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ETS enters new decade in Vienna

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 08:25 AM PDT

After celebrating the completion of 10 seasons of world class racing back in July, the Yokomo Euro Touring Series is set to enter into a second decade of high profile competition as Vienna hosts the opening round of Season #11 this weekend (27-29 October). Taking place as part of the ‘Modellbau 2017’ model show in the Austrian Capital, the 58th race of the ETS also marks the 8th consecutive season of Yokomo being the title sponsor of the Uwe Rheinard and Scotty Ernst created championship with the Japanese manufacturer one of a number of teams looking to take on the domination of a certain Bruno Coelho. As back to back champion, Coelho enters into only his fourth season of the ETS as the pre-season favourite. Also champion of the Euro Offroad Series and the Euro Nitro Series, last season the Xray driver claimed a record 5 wins from 6 races and getting fed up of being in the shadow of the Portuguese driver his rivals are more determined than ever to change this over the coming season.

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ETS enters new decade in Vienna

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 08:21 AM PDT

After celebrating the completion of 10 seasons of world class racing back in July, the Yokomo Euro Touring Series is set to enter into a second decade of high profile competition as Vienna hosts the opening round of Season #11 this weekend (27-29 October). Taking place as part of the ‘Modellbau 2017’ model show in the Austrian Capital, the 58th race of the ETS also marks the 8th consecutive season of Yokomo being the title sponsor of the Uwe Rheinard and Scotty Ernst created championship with the Japanese manufacturer one of a number of teams looking to take on the domination of a certain Bruno Coelho. As back to back champion, Coelho enters into only his fourth season of the ETS as the pre-season favourite. Also champion of the Euro Offroad Series and the Euro Nitro Series, last season the Xray driver claimed a record 5 wins from 6 races and getting fed up of being in the shadow of the Portuguese driver his rivals are more determined than ever to change this over the coming season.

Having had his 5-year reign as the ETS master brought to an end by Coelho, Yokomo’s Ronald Volker wants his title back as the 2017/18 championship will lead the drivers into the World Championships in South Africa. As the reigning World Champion, Volker was the only driver last year to beat Coelho when he won Round 2 in Germany – a carpet race. Overall Season #10 was a difficult one for Volker, the German having struggled to get to terms with Yokomo’s latest offering but armed with a new car there are high hopes he will be able to take the title fight to Coelho. Backing up Volker, Yokomo’s protege Naoki Akiyama is back for another ETS campaign.

Last season’s opening race marked the end of one of the longest standing driver deals of our sport as Marc Rheinard drove his final race for Tamiya in the Czech Republic. Going on to join newcomers Infinity from Round 2, marking the occasion with a podium finish, the 4-time World Champion went on to settle in well with his new team. Sharing the honour of the most career wins in the ETS with Volker, the German will be looking to take that honour back exclusively for himself by claiming a 15th ETS victory and his first not driving a Tamiya. Having become 1:8 Onroad World Champions in the ETS off season, the Japanese manufacturer also have strength in Akio Sobue. The Japanese National Champion has shown great form over the Summer and will be looking to carry that into his ETS campaign. While not an official team driver, multiple race winner Yannic Prumper will also drive an Infinity this weekend and having the German back in the mix for a race win would be an exciting prospect for the championship.

Elsewhere in the Volante Modified class, Awesomatix and Schumacher will strive to take on the big three. Russian outfit Awesomatix will again be led by Viljami Kutvonen and Freddy Sudhoff. Kicking off his campaign with a podium finish, Kutvonen went on to enjoy his best championship finish last season ending up fourth overall behind Coelho, Volker and Rheinard and ahead of Alexander Hagberg and Sobue. Schumacher also enjoyed a podium finish last season with 3rd place in Italy thanks to Elliott Harper and once again the British company will count on home grow talent to lead the team. One to watch this season should be Tim Wahl. The Xray driver was the star of the season finale at Ettlingen with his efforts over the years rewarded with his first podium finish. Huge motivation for the German, he will be looking to open the new season just as strongly.

