In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Missouri team driver, Doug Welker!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
I discovered hobby class RC cars after continuing to break Nikko monster trucks back in the early 90’s. My Dad, tired of replacing them, took me to a hobby shop. I was blown away when I saw my first race. The racers let me corner marshal and soon I started racing in the kids class when I was 10. I had a Traxxas Hawk 2 2wd stadium truck.
2. Nitro or Electric racing. If you had to eliminate one all together which one would it be and why?
I’d get rid of Nitro. I came of age in the hobby during the nitro monster truck craze, and while I appreciate it for what it is, if I never have to tune a nitro engine again I’d be totally fine with that!
3. From your experience what is the easiest AND hardest maintenance task on your RC cars?
The easiest to do, and also easiest to forget, is checking my wheel nuts before a round of racing. The hardest maintenance task is gluing tires. Despite having access to a variety of tools, rubber bands, and various glues….I ALWAYS get it on myself and/or the tire sidewall.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
As a solid axle monster truck racer, the most important JConcepts product is the Renegade tire, in either the Blue or Gold compound depending on the surface. In my opinion it’s the greatest RC monster truck tire ever released and can perform on almost any kind of track. It’s very rare to be at a national or club-level RC monster truck race and see anything but Renegades in the winner’s circle.
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’m an avid guitarist and have been playing and performing for around 20 years.