Rivkin has just been crowned the 2wd world champ driving a Team Associated vehicle. The race is currently dominated by Team Associated, Yokomo and Xray drivers. Here is a graph showing that these three brands make up 91 out of the 120 cars (81 per cent) competing right now.
This is quite disappointing for a long-time Kyosho driver as we only have seven cars competing. But this is already more than some of the other big brands like TLR, HotBodies, Serpent and such.Where are the Tamiyas?
I don't think the quality and designs of the cars are a factor. The issues lie elsewhere. Kyosho, for one, is undergoing a restructuring process and has let go a majority of their top drivers including former world champion Jared Tebo. Manufacturers also don't seem to hold this competition in as high of a regard as the 1/8 scale races which I feel is quite a shame.
It's also disheartening that Kyosho cars and parts are becoming harder and harder to come by unless you're in Japan, leading to many people giving up on the brand altogether.
Kyosho only have four sponsored drivers right now in Slovakia and it's a tough pill to swallow but none of them have been able to make their mark in the competition so far. I'm still rooting for all of you guys though. I would love to see more Kyoshos running but I guess this is the current state of the company's finances.
In April last year, the company announced that they were now under new cooperate management under sponsorship of Shisei Rembrandt Partners 1st Investment Limited Partnership.
Kyosho also seem to be channeling more of their budget on talent and car development as opposed to marketing and sponsorships. I just hope this decision doesn't come back to bite them. You need to win to keep your brand in the minds of the people and you need the right drivers to win.
In April last year, the company announced that they were now under new cooperate management under sponsorship of Shisei Rembrandt Partners 1st Investment Limited Partnership.
Kyosho also seem to be channeling more of their budget on talent and car development as opposed to marketing and sponsorships. I just hope this decision doesn't come back to bite them. You need to win to keep your brand in the minds of the people and you need the right drivers to win.
Regardless it is still good to see them coming out with four new race oriented vehicles in the past two years. I am sure the MP10 and MP10T will be able to produce good results in the near future. Their 1/10 counterparts.... the RB7 and the ZX7 seems to have a lot of work cut out for them though.
Fingers crossed for a miracle for Kyosho drivers in the 4wd category this weekend. Gambatteh Kyosho. Go Red Samurais.
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| My RB6.6 and antiquated ZX5. I'm a true Kyosho fanboi through and through |
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