In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Sammy Moran!
1. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
I heard about RC racing from my dad’s coworker Brian Kinney who has been racing RC cars for a long time. I started racing in Rookie and was bumped up after two months! After that I went directly in the Stock Buggy class!
2. Off-road carpet tracks have been gaining momentum here in the states the last few years. But it doesn’t seem like many tracks have converted over to a turf surface. Why do you think this is and how do you see turf becoming more popular here in the US?
I can definitely see turf becoming something in the future due to the price of having an indoor facility, and having to deal with clay can sometimes be a hassle. Turf is definitely a much easier option and can be used indoor or outdoors, and definitely has good traction. It is definitely something I can see happening in the future!
3. In your opinion, what classes have you noticed that seem to be in a decline? And how would you try to resolve this so there is more participation?
I have noticed that the 2wd and 4wd short course truck classes have been dying out. I actually ran short course back in 2021 and that seemed to bring a lot of people out racing short course truck again. I raced the JBRL series with it and there was always three heats of short course. Now we are lucky if we even have a heat. I think maybe something’s we can do to make those classes more fun again is to maybe race for something whether it be for a product or a little cash or something.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
I would say my must have items would be JConcepts Smoothie 2 tires, Satellite Tire Rubber Bands, and tire glue! I always mount up a fresh set of Smoothie 2’s on race day, and I always need the tire bands and especially medium glue for gluing sidewalls and mounting tires and other miscellaneous stuff.
5. Besides RC cars, what other hobbies are you into?
I am a very busy person between work, life and RC racing! I mainly race on my days off and I’m always traveling to a different tracks for events. I also race 1/8th scale and also a little bit of 1/10 scale touring car! Some things I enjoy doing besides RC is spending time with friends and family.