In this edition of the Friday5 we talk to the JConcepts father & son race team out of the UK, Jon and Jake Dell!
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’ve now been racing since 1985 so well over 35 years now. My parents did Kart racing, so once I got an RC car I wanted to race it right away. We headed down to the local club (Club Heathrow) which at the time was a well known 12th on-road club where many of the greats of the time raced (Phil Davis to name one who was a complete legend). The club started to explore 10th off-road by leaving the carpet down on a Friday night and on Saturday the buggies took over with a few obstacles in the way. Many of the guys that raced back then have over the years given up and come back to RC and this is something I really like to see. RC is in the blood of anyone who has a go. In 1987 I went on a road trip with a friend to the Romsey 1/10th off-road worlds, and the whole trip left a lasting memory which inspired me reach that level of racing.
Over the years I raced at the UK nationals and many big races which I totally enjoyed but I lacked the natural talent that makes the difference at the top. What I did have was a good understanding of car prep and set ups and this took me to my eventual success. 1998 was the year I first looked at 8th off-road buggies which has been my passion ever since. The smell, the noise, the pit stops, the team work all makes it so different to the individual electric class and a class of racing where my other skills helped produce some very rewarding results as a driver. A couple of UK national podiums, plenty of national A finals along with representing the UK at Euros and Worlds has always been something I’ve been proud of. Eventually I stopped racing when it was clear to me that I could help another drivers with more talent than myself. First with Jon Hazlewood and later with Lee Martin, I was fortunate enough to be part of their racing to help them gain results at the very top. Two UK national titles, two Worlds main finals and several Euro main finals have taught me plenty, but there is always something more to learn with RC car racing.
These days I am team manager for the UK distributor who distributes JConcepts and various other brands. Having first meet Jason and Alison back in 2009 when racing with Lee at the Dirt Nitro Challenge I’ve always been impressed with their passion for their business and also how Jason is always on top of great ideas. With my young son, Jake now getting to an age to be able to race an 8th buggy, I’m now looking forward to seeing him enjoy RC cars as I have done so through the years.
2. Name a RC class that you would like to see increase in popularity and why?
During the recent lockdown period, I’ve had a couple of vintage projects to get up and running just like I used to run. There is such a great interest in this class of racing and the UK is leading the way with the racing scene. I’m looking forward to getting my new old cars on the track and I think for the retail side of the industry, this has become a new and valuable area.
3. What is one tip you have for new drivers getting into RC racing that you would like to share?
One is very difficult as I would like to think I have much advice to offer, but if I could pick one for a new driver it would be to ‘never let the same thing happen twice’. Not always an easy thing to do, but if a part breaks, can you improve it, don’t just fit a new one, if you missed a pit stop, what can you do with your team do to prevent it happen again, if your set up is not right what can you do mid week to make it better for next time.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
Got to be JConcepts 8th tyres. Stalkers in the Green compound have you covered for any and every track your likely to go to and won’t burn out in one run.
5. Name one thing people might be surprised to know about you.
Not so much about me, but my mum used to race Karts and was pretty darn good at it. She won the Isle of Man Manx GP which we are all very proud of. She is not with us anymore, but I like to think she is looking down her racing grandson’s.
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?
Because of my dad, I saw what he was doing and I got interested. I’ve been bashing cars since I was 3 (I’m 9 now), but I’ve started racing during 2020, however due to COVID its not been as much as I would have liked.
2. Name a RC class that you would like to see increase in popularity and why?
8th off-road because its exciting.
3. What is one tip you have for new drivers getting into RC racing that you would like to share?
Try and remember that slow and steady wins the race.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
Fresh Blockers on my car because they are the best.
5. Name one thing people might be surprised to know about you.
I like playing rugby.