In Pro Stock, a driver who was little known last season enters into his second ETS campaign as the defending champion. Making his ETS debut at the season opener in the Czech Republic, Alexandre Duchet went on to win that event adding a further win enroute to becoming champion. The Frenchman didn’t have it easy with former champion Jan Ratheisky, Tamiya driver Christian Donath and Awesomatix’ Olivier Bultynck taking the title fight to the final round. In Formula, Serpent’s David Ehrbar lifted his first ETS title with the Serpent driver also denying Ratheisky and Bultynck.

Brazilian Nitro On-road National Champs Rd3 – Report

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 08:19 AM PDT

The 3rd and final round of the Brazilian Nitro On-road National Championship was held in Americana/SP, home of the 2015 IFMAR 1/8th World Championship. High temperatures during the day made for challenging conditions for men and machines. In the 1/8th Pro class it was Flavio Elias with the win from Kazuo Ohara and Samuel Prato.

1/8th Pro final results:
1. Flavio Elias – Capricorn
2. Kazuo Ohara – Mugen
3. Samuel Prato – Capricorn
4. Willian Capitelli – Capricorn
5. Pedro Thieme – Capricorn
6. Ricardo Nesi – Capricorn
7. Fernando Oliveira – Capricorn
8. Renato Camargo – Xray
9. Willian Maeda – Capricorn
10.Renato Fonseca – Mugen

In 1/10th Sport Thiago Castro brought home the win from Douglas Savio and Gustavo Baer.

1/10th Sport final results:
1. Thiago Castro – Mugen
2. Douglas Savio – Capricorn
3. Gustavo Baer – Capricorn
4. Tico Grassano – Mugen
5. Leandro Sertao – Capricorn
6. Diogo Maia – Xray
7. Joao Vitor – Mugen
8. Luciano Aquino – Xray
9. Rafael BoB Vieira – Capricorn
10. Renato Camargo – Xray
11. Silvio Andrade – Capricorn
12. Pedro Thieme – Capricorn

Finally in 1/8th GT it was Carlos Fernando Lima with the win from Luis Vinicius Azevedo while Luckyan Quintino, who had an eventful A-main, rounded out the podium result.

1/8th GT final results:
1. Carlos Fernando Lima – Mugen
2. Luis Vinicius Azevedo – Mugen
3. Luckyan Quintino – Xray
4. Renato Tano – Mugen
5. Alan Andrioti – Mugen
6. Igor Areal – HB Racing
7. Felipe Chaud – Mugen
8. Willian Capitelli – Mugen
9. Raphael Oliveira – Mugen
10.Danilo Carmona – Mugen
11.Fernando Oliveira – IGT8
12.Thiago Castro – Mugen

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]

Xray Racing Series Poland – Rd2

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 07:34 AM PDT

The second round of the XRS/PLMS on-road series was held in Ścinawka Średnia with more than 60 drivers in attendance. In the fastest class of the weekend, Touring Modified, the number of entries was pretty low, however the quality of racing was second to none as the top 3 had some super close battles for the win with Martin Korinek ultimately bringing home the overall from runner-up, Jarosław Siwek and 3rd placed Jakub Michalski who rounded out an all-Xray top 3.

Touring Modified top 5 results:
1. Martin Korinek – Xray
2. Jarosław Siwek – Xray
3. Jakub Michalski – Xray
4. Mirek Novák – Xray
5. Martin Vdoviak – Xray

The Touring Stock class, run with XRS Hobbywing 13.5T handout motors, also offered great racing. Šimon Horák (Xray) brought home the silverware from Mariusz Zachacz (Xray) 2nd and Przemysław Wicher (Xray) 3rd.

