In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Illinois team driver, Dale Best!
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 was introduced into RC racing by my late brother during the mid 90’s. My first competitive RC buggy was a Schumacher Cougar 2000.
2. 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?
RC drag racing has grown immensely in popularity during the pandemic given that a host of RC off and on road tracks are having to close temporarily or cancel the bigger races. The drag race events are easier to setup given a dedicated location with no overhead is not needed plus the ease to social distance in the open. Time will tell if it’s here to stay or not particularly as we roll into the harsher weather months.
3. From your experience what is the easiest AND hardest maintenance task on your RC cars?
For me as a driver, I enjoy the majority of maintenance tasks on my TLR off-road buggy’s during and after races as I am all about the details. However, the one task I favor less is tire prep particularly when grinding pin tires down to slicks.
4. When it comes to new products released from JConcepts, what are you most excited to see and why? Is it a new body, new tire, new accessory, etc.?
The most exciting releases for me from JConcepts is always tires seeing as they play a crucial part of your setups. JConcepts is always leading the way with innovation and design.
5. Besides RC cars, what other hobbies are you into?
Outside of RC my free time is spent with my family seeing as they have given up so much in the last few years so I can continue in this sport. I do have a passion also for repairing anything pre 1960’s mechanical.