July 2, 2023

Arnaldi successfully defends 1:8 GT European title

Bernard-Alain Arnaldi has successfully defended his EFRA 1:8 GT European title in Zagreb, Croatia.  Having won the title last year in Lostallo, the Genius driver started his title defence from 4th on the grid with Serpent teenager Andrea Catanzani having secured the overall TQ at the Mini Autodrom Ayrton Senna circuit.  Despite being the fastest car on track, Catanzani would hit problems during the 45-minute final, with Frenchman Arnaldi able to take the win with his Gimar powered GTc8 23 from Schepis Model driver Rosario Giaimo and the Serpent of Gabriele Paloschi.  In the 1:8 GT Electric former European 1:10 Nitro Touring Car Champion Alessio Mazzeo starting as Top Qualifier was able to become the inaugural European Champion of the electric category for Capricorn.  Joining the Italian on the podium were Xray’s Martin Bayer and the Genius of Denmark’s Nicolai Lindegaard.

Image: Serpent [serpent.com]


July 2, 2023

Speedzone Evolution 4S LCG LiPo Packs

American brand Speedzone has released two new Evolution 4S LCG lipo packs to the competition series range.  The 6000mAh 14.8V 140C pack has 5mm bullet connectors, measures 144x47x37mm and weighs 464g while the 6500mAh LiHV 15.2V 140C pack has a XT90 connector, measures 138x47x36mm and weighs 492g.  Both packs were designed to produce the power and durability needed for the latest R/C vehicles.

Source: Speedzone [speedzoneusa.com]


June 30, 2023

Catanzani Top Qualifier at 1:8 GT European C/ship

Andrea Catanzani is the Top Qualifier at the EFRA 1:8 GT European Championships In Croatia.  The Serpent/Gimar driver topped 2 of the 5 rounds of qualifying at Mini Autodrom Ayrton Senna circuit in Zagreb, with Xray’s of Martin Bayer his closest rival in the nitro class.  Attracting a field of 48 drivers in nitro,  qualifying didn’t start well for the Italian as he was only 15th fastest.  While Bayer took Q1 from defending champion Bernard-Alain Arnaldi, Capricorn’s Alessio Mazzeo topped Q2 from Catanzani before he found his form in Q3 & 4 to wrap up the overall TQ with one round to go.  Behind Bayer in P2, Natanaele Senesi took his Xray to third in the ranking ahead of Alex D’angelo and Arnaldi with Mazzeo 10th behind Buggy World Champion Davide Ongaro.  Also the European Championship for 1:8 GT Electric, 36 drivers registering results, Mazzeo is the Top Qualifier with three TQ runs compared to single TQ runs from Arnaldi (P2) and reigning champion Bayer (P3).

Image: Serpent [serpent.com]


June 30, 2023

Compound supply issues force tyre change for TC Euros

EFRA has announced that compound supply issues have lead to a decision to change the official tyre that will be used by Modified class competitors at this year’s European Championships.   The 22nd running of the championship is scheduled for August 2-5 in Türkheim, Germany, but global supply issues that continue to effect all industries mean that rather than risk not having sufficient tyres for all drivers that a different tyre be nominated now.  In a statement EFRA said, “It is now apparent that the chosen tyre for the Modified 10th ISTC EC could be in short supply for the event.  “The reason is the total lack of a primary component to produce the compound which is unfortunately patented by only one company in the world which is experiencing big problems and has had to interrupt, hope momentarily, the production.  Since Production Capacities are limited, even if the compound will be available again, it is not sure when and if we will get enough tyres of the original type.” In order to ensure that entrants are able to buy tyres to practise freely and the suppliers are able to fulfil their supply obligations to the organisers a different tyre will be used. This will be the Matrix EPA-D36. This tyre is considered to be a suitable substitute and will not have the same supply issues. Chris Hardisty, Electric Track Chairman.”

Source: EFRA [efra.ws]


June 30, 2023

VP-Pro Car and Transmitter Bags

VP-Pro has expanded its range of bags with the addition of a new car and new transmitter bag to help racers keep their valuable equipment clean and safe.  The soft inlay material and the wide handle ensure safe carrying with the 1:8 car bag measuring 46cm x 33cm x13.5mm.  The transmitter bag RS-224 measures 175mm x 340mm x 265mm and comes in two different size inlay fits for various models of radio.  The RS-224-A fits the Futaba T10PX with an RS-224-B option coming soon.

View more images here


June 29, 2023

MR33 Awesomatix Multi Tool V2

MR33, the brand of multiple World Champion and Awesomatix factory driver Marc Rheinard, has released their new Awesomatix Multi Tool V2.   A practical tool for all A800R and A800MMX touring car owners you can easily screw and unscrew the differential as well as mount and dismount cardans.  Also a tie rod wrench is integrated.  The aluminium tool of MR33 consists of two parts and is black anodised.

View more images here


June 29, 2023

T-Work’s D8 Evo Carbon A-arm Stiffeners

T-Work’s has released new carbon fibre A-arm stiffeners for HB Racing’s D8 Evo 1:8 Buggy.  The CNC machined inserts are available in two options, 1mm and 1.5mm thickness, for quick adjustment of the front suspension A-arm flex.  The inserts come as a pair and include mounting screws.

View stiffners mounted here


June 29, 2023

Oscar Baldo joins Matrix Tires

Matrix Racing Tires has announced that top Spanish offroad racer Oscar Baldo has joined its team.  The Xray driver moves from rival Italian tyre manufacturer Hotrace, who together with his brother Bryan he joined in 2018.  Switching to Christian Boni’s brand which only entered the offroad market at the beginning of this year, he joins the likes of Davide Ongaro and David Ronnefalk in running their range of tyres.  Commenting on the announcement, Baldo said, ‘Super happy to be part of this amazing team!! Thanks for the opportunity!!”

Source: Matrix [matrixtires.it]