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Industry News’ Category

Horizon Hobby Sponsors Rockstar Engery Motocross Team
Horizon Hobby have just announced they are expanding their marketing sponsorship of the Rockstar Energy Motocross Team. If you don’t follow motocross, Rockstar Energy Racing has had a great year – Rockstar rider Davi Millsaps lead the 450 Supercross class points early in the season, and 250 riders Blake Wharton took a win at the Houston Supercross and Jason Anderson scored his first Supercross win in Salt Lake City. The collaboration between Horizon Hobby and the Rockstar motocross team is sure to expose many new people to the rc hobby and to all the unique products that Horizon has to offer.

To check out some of the cool products that Horizon has to offer click RIGHT HERE.

The BigSquidRC Bash Crew is just itching to get the weekend started, how about a BSRC TGIF Mystery Link?

Mitchell DeJong Team Losi Racing TLR
You may know the name Mitchell DeJong from a special edition Traxxas Bandit Buggy, while others may know him as being a 15 year old Red Bull Racing off-road prodigy. There is no doubt he is a superstar on the rise, he’s won multiple titles in full scale off-road racing and is likely to win many more.

Recently DeJong signed on with Team Losi Racing/TLR. It will be really cool to see DeJong help promote TLR products (and the rc hobby in general) to the mainstream during his full scale off-road racing. The press release also stated that he’s an avid rc’er, so look out for him on the local tracks in SoCal with his Losi Ten-SCTE.

Thank Goodness It’s Friday, we’ve been working our tails off all week for it to arrive. How about another TGIF Mystery Link?

Trinity Sues ROARAfter a recent ROAR ruling banning the previously legal Trinity D3.5 17.5 turn brushless motor (also known as WireGate on the forums), Trinity have just announced they (along with Fantom Racing, EAM, and Putnam Propulsion) are bringing a class action lawsuit against the sanctioning body. Here is the press release from Trinity-

It is with great regret that I must inform the racing community that lawsuits have been filed against R.O.A.R. this morning the 26th day of February 2013 in the State of Florida. Case # CA-13-976-16W and ROAR and Plaintiffs to appear before Judge Dickey for resolution. A class-action suit pending involving Trincorp, EAM, Fantom Motors and Putnam Propulsion is now in place with the Court System and will have to be defended. We as a group have done everything in our power to negotiate with ROAR, asking for a time period for new specifications using this new protocol testing to allow time for manufacturer’s and consumers to adjust to their new protocol yet using the same vague rules but we were denied! Our goals are to protect our good names and our customer base from purchasing new motors for a season that has not ended due to the precocious and what we feel irresponsible behavior of ROAR to change the “testing protocol” which has been used for over 30 years, terminate both Independent Labs, keep a rule “with no maximum tolerance listed in the rule and be arrogant enough to still leave it “as is” have left us no alternative at all than to allow a “fair and equitable” court system to decide the “fate” of all involved with the D3.5/17.5 it’s customers both National and International and it’s race organizers and promoters.

We look forward to a reasonable and quick decision by the Court so we can all get back to enjoy racing the way it should be. We also hope that the Executive Committee of ROAR can see and understand the misfortunes of this case and the wrongful action by a select few of their own and rectify this situation as quickly as possible to restore the “independent and equitable atmosphere” ROAR should exhibit to all it’s members and affiliates will ultimately restore the confidence again to the ‘buying public”. It is obvious that ROAR holds a great responsibility not only in rule-making but also in confidence for consumers to purchase products on their approval which is why rescinding an approval after 10 months (when there was no change in the motor) for the personal gain of some of it’s directors and or manufacturer’s they are aligned makes the action of ROAR so profound and must be heard in a court of law!

Sincerely

Ernest N. Provetti
Managing Director
TRINCORP, LLC

We will be bringing you more information as we receive it, until then HERE is the link for Trinity, and click HERE for ROAR’s website.

Hobbico/Great Planes Exclusive Distributor for HPI Racing

We were the first to break the news a few weeks ago on our Google Plus show, Cubby then talked a little about all the details we had. Then again when all the other websites were claiming HPI was bought, we assured people that it wasn’t the case. HPI has now confirmed what we have been saying all along since we broke the news.

Here is the official announcement from HPI Racing about their exclusive distribution deal with Hobbico/Great Planes.

“In light of recent media speculation, HPI would like to confirm that it has appointed Hobbico/Great Planes Model Distributors as their exclusive distributor for HPI RC Cars in North America. This distribution partnership is a further extension of the HPI’s exclusive distribution network that is operating very successfully throughout the rest of the world.

