Red RC

January 2, 2026

Hong Nor X3GTS’26 1:8 GT

World Champion manufacturer Hong Nor has released images of their latest 1:8 Nitro GT kit the X3GTS’26. Due for release at the end of January, the ’26 is an evolution of the WC edition which was released after Toni Gruber’s 2023 World title win in Australia. The most significant upgrades are increased rigidity from the new 4mm 7075-T6 chassis. The kit also features a new radio tray design, Carbon Top Deck, and CNC Machined Chassis Brace Mount, with the combined overall result of the new parts being improved corner speed. Running a 13/44T Spiral Bevel Gear, the’26 also gets a new fuel tank that has been fitted with a fuel pick up that can also function should the car flip.

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January 2, 2026

Haatanen switches to RUDDOG Racing Electronics

Top Finnish Offroad racer Joona Haatanen is making the switch to Ruddog Racing electronics for 2026. The career long Team Associated team driver has run the US manufacturer’s package of Reedy Electronics but following his joining of Ruddog Distribution as a full-time employee in early 2025, he will now run the German based Team Associated distributor’s full range of own brand Ruddog Racing electronics in his AE cars. This full performance package includes the RXS speed controller, Ruddog Racing motors, servos and LiPo packs.

Source: Ruddog [ruddog.eu]

January 1, 2026

Neumann joins WIRC Factory Team

Italian manufacturer WIRC has announced the signing of Joern Neumann to its Factory team. The German starts a new chapter with WIRC after a successful 8-year program in which he was part of the growth of the Sworkz brand into a key industry player in today’s 1:8 Buggy market. Announcing their new star signing with little information other than ‘Welcome Jörn Neumann to the WIRC Factory Team!’ after the Belgian flag!, it is expected the hugely accomplished offroad racer will focus on 1:8 Offroad but as WIRC also have a 1:8 GT chassis we might also see the former IFMAR 1:8 GT World Champion compete in onroad events. WIRC has previously worked with Ryan Cavalieri, for one season, and Marco Baruffolo, for 14-months, and only recently signed Tyler Jones to its US team.

Source: WIRC Racing [wirc-racing.com]

January 1, 2026

ORCA signs Sawada

Electronics brand ORCA has announced the signing of top Japanese Touring Car driver & recently crowned 2025 FEMCA Asia Touring Car Spec Champion Shin Sawada. The Xray team driver, who finished fifth at the 2024 IFMAR World Championships in the Spec Class and previously ran for Hobbywing, will join the likes of Naoto Matsukura, Akio Sobue, and Lucas Urbain, in representing the ORCA brand in 2026. A World Championship year, Sawada will be one of ORCA’s key challengers for the Spec title at the Hongyu GDC track in China next April.

Source: ORCA [orcarc.com]

January 1, 2026

Butterfield joins Team Associated

Having announced his departure from Serpent last week, multiple US Nitro Onroad National Champion Bryce Butterfield will race for Team Associated in 2026. Racing both nitro and electric programs during his 5-years with Serpent, the 24-year-old will now form part of Team Associated’s Electric Touring Car team, the US manufacturer only returning to competitive racing with the TC8 which went on release in April of 2025. Sharing the news on his social media, Butterfield who finished runner-up at the 2025 ROAR Modified Touring Car Paved Championships, said, ‘2026 brings a new chapter, Team Associated! Super excited and proud to be a part of this iconic brand! Thank you to BT and everyone behind the scene for allowing me to represent. I’m looking forward to working with the team with a focus on the TC8 and onroad with some off-road sprinkled in here and there. It’s gonna be a great, but busy year! Feel free to come check out my TC8, and hit me up online if you have any questions regarding Team Associated products. See everyone at the track!

Source: Bryce Butterfield [Facebook]

December 31, 2025

EXO Design Updated Optima Mid LWB Conversion Kit

To support the re-release of the Kyosho’s Turbo Optima MID Special, Buggy conversation specialist EXO Design has released an updated version of its Conversion Kit for the 1:10 4WD Buggy. This new version has received significant design upgrades including Belt Relief Groove, this recessed groove preventing friction between the belt and the chassis plate. It also gets a Transverse Battery Setup which retains the stock Rere holder but upgrades to Metal Battery Holder Nuts for a secure, zero-risk fit. The updated chassis design now accommodates the installation of the Kyosho #30623 Turbo Optima MID Special under tray. In addition to the updated kit, EXO Design also confirmed its 1:10 FF Buggy will officially release in 2026. The final production version features several design changes compared to the prototype previously shared. Targeting a release in Q2 2026, once the shipping schedule is confirmed, they will launch a pre-order campaign.

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December 31, 2025

Phend confirms switch to Matrix Tires

Having announced that he was leaving JConcepts after 6 seasons with the US tyre brand, Dakotah Phend has been confirmed at Matrix for 2026. The Xray driver joins reigning 1:8 Offroad World Champion Davide Ongaro in running the Italian manufacturer’s tyres. On sharing the announcement Phend posted, ‘With time comes change and with change comes opportunity and I’m extremely excited for what the future holds. Cristian, the owner of Matrix, has been great to work with and I can’t wait to help the brand grow and flourish over here in the states. First race up will be Clash with the newly announced Matrix slick tires!’

Source: Dakotah Phend [Facebook]

December 31, 2025

JConcepts Micro-T Finnisher body w/Rear Spoiler

Ending out the 2025 year, JConcepts has released their Finnisher body for the popular 1:28 Micro-T from Losi. The body incorporates pre-dimpled locations for the mini truck and has a slight cab forward, raked windshield and aggressive stance that highlights a performance-oriented core. The front hood scoop allows plenty of clearance for mini front-end geometry and body mounts while smoothing out the front down force area. Front chin spoiler, headlight, and grill protect the front-end from unwanted up-drafts during flight. Just like the larger trucks, the Micro-T body has all the performance-based features like air-escape passages which can be trimmed by the customer for better “in-flight” characteristics. Recessed windows look heavy and add to the depth of the Finnisher styling. Heavy bracing between the back of the cab and rear shock tower humps connects the features and add some rigidness to the design. The rear spoiler is included as part of the rear of complete body assembly mold. To assemble the rear spoiler, it’s necessary to use the standard mounting hardware and brace included with Micco-T kit. Each body receives window mask and a decal sheet.

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