In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Michigan team driver, Mark Henry!
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 got interested in RC back in the late 80’s. When I was about 11-12 years old I went to my first hobby shop with my mom and dad. My dad was into model trains, but the RC cars and trucks caught my eye, and before we left I had my first RC truck. The Tamiya Blackfoot was the truck I wanted. From there I found a hobby shop in my town where they held races very close to my home. I quickly found out that I needed a car to race and the RC10 was my first race car. We raced mainly on carpet in gyms in our area. After a few years I got out of RC and moved to big cars. I didn’t get back in RC until 2019. I walked into my local hobby shop and started asking about where people race RC in the area, and he gave me the name of the local track TARCAR. I met a couple of guys and built a car to start. After a few practice days I went to watch a race to figure out how things ran. That’s where I met Steve Colbert who was racing at that race, and from there I was hooked.
2. For the rest of 2025 what races, series, or other RC related event are you looking forward to attending and why?
I plan on attending all the 2024 Glass City Series and the The Drake Race at TARCAR, the Mugen Challenge and Halloween Race at LCRC Raceway and the Twisted Nitro event at Sandpit RC. These are all fun races with a lot of great drivers.
3. If you have been racing for a while, what would you say is the number one technology advancement in RC to date and why?
For me the biggest thing was the advancement in batteries and motors. The difference in power is amazing from what we had in the early 90’s.
4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?
This one is hard because there are so many great products, but I would have to say the JConcepts Reflex. This is the most versatile tire I have ever used.
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 would have to say my willingness to help anyone in need. Whether it’s setup, electronics, or helping out a racer with the right tire.