December 29, 2022

JConcepts Relapse 1:8 buggy & truck tyres

JConcepts has released the new Relapse tyre for both 1:8 Buggy and 1:8 Truggy.  The Relapse is a tyre derived from research and development put into tires such as the Detox and Rehab.  Those results were incorporated into a new design optimised for indoor and outdoor track success while delivering more forward bite than the original incarnations. The JConcepts speed laboratory started with the centre section of tread for more horizontal pin contact.  The design revolves around the centre structure which has medium to small sized, dense lugs arranged in a stacked and horizontal configuration. The lugs have strategically placed cuts and grooves to allow flex in dust to perform when the track is in a deteriorating condition. The outer portion of the tread fits together like building blocks, with shapes placed together that nest well but also work together to flex laterally to provide steadfast side-bite. The tread tapers off cleanly to the outer sidewall giving a smooth transition during hard cornering.

View tyre features and more images here


December 29, 2022

JConcepts Monster Truck engine accessory set

JConcepts has added this engines accessory set to their range of Monster Truck offerings.  Having a finely detailed vehicle is part of the enjoyment and allowing builders to build their favourite vehicles of today and yesteryear.  The new engine accessory set contains a host of parts, pieces, and hardware to make dream creations a reality.  The injection molded parts, designed by JConcepts, replicate carburetor and injection assemblies commonly used in high performance engines and seen on many of the monsters of the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s.

View more images here


December 28, 2022

Kobbevik joins Sworkz 1:8 Factory Team

Daniel Kobbevik has been announced as part of the Sworkz 1:8 Offroad Factory team for 2023.  The former Xray driver, will split his offroad race duties between Sworkz and Schumacher, having joined the British manufacturer at the beginning of 2022 as part of their 1:10 race team.  Commenting on the Sworkz announcement the 18-year-old Norwegian said, “I am very exited to join the SWORKz team for the next years.  Being very impressed by the quality of the products, I am looking into a successful racing season!”.  Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner’s added, “It’s a real pleasure to have the young Norwegian Top pilot in our factory team. I am sure he will fit perfectly into the SWORKz family and make his way!“

Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]


December 28, 2022

Goto and Yokomo part ways

Leading Japanese Electric Touring Car racer Souta Goto is departing Yokomo with the news that his contract will expire at the end of this month.  Claiming the All Japan Touring Car Championship and representing the manufacturer on the international stage, most recent of which was competing at IFMAR World Championship in Italy, Goto joined Yokomo in 2015.  Announcing the news, Goto said, “At the end of December 2022 I will be terminating my driver contract with Mr. Yokomo, Ltd.  Yokomo has given me valuable experience for 7 years and 3 months since joining the team.  Ever since I joined the team, I was able to experience things that I couldn’t achieve on my own, winning the JMRCA All-Japan Championship, challenging the IFMAR World Championship, and winning the SPEED KING TOUR series title.  I’m beyond thankful to Yokomo Co., Ltd. for supporting my immature self.  And I would like to express my gratitude again to Mr. Fujii, the former president, who invited Team Yokomo at the time.  I will continue to work hard in the radio-containing industry to achieve a big goal, so I ask for your continued support.

Source: Souta Goto [Facebook]


December 28, 2022

Yokomo ends Maifield contract

Yokomo has officially announced that it will end its contract with Ryan Maifield and the contract with the American offroad star will expire at the end of December 2022.  A title that eluded Maifield for so long, his partnership with the Japanese company finally delivered the sport’s greatest prize when he did the double at the 2017 1:10 Offroad World Championships in China taking both the 2WD and 4WD World titles.  Following the recent announcement that he switched his 1:8 programme from Mugen to Tekno, the announcement doesn’t come as a major surprise as the American brand has its own 1:10 4WD Buggy offering.

Source: Yokomo [teamyokomo.com]


December 28, 2022

Mattia Polito joins Sworkz

Sworkz has announced that former Kyosho driver Mattia Polito has joined its 1:8 Offroad factory team line up for 2023.  On the announcement, the Italian and former European B Champion said, “After a few tests it was totally clear to me, that Sworkz will be my team in the next years.  Can’t wait to hit the track with the cars!”  Sworkz boss Max Sonnleitner added, “Mattia is a perfect addition to our actual team. I am very happy that he has chosen Sworkz as his chassis for the next years and 100% sure we will have success and fun with him in our team!”

Source: MW RC Cars [mwrccars.at]


December 28, 2022

Avid Motor Bearings & Ceramic Motor Bearings

Avid Racing has released an updated motor bearing lineup designed to improve performance and increase lifespan in RC motors.  They use chrome steel rings that are polished to a mirror-like finish to reduce noise and vibration, and maintain a very tight ABEC7 tolerance to minimise play in the bearing.  In the ceramic versions, they use silicone nitride ceramic balls (Si3N4) for a smooth, slippery surface.  All the motor bearings also feature a nylon cage instead of metal, which prevents expansion under heat for improved performance.  Additionally, Avis use high-speed oil for low-friction rotation and metal shields to reduce contact on the races and protect against debris.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


December 27, 2022

Tebo to race Hotrace Tyres

Hotrace Tyres has announced that Jared Tebo has joined their factory team.  The American star, who switches from AKA, is the second key signing for the Italian company who earlier this month announced that factory Sworkz star Juan Carlos Canas would be racing on their rubber in 2023.  Commenting on the announcement Tebo said, “I’m really excited to be joining the HotRace family. I would say this has been in the works with Nicola for 5 years, and now the timing is finally perfect. Nicola shows so much effort, dedication, and love for RC and his brand, it is great to see and motivating. The products work amazing, I’m excited for this opportunity and long term plans to work together and build together!”

Source: Hot Race Tyres [hotracetyres.com]