September 7, 2023

‘I’ve learned a lot since then’ – Phend

In 2019 Dakotah Phend would achieve his best World Championship result when he finished runner-up to Bruno Coelho in 1:10 4WD at the Hudy Arena in Slovakia.  Four years on, asked what is different about the Dakotah of today as we get set for the return of the 1:10 Offroad World Championship at the end of this week, the American’s reply is, ‘I’ve learned a lot since then’.  Making his World Championship debut way back in 2008 in 1:8 Nitro, his debut in 1:10 Electric came in 2011 when the now 26-year-old put his cars in both A-Mains in Finland.  With an impressive National Championship trophy collection in what is undoubtably the super power of nations when it comes to offroad racing, Phend’s sheer outright speed has always been spectacular to watch.  Now the TLR driver believes he is much better at managing that speed and calculating risk versus reward.

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September 7, 2023

O.S. MAX-12TG Ver.V 1:10 Touring Car engine

Japanese engine manufacturer O.S. has released the fifth generation of their long established MAX-12TG 1:10 touring car engine line.  While following user requests and trends, OS have pursued ease of use and better performance with each successive generation, and now in its fifth generation the MAX-12TG Ver.V has been improved in various parts in order to demonstrate excellent power even in regulated race scenes.  The first major change in appearance is the addition of one cooling fin to the bottom of the outer head.  This improves engine cooling performance and enables stable performance. Also, by increasing the lightweight holes in the fins, the weight increase due to adding one fin is reduced. Furthermore, the head has a new laser design, making you aware that it is “Ver.V”.  Another point that cannot be overlooked is the improved idling performance due to changes in crankshaft timing and improved carburetor.  The shape of the combustion chamber in the inner head has been changed to improve combustion efficiency and increase torque in the mid-speed range.

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September 7, 2023

RC Maker A800R Brass LCG Weights

RC Maker has released a new range of brass LCG Weights for the popular Awesomatix A800R 1:10 Electric Touring car.  A total of 5 different weights are offered starting with the LCG Front Chassis Weights which have been designed to fit seamlessly into the fron of the A800R.  Adding 8.5g each side, they are an excellent way to fine tune the weight balance.  LCG Rear Chassis Weights add 6.7g each side.   With the ultimate place to add weight to your car the centre of the chassis, there is also a Front and a Rear Centre Stiffener Weight.  The rear weight locates behind the motor mount, extending to the rear arms. It is the perfect way of adding 15.5g, in the centre and nice and low on your chassis! This can be used to adjust your car to a more rearward weight bias for more steering and rotation!  It features 3 holes for flex adjustment to stiffen the rear when required, as well as a 0.5mm Black Aluminium shim for spacing the weight up for minimum flex interference.  The front weight locates in-front of the motor mount, extending to under the steering rack and add 11.5g.  Finally they have added new Brass Roll Centre Shim Plates which are available in 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0mm thicknesses.  The 1.5mm Set adds 4.6g of weight at the lowest point of the car.

View individual weights here


September 7, 2023

Hong Nor X3 GTS 13-46T Spiral Bevel Gear Set

Hong Nor has added a new optional 13-46T Spiral Bevel Gear Set for its X3 GTS 2023 1:8 GT kit.  Hong Nor has added the new ration in order to adapt to racetracks around the world with the 13-46 gear ratio assisting drivers to achieve higher speed in medium and small scale tracks, and also reduces the load on the engine to attain better fuel consumption.

Source: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]


September 7, 2023

JConcepts JCI Power Master cab only 12.3″ W.B

JConcepts has introduced a new cab only body for the crawling and scaling enthusiast who appreciates a hard-nose and retro vibe.  The Power Master follows along the success of popular shells like the Creep and CreepER styles by the team from Groveland, Florida.  The concentration of the platform is for versatility and offering clearance for an abundance of rigs who are in kit form or highly modified for the trails and technical courses.  The start of the design begins at the grille, a short overhang provides a lot of options in terms of aftermarket bumper options.  The V-shaped front-end allows for more tire clearance with minimum overhang for less snags and space for truck geometry and grippy tires.  The cab has a real retro vibe, the round shape, front to back and side to side, pay dividends in sketchy terrain or when the truck turns over.  The window style has split dividers capturing trucks from yesteryear when venting and structural construction depended on it.  Small wheel well flares are built into the design to give structural stability and a seasoned and professional appearance.  The Power Master includes window mask, detailed decal set including miscellaneous JConcepts and Power Master logos.

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September 6, 2023

‘Definitely the strongest team we have ever had’, says Orlowski


Michal Orlowski goes into the IFMAR 1:10 Offroad World Championship at the end of this week confident his Schumacher team is fielding what is ‘definitely the strongest team we have ever had’ for a Worlds.  12 years on from making his World Championship debut in Vaasa, Finland, the Polish driver is expected to be a leading contender in the European challenge to deny the US drivers victory on their very own doorstep.  Only racing 2WD at the 2011 WC because he couldn’t get hold of Tamiya’s 511 4WD kit at the time, the recently turned 22-year old heads up a strong Schumacher team going to Hobby Action RC Raceway in Arizona.  With the vastly experienced Ryan Cavalieri & Lee Martin, a very on form Broc Champlin, and Daniel Kobbevik as team-mates, he is also coming off the back of his own very successful run of results, in both off and onroad.  Winner of last weekend’s most recent Euro Touring Series encounter at Marc Rheinard’s home circuit Arena33, he travels to the US as the European 4WD Offroad Champion having regained the title back in July 8-years on from first holding it.

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September 6, 2023

Harper returns to racing with Schumacher

Schumacher Racing has announced that former IFMAR Worlds, EFRA European podium finisher, and former BRCA Champion Elliott Harper is returning to the team after a 3-year break from racing.  Harper stepped away from racing in 2020 but the love that is RC is still in the blood and the British driver has decided to return to competition with his former team.  Commenting on the announcement Harper said, “I’m really excited to be re-joining the Schumacher team.  I retired from racing after a 16-year career in 2020 to spend more time on life outside the RC world.  However, and like many others, I couldn’t stay away from the sport I loved!  I enjoyed some great years working with Schumacher in the past between 2015 and 2018, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds with our new partnership.  I’ll primarily be racing in the UK, focussing on the BRCA Nationals and Essex Winter Series (EWS).  I can’t wait to see you all again at the track soon – do pop over for a chat and say ‘hi’!”  Alongside the Mi8 HGT he will use Hobbywing electronics and Intellect batteries to power his ride and his first race back will be the final BRCA National at Colchester on September 16/17.

Source: Schumacher [racing-cars.com]


September 6, 2023

Team Saxo MF-1-200 1:10 Formula Car

Team Saxo has released this new mini 1:10 Formula kit, the MF-1-200.  With a 210mm wheelbase, the car incorporates many parts from Team Saxo’s regular 1:10 Formula chassis but packaged closer to the size of the popular M-chassis category.

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