XB8 and XB8E win at RawSpeed Challenge in Australia
May 06, 2026
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Report by Brad Hulm
RawSpeed Challenge – MVRCCC (Taree) Race Report
What a weekend of racing at Manning Valley Radio Control Car Club for the RawSpeed Challenge! Two full days of action with practice on Saturday and racing on Sunday, all run on the controlled RawSpeed Villain tyre — keeping things tight, fair, and putting the focus firmly on driver skill and consistency.
A big standout was just how good the MVRCCC track is running since the rebuild. The layout is flowing really well, grip levels were strong and consistent, and it produced close, clean racing all weekend across both classes.
The track held up brilliantly across the weekend, producing some seriously close racing in both EP8 and IC Nitro Buggy, right through to the finals.
Matthew Couper was on another level all weekend, taking the win and setting the pace out front. Behind him, Riley and Tanner were locked in a tight battle, while Jonathan Steep brought it home strong in P4 in a very competitive field.
Ari Bakla controlled the Nitro final from start to finish with a clean, consistent drive. Matthew Couper backed up his EP8 win with a solid P2, while Michael Yarnold rounded out the podium. The battle behind stayed intense right to the flag.
Weekend Highlights
Controlled tyre = ultra-close racing all weekend
Consistency over outright speed was key
Multiple classes decided by small margins
Strong drives across both electric and nitro fields
MVRCCC track continues to impress since the rebuild
Massive thanks to MVRCCC for running another smooth event, and to all drivers for putting on a great show. The RawSpeed Series continues to deliver tight racing and strong competition every round.
Next round heads to Batemans Bay — a fast, flowing coastal-style track expected to reward smooth driving, rhythm, and consistency. Should be another great weekend of close racing!
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EP8 Electric Pro – Top 5:
1. Matthew Couper - XRAY XB8E
2. Riley Lander-West - XRAY XB8E
3. Tanner White
4. Jonathan Steep
5. Robert Shipway
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IC Nitro Buggy – Top 5:
1. Ari Bakla - XRAY XB8
2. Matthew Couper - XRAY XB8
3. Michael Yarnold - XRAY XB8
4. Ben Cribbin - XRAY XB8
5. Aaron Griffis - XRAY XB8
