In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Ohio team driver, Bella Rogers!
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?
My dad raced RC cars with his dad when he was a little boy, and then off and on through his adult years. So I’ve been around RC cars since I was little. My dad got back into racing when I was nine years old. After watching a few races I was very interested so he put the radio in my hand and let me go. I loved it from the first time I drove a car around the track. I was a natural and from then on, it was me and dad racing together.
2. What is your favorite class to race in today and why?
I like Truggy because you can just go out there and wheel the thing. It’s so easy to drive and you can really push it and it takes whatever you give it. I have the most fun with it for sure.
3. It seems like in recent years more women are participating in RC racing than ever before. Why do you think that is and what could be done to increase it even more in your opinion?
I think more dads are heading to the tracks with their daughters, and their daughters are taking an interest in learning the sport. That in turn catches the attention of other girls/women/moms/etc. Seeing girls, running in what used to be a “male dominant” sport, turns heads especially when the girls start beating the men. I think as times change, women feel less intimidated to jump in with the guys and compete. I’ve personally never been intimidated by racing the guys. There’s a video somewhere of me on the stand when I was little talking about how I’m gonna “beat those boy’s butts”. As far as getting more women interested in the sport, I think it comes down to getting them to the track. Watching videos or hearing someone talk about it isn’t the same as showing up and someone putting a radio in your hand.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
Definitely Reflex. If you can’t find a tire and you’re pressed for time you can throw on Reflex and go. It’s a neutral tire that works great at most tracks.
5. Name one thing people might be surprised to know about you.
Most people don’t know that I used to do beauty pageants from the age of about three to the age of five. I really enjoyed it and was so prissy. My family laughs about how I went from all the fancy dresses and makeup to dirt tracks and racing.