In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Florida team driver, Erik Everett!
1. How did you learn about RC car racing? What class did you participate in to begin with and why?
I learned about RC racing from my friend in middle school. He had a couple of hobby grade cars that he raced and bashed around the yard. I never got into it then, but I did much later in life. I started out as a basher with a Traxxas Rustler VXL. Soon after that I bought three other Traxxas trucks. I bashed them for a few years, and then I discovered outdoor off-road racing, and that was a wrap on bashing.
2. What class do you prefer to compete in today, and why?
Definitely 1/8 scale nitro buggy. Don’t get me wrong, the electric is fun too, but to win or podium in nitro, so many things have to go your way. It’s much more rewarding when you do well. I also run a little dirt oval at my local track on off weekends. Mod Sprint is a lot of fun to race.
3. You obviously work with RC bodies a lot due to the many paint schemes you have applied for customer over the years. Looking back now from your perspective how have RC bodies evolved over time?
The designs were much simpler when I started painting. They were sleek and kind of basic, easy to paint. The bodies now have a lot more detail and character to them, which looks cool but makes my job as a painter a little more difficult.
4. Which JConcepts product is your favorite to date, and why?
My favorite JConcepts product I use to date is the tires. If your tires aren’t hooked up, nothing else really matters. Tires are where it starts and JConcepts has so many tread patterns and compounds that you are always covered no matter what the conditions are.
5. What other hobbies are you into besides RC cars?
Between racing and painting for racers, I don’t have time for any other hobbies. I guess I’m all in on RC racing.