November 29, 2023

Kyosho V-ONE R4 Front Mass Damper

Kyosho has released a Front Mass Damper for their V-ONE R4 1:10 Nitro Touring Car chassis which is a device other than the suspension that absorbs vibrations and shocks.  A donut-shaped weight is placed between the upper and lower springs around a shaft fixed to the upper and lower bumpers.  Tested by Kyosho’s head of RC car development Kazuhiro Miyazaki, who himself admitted he was sure it would work, when fitted it is possible to absorb minute vibrations that cannot be controlled by the suspension.  In addition to the sense of stability when accelerating and decelerating, the sense of stability when the car hits bumps in the road surface, curbs, etc. has also been significantly improved.  The set includes two 0.2mm thick shims, and by using them to add tension to the spring, the feeling will change slightly.

View Front Mass Damper set parts here


November 28, 2023

Awesomatix ABH Adjustable Battery Holder set

Awesomatix has released an optional ABH Adjustable Battery Holder set as well as longer Upper Arm Holders for its A800R 1:10 Electric Touring Car.  Only suitable for use with the a800R the ABH set makes the width for the battery adjustable via sliding the AM280R in and out.  The length for battery is adjustable via P68 Battery adjusters (kit parts).  The set weighs in a ~6g.   The new AM19-LTL Upper Arm Holders provide +1mm longer top link compared to AM19R when in the normal position.  Reverse mounting is also possible to get extra long top links which are ~10mm longer than AM19R (requires optional AT25-2 turnbuckles).  It also offers an intermediate mounting position which provides ~8mm longer top links. AM19-LTL should be mounted reverse for that. One link mounted on the AM19-LTL and the other link on the Bulkhead (requires optional AT25-2 turnbuckles).  +1mm longer top links layout with AM19-LTL is recommended for carpet tracks while +10mm and +8mm extra long top links layout is recommended for asphalt tracks.

View Upper Arm Holders here


November 28, 2023

Boki Racing XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body

American niche bodyshell producer BOKI Racing has unveiled a rare find to the vintage RC racing community with the release of the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body.  Crafted to seamlessly integrate with the original kit, the XX4 X5 Conversion Kit Body offers an unparalleled fit.  The kit includes a clear, uncut, unpainted body, complete with window masks and paint masking, all expertly constructed from .030 Lexan made in the USA.  Designed originally by Josh Cyrul, the XX4 X5 body embodies the X-Factor philosophy of prioritizing function above all. Despite initial reservations about its aesthetics, the design’s prowess becomes evident when working with and painting the shell, ultimately growing on enthusiasts.  Notable features include a prominent motor cooling hump, providing ample space for a motor heat sink beneath the shell. The driver’s cockpit is strategically positioned in the center, with a rearward swoop to enhance downforce. The team behind the XX4 X5 body asserts its significant contribution to the car’s aerodynamics, promising a noticeable performance boost on the track.

Source: Boki Racing [bokiracing.com]


November 28, 2023

Tessmann dropped by Xray

Former 1:8 Buggy World Champion Ty Tessmann has announced he has been dropped by Xray and their US distributor RC America.  The Canadian driver will depart after a 7-year stint with the Slovakian manufacturer whom he joined after a lengthy stint with Hot Bodies.  Posting confirmation of the much rumoured news, fuelled by the recent signing of his former HB team-mate David Ronnefalk, on his social media, Tessmann said, ‘There have been a lot of rumors about my future with Xray. For the last 7 years I have raced for and been committed to Xray and RC America, my Dad and I helped develop the Xray offroad cars, and grow the Xray brand in North America, and we have had a lot of successes over the last 7 years with their cars’.  Listing his achievements with the brand which included the TQ & 2nd at the 2018 1:8 World Championships in Australia, he continued, ‘That being said I will not be continuing with Xray for 2024 and beyond, this was not my choice, but Xray and RC America have decided to not renew my contract. I would like to thank Xray and RC America for the opportunity and support over the past 7 years.  Stay tuned for an announcement on what 2024 holds for me.’

