February 7, 2025

Kilic takes TQ at Montpellier GP as rain cuts quali short

Fresh from his 1:10 4WD Offroad win at the EOS in Germany last weekend, Mugen Seiki’s Burak Kilic has secured the overall TQ at the annual Montepellier GP in France where rain has cut qualifying short.  The 19th running of the annual classic that has become the official season opener of 1:8 Offroad nitro racing in Europe, in seeding yesterday it was the younger of the Kilic brothers, Berak, who set the pace from Sworkz Juan Carlos Canas.  Concluding Day 1’s action with the first round of qualifying it was last year’s Top Qualifier Canas who set the mark by a considerable margin over his rivals.  Behind the Spaniard it with Burak in second and the Tekno of João Figueiredo in third.  Today (Friday) however would belong to Burak as he took Q2 & 3 before the decision was made that given the rain and that 3 rounds had been successfully completed driver’s best two would determine the final qualifying order at Circuit du MBM.  Last year rain rain also cut short qualifying when the fifth & final round was cancelled.  While organisers monitor the weather as to when best to start the running of the finals, behind Burak the final qualifying order is Canas, Berkan and 2023 winner Davide Ongaro while defending Champion Riccardo Berton ended up 13th.

Image: Mugen Seiki European [Facebook]


February 7, 2025

Xray XB8’25 1:8 Nitro Buggy

Xray has officially presented its latest 1:8 Nitro Buggy with the 2025 iteration of its popular XB8 platform which was first introduced 21-years ago.  The XB8’25 features new front and rear shock towers for improved suspension geometry that reduces roll & increases corner speed.  New shorter front and rear shocks have been updated to accommodate the new suspension geometry.  A split radio box ensures perfect left to right side flex that helps to generate more overall traction with the updated chassis combined with split radio box providing significantly improved & perfectly balanced side-to-side flex.  The Slovakian manufacturers has also made provisions for the new anti-roll bar centering holders on the front and rear gearbox covers.  The 2025 kit also includes new 3 dots carbon steering plate for improved Ackermann settings for smoother steering feel while a new front upper arm holder has been given a stronger more rigid design.  1 slot offset rear wheel hubs are now included having become a popular choice for most track conditions.

View the full XB8’25 presentation here


February 7, 2025

T-Works S35.4 Carbon Fibre side guards

T-Works has added these carbon fibre side guards to its range of aftermarket parts for the Sworkz S35.4 1:8 Buggy platforms.  Made using high quality carbon fibre material, they offer reduced weight, rigidity and durability with no change in handling characteristics.  The package includes one left and one right side guard with installation hardware.

Source: T-Works [rc-tworks.com]


February 6, 2025

Martin takes on UK Team Manager role

Having announced a 1:10 Offroad racing program with Xray at the end of 2024, Lee Martin is to now take on the role of UK Team Manager for the Slovakian manufacturer.  Kicking off his new racing deal with a debut win at the BRCA British Offroad Masters in January, the vastly experienced international racer will combine his racing duties with acting as the UK Off-Road Team Manager.  In his role, Xray say the multiple European Champion ‘will focus on building and nurturing the offroad team, ensuring that drivers receive the support they need to excel at every race.’  Martin will travel to all major events to provide hands-on assistance, technical guidance, and setup expertise to both team drivers and Xray customers.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


February 6, 2025

ProTek Digital Professional Soldering Station

ProTek RC has announced a new 80W Digital Professional Soldering Station along with a new Carbon Fibre Set Up Board.  Designed for precision and efficiency, the Soldering Station offers digital controls and a robust build with an adjustable temperature dial ranging from 302°F to 1022°F.  The package includes replaceable multi-sized tips, an iron stand, and brass wool for tip cleaning.  The unit features auto standby and sleep mode functions as well as a temperature locking attribute.  The ProTek RC Carbon Fiber Set Up Board provides a lightweight and transportable option to satisfy set up needs both at home and at the track. Made from 3K twill glossy carbon fibre, this board delivers exceptional durability and strength while maintaining a lightweight profile.  The design features an easy-to-carry handle, smooth, chamfered edges, and measuring 485x375x5mm it is the perfect size to fit in a travel bag.

View more images here


February 6, 2025

HoBao Hyper SC 2.0 Short Course Truck

HoBao has announced it’s latest 1:10 Electric Short Course truck, the Hyper SC 2.0.  Building on the structural design of the TT2E, the Hyper SC 2.0 features newly designed steering knuckles and arms with larger pivot balls, providing sharper and more precise handling.  The reinforced arm holder and steering rack offer enhanced durability, making these parts even stronger than those on the TT2E.

View Features list and more images here


February 6, 2025

Xray ‘Black’ C=0.5 Side Spring

Another new spring release from Xray as they added to the range of Side Springs for their pan & formula cars with this ‘Black’ C=0.5  spring.  Suitable for use with the X12, X1 and X10, the ‘Black’ is now the softest of the range which now totals 6 different options.  The side springs and spring caps feature a straight design to improve side traction and handling.  The straight springs have more consistent and smoother compression which results in smoother out-of-corner exit as well as helping to prevent traction rolling.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


February 6, 2025

Avid B7 Titanium Ball Studs | Magnesium Idler Shafts

Avid Racing Concepts has added more aftermarket parts for the Team Associated RC10B7 2WD Buggy with the release of 5.5x6mm titanium -1mm Ball Studs and magnesium Idler Shafts.  The Ball Studs lower the ball 1mm to offer racers some fine tuning adjustability in all modern AE 1:10 offroad vehicles.  40% lighter than the kit and optional TiN coated steel ball studs, on the B7 you can run these in three key locations – steering plate to adjust bump steer, steering rack to adjust Ackermann, and front inner camber link on the outside to adjust roll center/camber gain.  The Idler Shafts are machined from magnesium, which is 33% lighter than 6061-T6 aluminium, and then hollowed out to lose the most weight possible.  Each shaft comes in at 0.33 grams compared to the kit aluminium shafts which are 0.88grams a piece.  These shafts are raw material and will create a thin oxidation layer when taken out of the bag if they don’t already have one, making it look slightly like Damascus steel.  The oxidation layer does not change the performance of the product and it is a natural way for the metal to protect itself.

View Magnesium Idler Shafts here