Touring Stock final results:
1. Šimon Horák – Xray
2. Mariusz Zachacz – Xray
3. Przemysław Wicher – Xray
4. Wiktor Twardowski – Xray
5. Paweł Grześkowiak – Xray
6. Bruno Zachacz – Xray
7. Grzegorz Nóżka – Xray
8. Krzysztof Andruchów – Xray
9. Sebastian Stępniak – Xray
10.Marek Kusiakiewicz – Xray

In the Formula class, run with XRS Hobbywing 21.5T motors, also made for some close racing. In the end Šimon Horák would excel to leave Marek Kusiakiewicz and Mariusz Zachacz (all Xray) behind in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Formula final results:
1. Šimon Horák – Xray
2. Marek Kusiakiewicz – Xray
3. Mariusz Zachacz – Xray
4. Prrzemysław Cygan – Xray
5. Tomasz Szymański – Xray
6. Krzysztof Niebora – Xray
7. Grzegorz Kuzak – Xray
8. Sebastian Stępniak – Xray
9. Anna Szymańska – Xray
10. Jerzy Ryman – n/a

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]

Spektrum DX5C DSMR 5-channel radio system

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 04:25 AM PDT

Coming soon from Spektrum is the DX5C DSMR 5-channel radio system. The intermediate-level transmitter offers five fully proportional channels, DSMR technology, removable non-slip rubber grips and easy SimpleScroll programming. Its software features include steering mix, 4-wheel steering mix, one assignable mix, Pro-Level servo monitor, and Active Vehicle Control programming. Included in the set is a 6-channel SRS6000 AVC receiver and the transmitter is also available with a SR415 micro receiver.

Key features:
– Lightweight design with comfortable ergonomics
– Five-Channel, full-proportional versatility
– Frequency-agile, Spektrum DSMR 2.4GHz technology
– Removable, non-slip rubber grips
– Exclusive SimpleScroll interface delivers friendly programming
– Back button makes navigating the interface more intuitive
– Steering mix, 4-wheel steering mixing, plus one assignable mix
– Pro-Level servo monitor
– Wheel and trigger calibration
– Bind-Progress screen displays status and frame rate
– Program and fine-tune compatible AVC receivers
– Tone alarm for low battery and inactivity
– Compatible with DSMR and DSM2 receivers (DSM2 only operates on 16.5ms frame rate)
– Includes SR6000 AVC receiver
– EN328 compatible

Source: Spektrum [spektrumrc.com]

19th annual Dirt Nitro Challenge – Registration open

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 03:39 AM PDT

The organisers of the Dirt Nitro Challenge have announced that the official registration for the 2018 edition is now open. With upgrades to the Fear Farm facility underway, the organisers have been given the green light for the upcoming event and they will also limit the number of 1/8th scale entries to ensure a reasonable nightly finish hour and guarantee quality advertised track time, meaning spots available will sell out fast. Sign-up for the 19th annual Nitro Challenge is now available here.

Belgian SCT Cup Rd6 – Report

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 03:14 AM PDT

Round 6 of the Belgian SCT Cup was held at the Off-road Racing RC Torhout club. The event marked the serie’s first visit at the venue whose 250 metres long astro turf track offers both technical and flatout sections, with some tricky jumps in between that require very precise driving. Due to rainy weather in the built up to the event, the track was still wet in the morning and it took until the afternoon to dry up, making tyre choice critical. In Pro2 qualifying, Géry Ledocq (Kyosho) took the TQ by winning all three rounds while Nicolas Evens (TLR) obtained the second spot of the grid despite some mechanical issues in the final run. Tom Vercarre (TLR) and Guillaume Laffut (TeamC) fought for P3 all morning long and eventually it was Tom who rounded out the top 3 results.

In Pro4 qualifying, Sam Damman (TLR) made good use of his track knowledge by topping two rounds to take the overall TQ, while Nicolas Evens (TLR) had to settle for the second spot. The second run was a very close decider, as Nicolas’ time was only 0.37 seconds adrift from Sam’s. The third place was grabbed by Sam Puttevils (Tekno), who finished 3rd in the two final runs, after having to retire in Q1.

