Lamberto Collari: RC Racing World Champion Career Overview

Early Life and Background

Lamberto Collari is an Italian professional RC car racer, revered for his exceptional achievements in the sportredrc.net. Born and raised near Bologna, Italy, Collari was introduced to radio-controlled models at a very young age. His father played a pivotal role – at age five, Lamberto was already learning to control an RC boat on weekend outings with his dadhudy.net. Not long after, his father gifted him a 1/10 scale electric on-road car, followed by his first 1/8 scale nitro-powered RC car the next yearhudy.net. These early experiences sparked Collari’s passion for RC racing and built a foundation in both electric and nitro model control.

Collari began competitive racing astonishingly early. He entered his first serious RC race at just nine years old, after persistently asking his father for two years to let him competehudy.net. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the young Italian spent nearly every weekend practicing, driven by what he calls his “racing spirit”hudy.net. During this period, he was surrounded by accomplished local drivers at the Futura RC track in Bologna – names like Tadiello, Bortolomasi, Sabattini, and Ghersi – who were among the fastest in the world at the timehudy.net. Competing against and learning from these veterans was instrumental in Collari’s rapid development as a racer. (Notably, that same track was later renamed the L. Collari RC Raceway in his honor, a testament to his legacy, and he continues to help maintain it with close friendshudy.net.) Supported by his father and mechanic Gianni Fini in his early years, Collari honed not only his driving skills but also his mechanical understanding of the carshudy.nethudy.net. This combination of early start, strong family support, and mentorship from top local racers set the stage for Collari’s extraordinary career.

World Championship Titles and Achievements

Collari celebrating one of his World Championship victories (2009), where he secured his record 9th IFMAR title in the 1/8 on-road IC classevents.redrc.net.

Collari’s dominance on the world stage is unparalleled in the realm of RC car racing. He is a nine-time IFMAR World Champion in 1/8 scale nitro on-road racing – a record number of titles in a single RC racing categoryredrc.net. His first World Championship came in 1989 when he was barely out of his teens, and his most recent was two decades later in 2009, highlighting an incredible span of sustained excellence. He consistently proved himself against the world’s best, often in hour-long finals that tested drivers’ skill, strategy, and endurance. Collari won the IFMAR 1:8 IC (Internal Combustion) On-Road World Championship in the following yearssanwa-denshi.com:

These victories – spanning 20 years and numerous continents – underline Collari’s ability to remain at the top of this highly competitive sport over multiple generations of racers. In each of those championship campaigns, he demonstrated not only raw speed but also racecraft and reliability, often coming out on top in tightly fought finals. Collari’s achievement of nine World Championships in the 1/8 IC Track category stands alone as the highest record in RC racing history for a single classsanwa-denshi.com. As of today, no other driver has matched his feat, making his career truly legendarysanwa-denshi.com.

In addition to his world titles, Lamberto Collari amassed many other prestigious victories. He clinched multiple EFRA European Championship titles in the 1/8 on-road class, often recapturing the European crown even as new challengers emergedefra.ws. At national and international levels, he won countless Grand Prix and national championships in Italy, further cementing his status as a top competitor. This trophy haul across decades has made Collari one of the most decorated RC racers of all timesanwa-denshi.com, and he is often referred to as a “legendary RC driver” for his contributions and successsanwa-denshi.com.

Racing Categories and Cars

Throughout his career, Lamberto Collari has been most closely associated with the 1/8 scale nitro on-road category – often dubbed the “Formula 1 of RC racing” for its speed and technical demands. This class (also known as 1/8 IC Track, for internal combustion) features low-slung, extremely fast cars powered by high-performance nitro engines. Collari’s mastery of this discipline is evident in his nine World Championships in 1/8 on-roadsanwa-denshi.com. In these cars, which can exceed 110 km/h on the straight, Collari’s precise driving and setup expertise allowed him to exploit their full potential. Over the years he drove for top manufacturers and teams in the 1/8 class, piloting vehicles from brands like Kyosho in the 2000s and later Infinity, always equipped with cutting-edge chassis and engines tuned for maximum performance.

While 1/8 nitro on-road was Collari’s primary arena, he did occasionally venture into other RC racing categories. He has dabbled in 1/10 scale nitro on-road (200mm touring car) competitions, even participating in IFMAR World Championship events in that class as a formidable contender. Earlier in his life, his first RC car was a 1/10 electric on-road, which gave him experience in electric racing fundamentalshudy.net. He also tried 1/8 off-road (buggy) racing in off-seasons for practice and funhudy.net, although he did not pursue an off-road career at the international level. Despite these forays, Collari’s name is virtually synonymous with 1/8 nitro on-road racing, the class in which he achieved legendary status. His deep involvement in this category also extended to the equipment side: for example, he worked closely with engine manufacturers to develop specialty engines for 1/8 cars, including a signature .21 cubic inch competition engine that Novarossi produced under his nameredrc.net. In summary, Collari’s career has been defined by the 1/8 scale nitro class – the cars he raced were blisteringly fast, technically demanding machines, and he proved himself a master of them like no other.

