Today is another sad day in our industry. Team Novak, the company that sold me my first electronic speed control, has sent out a message that after 38 years in business, they are closing the doors. Here is the official company announcement.
“Since 1978, Novak has been proud to be a part of the remote-controlled hobby industry, designing and manufacturing important and innovative products to the market such as the modern-day ESC for R/C cars in 1983 (NESC-1), and the first R/C car sensored brushless motor and ESC in 2002 (Super Sport Brushless System). Our customers, our business partners, and all of the friendships we have formed in this industry have made owning and operating Novak not feel like “work” but rather fulfilling a passion.
We are announcing that we have decided to close down our operations effective today. This decision was difficult to make, as this has been a family business spanning two generations.
We are proud that we were able to continue to manufacture products in California during our 38 years in business, and we hope we have been a good steward to the industry. 20 IFMAR World Championships and countless ROAR and Club races were won with Novak products over the years and we want to especially thank our customers and race organizations for their belief in our product and their enthusiasm for the hobby.
Rather than saying good-bye, we wish to say thank you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this incredible hobby and industry!”
I’d personally like to thank Bob, Linda and Laura for a fantastic run and for releasing products that the world had a chance to enjoy. We’ll definitely miss the orange around the track.
[source: www.teamnovak.com]
I have owned many team Novak products, and lived to Don my rides with their stickers. It is a sad day indeed, but like the bond flick said, “Never say never again!” You have a great brand, and you never know. … It’s not over, till its over!