View Full Version : Lee Martin to leave Tamiya??
If you check his facebook page 'Lee Martin RC', his latest post from this evening is "end of an era??".
I am just speculating, as it would be a shame for my favourite RC company to lose such a great driver!
:o
racingdwarf
28-11-2013, 09:43 PM
Was reading tonight that tebo's contract is up with with Kyosho and Truhe to leave losi, it's a right merry go round this year:lol:
I am curios to see where Bloomfield, Tebo, Martin, Hupo etc will end up racing for in 2014.
PaulRotheram
28-11-2013, 11:03 PM
Brawn GP have set up their own RC company...
Dudders
28-11-2013, 11:18 PM
What a team they'd make!
sime46
29-11-2013, 07:26 AM
I heard yesterday where Hupo was going. Not sure if its true tho so I won't put it here. Not a massive surprise tho.
deano43
29-11-2013, 07:55 AM
I heard yesterday where Hupo was going. Not sure if its true tho so I won't put it here. Not a massive surprise tho.
Depends who told you simon, I think the lee martin thing is a wind up and tebo was stating is contract was up at the end of the year and was saying he wonders if there is another 5 year contract on the go but did also say is they going to any other changes to his other sponsors in 2014
Chris Larner
29-11-2013, 08:35 AM
Would be surprised if Tebo leaves Kyosho as they have a few "Jared Tebo" edition cars out. Which would mean they will struggle to shift them.
racingdwarf
29-11-2013, 10:11 AM
Naa Tebo would be mad to change, kyosho is the best car package for a 10th and 8th driver IMO, his contract maybe ending but can't see kyosho not offering the same again
cutting42
29-11-2013, 11:46 AM
Hear through the rumour mill that Lee Martin is Yokomo bound
Dudders
29-11-2013, 11:56 AM
Hear through the rumour mill that Lee Martin is Yokomo bound
Along with everyone else....
Anibal Henriques
29-11-2013, 12:05 PM
Lee and Hupo on Yokomo?
At least it seems like Yokomo is really gaining ground in Europe these days, nice to see! :thumbsup:
racingdwarf
29-11-2013, 02:03 PM
CML will have there work cut out giving both AE and yokomo 100%,think AE would rather they were pushing just the one product.
DaveG28
29-11-2013, 02:19 PM
CML will have there work cut out giving both AE and yokomo 100%,think AE would rather they were pushing just the one product.
True, but if Yokomo sign someone up to a factory deal it doesn't really affect the distributor except for all the extra sales.
I don't know if/where Lee is changing but look at Tamiya, factory deal (at least I presume it wasn't hobbyco!!) and look at how many people then ran the car...so I doubt CML would be too upset!
James
29-11-2013, 05:14 PM
Being able to actually buy a tamiya would have probably been useful :bored:
Allan1875
29-11-2013, 05:39 PM
Being able to actually buy a tamiya would have probably been useful :bored:
This.
dbizzle5
29-11-2013, 05:43 PM
Hupo's going Team C:thumbsup:
DaveG28
01-12-2013, 01:44 PM
Being able to actually buy a tamiya would have probably been useful :bored:
Haha true, but look at how many people ran them in Lee's first year...these top guys shift kits.
Al3xis007
01-12-2013, 05:22 PM
Hupo's going Team C:thumbsup:
That's what I heard too, so
Hupo- team C
Leeroy- Yokomo
Hara- xray (guess)
Tebo- kyosho (think he'll resign cause kyosho deal has gotta be good)
:-)
Welshy40
01-12-2013, 05:29 PM
If tamiya were clever and we know they are not they could have made a killing in the market but no, you cant buy the decent cars in the uk. Daft!! If lee is leaving great news but if lee isnt doing so well it may be the esc and not the car. Since he left speed passion its gone downhil quickly.
freddie
01-12-2013, 07:31 PM
I don't see how you can say that !! This year euro tq 2xeuro podiums 4national 2nd an 3rd in national series an not to FORGET 2nd in the WORLD an only one of 4 drivers to make both a mains at the worlds !!!!!!!!!!
