In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Nebraska team driver, Riley Filbert!
1. How did you learn about RC car racing? What class did you participate in to begin with and why?
My dad started racing with his dad when he was 12 so I’m a third generation RC car racer. My first class I raced in was stock stadium truck on foams at Tea’s Hobby Shop in Rochester, MN when I was three. Some of my earliest memories are in my dad’s wrench room listening to DIRTVision (the world of outlaws broadcast) so it was only natural I raced oval.
2. If you had to guess where the 1/10 off-road electric scene is ten years from now, would you expect to see more dirt, carpet, or turf tracks and why?
I predict turf will make a stand as it’s not really something that’s taken off in the states, and I think it will give 1/10 racers more outdoor options as you can still race on turf in rainy conditions.
3. In your opinion, what needs to be done to make RC more “mainstream” and get more people involved?
There need to be more motives then just having fun. Right now the drag racing scene is booming and I think that it is strictly due to cash purses. I’d love to see a race promoter focus on a purse for each class weighted to their skill level.
4. Name one JConcepts product that you feel is overlooked by many but you find it very useful.
I absolutely love my Scale Truck And Street Eliminator Backpack! I use it as an electronics bag when I fly to keep my essentials close to me! Inside I keep a Finish Line Charger Bag and a Finish Line Universal Storage Bag.
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 always get the chance to but when I do I love to announce races! I do have a few years of experience running races though as it was something I’d regularly do at Ultraline Hobbies when I still lived in Topeka, KS.