In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Derek Stephansen!
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?
Around the time of myself getting into RC, I was fortunate enough to have Matt Francis racing in my region. After meeting him he became someone I admired for not only his driving talent at the time, but willingness to just help the everyday club racer.
2. If you have been racing for awhile, what would you say is the number one technology advancement in RC to date and why?
The transition to lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors I thought was pretty big. It made race days much simpler opened up time to focus on other things like setup, driving, and other race day tasks. Also being able to have one motor or one battery for the day reduced costs for some.
3. 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’m a big fan of treads or even pin tires. The more tread the better, lol. To be honest I feel it’s a combination of things overtime. Tracks have evolved in recent years to being more packed, prepared, and along with that both the tires and cars have gotten better.
4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?
Favorite JC product to date would be the F2 body. It’s stylish, sleek, and handles well on the track. It has been one of those go to body styles since seeing pictures of the Finnisher body at the Finland worlds in 2011.
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?
Outside of RC, I spend a lot of time either working or at the gym. One hidden talent, however, would be my passion for merchandising product in retail. There is something about creating eye appeal that captures a customers attention but also looks good.