Sso I don't think it's cars or electrics !!!!!:thumbsup:
Dudders
01-12-2013, 07:50 PM
If tamiya were clever and we know they are not they could have made a killing in the market but no, you cant buy the decent cars in the uk. Daft!! If lee is leaving great news but if lee isnt doing so well it may be the esc and not the car. Since he left speed passion its gone downhil quickly.
And the stupidest post of the year goes too.....
freddie
01-12-2013, 08:02 PM
I have to agree with u Neil !!!!
MITamiya
01-12-2013, 08:19 PM
Huge mistake by Tamiya if they let Lee go. I can't believe it is even a possibility. Their off-road program continues to be a mystery to me. Without Lee doing well and developing the cars, I think racers like myself will just abandon the brand for racing altogether. Who else in the US or UK gets results like him??? Don't make this mistake Tamiya!
If you check his facebook page 'Lee Martin RC', his latest post from this evening is "end of an era??".
I am just speculating, as it would be a shame for my favourite RC company to lose such a great driver!
:o
Anyone ever thought he was talking about Darren leaving Losi.
terry.sc
01-12-2013, 08:41 PM
If tamiya were clever and we know they are not they could have made a killing in the market but no, you cant buy the decent cars in the uk. Daft!!
That's nothing to do with Tamiya, it's the Hobby Company that imports and distributes the kits and if the Hobby Company doesn't want to buy the high end kits from Tamiya there's nothing that Tamiya can do about it. Tamiya can't force the distributors to buy kits if they don't want to, in the same way the Hobby Company can't force shops to buy particular kits from them.
Unfortunately for the racers the Hobby Company knows they make a killing by concentrating on loads of differently bodied TT01s and cheap buggies instead of the tiny market for the high end buggies and tourers. Why spend a fortune buying kits and all the spares to support a few hundred cars that will be sold when most savvy buyers will be buying cars and parts cheaper from abroad anyway, when the same money can support thousands of basic cars and make much more profit for the business.
Welshy40
01-12-2013, 09:03 PM
I don't see how you can say that !! This year euro tq 2xeuro podiums 4national 2nd an 3rd in national series an not to FORGET 2nd in the WORLD an only one of 4 drivers to make both a mains at the worlds !!!!!!!!!!
Sso I don't think it's cars or electrics !!!!!:thumbsup:
Tq means nothing if you dont win. Did he dominate like he did with speed passion? no he didnt. Worlds are less torqey as grip is less than what we use here so the esc was good for that but think its not up to our tracks. Im only pointing out that the esc may be whats hindering him from winning.
freddie
01-12-2013, 09:07 PM
Lol !!
Adam F
01-12-2013, 09:21 PM
:) he's second in the world FFS!
Dudders
01-12-2013, 09:38 PM
:) he's second in the world FFS!
Yea, but if it wasn't for the crap ESC he would have won it by at least two laps. FFS, stupid post :thumbdown:
stumpiey
01-12-2013, 10:36 PM
anyone that really knows lee also knows how much testing he does, and as he is a paid pro driver, do you really believe he would just run any old product without testing it to within an inch of it's life to make sure that it will meet all of his requirements to win
chuckie stella
01-12-2013, 10:40 PM
anyone that really knows lee also knows how much testing he does, and as he is a paid pro driver, do you really believe he would just run any old product without testing it to within an inch of it's life to make sure that it will meet all of his requirements to win
:thumbsup:
Guarantee Winning comes before wage packet for Leeroy!!! Born winner with million percent commitment to be crowned best in the world. Next time pal :)
buggy#0
02-12-2013, 07:09 AM
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1380399_570696776313476_865438463_n.jpg
This is Jack Embling's car from Off Road Wars as posted on LMR's Facebook page. Can't help noticing it's now a Yoke.
NeilD
02-12-2013, 12:52 PM
Just seen on RC Racing News Fb page that he has signed for Yokomo. No mention of dodgy ESC's though...
stumpiey
02-12-2013, 12:53 PM
RC Racing news have posted on FB, might be best to wait to see if lee makes a statement first
NeilD
02-12-2013, 03:08 PM
They were asked to remove the post, the plot thickens.
lewise
02-12-2013, 04:51 PM
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: I love these posts.
lewise
02-12-2013, 04:53 PM
Did anyone notice the Hacker esc we were running in that yok :thumbsup:
Mmmm interesting, maybe its faster than a viper :confused:
DaveG28
03-12-2013, 04:03 AM
Did anyone notice the Hacker esc we were running in that yok :thumbsup:
Mmmm interesting, maybe its faster than a viper :confused:
If it ain't SP it's SH1T!! I run viper, if not I'd have won the worlds.