Driving Style and Technical Strengths

Lamberto Collari is renowned not only for winning races, but for how he wins them. His driving style is often described as smooth, precise, and strategically savvy. He is a driver who rarely makes unforced errors, preferring to run consistent lap times and pressure opponents into mistakes. One of Collari’s hallmark strengths was his strategic approach to long finals (which in 1/8 on-road can last 45 minutes to one hour). He became famous for his ability to conserve fuel and tires without sacrificing speed, enabling him to make fewer pit stops than his competitors. In fact, Collari has been known to attempt extended runs between refueling – for example, trying a “one-stop” pit strategy in qualifiers – by adjusting his driving to save fuelliverc.com. This level of strategic thinking often gave him an edge in endurance finals, as shaving even one pit stop off a race could be the difference between victory and defeat. His competitors and commentators have noted that you would be foolish to ever count Collari out, as he hasn’t won nine world titles by luck – he always finds a way to be in contention, using a blend of pace and smart tacticsliverc.com.

Another standout aspect of Collari’s racing is his composure under pressure. He is exceptionally calm and focused during competition, even when circumstances are challenging. For instance, in one World Championship event he faced an early setback that forced him to fight through the pack from a lower position; observers recounted how Collari “calmly drove through the field”, picking off one driver after another to secure his advancementliverc.com. This unflappable demeanor has earned him a reputation as a clutch racer who can deliver his best performance when it matters most. Whether it’s a high-stakes pass for the lead or recovering from a pit lane incident, Collari’s years of experience allow him to stay cool and make intelligent decisions mid-race.

Technically, Lamberto Collari’s skillset is extraordinary. He possesses deep mechanical knowledge and tuning abilities, in part due to the mentorship of his father and early mechanics. Collari often mentions that his father taught him “all about engines,” knowledge he considers a treasure that gave him a competitive edge in engine tuning and reliabilityhudy.net. He became adept at finding the optimal engine settings for both power and fuel economy, and his cars were famously well-prepared – flameouts or mechanical failures were rare in his races. Collari also learned chassis setup science from experienced mentors like Gianni, Ago, and others in his youth, which built a strong foundation for adjusting suspension, tires, and aerodynamics to suit each trackhudy.net. His meticulous approach to preparation is summed up by his own philosophy: “You’re never prepared enough for a big race. You need to spend 10 parts of your time at home to be able to enjoy 1 part at the racing fields – if you wanna be crowned as a World Champion.”hudy.net. This attention to detail in the workshop translated to highly dialed-in cars on race day, giving Collari the confidence to push his vehicles to their limits. In short, Collari’s strengths lie in a rare combination of precision driving, strategic acumen, and technical expertise. These qualities enabled him to dominate an elite field of competitors for decades.

Contributions to RC Community and Industry

Beyond his on-track accomplishments, Lamberto Collari has made significant contributions to the RC racing community and industry. As a veteran champion, he has been an ambassador of the sport, helping to advance technology and inspire the next generation of racers. One of his major roles in later years has been in RC car development. In 2015, Collari joined the newly formed Team Infinity (Creation Model) as a star driver and technical advisor, bringing his vast experience to develop their 1/8 on-road racing platformredrc.net. The Infinity team noted that Collari’s skills, dedication, and knowledge would be a huge asset in refining their car. Collari himself welcomed the opportunity, saying it was “time to renew my challenge” and that he was happy to be a resource in developing a brand-new racing platformredrc.net. His involvement with Infinity contributed to the design of championship-caliber vehicles – indeed, within a few years, Infinity cars won World Championships (2017 and 2019) in the 1/8 class, a success built in part on the foundation that Collari helped lay.

Collari (center) with the Infinity team, which he joined to help develop their new 1/8 on-road car platformredrc.net. His technical input and experience were invaluable to the young brand.

Collari’s influence extends to RC product development as well. During his career, he collaborated with top RC manufacturers, lending his expertise to create better components and engines for the sport. For example, he worked with famed Italian engine maker Novarossi to produce special edition high-performance engines under the MLC Collari nameredrc.net. These engines were hand-tuned (often with help from his father, Mauro Collari) and marketed to serious racers looking for the kind of power, fuel efficiency, and reliability that had helped Collari win titles. By contributing to engine designs and setups, Collari helped push the boundaries of nitro engine performance in RC. He also endorsed and used advanced radio and chassis equipment – notably collaborating with brands like Sanwa (radio systems) and Hudy (tools/setup stations) – which helped popularize those technologies among RC enthusiasts. In interviews, Collari has shared insights about the evolution of RC equipment, noting how precision and quality have dramatically improved over the years, and he has always been at the forefront of adopting new tools to gain a competitive edgehudy.nethudy.net.

