In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Washington team driver, Harley Yoshii!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
When I was racing Quarter Midgets and Go Karts, my friends would always bring theirs with them to the track. I thought they were pretty cool and saved up to by a Traxxas Slash and later found out there was an RC track right down the road from my house. My first time going to the the RC track just so happened to be on a club race night and I decided to hop into the stock short course class and was hooked from there.
2. What is your favorite class to race in today and why?
Currently my favorite class to race would be Mod 2wd Buggy. 2wd buggies alone take a lot of precision to drive, and when you strap in a big motor it makes driving them a blast. I also enjoy how close and competitive the field is in this class as it pushes me to improve on my driving and knowledge.
3. When life interferes and you can’t wheel your RC car, how do you quench your thirst for RC? Do you work on your car, listen to a RC podcast, watch some racing videos, read RC magazines or books, etc?
When I’m not able to race I like to spend time and go through my cars to make them look brand new, and have them ready for the next time I hit the track whether it be for a club race or a big event.
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.
I feel like the JConcepts Silver Smoothie 2’s are overlooked by many at my local track. Our track has always been on sanded down Gold Ellipses, but recently I’ve felt that the Silver Smoothie 2’s with RM2 inserts have been the hot ticket.
5. What other hobbies are you into besides RC cars?
I don’t really have any other hobbies other than racing RC. Racing RC and working take up the majority of my time.