December 26, 2023

JConcepts RM2 Gold Grease

JConcepts, together with RM2 introduces a new high temperature, high performance grease for a multitude of uses in the RC industry which is calling Gold Grease.  It is the perfect complement for metal-to-metal parts in the driveline such as high-wear, pivoting items such as CVA’s, universals, and axle assemblies.  In general, if there is metal to metal contact, chances are, you can lower wear characteristics, and improve performance.  Ryan Maifield has spent considerable time searching out the combination that belongs in his race cars. While the heavy-metal grease (#8119) has been a top performer in gears and thrust, the gold is where it’s at for driveline, CVA’s and pivoting components.b For CVA’s, bone, and axle assemblies, apply a liberal amount against the pivoting and rotating components and assemble and work into position. Once the vehicle is completely assembled, always roll-over the driveline so all the lubricants take a nice set-in position and evenly coat frictional areas.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


December 26, 2023

McBride back at Kyosho

With his father Scott giving a very subtle hint on Christmas eve as to the impending news with a photo posted on social media, Kyosho has today officially confirmed the return of Kyle McBride to its International 1:8 Offroad team.  One of the young stars of the 1:8 Offroad Worlds in Pattaya, Thailand in 2010, which earned him the title of the ‘wonder from Down Under’, the Australian first joined the iconic Japanese manufacturer in 2011 on the back of that performance.  Now he returns to bolster their international team which in recent years has not been as prolific.  Since his appearance in the 2018 World Championship Final in Perth then driving his Team Associated to 9th, McBride has had a number of chassis sponsors but the return to Kyosho should see his back on the international stage as Australia’s top offroad driver.  Commenting on the announcement McBride said, ‘Officially going back to my roots. Sincere thank you to Team Kyosho and Hobbies Australia for the opportunity to join the team and represent this professional brand again. I look forward to equipping these amazing Japanese vehicles and showing what I am capable of with them. Bring on 2024!!!’

Source: Kyosho Corporation [Facebook]


December 26, 2023

Yokomo Esprit RPM Motor 27T reissue

Yokomo has announced that in conjunction with the reissue of the Super Dogfighter 1:10 Buggy, the Esprit RPM motor that was very active in the off-road scene in the 80’s is also being revived.  The pink labelling that recalls the image of Yokomo at the time has been perfectly reproduced, and of course, it is the perfect match when mounted on the Super Dogfighter.  You can drive the Super Dogfighter as if it were a Yokomo works machine.  At the time of its release, the motor was a small-turn modified motor, but this new release is a 27-turn brushed motor to meet modern conditions.  Use this motor as a companion for your Super Dogfighter and you will be able to bring back the images of the 80’s.

View fitted to Super Dogfighter here


December 23, 2023

New date confirmed for IFMAR 1:8 eBuggy World Cup

After being forced to cancel the event just days before its planned date of last September due to a lack of entries, IFMAR has announced the new date of April 5-7, 2024, for the first ever World Cup for 1:8 Electric Buggy.  Concerns were raised when the initial date was announced as it was just 1-week after the 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona which was probably one of the biggest contributing factors to it getting only 15 confirmed entries but the new date should allow for a much stronger entry.  With eBuggy a hugely important category for manufacturers while 1:8 nitro has enjoyed World Championship status since 1986, the World Cup will be the first step for the electric category to become a World Championship category in 2025.  The World Cup will be hosted by the Club ACDB “OS BEIROES” at their 310m track in Guarda, Portugal whichk previously hosted the 2010 EFRA European 1:8 Nitro Buggy Championship when Reno Savoya took the third of his European titles.  View the updated Stage 1 report here.

Source: IFMAR [Facebook]


December 23, 2023

2024 Philippine Masters registration opens

Having established itself as Asia’s biggest annual 1:8 Offroad race, the organisers of the Philippine Masters have announced the opening of registration for the 12th edition of the high profile Manila based event.  A sell out event in 2023, the race saw World Champion David Ongaro win the Buggy title for Team Associated while Sworkz’ Micha Widmaier came away with the Truggy victory.  With the Philippines famed as a holiday destination, the event has a truly unique vibe living up to the nations tourism tagline ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ with many of the large international driver entry combining the race with holidays at the country’s world famous white sand beaches.  Along with Ongaro and Widmaier, Robert Battle, David Ronnefalk, Adam Drake, Ty Tessmann, Atsushi Hara and Kyle McBride are just some of the other international drivers to enjoy both the racing and hospitality in the capital city.  Again a capacity entry is expected to be reached quickly as the Philippine Masters plays host to the second round of the Asia Buggy Championships which after kicking off in February in New Zealand will also visit Australia and Indonesia in 2024 and at the end of which there will be an overall Champion of the region crowned.

Source: Philippine Masters [philippinemastersrc.com]


December 22, 2023

1:1 Tamiya Wild One MAX – Top Gear first drive

We are sure the thought of what would it be like to actually drive an RC car has crossed many an RC racer’s mind.  Well legendary motoring TV show Top Gear has just done that, sort of.  Back in July we ran the news that British based The Little Car Company was releasing a full adult size versus of Tamiya 1:10 2WD Wild One MAX buggy from 1985.  Now Top Gear have had the opportunity to test the new creation with Jason Barlow getting behind the wheel and summing up the experience by saying, ‘Honestly, I think that is the most fun I’ve had in any car all year’.  Watch the test drive on the Top Gear Youtube channel here.

Source: Top Gear [Youtube]


December 22, 2023

RUDDOG 2.4GHz 4-Channel Receiver

New from RUDDOG is their RR492 2.4GHz 4-channel FH5 receiver that has been specially developed for compatibility with selected latest generation Sanwa remote controls.  The RR492 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for an affordable but high quality alternative Receiver for their Sanwa remote control.  Compatible with the Sanwa M17, MT-5 and MT-R transmitters, it supports both FH5 and FH5U to seamlessly works with select Sanwa radio systems.  With a compact and lightweight design it is only 18.5 x 20.5 x 28.0 mm and weighs just 5 grams.

View receiver content here


December 22, 2023

Sontag departs Fantom Racing

Newly crowned 2WD Buggy World Champion Tater Sontag has announced his departure from electronics sponsor Fantom Racing.  Racing with the US brand two years, the highlight of the partnership was the 16-year-old winning the 2023 IFMAR World Title at Hobby Action Raceway in Arizona using its Pro 2.0 ESC. Normally also running their motors and batteries, a lack of IFMAR approval of their products meant he had to use a Hobbywing motor and ProTek batteries.  Announcing his departure the TLR driver said, ‘With the 2023 season coming to a close, unfortunately so does my time with Fantom Racing.  I started with Fantom 2 years ago and we have had some awesome results and amazing times. Fantom helped me win races from a club race, all the way to clinching a World Championship. I could not be more thankful for what Troy, Craig, and everyone else at Fantom did for me the past 2 years.  It’s been an awesome journey, but unfortunately everything good has to come to a close eventually.  With that being said stay tuned for my announcement for my 2024 electronics!’

Source: Tater Sontag RC [Facebook]