Oooh, maybe an have found my next signature!?
Yea, but if it wasn't for the crap ESC he would have won it by at least two laps. FFS, stupid post :thumbdown:
Jeez, I feel really bad now. I don't know Lee personally but I'd have lent him a decent speedo if that would have won him the worlds. He only had to ask:woot:
Rob
Lee24h
03-12-2013, 08:09 AM
Why dont we just wait and see what happens
Its not going to change much who cares what other people run spend your time focusing on what you run and making it as quick as it can be.
If a top driver signs for the same make as you run even better, more support for you.
danmurphy
03-12-2013, 08:23 AM
Why dont we just wait and see what happens
Its not going to change much who cares what other people run spend your time focusing on what you run and making it as quick as it can be.
If a top driver signs for the same make as you run even better, more support for you.
Agreed :thumbsup:
chuckie stella
03-12-2013, 09:30 AM
Why dont we just wait and see what happens
Its not going to change much who cares what other people run spend your time focusing on what you run and making it as quick as it can be.
If a top driver signs for the same make as you run even better, more support for you.
Who's logged in to this account!!! I hope they haven't hurt you Lee :lol:
PaulUpton
03-12-2013, 10:09 AM
Who's logged in to this account!!! I hope they haven't hurt you Lee :lol:
It actually makes sense (and no I didn't edit it) :lol:
discothesnake
03-12-2013, 10:49 AM
Why dont we just wait and see what happens
Its not going to change much who cares what other people run spend your time focusing on what you run and making it as quick as it can be.
If a top driver signs for the same make as you run even better, more support for you.
Totally agree. I run Yokomo gear so all the better for me if he does go there but otherwise i dont care what team the top cars race for.
NeilD
03-12-2013, 11:47 AM
Totally agree. I run Yokomo gear so all the better for me if he does go there but otherwise i dont care what team the top cars race for.
So lets close this thread and no more posts on which drivers are driving for whatever teams as it appears no one cares.
What shall we discuss? Best car (again) or maybe the weather???
PaulRotheram
03-12-2013, 12:01 PM
It does matter who drives what, lets face it, these pro drivers are many a racers idol. Who wouldn't love to do our hobby full time and compete at the sharp end out of everyone in the world.
Some drivers are very active on the internet and help out as much as they can. A prime example of this is Kev Lee, when he ran with kyosho he was always reliable to help and give advice. Now he has gone to team C, their customers are reaping the benefits.
Some drivers implement their develpment in to kits, with that their driving style comes in to thought. Are they an aggressive driver? Are they silky smooth? What driving style do you have? Simply - it matters.
I always enjoy this time of year with drivers doing their swaps anf seeing what they think.will make them faster.
discothesnake
03-12-2013, 12:59 PM
Maybe it matters to some people but it doesn't make any difference to me. No point in speculating who goes where. We will all find out in good time.
Lee24h
03-12-2013, 02:51 PM
Who's logged in to this account!!! I hope they haven't hurt you Lee :lol:
Oh its me matt im having one of those rare sensible days
PaulRotheram
03-12-2013, 05:02 PM
Maybe it matters to some people but it doesn't make any difference to me. No point in speculating who goes where. We will all find out in good time.
Theres no point in alot of things but we still do it.. scrooge! :woot:
mark christopher
04-12-2013, 10:32 AM
Lee has confirmed on Facebook he is out of tamiya and as of now has no deal for 2014
s22jgs
04-12-2013, 10:41 AM
looks like Tamiya are out of off road too
deano43
04-12-2013, 12:55 PM
Lee Martin’s statement: So the end has come. Tamiya TRF have chosen to reduce operations in the off road market for the foreseeable future, therefore they are not continuing my contract. I would like to thank TRF for their support over a successful past 4 years, bringing such results as:
2nd in the Worlds Championship , 4 x European champion, 4 x National champion, 4 x IFMAR world finals, 19 individual national wins, EOS round winner, And many more!
