In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Eli Westrup!
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?
Without a doubt, it was Brian Kinwald. The XX-CR Kinwald Edition had just come out and I just started getting into racing. I have seen him every where in the magazines with all of his success. It was very inspirational. I heard about him from my best friend who raced with him and without a doubt, Brian became my racing hero and inspired me to put in the time and effort right from the beginning. Rip BK.
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 want to say treads but the mega grip from slicks is just too fun to discount so I have to go with slicks. My go to slick would be sanded down Silver compound Ellipses as soon as the glue dries. Having the foam fresh and the tire sanded down with red Scotch-Brite done right feels like cheating. That compound is unreal. I believe it has moved to this due to the evolution of the mid motor car and the tires becoming better and better and you can’t discount the foams either as a whole package. Combine those things with tracks: being prepared for large events and the tracks being meticulously built and maintained. There’s very little loose dirt, so to match the conditions a slick makes sense. It moves to club racing, in my opinion because racers get a taste of how much grip there can be and they probably influence the track owner to strive for those same conditions if it’s possible so they can have more experience for those larger races when slicks are typically the tire of choice.
3. Stock or 17.5 2wd Buggy is the biggest class in off-road electric racing currently. Why do you think this is and do you see these as a problem moving forward with the racing industry?
I would say that class is the largest because that’s pretty much where everyone starts when moving to a 2wd buggy or used to start prior to the 21.5 class. They’re comfortable with controlling the power of a 17.5 and have invested in the class a lot so that helps keep them put. Industry wise, I suppose it could hurt some companies trying to compete with having the fastest motor and best batteries. Certain brands could develop a bad name not to mention the dangers of high amp charging and discharging practiced by a lot of spec class racers. It could possibly bring on a legal issues and/or say they try to ban that at tracks where there could be people still doing it secretly which could lead to its own set of issues.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
There’s so many great JC products I use, but, the JC ride height gauge would be the most essential since we don’t set ride height by eye balling arms and bones anymore. Your car being off by just 1mm front or rear could potentially upset the car and make it difficult to be consistent.
5. Besides RC cars, what other hobbies are you into?
Fishing! It’s a way for me to just let my mind and body reset. The creativity that can develop from racing RC cars can actually help when it comes to fishing believe it or not. I got pretty serious into fishing in middle school and am fortunate to live nearby some awesome places to fish with good friends to enjoy. I love the outdoors and water so it goes hand in hand.