Brian Kinwald joins Associated Electrics

jimmy · #1 09-03-2011

Brian Kinwald has been on the rise again after a long time off. XFactory announced last week that BK had been 'let go' - and today AE have announced a deal has been done with the 2xWorld Champion Kinwald that'll see him return to the team where he won his first title back in 1993.

Team Associated is pleased to announce the return of two-time IFMAR World Champion Brian Kinwald back to their factory race team. Brian started his career with Team Associated in 1989 as a local driver for Team Associated and quickly rose to the top ranks under the tutelage of Cliff Lett and Mike Reedy. His Team Associated career culminated in 1993 when he won his first, and Team Associated’s twelfth, IFMAR World Championship in Basildon, England.

Now over 15 years later, Kinwald returns home to where it all began. A wiser, more experienced Kinwald will bring his vast knowledge and development experience to the Team Associated stable. He will be working closely with Team Associated Engineering, developing current and future projects, including the recently released SC10 4x4. Additionally Brian will continue to compete at the highest level at the major events including the IFMAR World Championships, ROAR Nationals and other major events.

Many new racers may not know Brian’s history, but rest assured he is one of the top racers of all time. With a resurgence of electric offroad, and many “old-school” racers returning to the sport, just ask around and stories of hand made parts, legendary races and dominance are sure to surface.

When asked, Kinwald had this to say about his return to Team Associated, “I am so excited to be back home. Cliff Lett has always been my hero. He’s the one who made me who I am and I can’t wait to work with him and the Team again.”

The enthusiasm is shared equally at Team Associated where Team Manager Brent Thielke commented, “Brian Kinwald is a class act. He works hard, races clean and provides our team with experience and immediate A-main finishes. Brian will have a unique role with Associated and we all look forward to working with him for years to come.”

Based out of Tucson, Arizona Brian will continue to use LRP speed controls and accessories, Reedy engines, XP Digital servos, Icon motors and batteries, JConcepts tires and bodies, and an Airtronics transmitter all skinned by Stick-It1 Racing. Welcome home Brian!

DCM · #2 09-03-2011

Thats a SHOCK!!

MikePimlott · #3 09-03-2011

Didnt see that one coming

simoncrabb · #4 09-03-2011

"Icon motors and batteries" - who? http://teamiconracing.com/ ?

sock dog · #5 09-03-2011

welcome back brian,
i thought he would always come back to his roots but losi to ae that be a huge shocker so maybe he drove for x factory has a stepin stone perhaps?
good on him though the dudes a legend!!!!!
so i wonder if craig dresh be carrying him on his shoulders again!!!! lol

jimmy · #6 09-03-2011

I think after a long time off XFactory probably really helped Brian to get back racing. His form is really coming back now and you can't blame him for wanting the best deal he can get.
XFactory are a tiny company next to the AE golliath.
Congrats to AE and Brian! But also congrats to XFactory for backing the guy when he was down.

MikePimlott · #7 09-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy

But also congrats to XFactory for backing the guy when he was down.

blade · #8 09-03-2011

great signing for ae great battles ahead with losi

stegger · #9 09-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy

I think after a long time off XFactory probably really helped Brian to get back racing. His form is really coming back now and you can't blame him for wanting the best deal he can get.
XFactory are a tiny company next to the AE golliath.
Congrats to AE and Brian! But also congrats to XFactory for backing the guy when he was down.

Bob on jim

I think X-factory would have learnt a lot too.
One thing is for certain it's going to be an exciting world championships.

rcdunk · #10 10-03-2011

excellent news should be interesting to see how he goes with the new car going back to rear mounted motor with the b4.1 unless ae have something in the works and with kinwald on board they have someone with tons of knowladge regarding mid motor buggys may only be a matter of time

Lonestar · #11 10-03-2011

XFactory must feel good to have been used as a gap filler... Sorry for taking a cheap shot at Brian, but it doesn't look much better than the post-basildon defection to Losi...

Chrislong · #12 10-03-2011

Damn, should have put money on it when the rumour thread was stirring. I had a strong feeling he'd be going to AE.

Congratulations to Brian, good luck.