The 2017 Panamerican International GT Grand Prix was held at Homestead RC Raceway in Florida over the weekend. In the Pro GT class it was Joaquin Desoto Jr. who took the win in the hour long main final some three laps in front of runner-up, Lazaro Alonso. Peter Breton would complete the top 3 result another lap down.
Following his departure from Novarossi last week, Hobbico have today announced that Adam Drake, along with his wife Ronda, have joined the O.S. and TrakPower race teams for 2017. This R/C power couple has been kicking the competition for a combined 50+ years, racking up countless wins at all levels. Now they’re bringing that expertise to a track near you, coaching race peers and helping Hobbico make fast drivers even faster with cutting-edge products. “O.S. is passionate about winning and is the proven choice of champions,” Adam explains. “I’m honored to be a part of the team.” Ronda adds “It has been a dream of mine to run for O.S. Everyone knows that they are the best engine on the market!”
Source: Hobbico [hobbico.com]
The annual January Jam was held at Flowood RC in Mississippi in pretty cold conditions. Ryan Lutz and teammate Joe Bornhorst would battle for the TQ honours in the 1/8th classes and ultimately it was Joe who TQ’d Nitro Buggy and Nitro Truck while Ryan top qualified the E-Buggy category. Nitro Buggy was the final race of the day and the most entertaining. Both Joe and Ryan again got off to a close start swapping the lead a couple times before Ryan again made a bigger mistake. Lutz then had a terrible lap with 3 crashes as the track was developing some character with some bumps as well as some dust. Joe got out to a 10 second plus lead halfway through and Ryan really thought he had it in the bag. But nearing the final five minutes Bornhorst made some mistakes as his tires were making it hard for him to drive and Ryan was able to catch up and put in a pass. Lutz could feel something going out in his buggy’s steering and was just praying it would stay together to finish the race, and fortunately with Joe pushing hard behind him, Bornhost made another bobble or two giving Ryan Lutz the cushion he needed to bring home the bacon.
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WRC Racing have announced the signing of Germany’s Tobias Kerler to their team. The former ARC driver will campaign WRC’s GTX 1/8th nitro on-road car at all major national and international events.
Source: WRC Racing [wrc-racing.com]
O.S. Engines have announced the signing of former Picco factory drivers Tadahiko and Yuya Sahashi to their team. 2013 IFMAR 1/8th On-road World Champion Tadahiko, and Yuya, third place finisher at the 2015 Worlds, will utilise O.S. Speed engines in their forthcoming campaign that will include appearances at the Japanese National championships and of course the IFMAR 1/8th On-road Worlds in France.
Source: O.S. Engines [osspeed.com]
Capricorn have announced the signing of Italy’s Giuseppe D’Angelo. Giuseppe will campaign the company’s Lab C-03 200mm touring car in 2017 at events including the Italian Nationals, the Italian Manufacturer’s Championship and select Euro Nitro Series races. Capricorn are looking forward to work with Giuseppe as his experience and speed will be a great asset for the team.
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
Capricorn have announced US frontrunner Vincent Jackson as part of the team for the 2017 season. After a short hiatus, the former Serpent driver makes his comeback to the racing scene, campaigning Capricorn’s LAB-C03 1/10th scale nitro touring car in preparation of the 2018 worlds. Vincent says:
I am extremely excited for the opportunity to run for Capricorn RC and RCtarget. I want to thank Rino, Frankie and Patrizio for making me a part of the team. I have no doubts about Capricorn products and looking forward my future with them.
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
Mugen Seiki Racing have announced the signing of Ryan Maifield to their factory team. Rumours about the former TLR driver changing teams were around for a while and now Mugen have officially dropped the news. Ryan only joined his former team back in Summer 2014 after being a long-time Team Associated driver. Mugen are looking forward to the time ahead and while Ryan has yet to announce his 1/10th scale rides, images posted online have all but confirmed him at Japanese company Yokomo.
Source: Mugen Seiki [mugenracing.com]
