In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Iowa team driver, Bradley Peterson!
1. When and how did you get started in RC? And what class do you compete in or did you primarily bash your vehicles?
I started RC back in 2013 as something to do in the winter. At the time, I was racing ATV Motocross, and wanted something racing related to do in the ‘off-season’. That is when I found 80/35 Raceway & Bluegroove Hobbies in Grimes, Iowa. I had a Traxxas Slash that I took to the motocross tracks with me, and I very quickly found that it wasn’t the ideal race rig. I ended up talking to some guys at the track and bought a used Team Associated ‘Factory Edition’ B4.2 that I ran in 17.5 2wd buggy. This jump started me into a hobby that would eventually take me over when I walked away from the motocross scene due to college and just growing up. Fast forward to the present, I am now a sponsored driver for Team Associated, Reedy Power, Factory Team, JConcepts, Reds Racing, and BoomRC. Primarily racing in the Midwest region.
2. Name a RC class that you would like to see increase in popularity and why?
We’ve had a crazy increase in 8th scale popularity locally, and I would love to see the nitro side of things take an increase. Nitro racing just brings in another level of realism with the addition of fuel, pit stops, and tuning the carbs. A lot of people think it is “too hard to learn”, but I jumped head first into nitro in 2018, and it’s been some of the most fun I’ve had with an RC.
3. Dirt Oval has really grown in popularity over the past few years. In your opinion what is the main cause of this increase of left turn drivers?
Yes, I agree dirt oval has seriously grown recently. We have four different oval tracks within one hour of Des Moines, Iowa. I think a big part of dirt oval growing is that it is a near true, scaled down version of the full size sport. From sprint cars having the different spec motors such as the full size 305, 360, and 410’s, to the Late Model and SC Mod’s having true multi panel bodies. My biggest attraction to oval was purely the detail of the bodies, and how simple it is for younger children to participate and learn the hand eye coordination that comes with RC, but I personally find a bit more enjoyment in the off-road scene.
4. Name one JConcepts product that you feel is overlooked by many but you find it very useful. It could be a tool, tread pattern, wing, etc.
Personally I feel the JConcepts Analog Quick Reference Calipers and the Combo Thumb Wrench are both very over looked tools. There have been countless times where I have reached for my digital calipers, only to find that the battery is dead, and who keeps the little puck style batteries on hand anyways? The combo thumb wrench has saved me many times where my typical normal sized handle 5.5mm/7mm wrenches wouldn’t fit, such as the front shock tower bushings on the Team Associated B6.4D due to the design of the front end.
5. Besides RC cars, what other hobbies are you into?
Haha, this is a great one. Aside from RC, I don’t have much else for hobbies besides my full time job as an auto technician. I spend a good amount of time out in the garage tinkering with full size engines, or at the campgrounds or car shows. When I’m not RC’ing or working, I’m putting time towards my girlfriend and son, and getting him into the things I do, and just watching him grow.