In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Florida team driver, Grant Ryals!
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?
For me it wasn’t really any big name drivers cause I didn’t realize RC had more then just club races, but there was a few local guys I looked up to and tried to learn from. Once I got more into it and understood the pro level side I’d have to say Max Flurer.
2. In your opinion, what needs to be done to make RC more “mainstream” and get more people involved?
I think nationwide it just needs more promotion which is tough when it’s hard enough for tracks to make a profit as is, but I think with some real promotion and people seeing it I think it could become a normalized hobby pretty easily. Just the few pit stop videos that have made their way to Barstool Sports have already blown up.
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?
I’m not really sure what made dirt oval take off though it’s all I’ve ever ran. If I had to guess I’d say When Scotty Ernst took over the RC Chili Bowl. That was the turning point for dirt oval to get the recognition it deserved, and I think with the more pro off-road guys trying it, and seeing it was much more then just turning left, it gave everyone something to work for, pros and every day drivers alike.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
That’s a tough one! JConcepts doesn’t really have a bad product, and I pretty much use everything they have to offer, but for me it’s the carbon fiber pit board with the aluminum trim. I can’t go anywhere without it!
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 don’t think I have a hidden talent really, but I do catch on to most things pretty fast cause I’m too competitive lol. I do hold a pro license on iRacing and was known as one of the best out of the thousands on the service for years when I did play, but I haven’t messed with that in a while.