In terms of mentorship and promoting the sport, Lamberto Collari has been a role model for racers around the world. Over a career spanning 30+ years, he has often taken the time to advise younger drivers in the pits and share setup tips, just as he once learned from older experts. Many up-and-coming racers have cited Collari as an inspiration, and he is frequently seen offering pointers or even wrenching on cars alongside other competitors at major events. In Italy, Collari contributes to the local racing scene through his hobby shop (Collari Modellismo) in Bologna and the track that bears his name. The L. Collari RC Raceway has become a hub for on-road racing; Collari and a group of friends oversee the facility, ensuring it remains a top-notch venue for races and practicehudy.net. By maintaining this track and hosting events, he directly supports grassroots development of the sport. Furthermore, Collari’s presence at international races, even in years when he isn’t racing for a title, brings attention and prestige to those events – he often participates in exhibition races, conducts trackside interviews (for example, interviewing new champions in recent competitions), and represents the sport in a very positive, professional manner.

In summary, Collari’s contributions off the track are multifaceted: he has driven innovation in car and engine design, he actively mentors and encourages fellow racers, and he helps promote RC racing through his leadership and public profile. His long-term involvement at every level of the hobby – from local clubs in Italy to global manufacturers – has made a lasting impact on the RC community.

Legacy and Impact

Lamberto Collari’s legacy in RC car racing is cemented as one of the all-time greats of the sport. With nine World Championship titles, he holds a record in the 1/8 on-road category that remains unmatchedsanwa-denshi.com. In the history of RC racing, only a handful of drivers have come close to this level of achievement, and Collari’s titles all came in the elite nitro on-road class, showcasing a specialization and dominance rarely seen. The fact that he won world titles across three different decades – from the late 1980s through the 2000s – speaks to his longevity and adaptability. He stayed competitive well into his 40s against generations of younger drivers, continually evolving his driving and technical approach as the sport advanced. This remarkable longevity is part of his enduring impact: he set a benchmark for what it means to have a sustained world-class career in RC racing.

Collari is frequently mentioned alongside the likes of Masami Hirosaka and other legends when discussing the greatest RC racers in history. Within the 1/8 on-road community, he is almost universally admired for his accomplishments and sportsmanship. His peers and former rivals often point to Collari’s professional attitude at races – calm, fair, and focused – as something to emulate. Off the track, his approachable personality and willingness to engage with fans have made him a popular figure at events. Many current top drivers grew up watching Collari’s victories and have been inspired by his example. It’s not uncommon to hear anecdotes of younger racers hanging a photo of Collari on their wall or seeking his autograph at world championships, underlining how he has influenced new talent entering the sportfacebook.com.

Collari’s impact is also technical and organizational. The advancements in car reliability and pit strategies in 1/8 on-road can be partly traced to the standards he set. Competitors had to elevate their game to beat him, which in turn pushed teams to innovate in engine efficiency, tire technology, and chassis design throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Additionally, by contributing to products (like the Collari Edition engines and the Infinity project), he has left a tangible mark on the equipment that racers use today. His name, attached to engines, tuning parts, and even a racing circuit, will continue to be associated with high performance in RC.

Lastly, Lamberto Collari’s career has significantly raised the profile of RC car racing, especially in his home country. In Italy, he is a household name in the RC community – his success has attracted media coverage beyond just specialist RC press, helping to draw new enthusiasts into the hobby. The Collari Raceway in Bologna stands as a living tribute to his contributions, where each new generation of drivers can learn in the environment he helped cultivate. Globally, whenever discussions arise about the epitome of excellence in RC racing, Collari’s story and records are front and center. His combination of talent, work ethic, and passion for the sport has left an indelible legacy. Future world champions in the 1/8 class invariably find themselves measured against the standard Collari set. In the words of many RC racing fans and experts, Lamberto Collari’s impact on the RC racing world is nothing short of legendary, and his influence will be felt for many years to comesanwa-denshi.com.

Sources

  1. Hudy Team Interview – “Lamberto Collari chooses HUDY” (Sept. 2017)hudy.nethudy.nethudy.nethudy.net

  2. Sanwa Electronic – Legendary RC Driver: Lamberto Collari (Team Infinity) (Sanwa promo PDF)sanwa-denshi.comsanwa-denshi.comsanwa-denshi.com

  3. Red RC News – “Lamberto Collari is World Champion” (Oct. 2007)redrc.net

  4. Red RC Events – “Collari claims 9th World title” (Aug. 2009)events.redrc.net

  5. LiveRC Coverage – 2011 IFMAR 1/8 On-Road Worlds Recapliverc.comliverc.comliverc.com

  6. Red RC News – “Lamberto Collari officially joins Infinity” (Oct. 2015)redrc.net

  7. Red RC News – “MLC Collari motor by Novarossi” (Nov. 2006)redrc.net

  8. EFRA Race Report – “Collari is European Champion…Again!” (2011 Euros)efra.ws

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