In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to New Jersey team driver, Tom Petrella!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
I heard about RC cars when I was a kid and a hobby shop opened up in town. I bought my first car, a Tamiya Grasshopper, and my next car a Team Associated RC10. Eventually that hobby shop gave me my first job at 15. Currently I’m racing off-road competing in 1/8 nitro and ebuggy as well as 2wd and 4wd 1/10 carpet electric off-road. Recently I was given a Losi Mini-B and I’ve been impressed.
2. Name a RC class that you would like to see increase in popularity and why?
I love seeing new people at the track, but as many of us can attest to the cost to enter the hobby isn’t for the faint of heart. Mini-B is a class I’d love to see grow as a gateway into the hobby. Thinking as a parent for $160 I can race myself or have my kid race and be sure they like it before a larger financial commitment.
3. From your experience what is the easiest AND hardest maintenance task on your RC cars?
Like many I suppose I thoroughly enjoy building a new kit, but rebuilding an existing one isn’t as much fun. I do believe a clean car is a happy / fast car. The easiest task for me is wiring / soldering with shock rebuilds the one I avoid the most.
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.
Believe it or not the Combo Thumb Wrench. It’s compact size helps me get into tighter areas.
5. What other hobbies are you into besides RC cars?
When I’m not racing or wrenching I enjoy spending time with my family. I also mountain bike and ride motorcycles. I also enjoy skiing in the winter. I recently opened up an indoor off-road carpet track, Rhythm RC, so RC will be taking an even larger portion of my time but helping new people enter the hobby has been very rewarding.