In the Pro2 A-finals, Géry would make a clean sweep by winning all three legs but it wasn’t all smooth sailing as Nicolas was chasing him closely especially in A2 when the two finished only one second adrift. Tom finished 2nd of the third run, only two seconds behind Géry. Tom and Guillaume continued to battle, this time for the 3rd overall place. Both had to retire once after mechanical issues and in the end Tom secured the final podium spot thanks to his consistent and fast driving in the final run.

In the Pro4 A-main Nicolas Evens went on to win the opening two legs but Sam Damman didn’t made things easy for Nicolas especially in the second run, by crossing the finish line only 2.7 seconds from Nicolas. Having secured the win for the day, Nicolas sat out A3 which was topped by Sam, in front of Fabio Cumps (TLR) who showed a very good pace, which allowed him to take the final podium spot. Sam Puttevils and Serge Sermon had also shown a very good pace, however, both suffered mechanical issues and they had to retire in one heat each.

In Pro2, at the totally revamped track of the Black Country Arena, the final round of the season will be the decider for the title between Géry Ledocq and Nicolas Evens, while Tom Vercarre and Stéphane Lecomte will fight for the 3rd place of the final classification, both duos being separated by only one point after this penultimate round. In Pro4, Nicolas Evens is already sure to be champion, but the fight for second place is still ongoing between the two Sams, Damman and Puttevils, with a one-point gap only.

Source: Belgian SCT Cup [belgiansctcup.be]

Kyosho MP9 gear differential sets

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 02:45 AM PDT

Kyosho’s Yuichi Kanai has announced the soon release of two gear differential sets for the MP9 and GT3 series of kits. The convenient packs do away with the need to buy all parts separately with the front/rear kits include the needed diff gear while the centre diff pack comes without main gear to let drivers choose the required size. All include hard-coated 7075 aluminium cross shafts for a low weight and to keep the oil cleaner for longer. The diff sets will hit stores soon.

Source: Kyosho [kyosho.com]

Tamiya M-05 NSU TT Jägermeister – Coming soon

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 01:59 AM PDT

Coming soon from Tamiya is the M-05 chassis kit with NSU TT Jägermeister body shell. No further information is available when it comes to chassis features and specifications but as usual for most modellers the highly detailed body is the most important item in the kit with the NSU TT being an iconic German 1960/70’s race car whose replica body will feature plastic mirrors and a detailed decal sheet.

Source: Tamiya Blog [tamiyablog.com]

Mugen introduce new MBX7-series option parts

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 01:24 AM PDT

Coming from Mugen is a range of option parts for the Mugen MBX7 series of buggies, trucks and GT cars. Available from November are new front steering knuckle sets in in-line and 1.5 trailing axle configuration that include carbon fibre steering upright arms – the latter also being available separately to replace the standard alloy parts. The front uprights and carbon fibre steering arms are usable on the MBX7R buggy, MBX7TR truck and MGT on-road car, with the in-line configuration offering smooth steering response while the trailing knuckles make for increased steering. As for the carbon arms, the design was modified to allow space for the larger 15x21x4mm bearings when running the trailing front uprights. Also new is a 47T main gear for the HT centre diff that is good for use on smaller tracks or when in need of additional low-end power and acceleration. Last but not least comes a new IFMAR-legal, lightweight high downforce rear wing in white, yellow or black colour.

Source: Mugen [mugenseiki.com]

Xray T4’18 brass chassis stiffener

Posted: 26 Oct 2017 12:53 AM PDT

Xray have introduced a brass chassis stiffener for the T4’18 touring car. Designed to replace the carbon fibre brace, the stiffener adds 5g of weight to the most central part of the chassis, it eliminates pitch flex and holes for the multi-flex screws allow to fine-tune the chassis’ torsional flex characteristics.

Source: Xray [teamxray.com]