In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to California team driver, Chris Raceles!
1. We have to ask everyone this in our interviews, how did you get your start in RC racing?
I got my start in RC racing with the original Team Associated RC10 gold tub aluminum chassis car at the Del Mar 1/10th scale outdoor off-road track in San Diego during the very late 80’s. I had raced amateur motocross until 1987 and had always been interested in RC cars.
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?
I enjoy a variety of the racing classes available these days. Because I’m an older dude, my current favorite classes are 40+ off-road. There are a lot of really good racers north of 40 who are fun to race with. I love stadium truck as well and would really love to see this class increase in popularity. Would also like to see indoor off-road tracks thrive as much as possible.
3. For the rest of 2025 what races, series, or other RC related event are you looking forward to attending and why?
For the rest of 2025, I’m looking forward to racing more of the local series races at SDRC Raceway as well as the 2025 Team Associated Top Gun race. I work a very demanding full-time job outside of the RC industry, so it’s been difficult to get to travel to other tracks/events outside of San Diego.
4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?
Man, that’s a REALLY loaded question! Kind of a trick question really LOL. SO many good choices. Since it’s the product I order the most of currently and has such incredible performance, I’m gonna have to go with the Smoothie 2 tires.
5. Besides piloting a RC car what other hidden talent or skill set do you possess that might surprise someone?
Well, I’ve raced and ridden motocross and BMX for a large portion of my life. I played drums in a local band for a while as well. I got pretty good at airbrushing RC bodies for a minute, but man is it ever tough and time consuming. I don’t even paint my own bodies anymore LOL.