In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Mike Principato!
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?
When I first started racing in San Diego, two weeks after the 1st IFMAR World Championships in 1985, there were quite a few drivers who were really fast and that you would see in the magazines as that how we got our information back then (no internet). I would say the first few people I was inspired by was Jay Halsey and Tony Neisenger. Yes I know I am dating myself here, but meeting them, reading about them and watching them drive inspired me to practice thinking one day I could be just as clean and fast as they were. As these guys were the only ones I knew that no matter what motor Mike Reedy gave them they would handle it like it was a Sunday drive.
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?
Having run everything imaginable the last 35 years of racing 1/10 off-road I like running slicks.. They are simple and easy to maintain. Just wipe off, clean and apply traction compound and you are finished. Why do I think things have moved this way? For me as well as other racers it saves time and money on purchasing and prepping tires. Slicks will last for a longer period on time in comparison to the slightly treaded/ ghost treaded tires, in my opinion. Tires are expensive and to just grind off all the tread to run a slightly treaded tire is a waste of money for a lot of racers.
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 don’t consider 17.5 as stock…period! I do consider 21.5 as stock. Now, with that being said, 21.5 is stock and should be for the novice/beginner classes. No sponsors, handout motor, blinky speedo etc. to keep everyone on the same even playing field. From there one would move up to 17.5. I consider 17.5 like the Busch series of NASCAR, it’s the biggest class in part that it is more controllable, affordable, the motors have reasonable power and its highly competitive. Just like in NASCAR if you want to up your game and run in the Cup Series, then you run modified.
4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?
If I had to name just one product it would be the carbon fiber pit board!
5. Name one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
I used to bowl professionally on the PBA Tour, and currently have over 25 perfect games!