In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Missouri team driver, Wes Miravalle!
1. How did you discover RC car racing? Was it early in life, later on as an adult, etc?
I discovered RC car racing nearly 30 years ago thanks to my dad. Back in 1997 we stumbled upon St. Louis Dirt Burners after hearing about it at a local hobby shop. We decided to check it out, and my dad ended up buying a Traxxas Radicator from a racer at the track. For the next few months we had a blast playing around on practice days until he surprised me with my first competition kit a Team Losi XX-CR. That’s when I officially started racing, and here I am 28 years later still loving every minute of it!
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?
These days I primarily compete in 1/10 2WD Buggy, 1/8 Electric Buggy, and 1/8 Nitro Buggy classes, which are my core focus. Occasionally, I dabble in 1/10 Touring Car. That said, I have a soft spot for my 1/10 Gas Truck. It’s such a unique and fun class, and I’d love to see it make a comeback. It has so much potential to reignite interest in the RC community!
3. When life interferes and you can’t get out to the track, what other activities do you dabble with to meet your RC fix?
When I can’t make it to the track, I channel my passion into creating content for my RC racing focused YouTube channel, Dirt Concepts. It’s a great way to stay connected with the RC community and share what I love about the hobby. On top of that as the vice president of St. Louis Dirt Burners I stay busy with planning and supporting events and our team to keep the local racing scene thriving.
4. When it comes to new products released from JConcepts, what are you most excited to see released and why?
I’m most excited about the retro-styled Protector body and Pioneer wheels from JConcepts. These old-school throwback designs are not only super cool looking, but also a perfect nod to the glory days of RC racing. For long time racers like me they bring a sense of nostalgia while still delivering modern performance. It’s always exciting to see products that honor the past while keeping the sport fresh and fun!
5. Besides RC racing, what other activities do you enjoy?
Outside of RC racing, I love spending time with my wife and two boys. I’m also an avid fisherman and enjoy working on my project car in the garage.