We would like to be clear that Hobbico has not purchased HPI, HPI’s assets or the rights to any HPI products. Hobbico/Great Planes Model Distributors have simply purchased the necessary product inventory to enable them to provide the service levels required from an exclusive distributor in such a large market area. Their comprehensive distribution facilities will ensure fast and effective supply of the entire HPI product line.

As the exclusive North American distributor, Hobbico will also be providing first-class customer services utilizing their extensive facilities and knowledgeable staff at their headquarters in Champaign, Illinois. The customer service facility will be operational for the HPI product range beginning March 1st, 2013.

HPI USA will retain its headquarters in California, where we will continue to develop market-leading products and maintain relationships with our high-profile corporate partners. HPI Europe will handle centralized purchasing and logistics operations, resulting in more efficient accessibility of global product demand. These combined efforts will enable North American shops and customers better and faster access to HPI’s kits, spares and support.

This exciting partnership will enhance HPI’s presence within North America by giving both companies the opportunity to concentrate their efforts on their own specialized areas of the business.

HPI’s dedication to product development, marketing collaborations and our distribution partners will ensure HPI will remain the front runner in the worldwide RC market.”

So there you have it folks, expect big from HPI and Great Planes in the years to come. For more information on all of HPI’s fine products HERE is the link to their official website.

Another week has flown by and is in the books, why not give your luck a try on a TGIF Mystery Link?

ihobby 2013
The latest news from about the iHobby 2013 trade show is- they are holding this years event back in Chicago. Chicago is a familiar city to the iHobby show, but for 2013 it won’t be held at the customary Rosemont Convention Center, instead it will be held at the Schaumburg Convention Center. The dates have also been set, October 3rd through the 6th. Mark your calenders now, as the years when iHobby comes back to Chicago tend to be huge shows. For complete consumer and trade information, simply hit up the official iHobby Website.

Ready for another TGIF Mystery Link?

Traxxas sponsors Barrett Jackson Auto Auction
Traxxas continues to amaze us when it comes to their support of 1:1 scale events and cross-over marketing. One of their latest ventures into marketing at full scale events is with “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions”, Barrett Jackson. You probably know Barrett Jackson from watching them auction off exotic and rare collector cars on Speed TV, and now Traxxas is one of their event sponsors. No doubt, Traxxas will get a lot of mainstream exposure by teaming up with folks over at Barrett Jackson. Is there a special Barrett Jackson Edition Traxxas muscle car in the works? We can only hope. :)

Thank goodness we’ve made it to another Friday, why not check out this TGIF Mystery Link?

A-Main Hobbies Exclusive Distributor for Yokomo
Yokomo rc cars had a huge presence here in the states years ago, and they are still makers of high end racing rc vehicles. We have just received word that A-Main Hobbies has picked up the Yokomo line and is now their exclusive retailer in North America. Hopefully now with A-Main behind them we’ll be seeing a lot more Yokomo product here in the states. Hit up THIS link for more information on Yokomo’s line-up of rc cars, and HERE is the link for A-Main.

Looking for more industry news on BigSquidRC? HERE is the link you want.

Sunshine systems LED Lighting
One of the things we learned while at the iHobby Expo was that our friends over at Sunshine Systems are now distributed by Horizon Hobby. We have been huge fans of the Sunshine Systems LED lighting kits for rc cars since we first saw them about a year ago, with them now being distributed by Horizon they should be much easier to find in your local hobby shops. If you’ve never heard of or seen the Sunshine Systems kits before check out THIS link for their official website, we highly recommend them.

Want to check out our Sunshine Systems light kit review? THIS is the link you want.

ST Racing Concepts Logo
While talking to a friend of mine over at Great Planes today, I learned they recently picked up the ST Racing Concepts line of hop-up parts. STRC is a well known aftermarket upgrade company that should be a nice addition to what Great Planes already offers their dealers. For you our reader, this should mean that you’ll be seeing more STRC parts in your local hobby shops. Most hobby shops are already dealers for Great Planes, so it will be easy for them to throw some STRC parts on their normal weekly orders.

Have you read our STRC Axial EXO hop-up review? If not, check it out HERE.

st racing slash 4xr4 chassis

Recently we posted info about a possible new Traxxas Slash 4×4 LCG Chassis coming from STRC. Well it looks like we are going from Rumor Mill to reality as Steve from ST Racing Concepts is posting up a ‘Behind the Scenes’ look at the development of the chassis. It seems we are going to be treated to a multi-part series during the development. The first installment has been posted for you to check out.