With this decision, the future now lies somewhere new in 1/10th off road! A challenge I am looking forward to taking, but nothing is yet decided.For sure it’s going to feel strange for a little while. Thanks for your support. Lee
Origineelreclamebord
04-12-2013, 01:06 PM
Disappointing decision from Tamiya, I would've loved to see them turn around their market position in off-road. However, considering the recent stream of entries into buggy racing it's understandable.
As for Lee, I'm sure he'll find a nice brand to race with next year! :)
I'm surprised no brand has gone bankrupt yet. I really cannot understand how they can make a profit now with an ever increasing number of brands and models. Not to forget the LHS that tries to keep up... parts are obsolete in 1-2 years time guaranteed. Us drivers are also much more concerned now with always swapping to the latest model.
AfroP
04-12-2013, 01:42 PM
bit shocking that tamiya can just dump a driver like Lee, but then again losi did the same with bloomfield
be interested to see if Lee continues to run Tamiya cars whilst not having a team drive
rcpower
04-12-2013, 02:34 PM
Are you serious about that? :lol:
bit shocking that tamiya can just dump a driver like Lee, but then again losi did the same with bloomfield
be interested to see if Lee continues to run Tamiya cars whilst not having a team drive
fidspeed
04-12-2013, 02:55 PM
LEEROYOKOMO ? maybe as other have mentioned ?
Fid
NeilD
04-12-2013, 02:58 PM
Seems like people are interested in driver movements after all...
AfroP
04-12-2013, 04:12 PM
Are you serious about that? :lol:
yes I am
its entirely possible that after running Tamiya cars for 4 years he might fancy a change and no longer being supported, availability of parts will be just as much a factor for Lee as it is for any other driver that have long since given up on Tamiya.
Jamesk
04-12-2013, 05:55 PM
What a very poor decsion on Tamiya's part. When I decided to return to racing I was pleased to see Tamiya still with competive cars which made me buy a DB01r and after running this car for a few years I decided to get a 502 afterwards. The fact Lee Martin was visibly developing the cars kept my intrest and my loyalty. Looking at his development input with the 201 this showed that one man can make a differance I hope Lee gets to show his driving, and development talants again with a forward thinking employer. Good luck to you.
jK
johnboy
04-12-2013, 06:08 PM
Seems like people are interested in driver movements after all...
Yes it's what keeps me awake all night wondering who will be driving what toy car.:woot:
NeilD
04-12-2013, 09:07 PM
Yes it's what keeps me awake all night wondering who will be driving what toy car.:woot:
Are you sure that isn't your baby? ;)
nobby
04-12-2013, 10:13 PM
yes I am
its entirely possible that after running Tamiya cars for 4 years he might fancy a change and no longer being supported, availability of parts will be just as much a factor for Lee as it is for any other driver that have long since given up on Tamiya.
I don't think Lee will carry on racing any brand of car as a privateer.
As far as I know RC racing is his job.
So I would imagine he needs a pay check.
Where ever he goes I hope he does well.
I don't know the guy, but he seems like a nice bloke.
Ron Burgundy
05-12-2013, 07:47 PM
There goes the value of any TRF car in the for sale section. Theyd be lucky to sell them now. Its funny how 1 thing like this can totally drop the arse out of a brand. Lee and all the guys hold a lot of weight worldwide as to the decision on what car to go with. The same happened when he left the other guys. As soon as he jumped over to tamiya, they went off the radar. Vega who? ;)
A guy like kev lee and lee martin drive development massively, and just for their activity and ease of access to information alone males them worth following to another brand.
Ron Burgundy
05-12-2013, 07:49 PM
I should clarify, by jumping to tamiya i mean 2wd full time TRF Car, im aware he has been TRF factory for quite a long while :)
Tamiya have recently released a new mid motor conversion for the 201x haven't they ?. Why do that and not keep Lee Martin on to give it the best chance of good results possible. I would of thought that the results a driver like Lee Martin could obtain with tamiya cars would certainly make a sufficient enough difference in sales to warrant keeping him on. I am no expert but I would of thought the difference in sales would outweigh the cost of keeping him on quite easily. Either way I am sure whatever cars he chooses to run will go great in his hands.
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