In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Iowa team driver, Mike Salkowski!
1. Let’s get a little background on your start to RC racing. How did you first hear about racing RC cars? And what classes did you compete in?
I got into RC racing a few years after my first car in 1988 or 89. It was a Radio Shack Red Arrow I received for Christmas. Once I got my hands on an issue of Radio Control Car Action Magazine I thought how cool it was people were racing them professionally and I was hooked after that. My first hobby grade RC was a Team Associated RC10T. After a few years I moved up to a RC10 Worlds car and raced the stock class at Radio Active Raceways in Bolingbrook, IL and eventually I moved to a RC10B2 and converted that a year later to a B3. In 1999 I started racing a Schumacher SST 99 Pro touring car in high school and ran on-road until I stopped racing around 2002. I then returned to racing off-road in 2022.
2. When it comes to racing for hardware, which format do you prefer? A three day event that takes up the entire weekend, or a smaller series race that might only be Friday and Saturday? Or even a weekly points night?
The JConcepts INS series is my preferred racing event. Having a 3-4 day event is challenging, but very rewarding at the same time if everything falls into place. It takes a different mindset to prepare for large races and that is one of many reasons I enjoy them. Also, the people you meet create lasting friendships and camaraderie with the race team is awesome. It is a great experience and if you haven’t been to one I highly recommend it.
3. If you have been racing for awhile, what would you say is the number one technology advancement in RC to date and why?
I would have to say brushless motors, and battery technology are by far the biggest advancements for the RC industry. The run times and speeds of a 17.5 or 13.5 motor is amazing and the days of cutting comms on a lathe or using light bulb/led dischargers are over!
4. Name one JConcepts product that you feel is overlooked by many but you find it very useful.
I would have to say the JConcepts Tire Balancer. I believe 1/10 racing wheels and tires should be balanced correctly to get the smoothest running drivetrain possible. The bearings, hubs and suspension components are quite a bit smaller than their 1/8 cousins. Balancing tires could increase the lifespan and reliability of these parts in the long run also.
5. What other hobbies are you into besides RC cars?
If I’m not racing I enjoy time with my family or working on my RC program. Currently I’m building my Fox Body Mustang. I enjoy TIG welding, fabricating and machining race-car parts, or building engines.