Pulse_

http://www.neobuggy.net/2014/10/31/d...#disqus_thread

Eivind E

everybody's (possibly) signing for Hotbodies these days it seems..

Pulse_

I'm surprised HB needs another driver than Ty Tessman

Eivind E

well obviously HB are aiming for a 1-2-3 finish at the next worlds

pickle311

iTrader: (31)

Can HB afford another top driver? They went through a major restructuring not long ago. Not sure the investment of another top driver will sell enough kits to justify the expense. I don't think anyone is going to sell more for them than Ty already is.

Eivind E

They're obviously aiming at the European market.

pickle311

iTrader: (31)

Is that an assumption or confirmed?

Assuming they do sign Ronnefalk, do you honestly believe he will bring enough revenue in kit sales to HB to net them a profit after paying his salary, travel, and racing expenses?

I just can't see him selling enough kits in Europe to justify the hire from a company that has admitted to financial troubles. I could be wrong though. They might be thinking that he would generate enough sales to help them and I hope that's the case.

Pulse_

woud love to see more of Hotbodies in Europe, this brand is rare here

the business model of the brand makes a bigger difference in revenue than the number of drivers IMO

of course you need good drivers but you don't need a lot of them, especially when the lead driver is as good as Ty

adrictan

iTrader: (10)

IMO, HB do not lack sales. Problem lies with them not keeping up with demand. Thus customers are lost to other brands.

Jaz240

iTrader: (52)

Locally we have a huge spike in sales with both Losi and Hot Bodies due to Ryan Maifield and Ty winning the worlds. Winning cars sell and it's always good to keep the brand in the limelight. I don't know what type of following HB has in Europe but this is a good move if they can afford it.

Eastside777

It makes no sense for HB. Him or Lutz.

Herrsavage

HB used to be a lot more popular when it was the somewhat sportier sister-brand to HPI. You could buy the old Lightnings I had a Lightning GT..) in 2nd rate hobby shops that now would never have anything from HB. A big part of that is them focussing exclusively on racing now. But still, as great as he is, and as much as he wins, I don't think Ty sells a lot. Just from reading and hearing around, I think what sells the D812 is simply its reputation for being a great car. I'd buy one, and it has nothing to do with Ty. IMO they could use a big signing like Lutz to pump up sales and give the image some more gloss. They need a more ..... photogenic poster boy. Even Hara for ex. had some of that pizzaz that Ty just doesn't really have.

Jaymancd

iTrader: (4)

are you suggesting that the kid who has won pretty much every major race out there including the worlds isnt the poster boy for rc?

madweazl

iTrader: (12)

Makes perfect sense to me; gives you top caliber drivers in three regions. Even more so if you're trying to gain traction in the EU market.

BillyT.

iTrader: (4)

I think DR goes to X-Ray... He wants a full time job and they have room.