Red RC

January 14, 2026

Haatanen completes ’26 program with Matrix tyres

Having switched electronics for 2026 from Reedy to Ruddog Racing, long time Team Associated team driver Joona Haatanen has been announced as part of the Matrix Tires offroad team. The 2025 European 2WD Buggy podium finisher and German National Champion makes the switch between Italian tyre manufacturers finalising his 2026 race package with the move to Matrix from Hotrace. On the announcement, the popular Finn, who now lives in Germany, posted, ‘Last announcement for program of 2026! Joining Matrix Racing Tires/Xtreme Aerodynamics and will be using their products on my Team Associated 1/8 and 1/10 buggies! Thanks to Christian and rest of the team for this opportunity, let’s see what we can achieve together.’

Source: Joona Haatanen [Facebook]

January 14, 2026

Runner Time FAST16EU Competition Fuel

Producing nitro racing fuel for almost 30-years, Italian fuel brand Runner Time has added a new new competition blend of 16% fuel called Fast 16EU. The new 16% nitromethane formula delivers the optimal balance of performance, reliability and fuel efficiency. Developed through extensive R&D and validated by professional drivers at national and international events, Fast 16EU is created for racers who demand consistency without compromise. Available in 4000ml plastic containers, their newest blend is EFRA compliant and competition-ready.

Source: Runner Time [runnertime.com]

January 14, 2026

T-Works 1:8 Offroad 4-Shoe V2 Clutches

T-Works has updated their 4-shoe clutches for 1:8 Offroad use with the release of the V2 version of its 32mm and 34mm options. Available with a base of an aluminium or steel flywheel, each set contains four specifications of springs (0.9-1.1mm) and is equipped with a full set of high-quality accessories. The flywheel features a lightweight design, enabling precise and smooth power transmission, with the options of material allowing you to choose what is best for your racing needs.

View flywheel here

January 14, 2026

Team Saxo 1:10 Touring Car Rubber Tyres

Team Saxo has announced the addition of a new line of 1:10 Touring Car Rubber tyres to its product range. Produced in-house using their own molds, the tyre is offered in both an asphalt and a carpet spec. Describing the pre-glued sets of 4 tyres as ‘perfect for club racing’, the X variant for asphalt racing is offered in 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40 shore, while the XV for carpet use is available in 28 and 32.

Source: Team Saxo [saxoracing.com]

January 14, 2026

Infinity IFB8 CFRP Shock Towers

Infinity has released new CFRP front and rear shock towers for its IFB8 1:8 Buggy Platform. By using 5mm thick Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), the shock mounting angle is optimised. With the front tower this improves road‑holding performance and enabling more precise, controlled cornering. The new rear tower improves rear‑end stability and provides a more confident, planted driving feel. The CFRP versions also offer a weighting reduction over the kit’s original aluminium parts – a 12-grams saving for the front and a 13-grams saving for the rear. With both the front and rear GRFP towers fitted together on the IFB8, they deliver even greater overall chassis balance.

Source: Creation Model [creationmodel.net]

January 13, 2026

2026 Desert Classic – Announcement

2023 IFMAR 1:10 Offroad World Championship host venue Hobby Action has opened registration for the 10th Annual Desert Classic which takes place at the Arizona indoor track from March 5-8th. Under track owner Larry Tom, the Desert Classic has established itself as an early season fixture on the 1:10 Offroad calendar filling the void left after the iconic Cactus Classic lost its outdoor track location after the 2014 edition. Attracting 32o entries, last year’s edition saw wins for Xray’s Chase Lemieux (2WD) and Team Associated’s Aydin Horne (4WD). Continuing to be supported by long time sponsor Stickit1 Racing, the race schedule will consist of 4 rounds of qualifying with the best three to count with triple finals for all 2WD and 4WD classes and 10-minute Mains for Truck classes.

View race poster here

January 13, 2026

Isaacs & Hagberg win at Hudy Indoor Champs

Awesomatix’s Sam Isaacs and Xray’s Alexander Hagberg where the big winners at the annual Hudy Indoor Champs at ProLevel RC in Chesterfield, Missouri – Isaacs winning 1:12 while Hagberg took back to back Touring Car wins. Attracting 148 entries, qualifying would see Isaacs TQ both classes, topping all four round in 1:12 and 2 of the four in Touring Car. With team-mate Kemp Anderson lining up P2 in 1:12 and defending Champion Hagberg in third, in the single 8-minute A-Main Anderson would get the front after a rough start by Isaacs. Leading for half the race, he would be retaken by Isaacs for the win with the podium order being how they qualified. In Touring Car, Isaacs would lead for the first half of the race until a mistake rolled his Awesomatix out of contention for the double allowing last year’s double winner Hagberg to take the victory by 1.6-seconds from Anderson with 2023 winner Keven Hebert completing the Top 3.

Image: Sam Isaacs [Facebook]

January 13, 2026

SkyRC ITV500 Compact Handheld Thermal Imager

SkyRC has added this compact handheld thermal imager to its product line-up, the ITV500 designed to help RC drivers identify heat-related issues before failure occurs. Using FIR thermal imaging technology, the ITV500 visualises temperature differences across motors, ESCs, batteries, and connectors in real time, allowing drivers to see the temperature instantly and detect hidden hotspots. With contact-free temperature measurement and a touch-based interface, it provides a practical tool for identifying abnormal heat buildup during setup, testing, and trackside maintenance. Rechargeable via USB-C and upgrade firmware effortlessly with UF2 drag-and-drop, the ITV500 weighs just 38 grams and features a bright 1.83″ touch display.

View Specs & more images here