Red RC

March 29, 2024

Sweep officially confirmed as ISTC Worlds spec tyre

South Korean tyre manufacturer Sweep has been officially confirmed as the controlled tyre for this year’s IFMAR 1:10 Electric Touring Car World Championships which takes place at Finishline RC Raceway in Bakersfield, California, in November. Details of the spec D-36R3PGS (Part number 3036217) tyre were published in the latest Stage Report from the organisers together with confirmation of Mighty Gripper Yellow V3 as the spec additive. Sweep’s D series compound was developed following a raw material shortage issue early last year with the new compound made from totally new materials which are more stable and have a more consistent supply. The D series compound provides much more consistent laptimes between first and second run and even third runs. There is also improved durability on sidewall meaning less issues on high speed straight aways. The D compound was supplied as the controlled tyre at the recent TITC in Thailand with it having zero issues with the super hot weather and very difficult track conditions, many of the top drivers complimenting its performance. Another improvement is the wheel from Sweep which has a better fit with D series tyres making for a better balance. The tyres contain EXP-S soft thick inserts for longer lifespan and consistency. The D-36R3PGS tyre will be supplied for the 1UP Racing West Coast Invitational race at Finishline RC Raceway at the beginning of May with reigning World Champion Bruno Coelho confirmed for Mike Reedy Memorial Invitational Class at the event.

Source: Sweep Racing [sweepracing.com]

March 29, 2024

IFMAR announce 1:8 Offroad Worlds return to Redovan

IFMAR has made the somewhat surprise decision that 2022 World Championship hosts Redovan in Spain will again host the 1:8 Offroad World Championship in 2024. With it a week since it was announced that originally selected hosts Brazil would be unable to run the event for the FAMAR Bloc, alternative host countries quickly surfaced keeping hopes alive of the Championships remaining in South America. Bolivia was quickest off the mark followed by Mexico and then former hosts Argentina. However on discussing the situation the IFMAR Board of Directors have made the somewhat controversial decision to revert to the previous host bloc EFRA, with the well known Baldo brother’s family owned track given the task of once again hosting the sport’s biggest race. Executing an excellent World Championship in 2022, where Davide Ongaro defended his title win from four years earlier in Australia, last year the track also hosted the European Championships for a second time. IFMAR’s own rules stipulate that a new acceptable host must be received from the Bloc within one month of notice of the originally selected venue no longer being in a position to host the race which was the case. With this in mind IFMAR’s decision is one that is sure to divide opinions and alienate the RC community in South America but it also raises questions about the process for selecting World Championship hosts going forward. In our opinion while the ultimate goal of any World Championship is to crown the best driver in the World it should also be an opportunity to showcase RC Racing in its best light to new audiences, something we believe is often missed or over looked.

Read full IFMAR announcement here

March 28, 2024

TLR World Champions T-shirt

2WD Buggy World Champions TLR have released a brand new t-shirt to commemorate the 2023 IFMAR World Championship title won by team driver Tater Sontag last September in Chandler, Arizona. The Next Level Apparel Unisex Cotton t-shirt is a 4.3-ounce 90% cotton/10% poly blend and features TLR team branding on the front while a large rear print marks the teenager’s win ahead of outgoing 2 time World Champion Spencer Rivkin.

Source: TLR [horizonhobby.com]

March 28, 2024

Trinity Gen 2 MX8 & MX10 ESCs

Horizon Hobby owned Trinity has released the second generate of MX8 and MX10 electronic Speed Controllers for 1:8, 1:10 and 1:12 competition use. The MX8 Gen 2 220A Sensored ESC has been designed for the most competitive 1:8 scale offroad racers offering an industry leading 220-amp constant power rate and an incredible 1000-amp burst rate. All this power comes in a sleek black machined aluminium case designed for maximum heat dissipation. This second generation of ESC also features a 32-bit microprocessor for more powerful processing capability and more precise power output. Each MX8 comes with 10-gauge wire, fan, and built-in wireless module. A shortened receiver connector wire comes standard to make sure your wiring looks clean. The MX8 Gen 2 ESC can be programmed by connecting to the Trinity Programming App from your phone.

Continue reading here

March 28, 2024

IFMAR ISTC World C/Ship Motor & Battery homologation

IFMAR has published details of its approval process for motor and battery manufacturers wishing for their products to be used at this 1:10 Electric Touring Car World Championships which will be hosted by Finishline RC Raceway in Bakersfield, California, in November. At last year’s IFMAR 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona, a number of drivers were forced to switch motors and battery brands as their sponsor’s products while ROAR/EFRA approved had not completed the approval process with the World Federation. The most high profile case of this was 2WD World Champion elect Tater Sontag who while at the time sponsored by Fantom, had to use a motor from Hobbywing and batteries from Protek. Manufacturers with previous IFMAR approved batteries and motors do not need to re-apply for homologation once the product remains unchanged but with the Spec class moving to 17.5T this year all motors will need to go through the approval process. All applications must be made between March 25th and July 5th, 2024.

Source: IFMAR [Facebook]

March 28, 2024

Capricorn TE-06 Electric Touring Car

Italian manufacturer Capricorn RC has just released its latest 1:10 Electric Touring Car, the TE-06. Patrizio Rossi’s design places a decisive emphasis on concreteness, distancing itself from ephemeral trends to focus on what he believes is truly essential: offering a vehicle that is fast, intuitive to drive and simple to maintain. This model, like all those by Capricorn, boasts an entirely Italian production, characterised by fine finishes. The peculiarity of the TE-06 lies in its shock dampers, noticeably short and placed in an unusually low position, fixed to new design arms made of composite. The distinctive detail of the aluminium parts, among which the engine support stands out, presenting itself as a true masterpiece, embellished with the red color symbol of the company. Completing its innovative features is the dynamic toe-in system located on the rear axle.

Continue reading here

March 28, 2024

Pålsson joins Matrix Tires

Top international female offroad racer Jessica Palsson has been announced as part of the Matrix Tires Racing Team for 2024. Previously running for Hotrace Tyres, switching between the two Italian manufacturers will see the Swedish driver & EFRA Ambassador now running on Matrix Tires as part of her 1:8 Offroad programme representing HB Racing. Palsson has had a strong start to her 2024 season winning 2WD Buggy at Euro Buggy Masters in Malmo, this year’s event also doubling up as the Warm-up Race for the EFRA 1:10 Offroad European Championships.

Source: Matrix [matrixtires.it]

March 28, 2024

Xray XB2 Alu Steering Blocks & C-Hubs with Backstop Set

More new parts for Xray’s XB2 2WD Buggy with this complete Alu Steering Blocks & C-Hubs with Backstop Set. Ultra-strong construction provides very long life and durability in even the most extreme racing conditions. Using the steering blocks in an aluminium material reduces flex, and improves consistency, and will free up the car. Suitable for all track conditions. The aluminium parts are more reliable and stronger. Both steering blocks and C-hubs have an universal design which allows to install the individual parts either on left or right side. The C-hub features extra mounting hole for a backstop set screw that allows to adjust maximum steering angle. The set incudes also three types of graphite extensions for steering blocks for super fine steering characteristics adjustment. CNC-machined from Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium and black coated they are a direct replacement for the standard composite parts and fit all XB2, XT2 and SCX kits.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]