In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Canadian team driver, Jordan Miles!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
I first heard about RC from my friend Logan Pillsworth, back when I was around 11 years old. He brought over an old SC10 once and my whole family was amazed by it. We had never seen an RC car that could go so fast. That Christmas I opened up an RC monster truck. Things progressed from there, me and Logan found out about a new track that was being built nearby. So we checked it out and ended up helping build the track. Eventually I got some cars that were a bit better suited for racing, and things slowly progressed to how I am today. Me and Logan live across the country from each other now, and he didn’t get much into racing. But when we do see each other he comes out to the track and I set up a car for him to race.
2. On many indoor dirt off-road tracks it seems like the hot ticket is to run slicks. Do you prefer slightly treaded tires or slicks? And why do you think things have moved this way?
I race at 2 different tracks very often. Both tracks run Silver compound, but one runs a full slick and the other runs ghosts. I have to say I like the full slicks a lot better. It’s so much easier to set up your tires and they last a lot longer. And it evens out the playing field a lot due to a lot of people not knowing how to make the perfect ghost tire. I feel like the slick tire has come about recently due to the quality of clay in tracks now. Many tracks were using previously unheard of additives. Now they use more premium quality clay, and are just striving for pure traction. In combination with that, tire manufacturers have released compounds, like Silver, that work especially well in that kind of condition.
3. What is one tip you have for new drivers getting into RC racing that you would like to share?
My one tip would be to ask and listen. Go up to the fast guys, ask them something, and listen to what they have to say. I’ve found many times that new drivers seem intimidated by the guys on the podium. They think that they are too busy to bother with a slow guy like them. Or that their advise won’t help them. I’ve often gone up to the new guys just to have a chat with them, ask them if they need anything, show them that I’m just another guy like them and that I’ll talk with them anytime. And afterwards I’ll have them come to me all the time without hesitating asking for advise and such. So for all the new guys out there I highly advise you, go right up to a fast guy, ask him something, even if you think it’s a stupid question ask it anyways. I guarantee you he’ll give you an answer that will help you, you might even develop a friendship with him and learn a lot.
4. From your experience what is the easiest AND hardest maintenance task on your RC cars?
A lot of maintenance on my cars have just become a habit now, but likely the easiest thing would simply be cleaning tires. The hardest I think most people would agree is building a fresh ball diff. Making sure everything inside it is perfectly clean, breaking it in, getting it just the right tightness. It’s often very tedious.
5. You are obviously highly skilled when it comes to RC cars, but what is one skill or hidden talent that folks might be surprised to find out about you?
I think one thing people would find interesting is that I’m actually very musical. I play drums, piano, and a bit of guitar. I even play drums in my church’s band.