Welcome back everyone to another week of the best in RC news! It’s been another scorcher outside and the RC industry is matching Mother Nature’s energy with new releases from JConcepts, Losi, Mardave and HPI. As far as 1i-rc updates we have been working behind the scenes on a host of new projects and reviews that we will be rolling out as soon as photography is completed so stay tuned for all-new content coming soon. Let’s dive in and see what’s new!
JCONCEPTS
New this week from JConcepts is a quartet of bodies for bashers and racers alike. Monster truckers get another great looking option this week in the form of a 2001 Chevrolet 1500 single cab shell for 13″ wheelbase 1/10 chassis’ while the Schumacher Cat PB gets a new version of the Dragonator body shell, while the T84 and Losi Micro B get their own fitments in the style of the famous P2 aero treatment.
The 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 marked the beginning of the NBS (new body style) era of trucks that followed an extremely succesful 11 model year run dating back to 1988. This new rounder, more aerodynamic shape softened the lines of the previous generation while also updating the interior and adding new powertrainn options, making the truck easier to live with every day without sacrificing its ability to do work. JConcepts’ 1/10 MT rendition of this body is of the single cab/long bed variety and fits 13″ wheelbase trucks without having to distort its proportions. Included in the package are faithful recreations of the new grilled and headlight assemblies (in full-color vinyl decal form, of course), window masks and overspray film.
Item #0693 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Single Cab MT Body, https://jconcepts.net/2001-chevy-silverado-1500-single-cab-13-wheelbase
Up next is a new Dragonator body shell suiting the Schumacher Cat PB 1/10 buggy, the newest style of race body from JC. This body is long and lean for the most straight line stability and rear traction thanks to more air being channeled toward the rear wing, while lateral grip is increased thanks to JConcepts’ patented “Fin” design that runs along the center of the cab and extends all the way to the rear wing. This body is a happy compromise between the ultra-cab-forward design language of today’s bodies and the rear biased styling of the vintage rear-motor shells. Included in the package are a complete set of full-color detail decals, precision cut window masks and handy overspray film; all of which make achieving a professional finish a snap. As an added bonus JConcepts include a universal carpet/turf/dirt wing right in the package.
Item #0742 Dragonator Body Shell for Schumacher Cat PB https://jconcepts.net/dragonator–schumacher-cat-pb-body
For those getting into 4wd stadium truck racing the new P2 body is aimed straight at you and your Team Associated RC10T84. This body features JC’s proven P2 design language with its cab-forward, low-roofline nose and midship to its stabilizing roof and rear section fins. Oddly, this body features a very buggy-like, narrow cab with wide side pods instead of a full width cab that is normally seen in the stadium truck class. This look reminds me of the conversion bodies that were made for the RC10T4 to make it look like a large B4 back in the day. Similar to the last two bodies, this shell includes a full color detail decal sheet, window masks and overspray film, as well as a universal clear rear wing.
Item #0752 P2 Body Shell for Team Associated RC10T84 https://jconcepts.net/p2–t84-body
Rounding out this week’s quartet of bodies is a P2 shell for the miniscule Losi Micro-B. This cab-forward body mixes added steering response with lateral stability thanks to its cab-forward architecture and longitudinal fins. Comparatively wide side pods channel air toward the included rear wing, helping to smooth airflow over the wing thus increasing downforce without adding drag. While this body does offer increased performance over the stock shell its real party trick is how good it looks o the chassis. This shell includes all of the usual accessories such as full-color detail decals, window masks, overspray film and a universal use clear rear wing.
Item #0737 P2 Body Shell for the Losi Micro B, https://jconcepts.net/p2–losi-micro-b-body
LOSI
The NASCAR field just got a little bigger at Losi with the addition of Justin Algaier’s JR Motorsports #40 Traveler Whiskey Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that was raced at this year’s Daytona 500. Commemorating JR Motorsports first foray into the cup series (2025 was the first time JRM fielded a car, the same #40 Chevrolet with Algaier behind the wheel) this 2026 livery is a faithful recreation of the 1:1, with officially licensed markings from NASCAR, JRM and each contingency sponsor, as well as added details such as a molded rear spoiler (which looks to be the correct 7″ high model that was used before the mid-season rules change took effect, shortening the spoiler to 4″) as well as a functionalmolded splitter and diffuser. The AWD chassis underneath is unchanged from other releases and includes the correct centerlock wheels and scale Goodyear 18″ tires. A Spektrum 2-in-1 RX/ESC combo takes power from the included 2s LiPO battery and rushes it to the brushed motor for speeds in excess of 20mph while a Spektrum SLT2 handles the controls. An included USB charger gets you back on track in around one hour, meaning three batteries can have you running nearly-nonstop all day; one in the car, one cooling, one on charge; keep rotating them out as long as the otehr electronics are not heating up and you’re ready to take on your own Daytona 500!
