In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Florida team driver, Robert Pezza!
1. When and how did you get started in RC? And what class do you compete in or did you primarily bash your vehicles?
I started when I was 9 with a Tamiya Frog. I was hooked on building my RC’s and running them on the front lawn, making a track out of sticks and rocks. From there I just grew up with the hobby eventually getting into 1/5 scale with the Losi 5IVE-T track rigs. Did that for a few years until I came across RC crawling and trailing. That’s been my RC life for the last five years.
2. Name a RC class that you would like to see increase in popularity and why?
I would like to see the RC Crawler class of Doll House builds, also known as Class 0. The skills of a RC builder is definitely challenged, and even more so when they are needed to be capable performing rigs. The art and creativity that people can come up with is amazing and is a large passion of mine.
3. Currently the scale realism for RC vehicles is at an all time high, especially for trail vehicles and rock crawlers. Why do you think we have gotten to this point, and do you see it continuing down the road?
I definitely see it growing down the road because I’m seeing more and more of the static model builders getting introduced into the hobby. These hobbyists now can finally see there hard work in a functional RC vehicle. For me when I see a completed rig and I’m watching it run and articulate over rocks it brings so much joy and surprise to anyone that’s around and in that moment it creates a drive or innovative for someone to get into the hobby.
4. Name one JConcepts product that you feel is overlooked by many but you find it very useful.
I’d have to say the Hazard 1.9 Aluminum Beadlock Wheels. I find that they do help with performance on Class 2 and Class 3 comp rigs. The additional brass low end weight really helps the control and stability of the build. I hope for more options in the near future.
5. Besides RC cars, what other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy doing graphic design work. I’ve helped create company logos, magazine ads, and vehicle wraps for there 1:1 business or daily drivers. I also enjoy making stickers for people, when the template is blank it leaves unlimited ideas.