February 7, 2025

Volker, Kobbevik & Neumann set pace on opening day of MIBO International

It is the biggest MIBO International race yet and kicking off the third edition of the combined Czech onroad & offroad indoor event it was Ronald Volker in Modified Touring Car, Daniel Kobbevik in 2WD Buggy and Joern Neumann in 4WD Buggy who set the pace in free practice.  With both tracks opening up to racers late afternoon, to give them the Friday morning to travel to the Sports V Hotel in Hrotovice, Day 1 of the event consisted of 5 rounds of practice.  On the black carpet onroad track it was the Mugen Seiki of inaugural MIBO Champion Volker and the Schumacher of defending Champion Michal Orlowski would were the bench mark, Yokomo’s Christopher Krapp completing the Top 3.  On the grey carpet offroad track, onroad & offroad drivers standing back to back on the central drivers stand, 2WD Buggy saw Kobbevik’s Schumacher have the edge on MIBO debutant Marcus Kaerup’s Team Associated with Xray’s Bartosz Zalewski posting the third fastest time.  In 4WD, it was the Sworkz of the defending 2WD Champion Neumann that produced the fastest three consecutive laps ahead of the teenagers Kaerup and Zalewski, the later taking the win here 12-months ago.

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February 7, 2025

2025 IFMAR 1:10 Offroad Worlds – Stage 1 Report

The Stage 1 report for the 1:10 Offroad World Championships which take place in Sydney, Australia, later this year has been published by IFMAR.  Taking place at the Hills Off Road RC track which is situated in the North West of Sydney, the 20th running of the World title race is scheduled to run from September 29th to October 2nd for 2WD Buggy and October 3-6th for 4WD Buggy.  The Stage 1 Report confirms Australia’s own Clive Silva, who also acts as IFMAR Secretary/Treasurer, will lead the event in the role of Race Director.  On the media side RC Race Media will broadcast the official live stream around the world, Tony Firth, Matt Seckold and their crew having previously broadcast the 2023 1:8 GT World Championship and responsible for the live streaming of all four rounds of the high profile Asian Buggy Championships.  While previously announced in relation to the Warm-up Race which takes place from April 3-6th, US tyre brand Raw Speed are the official controlled tyre for the Worlds with their Super Mini Soft Compound with Grey Open Cell Insert tyre.  Further details of the 1:10 Offroad World Championships, such as a detailed time table, will follow in a Stage 2 report.

View Stage 1 Report here


February 7, 2025

Kilic takes TQ at Montpellier GP as rain cuts quali short

Fresh from his 1:10 4WD Offroad win at the EOS in Germany last weekend, Mugen Seiki’s Burak Kilic has secured the overall TQ at the annual Montepellier GP in France where rain has cut qualifying short.  The 19th running of the annual classic that has become the official season opener of 1:8 Offroad nitro racing in Europe, in seeding yesterday it was the younger of the Kilic brothers, Berak, who set the pace from Sworkz Juan Carlos Canas.  Concluding Day 1’s action with the first round of qualifying it was last year’s Top Qualifier Canas who set the mark by a considerable margin over his rivals.  Behind the Spaniard it with Burak in second and the Tekno of João Figueiredo in third.  Today (Friday) however would belong to Burak as he took Q2 & 3 before the decision was made that given the rain and that 3 rounds had been successfully completed driver’s best two would determine the final qualifying order at Circuit du MBM.  Last year rain rain also cut short qualifying when the fifth & final round was cancelled.  While organisers monitor the weather as to when best to start the running of the finals, behind Burak the final qualifying order is Canas, Berkan and 2023 winner Davide Ongaro while defending Champion Riccardo Berton ended up 13th.

Image: Mugen Seiki European [Facebook]


February 7, 2025

Xray XB8’25 1:8 Nitro Buggy

Xray has officially presented its latest 1:8 Nitro Buggy with the 2025 iteration of its popular XB8 platform which was first introduced 21-years ago.  The XB8’25 features new front and rear shock towers for improved suspension geometry that reduces roll & increases corner speed.  New shorter front and rear shocks have been updated to accommodate the new suspension geometry.  A split radio box ensures perfect left to right side flex that helps to generate more overall traction with the updated chassis combined with split radio box providing significantly improved & perfectly balanced side-to-side flex.  The Slovakian manufacturers has also made provisions for the new anti-roll bar centering holders on the front and rear gearbox covers.  The 2025 kit also includes new 3 dots carbon steering plate for improved Ackermann settings for smoother steering feel while a new front upper arm holder has been given a stronger more rigid design.  1 slot offset rear wheel hubs are now included having become a popular choice for most track conditions.

View the full XB8’25 presentation here


February 7, 2025

T-Works S35.4 Carbon Fibre side guards

T-Works has added these carbon fibre side guards to its range of aftermarket parts for the Sworkz S35.4 1:8 Buggy platforms.  Made using high quality carbon fibre material, they offer reduced weight, rigidity and durability with no change in handling characteristics.  The package includes one left and one right side guard with installation hardware.

Source: T-Works [rc-tworks.com]


February 6, 2025

Martin takes on UK Team Manager role

Having announced a 1:10 Offroad racing program with Xray at the end of 2024, Lee Martin is to now take on the role of UK Team Manager for the Slovakian manufacturer.  Kicking off his new racing deal with a debut win at the BRCA British Offroad Masters in January, the vastly experienced international racer will combine his racing duties with acting as the UK Off-Road Team Manager.  In his role, Xray say the multiple European Champion ‘will focus on building and nurturing the offroad team, ensuring that drivers receive the support they need to excel at every race.’  Martin will travel to all major events to provide hands-on assistance, technical guidance, and setup expertise to both team drivers and Xray customers.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]


February 6, 2025

ProTek Digital Professional Soldering Station

ProTek RC has announced a new 80W Digital Professional Soldering Station along with a new Carbon Fibre Set Up Board.  Designed for precision and efficiency, the Soldering Station offers digital controls and a robust build with an adjustable temperature dial ranging from 302°F to 1022°F.  The package includes replaceable multi-sized tips, an iron stand, and brass wool for tip cleaning.  The unit features auto standby and sleep mode functions as well as a temperature locking attribute.  The ProTek RC Carbon Fiber Set Up Board provides a lightweight and transportable option to satisfy set up needs both at home and at the track. Made from 3K twill glossy carbon fibre, this board delivers exceptional durability and strength while maintaining a lightweight profile.  The design features an easy-to-carry handle, smooth, chamfered edges, and measuring 485x375x5mm it is the perfect size to fit in a travel bag.

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February 6, 2025

HoBao Hyper SC 2.0 Short Course Truck

HoBao has announced it’s latest 1:10 Electric Short Course truck, the Hyper SC 2.0.  Building on the structural design of the TT2E, the Hyper SC 2.0 features newly designed steering knuckles and arms with larger pivot balls, providing sharper and more precise handling.  The reinforced arm holder and steering rack offer enhanced durability, making these parts even stronger than those on the TT2E.

View Features list and more images here