Item #LOS112264 Losi NASCAR #40 Justin Algaier Traveler Whiskey 1/12 RTR https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/losi-1-12-nascar-rc-race-car-justin-allgaier-no.-40-2026-traveller-whiskey-chevrolet-zl1-2s-awd-rtr-brushed-on-road-battery-and-charger-included/LOS1122640.html
MARDAVE RACING
I’ve seen Mardave’s newest model, the Assassin Pro Kart, on several news sites over the last week, and having a background in kart racing, my ears perked up. This little on-road chassis has the scale looks of a real sprint kart with its body side pods and small nose spoiler. A molded driver figure sits proudly in the seat, selling the idea that this is a real, miniature, race kart. Based on an existing mini chassis, the Assassin Pro inclues lowered rear side pods for the axle and motor, 32p gearing, upgraded turnbuckles and ball studs as well as wide LMPGT rear tires. Photos of the kart are a little hard to come by officially as this car is currently on pre-order and not listed on Mardave’s site but we will pass along any updates as they become available.
HPI RACING
HPI’s long-awaited RWD drift car is finally here and the Stage-D10 RTR does not disappoint! Taking inspiration from currently available drift chassis’ (cough, couch, RevéD, cough, couch) but is packed with features that novices and professionals alike can take advantage of. Partnering with RTR (Ready To Rock,) and Ford, this car is a faithful recreation of your choice of three drivers’ liveries: Vaughn Gittin Jr., James Deane or Ben Hobson, as well as each version being available in either brushed or Flux brushless powered versions. The chassis is a flat plastic lower chassis with a molded upper deck reinforcement that is already set up for adjustable wheelbase as well as being able to move the battery box.
The front suspension and steering are where the magic happens. Massive steering angle is achieved through the use of a simple caster block/steering knuckle assembly that is extremely compact and allows the wheel to travel throughout its range of motion without things getting bound up or in the way. Adjustable camber and toe links as well as threaded body plastic dampers allow quick adjustments, while optional toe-block mounting points and camber link mounts introduce adjustable camber gain. The steering rack is ball raced and features adjustable ackerman to truly dial in the front end.
Out back the suspension is just as sophisticated with similar threaded body dampers, adjustable camber links, multiple link mounting options, separate toe blocks, multiple roll center options, cv-style axle shafts, provisions for a rear anti-roll bar as well as options for rear battery mounting should you need even more rear weight bias. The included rear diffuser is a great scale accessory that faithfully recreates the one seen on the 1:1.
The transmission and motor plate are the Stage-D10’s party trick with, what HPI claims to be, more than 100 motor placement positions. The 3-gear kit setup can also be swapped to a 4-gear with included parts right in the box, as well as the ability to convert the gear diff into a locker, also with included parts. Since the motor is one of the heaviest components of the chassis changing its mounting location can be a major tool in dialing a chassis in to a particular surface or track layout.
For power the Stage-D1 is available in either brushed or brushless (Flux) form, with either a 20t sealed can 540 and Hobbywing 1060 esc wearing HPI’s own SC-3S WP2 badging, or a 3650 size, 10.5t brushless motor powered by an FLUX D10 80a ESC, again made by Hobbywing (the Hobbywing program card plugs right in and makes settings changes lightning fast as well as allowing you to unlike Turbo functionality within the ESC). HPI’s own D-BOX3 LITE adjustable gyro keeps things pointed in the right direction while settings such as EPA and gain adjustments can be handled directly from the TF-51 2.4gHz radio system. For a RTR radio the TF-51 is a premium unit and includes 4 channels, a drop down, foam covered wheel that can also be switched to the back of the radio for left hand use, rubber on all corners to protect the radio in case of a drop, a magnetic area for body clips or spare screws, a digital on/off switch, audible alarms for inactive use and rubber finger and thumb handgrips for comfort. HPI’s 4-way LED adaplter is included to light up the track at night, including the grille lights that the RTR Mustangs are famous for! Finally a SX12 MGLP (metal gear, low-profile) steering servo throws the front wheels around with authority.
In my opinion the aesthetics are what makes this car shine. From the licensed Aero-5 wheels with faux brake rotors and calipers peeking out from behind to the stout magnetic body mount system that retains the scale look, this car is a beauty. Each of the three liveries are faithfully recreated and have accurate sponsor logos and liveries applied. The body mounts arrive in a separate bag and need to be assembled by the user (they even include their own detailed instruction manual, something HPI has always done exceptionally well).
Brushed RTR Item Numbers:
FLUX Brushless Item Numbers:
Link: https://www.hpiracing.com/kit/161008
With that, we bid adieu to another weekly edition of TWIRC. We thank you, one and all, for joining us to get your weekly fix of the best the RC industry has to offer. Your continued patronage is what makes all of this possible for us. Until next week, be good to yourself, be good to each other, be good to your RC.