September 10, 2023

‘Silly to bet against Rivkin’ – Tebo

Former 2WD and 4WD World Champion Jared Tebo says it would be ‘Silly to bet against Rivkin’ retaining his 2WD World Championship title as the event gets underway in Arizona.  Having announced 2023 would be his own final season as a Pro racer, Tebo believes Rivkin’s advantage at his home track of Hobby Action RC Raceway will be too much for his rival adding ‘he’s also good at 1:10’.   Winning his first title in 4WD in Japan against all time great Masami Hirosaka in 2007 and then adding the 2WD 10-years ago when the USA host its last 1:10 Offroad Worlds, Tebo thinks one surprise over the next week could be Aydin Horne.  ‘I thought he was one of the fastest at Warm-up but he maybe struggled with his nerves.  I think he could upset Rivkin.  I also think Aydin has been at a tyre disadvantage but they’ll all be on the same here and that will be a leveller.  I want to see Aydin do good’.  Another fellow countryman to impress him with his pace at the Warm-up was Broc Champlin, ‘Broc took time to get the Schumacher working on dirt but he’s found it now’.

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September 9, 2023

‘It’s going to be super hard’ – Coelho

This time last year Bruno Coelho successfully defended his Electric Touring Car World Championship title with a dominant performance in Italy.  His rivals were always battling for second place.  Tomorrow he will begin the defence of another of his World Championships when he looks to retain the 4WD Offroad title he won for Xray at their home track in Slovakia in 2019.  This time however one could say the Portuguese ace is the one on the back foot this time as the battle will take place at the home track of Spencer Rivkin on a surface that generally should favour US drivers over the Europeans.  Coelho is fully aware of this admitting, ‘It’s going to be super hard’.

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September 9, 2023

‘There is no extra pressure’ – Rivkin

Spencer Rivkin will defend his 2WD Buggy World Championship title over the coming week.  It’s something the Team Associated driver has successfully done before but this time the offroad star gets the opportunity to do it right at home – literally.  HobbyAction in Chandler is the venue for the return of the 1:10 Offroad World Championships following its forced Covid break and it has been the home track of the offroad star who has just recently bought himself a house in Chandler.  Speak to anyone with an ounce of knowledge about RC racing and few would bet against Rivkin delivering a third title.  For many that weight could be overwhelming but not Rivkin, excited for track owner Larry Tom to get to host the World Championship, he says the 19th IFMAR Worlds presents ‘no extra pressure’ for him as a racer.

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September 8, 2023

1up Racing X-Gear 13mm 1:10 Buggy Springs

1up Racing has introduced new X-Gear 13mm Buggy Springs, crafted in collaboration with the renowned spring manufacturer, X-Gear Co. of Japan.  These springs are the result of Randy Caster’s commitment to delivering a game-changing performance upgrade for your 1:10 RC buggy.  Meticulously designed in Japan and rigorously tested by pro 1up Factory Drivers in the United States, these springs offer a unique combination of quality and race-proven performance.  Drivers report their cars feel more “in the track” meaning overall improved grip and response.  In addition to the extra grip, you can expect improved handling over bumpy areas, and a car that’s more predictable over jumps and smoother on the landings.  6 front tensions and 4 rear tensions tested on dirt, clay, glued, astro and carpet surfaces are offered to ensure optimal performance in all conditions.  Available in pairs or as Pro Packs offering complete Front or Rear Spring Sets.

Source: 1up Racing [1upracing.com]


September 8, 2023

AKA Lux 1:8 Buggy Tyre

AKA has released the new Lux tyre which it is describing as a whole new breed of 1:8 buggy tyre.  It combines the best of both worlds by seamlessly integrating bar and pin-style treads, setting a new standard for performance and versatility.  The Lux is engineered to provide unparalleled traction, control, and durability on a variety of racing surfaces.  Its unique hybrid tread combines the aggressive bite of pin-style treads with the stability and consistency of bar-style treads, resulting in a tire that excels across different track conditions and terrains.  By strategically positioning rectangular pins both laterally and radially throughout the tire, the Lux not only ensures maximum traction even in the harshest dust-filled environments but also promotes even tread wear, extending the lifespan of the tire.  The Lux is currently available in AKA’s most popular rubber compounds for 1:8 racing: Clay, Super Soft Long Wear, Soft, and Soft Long Wear.

Source: AKA [horizonhobby.com]


September 8, 2023

Schumacher Mi8 HGT update kit Alu Chassis option

Following the success of the HGT update kit for the Mi8 1:10 Electric Touring Car, Schumacher is now offering a alu chassis option for the kit in time for the Winter season. This chassis is suitable if you have already purchased the HGT C/F kit in the past.  If you are new to the Mi8 or only race on carpet an Alloy Chassis version of the HGT kit will be available.  The HGT conversion features an alternative suspension geometry to free the car up in the corners and create more rotation. It also includes new shock mounts to lower the centre of gravity.

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]


September 8, 2023

Ronnefalk & Mayako part ways

While en route for our coverage of the IFMAR 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona, former 1:8 Offroad World Champion David Ronnefalk and chassis manufacturer Mayako has announced they are to part ways.  Ronnefalk made a surprise departure from long time chassis sponsor HB Racing and joined the new brand 2-years ago.  Formed from the JQ brand, the new partnership delivered a European Championship and 2nd place at the World Championship in the hands of the Swede in 2022 however this year they haven’t been able to build on the initial success.  Issuing a joint statement Mayako said, ‘The 2023 season is coming to an end, and Mayako Performance International would like to thank David Ronnefalk for his contribution to the successful launch of the brand over the last 2 years. This included a European Championship, RCGP Championship, 2nd place at the IFMAR World Championships, DNC eBuggy Win, and numerous other wins and podiums.  We would like to wish David all the best for the future, and look forward to many tough battles on the track.’

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September 8, 2023

Exotek Wrench Tools

Exotek has added two new Wrench tools for assembling and wrenching on Exotek kits and parts.  First of the polished steel wrench tools is a 5.5mm wrench on one end and 7mm on the other.  The second offering is a 4mm turnbuckle wrench on one end and 4.75mm opening ball cup popper on the other for Exotek ball cups.

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