Red RC » R On Road

May 25, 2023

Shepherd finds new ‘World Champion’ owner

Some great news coming from Germany is that onroad nitro manufacturer Shepherd has found a buyer that will see the brand continue into the future. Having recently announced it would cease operations in June, the brand that found its start from the chassis project of iconic Italian engine manufacturer Picco, is set to be taken over by a former World Champion with Shepherd announcing on social media, ‘We are thrilled to announce that a successor has been found for the iconic brands Shepherd Micro Racing and Brilliant RC. Brace yourselves for a revelation like no other! Imagine a former IFMAR World Champion, boasting an impressive track record of over 20 years in the RC-Car industry. The anticipation is building as we speak, with the final details of this monumental arrangement being ironed out behind closed doors. In just a matter of days, the veil of secrecy will be lifted, revealing the visionary who will lead these brands into a glorious future. Stay tuned, dear friends, for the emergence of a new chapter shrouded in mystery and allure. We cannot wait to share this thrilling news with you all very soon. Keep your eyes peeled, for greatness awaits!’ Definitely exciting developments for the nitro onroad scene and we look forward to the announcement of the new owner in this 1:8 Onroad World Championship year, this the 23rd running of the Worlds for IFMAR oldest category. We suspect the new owner might have no issues sourcing engines!!

Source: Shepherd Micro Racing [Facebook]

May 25, 2023

Flavio Elais claims 5th South American 1:8 Onroad title

Team Shepherd driver Flavio Elias has claimed his 5th South American 1:8 Onroad Championship title at Club de Aeromodelos de Chile. The leading Brazilian onroad nitro driver showcased his exceptional skills, securing an astonishing fifth title in this prestigious competition. Elias demonstrated his dominance right from the start, winning all four qualification rounds and claiming the pole position for the final race. With high expectations surrounding him, he was poised to deliver yet another remarkable performance. As the final race commenced, Elias wasted no time at the start and quickly pulled away from the rest of the field. With each passing lap, he extended his lead, impressing the audience with his rapid and precise manoeuvers with his Velox V8.2. After 45 minutes of intense racing, he crossed the finish line as the commanding leader over the Infinity of Matias Otaegui. The other Shepherd drivers also left their mark on the competition. Alexandro Giardino delivered a solid race, securing a excellent fourth-place finish. Displaying his talent and technical understanding of the model car, he showcased the strength of the Shepherd team. Alvaro Jara achieved an impressive fifth-place finish, while Pablo Riveros, Reinaldo Gil and Pablo Baudino secured a respectable 8th – 10th place position, contributing to the overall success of the Shepherd team.

Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]

May 25, 2023

Mattia Collavo joins Serpent Factory team

Following on from the significant announcement that Oliver Mack has joined the brand, Serpent has added experienced 1:8 Onroad specialist Mattia Collavo to their factory line-up. Making the move from Mugen to Serpent, Collavo will campaign the company’s latest 990 1:8 Onroad chassis with Ielasi Tuned engines for power. Commenting on news, the personable Italian said, ‘I am very happy to join the serpent team, i see it as the beginning of a nice and long cooperation, i will do my best at national and international race, thank Serpent and Star RC for the opportunity.’

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]

May 24, 2023

Wood leads Velox 1-2 at British Nationals

A hot and sunny Wombwell Circuit welcomed Round 2 of the British 1:8 Onroad Nationals where Tim Wood would lead a 1-2 for the Shepherd Velox. Attracting the highest entry of drivers seen for a long time, qualifying at the super-fast and technical track would see Round 1 winner Wood with his Hasi Tuned powered Velox secure the TQ closely followed team-mate John Carr and the Capricorn of Andrew Hastings. In the 30-minute A Final, Wood led from the start to make it 2 from 2 and extend his lead in the championship with fourth place qualifier Karl Dransfield having a great drive to second for a Zen-Shepherd Race team 1-2. Sam Snell would complete the podium ahead of John Carr who was to have some minor issues during the race. Next month’s third round will take drivers to the Halifax circuit.

Image: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]

May 22, 2023

Gens Ace to power Nicholas Lee

Gens Ace batteries have announced that Nicholas Lee has officially teamed up with the Gens Ace Factory Racing Team where he will join Yokomo team-mate Christopher Krapp. The multiple IFMAR ISTC World Championship Finalist and 2017 TITC Runner up will compete in Modified and Stock Touring Car, with his main focus being on the Modified class. Commenting on joining Gens Ace, the Singapore driver said, “I ́m happy and delighted to announce that I have joined Gens Ace and will be using their powerful Redline batteries in all my cars. I’m well aware of their excellent quality as I’ve won my first big event with them at the 2013 TITC in the open boosted class. I am looking forward to racing with the Redline batteries. Thank you to everyone at Gens Ace for this opportunity.”

Source: Gens Ace [gensace.de]

May 22, 2023

Electric to run as ‘World Cup’ at IFMAR 1:8 GT Worlds

The organisers of the IFMAR 1:8 GT World Championship in Sydney, Australia, have announced they will have a 1:8 Electric GT class as a supporting ‘World Cup’ race during the event from October 8-14th. Having also run as a ‘World Cup’ race at the inaugural 1:8 GT Worlds in Homestead in 2020, the electric class will continue as a support race given the low numbers achieved last time. While expect slightly higher numbers at John Grant International Raceway than the 18 that was achieved three years ago in the US, IFMAR says this is not enough to warrant a true IFMAR World title. While the official Warm-up Race run by the hosts New South Wales Radio Control Racing Car Club was effected by rain, several drivers have tested on the Monday after that event to check tyre wear for the 1 hour main final and it was confirmed that the Q3 tire from PMT, which is the controlled tyre for this event, can make the 60 minutes without any problems. More news on the Sydney event will be available in the 2nd Stage report which should be available end of June.

Source: IFMAR [imfar.org]

May 22, 2023

Hamon lifts Mod Touring Car NSW State Title

Jeff Hamon lifted the Australian NSW State Titles in electric Touring Car over the weekend at the Newcastle On Road R/C Car Club. Better known for his nitro onroad exploits, the Serpent team driver took the Modified title with victory over the Xray of Top Qualifier Ari Bakla with multiple champion Simon Nicholson completing the podium for Yokomo. Racing on the tight track, Hamon, winner of the recent 1:8 GT Worlds Warm-up race, qualified third behind Nicholson with John Puse fourth. Opening with the win in A1 of the triple A-Mains A2 would see a DNF as Bakla took the win. All to play for in A3, Hamon got to the front early and despite Bakla having the fastest car on track, he kept him at bay to win and secure the title.

Image: Jeff Hamon [Facebook]

May 22, 2023

Oliver Mack joins Serpent

Serpent has announced that Oliver Mack will represent the brand in 1:8 Onroad racing. The signing of the popular German racer is a major signing for the brand who have suffered some key driver departures and have been very quite on the driver market. Interrupted by a stint with Infinity, Mack was a long time driver for Team Shepherd, who unfortunately will close their doors next month, and his move to Serpent is a positive boost for the pioneering 1:8 Onroad manufacturer with whom his racing career started out. Commenting on the news the 2015 European Champion said, ‘I am happy being back after such a long time, the brand where it all began, back to the roots. I am absolutely motivated to show good results and to give my best for Serpent. I am really looking forward to that journey together.’

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]