We spend some time talking with JConcepts Team Drivers to learn a little more about them, their racing background, race day rituals and more.
This week we speak with TLR/JConcepts driver Cole Ogden…
How did you get started in R/C? And how long have you been racing?
My dad got me into RC cars when I was about 6 years old. Then I started racing when I was about 11. I raced off and on until my high school years. I tried attending all the “larger” races here on the east coast throughout that time. Then I figured out I was decent at it, and maybe I could be good one day, when I graduated high school in 2012 I started racing pretty hardcore and here I am today, still doing it!
What’s your favorite class?
1/8th scale nitro buggy would have to be my favorite class. I find this my favorite, because other than Modified 1/10th scale 2wd, it is the most competitive. Everyone in the world knows that 1/8th scale buggy is a premier class and I think that racing with the best, can only better myself.
What’s your favorite source for R/C news?
Facebook, you can find out who won what club races 😉
But honestly, I like neobuggy.net the best.
When you’re not at the track what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy my free time hanging out with my friends, going to the lake, fishing, riding bikes, and playing golf, occasionally!
If you could only keep one R/C item what would it be?
It’d be hard to keep just ONE item from RC. But if I had to choose which one, I’d choose my radio. There’s something about it, but everywhere I travel, my radio is always next to me. If I leave my stuff at the track and it’s locked up, I still bring my radio to the hotel with me!
How long have you been racing for JConcepts?
I’ve been racing for JC since January of this year, and I couldn’t be more thankful of where it has gotten me already. It’s a true honor racing for such a great company and good people like J-Ro, John, Paul and Allison.
What race do you look forward to the most every year?
The Dirt Nitro Challenge, mostly for the competition and it’s one of the first larger events to start the New Year! Also, there’s so much free time throughout a race day at this race, that you can chill and hangout with your friends and have a good time.
How do you explain to non-RC friends what you do?
I race toy cars people, lol. Just like supercross but with an RC car, and I say it’s more competitive because you don’t have to be in such good shape to race! It’s also more beyond the racing, you have to wrench and make sure all your stuff won’t fall apart. There’s a lot more to it than just racing with a remote control.
Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in RC?
My dad has helped me most along the way, he’s taught me everything I know and I couldn’t be where I am without the knowledge he’s passed on to me. Another big help that’s contributed to my racing is J-Ro, Marco & Mario Rossi, without the help and support of these guys, I couldn’t be doing the racing I do today without them.
If you could have one main event back from your past what would it be? And why?
If I had one event to take back, it’d be the ROAR Off-road Fuel Nats at Mikes Hobby Shop in 2013. After bumping to the semi from the quarters, I had to do some wrenching before the semi’s. What I forgot was to charge my battery, so at about 3 minutes left in the 30 minute race, while running 4th, my battery dumped and I ended up not making the final.
You are more known as a nitro guy, Will we see you racing more electric anytime soon?
I will be racing more electric closer to the end of the year, but for now, I’m more focused on my nitro program. I’d like to race some 1/10th scale as well, but I’m more established in nitro racing. Maybe someday soon I will start racing more electric 1/10th scale, I’m good with sticking with what I know for now!
What’s coming up on the calendar for Cole Ogden?
I have a bunch of new events I will be attending this year, as well as the events I normally go to. Of course I’ll be attending the ROAR Fuel 1/8th Nationals next week, I hope to make the O.S/Futaba Nitro Challenge, Wicked Weekend, Bring the Heat, Southern Nationals, and I’ll also be attending the Indoor Worlds at Padova in Italy. I pretty stoked at being able to make these races!
We want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions. If you’d like go ahead and give a shout out to your sponsors.
Not a problem, anytime…..thank you! And a special thanks to my sponsors for their support and great products, TLR, REDS, JConcepts, Byrons, Airtronics, On Point RC, Horizon Hobby, Cookies CRAP Grease, OGIO and CR Graphics!
