In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Oklahoma team driver, Brian Stanton!
1. How did you get started in RC? Was it racing right away, or did you bash vehicles before you found out about the RC race scene?
I started in RC about the age of 10 after racing go-karts for several years. I’ve raced a wide range of cars from 1/12 on-road up to 1/4 paved oval and many in between. I jumped right into the racing scene after my go kart career ended after an accident that finally scared me enough to consider other options.
2. What is your favorite class to race in today and why?
My favorite class is open sprint cars on dirt oval. This is my favorite because it has the best of the best competing and I’m fortunate enough to race against some typical A main drivers from the RC Chili Bowl on a semi regular basis in this region. There’s never an easy win on any given night.
3. If you have been racing for a while now you have probably glued up 100s of tires. So what gluing tips do you have for beginning racers?
My tire gluing tips take some work, but now I prefer a thin glue to make less mess, it sounds crazy I know. Before you ever get the fluid out though make sure the tire and wheel are cleaned and ready to be glued first. Then I get the tires onto the wheels and let them sit for an hour or more to let it really set into the bead area and then check for any issues. Then using a glue tip on the bottle, peel the bead back slightly but not all the way off the wheel, apply glue, spin the tire about 1/3 revolution, apply more glue, then again. Add the tire band and if done properly, a small amount will squeeze out all around the bead and I’m sure I’ve got even coverage. Then let the glue dry thoroughly before flipping the wheel/tire over for the backside. Nothing worse than sticking the tire to your pit board because you were in a rush.
4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?
I really love the Ellipse tire, it is my go to tire at most tracks because once the track gets packed in, it’s hard to beat it. If the track stays loose, Sprinters are what I’ll roll out on. But recently I picked up the new JC backpack for drag cars, but it makes a GREAT tire bag. I keep many of my tire tools (tire punch, glue bands, foam roller, etc.) in the pockets and it’s easy to take with me.
5. Besides RC cars, what other hobbies are you into?
I love to travel, which has been put on hold this year. I’ve been fortunate enough to still get out though as we went snow skiing between Christmas and New Year’s this year which is always a blast. I’m not sure you’d call it playing golf, but I enjoy time out on the course having a good time with buddies for sure.