In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Mike Sorchy!
1. When you first got into RC racing, what pro driver did you look up to and why? Or maybe there was a local/regional driver that you followed?
When I was a kid I was into R/C but didn’t race and I remember looking up to the legendary Brian Kinwald. He was always on top, in all the magazines and had the coolest cars. Fast forward to 2016-2017 and I got back into R/C and started actually racing local AE driver Tyler Hicks who was always going out of his way to help me with my stuff. We are pretty good friends now and even shared a room for the 13th Annual Surf City Classic this year.
2. In your opinion, what classes have you noticed that seem to be in a decline? And how would you try to resolve this so there is more participation?
This biggest class I see in decline is Short Course Trucks. I think there is a few reasons it’s not popular anymore. Bodies are expensive and don’t last long, plus with all the tracks being high grip these days they can be a handful to drive. This is unfortunate because short course is a great way to get new people into R/C racing. Maybe a RTR that is closer to race grade could bring this class back.
3. What is your favorite class to race in today and why?
My favorite class to race is 17.5 2wd Buggy. It’s the most competitive class in 1/10 off-road and also I believe if you can drive a 2wd buggy then you can drive anything. Stadium Truck definitely does hold a special place in my heart, but it’s just not as popular as buggy.
4. Drag racing in RC is huge right now. Why do you think this is, and do you think it is a “fad” or here to stay for many years?
I am a big No Prep/Street Drag racing fan. I think that the recent popularity in real drag racing has caused it to get popular in R/C. Looks pretty cool and I want to give it a try so hopefully it’s here to stay.
5. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
That is a hard question with so many great JC products I use every time I go to the track. If I had to pick one it would be the ride height and camber gauge set. I love the precision and how easy they are to use so definitely something I use every race day.