China Cancelled

Unfortunately the news and outcome no one in racing wanted but IFMAR has just confirmed that upcoming 1:12 and ITSC World Championship in China has been cancelled. The World governing body, who has been working hard with the host in the background since issues came to light two weeks ago, made the announcement in its lastest update on the event after the host has as yet been unsuccessful in obtaining he necessary government approvals to host the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships as scheduled. With less than 2-weeks until the 1:12 Worlds was to get underway at the Hongyu GDC track in Foshan, and no confirmed venue for the race, IFMAR had little option but to cancel the scheduled running of both events. China was announced as the host of the 2026 1:12 and ISTC Worlds in January 2025 and then when organiser Gavin Kwok opened the brand new world class Hongyu GDC in September last year there was huge anticipation for spectacular back to back World Championships. Unfortunately with the out break of the war in Iran raising concerns over the event, ultimately it was to be issues with permits from the Chinese National RC body that ultimately forced IFMAR’s very tough decision. With racers now faced with losing their flights, IFMAR has said they will issue a formal letter, along with supporting documentation, to assist racers with refund requests and potential insurance claims by the end of the weekend. Not a good day for RC racing, having followed Gavin Kwok’s efforts and work input to host these World Championships and create a World class stage on which to see the best drivers in the world fight it out, only to have an element outside of his control bring the whole thing crashing down, we hope Hongyu CDG, can welcome the world through its doors again in the near future. IFMAR say its Board of Directors will now aim for the rescheduling of the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships later in the year. While Hongyu GDC continues to try and secure the necessary government approvals, IFMAR say they will also consider other potential venue options.

Read full IMFMAR Update here

March 13, 2026

RC Maker announce Brunet as new European Team Manager

Australian manufacturer RC Maker has announced that its leading team driver Antoine Brunet will take over the role of European Team Manager. The French racer, who joined RC Maker as a driver at the end of 2024, takes over the role from Timo Siebert who appointed the touring car newcomer’s first European team manager last Summer. On the announcement RC Maker owner and designer Ryan Maker said, ‘It’s been an awesome first installation year into the highly competitive European Racing Scene! Around a year ago, Timo took on the role of European Team Manager and has helped us to begin making our mark in Europe. He worked tirelessly to get us to the point we are now, and we’re forever grateful for all his hard work. Now that he’s decided to step back and focus on his personal racing, it’s time to turn the page on a new chapter! Antoine Brunet has cemented himself in the heart of our brand, showing us week after week his dedication to moving us forward as a both a manufacturer and a team. He brings with him incredible talent and drive, as well as a passion for procuring a hard working, helpful and motivated team which stands behind the brand. I’m excited to work with Antoine now not only as a driver, but as our European Team Manager! We have lots of exciting announcements ahead as we continue to grow in Europe, and we can’t wait to share them with you!’

Continue reading here

March 12, 2026

2026 Speed King Tour Rd1 – Report

The first round of high profile Japanese Speed King Tour 2026 took place at Super Rajikon Oomiya indoor tarmac track in Saitama prefecture on March 8th. To allow drivers prepare for the upcoming ISTC Worlds in China, the Modified TC0 class didn’t run at the season opener with the TC1 and TC2 classes making up the schedule. Xray driver Rento Sasaki showed his ability at TC1 class (Stock) A final. Rento did perfect start from pole position and never made mistake to take the win. Yuto Sakai and Taku Wakamatsu tried to catch Rento up but couldn’t pull it off. The 2025 TC1 class ‘Speed King’ Champion this was the perfect start to Rento’s title defence. In the TC2 class (G Force motor and ESC), TQ driver Manabu Ota made a good start and led the race until half of the A-Final. Atsushi Fujimaki had been chasing Ota and did brilliant overtake to take the lead. Fujimaki kept his position to the finish and Ota could not get P1 back. Masayuki Higo finished 3rd from No.4 grid. Round 2 of Speed King Tour will be held at New Next Rush Circuit outdoor tarmac track at 26th of April.

Source: Speed King Tour [speedkingtour.com]

March 12, 2026

Ripoll joins LensBodies

One of the stars of the 2025 IFMAR 1:8 Onroad World Championship in Chile, top French racer Maxime Ripoll is to represent LensBodies as part of his 2026 racing programme with Xray. Qualifying second in Santiago, the 19-year-old European Championship podium finisher will use the new Meltemi body from Italian body producer which is a part of Nicola Marrone’s Hotrace Tyres. Already supported by Hotrace tyres, on the announcement the French National Champion said, ‘Really happy to join the Lensbodies family! Thanks to LensBodies for this opportunity. Can’t wait to drive with the new Meltemi body [and] of course I’ll continue with Hotrace Tyres. Thanks to Nicola Marrone.’

Source: Len Bodies [lensbodies.com]

March 11, 2026

IFMAR World Championship Update – Original schedule unlikely

IFMAR has just issued an update on the hosting of the 1:12 and ITSC World Championships in Foshan, China, which at present looks unlikely to be staged as originally scheduled. In the update the World Governing body states, ‘While discussions remain ongoing, the matters affecting the event have not yet been resolved and it is now highly unlikely that the championships will be able to take place on the currently scheduled dates.’ With just 2-weeks until the 1:12 Worlds was due to begin at Hongyu GDC, it looks like racers will have to try recoup their flights where possible with IFMAR also highlighting that it is looking at alternative locations and new dates to ensure both classes categories crown World Champions in 2026. IFMAR will provide a further update in the next 48-hours.

Read full IFMAR update here

March 10, 2026

Paloschi wins Senesi GT International GP

Hosted by 2024 EFRA European GT Champion Natanaele Senesi, the Senesi GT International Grand Prix took place over the weekend where Capricorn’s Gabriele Paloschi took the win. The third edition of the race which takes place at the Pista Leno track in the north of the country, qualifying in the Pro Nitro class would see Senesi and his Senesi Motorsport Raptor secure the TQ ahead of Paloschi. The WIRC of 2020 IFMAR GT World Champion Joern Neumann completed the Top 3 ahead of 2023 Worlds Top Qualifier Alex D’angelo. In the half hour final, the Pro class running a controlled Sweep GT2-D40 tyre, after the early retirement for Neumann it was Paloschi who took the win by 5-seconds from the Genius of Leonardo Valente. Having led for the opening 12-minutes unfortunately contact from behind saw Senesi end up on the grass. Losing half a lap, he rejoined in 5th place from where would work his way back up 3rd to complete the podium just ahead of D’angelo. In electric GT, Neumann took the TQ and win while in Open Nitro Manuel Baruzzi took the win from pole.

Image: Senesi Motorport [Facebook]

March 10, 2026

iRacing World Champion Caruso joins Hobbywing

Former iRacing World Champion & 2026 TITC Open Brushless Finalist Jordan Caruso has been announced as the latest addition to the Hobbywing team line-up. The Australian, who last month was announced as joining Awesmatoix as his official chassis sponsor, will now officially represent the Chinese ESC and motor manufacturer with his focus on the ultra-competitive 13.5 class in Australia, competing at the National Championship as well as the QLD, VIC, and NSW State Titles. On the announcement the Melbourne racer said, ‘Very grateful to be joining Team Hobbywing! Thanks so much to everyone for the opportunity. I’m excited to do my best to represent the best brand in electronics.’

Source: Hobbywing [hobbywing.com]