Rumors and driver changes for the 2013 season [updated]

  

- Cody King (update #1)

- "Dyno" Dan Hissam 

 

(If in fact Cavalieri's switch to AKA is true, what will be his bodies of choice as he is arguably the first to make the Pro-Line Bulldog bodies famous.)

(Formerly a Hot Bodies driver and designer, Jesse Robbers is confirmed a "Free Agent" for 2013.)

(Kyosho/Orion USA Team Manager, Joe Pillars, has said to be working on 4 big driver contracts. The question is, who is in the "Big Four"?)

 (While a USA hopeful to win the 2012 IFMAR 1:8 Worlds, multiple flame-outs in the Semi dashed his chances of a win - which had no relation to his tire choices despite what some might believe.)

 

Earlier we reported that changes sounded quite imminent for the 2010 IFMAR World Champ, Cody King.  We have been scrounging all day for more information into rumors that Cody may be going to the A-Main team, and in doing so, one of our sources told us that Cody has in fact reached an agreement with Kyosho through the 2014 worlds in Italy, and he is also continuing with Pro-Line for 2013 as well.  Nothing has been solidified in the engine department yet, however the possibility of Cody staying with Team Orion is still on the table. Rumors have been circulating about Cody going to the A-Main Hobbies race team, but those now appear to be false, although he will still be representing them in a limited role as he has already been doing in years past.

 

Original Story: Changes sound immenant for the 2010 WC, but we don't know to what extent(chassis, motor, tires, etc).  It could be one, it could be all. Timewill tell.  But if a big change is indeed coming, we could see a nicefit for the former WC on the A Main Hobbies team.  He already has closeties to them, and with A Main's growing team presence, adding a toplevel talent such as Cody seems logical.

 

(Cody had a solid year of racing, but unfortunately was unable to take another World Championship win in 2012) 

 

 

It has been confirmed that long-time TLR/Losi car designer, "Dyno" Dan Hissam, will part ways with his longtime role at TLR. Hissam has confirmed he will be joining the Firelands Group (Anza), and although a race car is not in the immediate future, he is excited to work on the RTR side of things for such a fast growing company. 

 

 

(In addition to AE vehicles, Cragg will also be running the LRP & Reedy lineup of products for 2013) 

 
Atsushi Hara signs with ProTek R/C

 

A Main Hobbies is proud to announce that two-time World Champion, Atsushi Hara, will be racing for A Main Hobbies and ProTek RC. Hara, who is regarded as one of the most-talented RC racers of all time, has won a world title in 1/10-scale electric touring car and 1/8-scale nitro off-road, two very different disciplines— cementing his place in RC history. For the 2013 season, Hara will be racing with ProTek’s Supreme Power Lipo batteries, Prodigy chargers and ProTek’s complete line of RC accessories. “Hara’s presence will elevate our race team. He is one of the most complete RC racers and an all-around good guy. We are excited to have him race for us. His decision to compete with ProTek RC products is a testament to the brand’s quality and heritage,” said A Main Hobbies CEO Kendall Bennett.


Hara’s first race with A Main Hobbies and ProTek RC will be the Reedy Race of Champions held at West Coast RC Raceway in La Mirada, California. The race, which takes place January 24-27, features the top off-road racers from around the world competing in a heads-up invitational class. Hara will be using the latest ProTek Lipo batteries and chargers for both his 2WD and 4WD buggies. “I’m excited to be on the A Main Hobbies race team and to be competing with ProTek RC equipment. A Main Hobbies and ProTek RC have been leading the industry, which was important in my decision,” said, Atsushi Hara.

 

 

Team Orion is happy to announce that Dakotah Phend has re-signed with Team Orion through 2014. This will be Phend's 3rd and 4th consecutive year with Team Orion. Over the past 4 years with Team Orion, Phend has won 1 ROAR National Championship as well as many podium finishes at the major events. Last year Dakotah attended his first IFMAR World Championship in Vaasa, Finland where he made both A-Main Events with his Team Orion powered TLR rides. This past year has been very impressive as well with Phend finishing 2nd in both classes at the ROAR 1/8 Gas Nationals and making the A-Main Event at the IFMAR 1/8 Buggy World Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

  

 

XRAY is proud to announce that Swedish top off-road racer Henrik Nilsson joins XRAY team to race the XB9. Henrik is a multiple Swedish cup winner, multiple Swedish championship podium finisher. Henrik is a well-known and respected driver in Sweden and will give be a new force in the XRAY team in Nordic.
 

 

 

At the worlds in Argentina, it took a perfect run for Cody to make it into the final from the 1/8 main—It started with a bump into the ¼. . .then a bump in to the semi. . .and finally a bump into the final! 3 hours of nonstop racing—3 hard hours of driver concentration, car endurance and a fuel that could not have provided more power and reliability, hour after hour! 3 hours of clean running and flawless engine performance in the hour long final without even touching the tune! In Cody’s words, “How could I ask any more from my choice in fuels?” Byron Fuels is proud to be Cody’s sponsor and we look forward to a great 2013 and beyond!

 

 

 

Team Orion is very happy to announce that Jared Tebo has re-signed with Team Orion through 2014. This will be Tebo's 5th and 6th consecutive year with Team Orion. Over the past 4 years with Team Orion, Tebo has recorded 7 ROAR National Championships along with many major wins! Team Orion USA Team Manager Joe Pillars says, "Jared has been a great addition to our Team. Four years ago we were looking to expand our Team with another big name driver, at got it. Tebo has brought a great respect for our products and cant for the next 2 years".