Red RC

March 5, 2024

Fenix FWD prototype debuts at ‘Charity Race’

Best known for its Formula 1 chassis and in particular its classic body shells, Italian company Fenix Racing has revealed some details about its new prototype FWD car that was spotted whiled competing at the annual ‘Charity Race’ in over the weekend. Commenting to Red RC on the project, Fenix Racing owner Giorgio Favaretto said, ‘It is not yet a real production model, but something rather different than usual. It is clearly reminiscent the mid 90’s Yokomo at the rear, while the front it’s a bit different from the field.’ Check out the photos of the prototype taken by Francesco Redaelli during the event.

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March 5, 2024

Orlowski wins ‘Charity Race’

While all the world’s attention was on the TITC in Bangkok over the weekend, Michal Orlowski was in Italy where he took yet another win at the annual ‘Charity Race’. One of the few manufacturers to not have a team driver at the TITC, Schumacher instead sent their star driver as the reigning ‘Charity Race’ Champion to the RC Landia indoor carpet track in Scandiano. The 13th running of the event, it has been raising thousands of euros over the years for local charities. In qualifying Orlowski took the TQ, and in the finals gave the British manufacturer’s new prototype car yet another win, it having dominated at the recent MIBO International in the Czech Republic. Joining the Polish driver in the podium would be Xray pairing Alessio Menicucci in 2nd and Luca Romagnoli in 3rd. The closest challenger to Orlowski over the four qualifiers, Filippo Domanin would finish P4.

Image: Michal Orlowski [Facebook]

March 5, 2024

JConcepts fluid holding station

JConcepts has released a fluid holding station capable of storing up to 8 different types of pit essentials. Together with RM2 they already offer a large assortment of glue, grease, and oil, which are all build and maintenance items. So, to up the ante on the road or at home, JConcepts have created an item to neatly organise these items to work with containers and bottles in the their line-up. The all-silicon rubber part is precision molded uniquely shaped and designed specifically for the items it holds. The bleacher style design steps each item up to maximize space and exposure while the tallest items in the rear used frequently are easy to gather quickly. Available in 3 colors, brilliant blue, stealth black, or cool gray, the holding station has a multitude of colours to choose from to match pit area or surroundings. Smallest compartments are placed at the front for clear diff lube, gold grease, and red O-ring grease. The middle row is reserved for the larger containers, heavy metal grease and ghost gear grease. The final row places JConcepts medium glue, bronze bearing oil, and finally thread lock.

View station empty here

March 5, 2024

Lens Bodies Maestrale GT 1:8 GT body

Lens Bodies has released digital renders of its first 1:8 GT bodyshell, the Maestrale GT. Going beyond the norm to explore new horizons, this is the basis of the design of the Maestrale GT. Freely inspired by the Tuatara SSC, the Maestrale GT calls into question the forms and functions of the bodyshells currently on the market. At the front end it has less aerodynamic resistance meaning more speed in a straight line (about 2km/h from track tests) and in turn lower fuel consumption. The sinuous shapes work together between the front and rear to generate excellent down force. Once trimmed and fitted on the car, the rear axle facilitates its advancement and gives an excellent feeling in fast corners without penalising tight sections. Engine cooling is improved by the linearisation of the air flows on the roof thanks to the ‘reverse intake’. The shaped bellies make it more stable on a straight line and facilitate the expulsion of exhaust gases on the engine side, moderating the quantity of oil that smears the rear wheel. To facilitate assembly, axes of symmetry are imprinted on the bodyshell. The Maestrale GT will be available in 2 different options of Light 0.75mm and Standard 1.0mm and is EFRA approved.

View rear image here

March 5, 2024

JConcepts 48p ‘Silent Speed’ machined alu pinion gear

JConcepts has introduced their Silent Speed pinion gears for 48 pitch racing performance applications. The heart of any RC vehicle is the transmission, at the top of the transmission lies the spur gear. Pinion gears or straight-cut gears are some of the simplest forms of gears; however they directly influence the ratio, speed and sound of RC vehicles and they are extremely important. These gears when meshed together correctly provide the transfer of power from the motor to the transmission and are one of the key elements in the versatility and sound of the vehicle. The gear includes a durable 3mm set screw which uses a 1.5mm hex wrench. Silent Speed pinion gears precision machined in aluminium and are very concentric giving the user a consistent gear mesh allowing a more precise adjustment and more “silence” on the race track. The detailed machining and laser engraving provide a great option to have in the pinion caddy when appearing at any event. The gears are marked for size and pitch so they are identifiable on or off the vehicle. Silent Speed pinion gears are also branded with the small JC logo for brand identification and authenticity with the range running from 18T to 38T.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

March 4, 2024

Ongaro takes max points at Italian Championship opener

David Ongaro got his 2024 Italian 1:8 Offroad National Championship campaign under way with a perfect weekend at the season opener held at the AOL Club Policoro track in Southern Italy. The defending Champion opened the event by taking his Team Associated RC8 to the overall TQ after he topped the opening 2 of the 4 qualifiers. Fastest in Q3, the Sworkz of Mattia Polito claimed second ahead of the Infinity of recent Montpellier GP winner Riccardo Berton who took the final qualifier. Going on to win his 20-minute Semi Final, back to back World Champion Ongaro would line up on pole from where he would win by half a lap from Polito, setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Qualifying P6, WIRC Racing’s Marco Baruffolo would complete the podium as Berton had issues and finished 5th in between Andrea Trevisan and Alex Zanchettin.

Image: Davide Ongaro [Facebook]

March 4, 2024

Martin wins 2024 Willspeed GP – Report

Willspeed, the British manufacturer best known for its billet aluminium buggy conversion kits, hosted the second annual edition of its Willspeed GP recently where Schumacher Racing’s Lee Martin took the win. Running of the event in partnership with 1066 Racing in Hastings, the event had 84 drivers book in and like last year the 2024 edition sold out within 24 hours going to show what a great meeting 1066 Racing put on and the racers were certainly keen to come back for more! The driver line up looked very strong with some of the top UK racers in attendance these included, Lee Martin, Kyle Moon, Nathan Ralls, Aaron Nash, Daniel Pole, Abe Lyons, Yasir Mughal and many more! We were greeted by a fantastic technical layout from the 1066 track crew with some great jumps which required precision and skill to get a clean fast lap in so consistency would be key to getting to the sharp end of the results!

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March 4, 2024

Xray XB2 Steering Block Graphite Extensions

Xray has released graphite extensions for the steering blocks of its XB2 1:10 Offroad platforms. Offered as a 1-dot or a 3-dot options, the 1-dot extension turns the outside wheels more making the car more aggressive and increasing overall steering. The 3-dot extension, marked with three dots for easy identification, turns the outside wheels less making the car less aggressive. The extensions work on either the left or right side blocks and allow for easy Ackermann position adjustment for fine-tuning on all surfaces and track conditions.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]