In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Connecticut team driver, Brent Sianez!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
When I was maybe four to five years old, my grandfather took me to watch races at SoCal RC Raceway in Garden Grove; I was incredibly fascinated, particularly with the stadium trucks. A couple years later my father bought me my first car, a Team Associated B3.
Within a couple years of racing, I went from failing to complete a novice class heat with ghosted Bow-Ties to competing in both Stock and Mod 2wd buggy and stadium truck classes at the Huntington Beach SoCal. Sports took over in middle school and I took a lengthy hiatus from racing until moving to the northeast to start my career.
2. What is your biggest win to date and why?
I’d say my biggest “win” was Modified 2wd buggy at the 2020 Schumacher US Grand Prix at RC Madness in Enfield, CT. I had never raced on AstroTurf in the rain before, but was able to make some timely adjustments and walk away with the win.
However, my proudest RC result was in Modified 4wd Buggy at the inaugural Florida Carpet Championships where I realized that on a good day I can compete with the big boys. I want to say that I scored a 4 and 5 in stacked triple A-mains, and finished 6 seconds behind Cav in one of them.
3. What is one tip you have for new drivers getting into RC racing that you would like to share?
My number one piece of advice is to keep RC fun. I see many younger racers putting entirely too much pressure on themselves with the desire to become sponsored, not enjoying themselves, and ultimately burning out. It’s good to set goals and put in the work to achieve them, but realize it doesn’t happen overnight and you will have better outcomes if you learn to love the process rather than the result.
4. When it comes to new products released from JConcepts, what are you most excited to see and why? Is it a new body, new tire, new accessory, etc.?
Jason is always coming out with great new products, so it’s hard to narrow it down to a single category. I lean towards the products that give you an edge on the track, whether it be tires, bodies, accessories, etc.
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?
That’s tough – between a highly demanding professional career and competitive racing, I don’t have a lot of free time. I do enjoy strength training, have recently taken up espresso as a hobby, and love playing with my puppy, Franklin.
