Having released their first product in August, SuperRad Competition Bodyshells have added to their range with the introduction of the SR-03 1:12 LMP Body. The SR-03 has a new cockpit design along with a different spoiler and sides that provide more turn-in capability. This version is ideal for 17.5 and 13.5 classes and is the body that TQ’d and won Superstock at the 2022 NYGP and Halloween Classic.
Source: SuperRad Competition Bodyshells [superrad.com]
JConcepts has released their F2 truggy bodyshell for the Traxxas Sledge. The F2 was recently released for racing truggies has made a huge difference in performance in racing competition. Now, these exciting new features drop straight on to one of the wildest new releases by Traxxas. The body shell is located between front and rear shock tower which keeps the body simple yet covers all the important parts inside the chassis. No longer needed, is the huge and heavy construction of the inner clipless assembly found inside the stock body type. The JConcepts body secures to the chassis with included hook and loop tape that lines the sides of the chassis and inside the body. The F2 body sits on the front extrusions on the diff case providing a shelf to sit on. In the rear, the body sits between clipless chassis mounted geometry. Since the body is now smaller, streamlined for minimal drag, and mounted with simplicity, it’s easy to remove and install for quick bashing sessions. The JConcepts body adds a racing touch to the famous vehicle using the F2 cab style with dual side window design and recessed louvers on the roof. The body features heavy JConcepts chamfering made famous since 2003, lowered bed area for scoop effect and tall side pods to clear an abundance of different battery combinations on the market.
Capricorn RC has announced Merlin Depta as part of their factory team line-up for 2023. Having announced his departure from Serpent after 17-years of racing with the brand back in August, the German joins former team-mate & countryman Dominic Greiner at the reigning European 1:8 & 1:10 Nitro Onroad Champion manufacturer. Commenting on the announcement, Depta said, “(I am) Very happy to announce that I’ll join the Capricorn factory for 2023 and beyond. The quality and mechanical design are so on point. As if every single part of a car was taken into revision to make it as light and high-grade as possible. It’s so much fun to work on that car and I’m happy to join such a professional team. See you on the track.”
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
The 8th annual Trinity Masters of Dirt took place over the weekend with Team Associated’s Spencer Rivkin being crowned the overall ‘Master of Dirt’. Held at Beach RC & Hobbies in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the race sees driver race over three classes for the ‘Master’ title. The reigning 2WD Buggy World Champion completed a clean sweep of 2WD Mod Buggy securing both the TQ & win which combined with 2nd in Mod Truck and 3rd in 4WD Buggy crowned him the Modified division ‘Master of Dirt’. In Mod Truck it was Associated’s Dustin Evans who took the win while Dakotah Phend took the 4WD Buggy win ahead of Aydin Horne. In the Stock division it was Team Losi Racing’s Brennan Schimmel won was the ‘Master of Dirt’.
Image: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
The opening round of the popular Essex Winter Series took place over the weekend with newly crowned World Champion Bruno Coelho taking the win. A series that has attracted some of the biggest names in Electric Touring to the UK in the past, after its forced Covid break it was the Xray team who were the star entries as the indoor carpet series made its return – Martin Hudy and Francesco Martini also making the trip. Topping all four qualifiers, Coelho would secure the TQ ahead of newly crowned British Champion & Xray team-mate Kyle Branson. Capricorn’s Alex Thurston complete the Top 3 on the grid ahead of Schumacher’s Andy Murray who won the battle of the car designers as Hudy secured fifth. In the single leg final, Coelho took an easy win with over 3-seconds of an advantage over Branson with British 1:8 Nitro Champion Thurston completing the podium. In Stock, Xray’s Zak Finlay took the win from the Schumacher of Billy Fletcher.
Image: Kyle Branson [Facebook]
Akio Sobue is the new Japanese Touring Car National Champion. Last held in 2019, Naoto Matsukura taking the win on that occasion, the JMRCA All-Japan Championships returned following Covid at the Greenpark Speedway in Hanno City. In qualifying, Sobue would take the opening three of four qualifiers to secure the TQ ahead of factory Yokomo driver Souta Goto who topped Q4. Next up where the Infinity pairing of Ryosuke Yamamoto and former champion Jin Sawada. The Top 5 in qualifying was completed by Sobue’s Axon team-mate and World Finalist Hayato Ishioka. In the finals, Sobue took A1 but an early incident in A2 left the World Championship podium finisher with a fourth as Yamamoto took the win. For A3 it was back to business for Sobue as he set the fastest lap to win by 1-second and with it claim the JMCRA title for a third time (2015, 2017). The podium was completed by Yamamoto and Goto.
Source: Axon [team-axon.com]
MXLR has released a ‘First Edition’ Carbon Charger Stand. With limited pit space it is important to have everything as organised as possible on your pit table to maintain enough space for wrenching on your cars. Usually the charging equipment takes the most space on the table. The “First Edition MXLR Carbon Charger Stand helps with saving space and frees up more room in your pits. Made in Germany it has the full ‘Pro’ look as its made from carbon and aluminium only! The design offers multiple possibilities for the placement of your charging equipment. The top plate has perfect sized holes in the front area to allow XT60 and 4/5mm banana plugs go through, as well as bigger sized holes in the rear for XT90 and other bigger plug types. As a finishing touch an engraved “MXLR First Edition” alloy badge in the top plate.
View dimensions and more images here
Former 1:8 Onroad World Champion Simon Kurzbuch has announced his departure from Team Shepherd. The Swiss driver leaves the German chassis manufacturer after representing the brand at the top of the sport for 12 years. In 2015, Kurzbuch & Shepherd achieved the ultimate prize in the sport when he was crowned World Champion in Brazil. Other highlights of the partnership include the 2018 European Championship and a string of titles during the height of the Euro Nitro Series. Announcing he will leave Shepherd on social media, he said, ‘It all started 2010 with the club race at our home track. I drove the first time my Shepherd Velox, it was so exciting. Today it ends, with the club race at my home track I’m so excited for the “last dance” with my Shepherd Velox! But it’s much more. Almost half of my life I’ve been going through a crazy adventure and I’m so f##king thankful for every single moment! Thanks to the whole Schäfer family and PiccoBello, Beat and Käthi, who brought me on this way to meet so many people (Sorry to not name you all but you are in my heart!), winning every possible title in this category – I have tears in my eyes because it was so great and we will always remember it – forever ever! Every End is a beginning of something new – cant wait to tell you more about!’ An official announcement on his new team is expected in 2-weeks time.
Source: Simon Kurzbuch [facebook.com]