Source: Ty Tessmann [Facebook] 


November 28, 2023

2024 JConcepts INS & Dirt Oval Nationals – Announcement

JConcepts has announced the schedule for the 14th season of its very popular Indoor National Series and 2024 Dirt Oval National Events.  The INS and NCTS series’ are combining in to one to create a 5 race super series across both dirt and carpet surfaces.  The 2024 calendar will consist of 3 dirt tracks and 2 carpet tracks starting the year at the famed Trackside Hobbies and Raceway and ending the festivities at the always amazing Hoosier RC Hobbyplex.  The carpet events will take place at the extremely popular RC One Racing facility before heading to the beautiful Island Speedway in Muscatine, Iowa.  For the first time, there will be 2 events in the Summer with one being at the superb HobbyTown HobbyPlex in Omaha, Nebraska.  JConcepts is also be increasing the emphasis on Dirt Oval racing and moving to 3 Dirt Oval Nationals starting with the Speed Weeks Dirt Oval Nationals at Lil Cochran in February before moving to the Summer Dirt Oval Nationals at Auburn RC in July and finally the Winter Dirt Oval Nationals at PT’s RC Raceway in November.  The events provide drivers with an array of classes to choose from to compete nationally or on a race by race basis.

View 2024 schedule & classes here


November 28, 2023

Associated RC10 Protech Body and Wing Re-release

Team Associated has announced that the body used on the original RC10 1:10 2WD electric buggy is available again.  It fits the RC10 classic, RC10 re-release, and upcoming RC10CC Clear Classic car.  The body comes with window masks.

Source: Associated [associatedelectrics.com]


November 27, 2023

1:12 Worlds Broadcast team announcement

With just over a week to go until the start of the IFMAR 1:12 World Championship in the United States, Elite Productions has announced the team that it will use to bring its livestream broadcast of the 21st running of the title that will be decided at Beachline Raceway in Cocoa, Florida.  Elite Productions became a reality through the efforts of Lance MacDonald who skilfully assembled individuals from diverse areas of RC Racing, uniting their talents to produce top-tier events.  Heading the Worlds broadcast will be Keenan White who is better known as Lefty the Great and the person behind ‘The No Name RC Podcast’.  With over 30 years in the sport, commenting on the announcement Lefty said, ‘It is an honor for me to be apart of the upcoming IFMAR 1/12 World Championship coming up in December.  It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Elite RC Production crew as we strive to bring RC Raving enthusiasts the best possible coverage we can. I am excited to see some of the best racers in the onroad genre of RC battle each other in the carpet coliseum that is Beachline RC Raceway! Good luck to all the competitors and let’s get ready for some epic racing! Red RC is also excited to be making the trip to Florida next week to cover our fourth & final World Championship event of 2023.

Meet the rest of the team here


November 27, 2023

Tamiya TA08R 1:10 Electric Touring Car

As part of its early New Year releases, Tamiya has announced the TA08R 1:10 4WD Electric Touring Car kit.  The TA08PRO receives the limited-edition treatment in the form of the TA08R by adding a plethora of key Hop-Up Options right out of the box along with a few parts only available in this edition.  The kit gets new a new 2.0mm carbon fibre upper deck thats connects front and rear bulkheads for pitch rigidity and utilises a 630-ball bearing at the rear for roll rigidity.  New front and rear aluminium upper arm mounts provide enhanced rigidity.  A new aluminium motor mount has two screw-attached, upper deck attachment points.  The rear body mount are also new and uses carbon fibre plates and aluminium posts, and limits body wobble and ensures stable rear traction. Body mount extensions allow attachment of bodies of different heights.  New additional ribs on the lower deck limit its deformation for superior suspension performance and help limit damage after unexpected crashes.  Finally, new aluminium wheel hubs limit wheel deformation and ensure stable tire grip.

Source: Tamiya USA [tamiyausa.com]