Earlier today Kyosho’s driver/designer guru Yuichi Kanai announced somewhat ‘low key’ that he and Team Orion would be going their seperate ways, its the second time a former World Champion Kyosho driver departs the Switzerland based powerhouse after 2010 World Champion Cody King failed to agree contractual terms and switched to race Reds engines in 2013 who offered a better deal. No doubt Orion have been shrewd over the winter having consolidated the talent they have on their books with muti-year deals for many key drivers…
We spoke with Orion’s engine developer guru Adrien Bertin who kindly issued an exclusive statement on Kanai’s departure:
“Sadly, Team Orion and Yuichi Kanai have been unable to come to an agreement for their future collaboration and both parties have decided to part ways.
Team Orion wishes good success to Yuichi Kanai for his future endeavors. We will of course continue developing and producing engines based on the CRF world champion technology and our motivation is as strong as ever. Our current team comprises several high profile international drivers such as Jared Tebo, Ryan Cavalieri, David Ronnefalk, Dakotah Phend, Casey Peck and new comers Reno Savoya, Drew Moller. Expect more strong showings from Team Orion CRF engines at international and local races. The legend goes on!”
Via Adrien Bertin
Surprise news from Kyosho’s Buggy guru designer / godfather of the Inferno series of buggys Yuichi Kanai – announcing his departure from engine sponsor Team Orion – Kanai having run for the Swiss company which was purchased by Kyosho (in 2007) since 2009. The move comes as a surprise given Kyosho’s owning stake in Orion which rouses our suspicions a bit that something might be going on…
Just in time for the 2013 Worlds year, Orion have announced that defending double World Champion 