It’s a good read, and a rare glimpse into some industry insider stuff if you like that sort of thing.

Looking for other ST Racing Concepts News? Hit the link.

Hobby Pro USA and VP Pro USA Split
Here is the official press release from Gene Hickerson and Andrew Smolnik regarding the split between VP Pro and Hobby Pro.

Hobby Pro USA and VP-Pro USA are always striving to improve daily operations in an effort to distribute high quality products to our customers in an efficient manner. As we enter our 4th year of business, we will be implementing vital changes that will further ensure that our customers have access to our fine products and great customer service. Hobby Pro USA is in the process of relocating to Southern California and will be fully operational by mid-late October. Hobby Pro USA will exclusively distribute Agama Racing, Beta Tires, and Bullitt Engines. VP-Pro USA will remain stationed in Florida and will continue to bring you high quality VP-Pro Products, Thunder Innovation Accessories, and Arrow Engines.

Multiple time National Champion Gene “The Machine” Hickerson will manage and operate VP-Pro USA in Florida. Gene has over 25 years of racing experience and provides great service to customers throughout the United States. 5 time National Champion Andrew Smolnik will run and operate Hobby Pro USA in California. Andrew has over 17 years of in depth Hobby Industry knowledge and experience which he will utilize to ensure Hobby Pro USA Customer satisfaction!

Customers and Hobby dealers seeking VP-Pro , Thunder Innovation, and Arrow Engines can visit www.VPProUSA.com to obtain and learn more about their products.

Consumers and Hobby dealers seeking Agama, Beta, and Bullitt Products can visit www.HobbyProUSA.com to obtain and view the products available.

We would like to thank the R/C community for 4 great years of support while we look forward to a new and even brighter future! We take pride in the products we distribute and we look forward to serving North America for years to come!

VP-Pro USA and Hobby Pro USA are always looking for qualified Hobby Dealers for our great products! Feel free to contact the necessary party listed below.

www.VP-Pro-USA.com = Arrow Engines, Thunder Innovation, VP-Pro Tires
Contact: Sales @ vpprousa.com

www.HobbyProUSA.com = Agama, Beta Tires, Bullitt Engines
Contact: Sales @ hobbyprousa.com

The guys here at BigSquidRC wish all the best for both Gene and Andrew. Click HERE to read more industry news right here on BigSquidRC.

HoBao Now Distributed by HPI In North America/Japan
Some big news today out of SoCal, HPI Racing has now become the exclusive distributor for HoBao products in North America and Japan. Here is an excerpt from the press release-

“HPI RACING is proud to announce that it will be the Exclusive Distributor for HoBao RC Vehicles in North America and Japan. HoBao is a manufacturer of high quality Nitro and Electric RC vehicles with a long standing Global presence in the RC Industry. With a full line of RC vehicles for both the enthusiast as well as the weekend racer, the full line of HoBao vehicles has something for everyone. The HPI RACING distributed line of HoBao vehicles will now also enjoy the support of HPI RACING’s legendary Customer Service and Support in North America and Japan. This includes a one year warranty for each vehicle distributed by HPI RACING.

Distributors please contact your HPI RACING Sales Representatives to order the HoBao line of vehicles distributed by HPI RACING. Consumers can contact 1-888-349-4474 or “hobaousasupport@hpiracing.com” for product Support”

Here are some HoBao models that will be shipping from HPI this October-

* 1/8th Hyper 7 TQ RTR Nitro Buggy
* 1/10th Hyper 10 SC RTR
* 1/8th Hyper SS RTR Nitro Buggy

For more information hit THIS link for the official HPI Racing website, and hit THIS link for more HPI news right here on BigSquidRC.

You know all those Venom Group vehicles, like the Gambler short course truck and the Creeper rock crawler and the… uh… VMX 450… and… Well, anyway, all of those things will no longer be under the Venom badge. Starting real soon, you’ll be seeing them and other accessories under the Atomik RC label, yes, that’s Atomik with a k. Because nothing is edgier than misseplled wrods. Anywho, this change doesn’t affect their battery line, which is very successful in both the rc hobby and other industries. Those will still fall under the Venom name.

I would provide a link, but, there isn’t anything to link to, so here’s a link to a video of a kitten riding a tortoise.