In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to New York team driver, Juan Lopez!
1. Ok let’s start with how you got first involved in RC. Did you pick it up from someone, stumbled across a local track, etc.?
I had originally learned about RC Racing through YouTube recommendations showing me some of the older RC racing videos which then prompted me to research how to get into racing, and if there were any tracks nearby. Ended up finding out that there were a few tracks within driving distance, and got a used 2wd buggy to start with, switched to short course pretty soon after as that was the new hot class to race at the time. Had a good time for a bunch of years just going to the track casually, mostly to practice, with some occasional weekend club racing mixed in. It wasn’t until much later that I became interested in competing and attending larger regional and national level events. I was just having fun turning laps and learning about how to set the cars up to make them perform better and better on the track.
2. What classes do you enjoy to compete in today? Is there another class you would like to see comeback or increase in popularity so you could compete in it as well?
In the past few years my favorite classes have been 1/10 Modified Buggy on carpet/AstroTurf and 1/8 Nitro Buggy. Both of these categories present very different challenges, with 1/8 off-road being more about adapting to the constantly changing conditions, whether by changing your setup and tires, or adjusting the way you drive certain sections as the grip goes up and down, and the bumps and ruts develop. In 1/8 it feels more about finding a consistent line around the track that minimizes risk over a significantly longer race, without being overly cautious.
1/10 buggy is more about optimizing your car and driving for a very consistent track surface that doesn’t change too much from track to track, and driving as hard as you can for five minutes around the same driving line that everyone else is doing. I really get a lot of enjoyment out of the practicing and testing on a consistent surface, felt that it has really improved my driving and setup knowledge.
As a racer who much prefers running modified over stock in 1/10, it would be great to see it make a comeback, especially at a local level. Seems to be a class that is popular at certain tracks spread out across the country, with some decent entries at national level events, but at many local tracks and events it is all but dead.
3. 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?
In 10 years I would expect that 1/10 off-road has moved primarily to indoor racing on carpet, with AstroTurf all but disappearing, at least in my area the AstroTurf entries have been slowly declining as carpet has risen in popularity in the US. Dirt will always remain as a part of indoor off-road racing, but I would predict that carpet will be the primary surface for our indoor racing, because of the consistent grip, ease to maintain, and it is much easier to set up a carpet track even in temporary venues.
4. JConcepts is well known for its tires and bodies, but in your opinion what tool or accessory is a must have on race day that other drivers might overlook?
My most used JConcepts accessories have been the Combo Thumb Wrench, and the JConcepts Metal Car Stand. I use them at every event and would hate to be without them at the races.
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?
A hobby that I have spent time doing away from the RC track on and off for years is cycling. Always enjoy getting on the bike, both to get around, and for sport.