In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to New York team driver, Jonathan Sohl!
1. Ok first question is one we have to ask everyone in our interviews. How and when did your involvement with RC cars begin?
I got involved with RC while I was racing slot cars. I competitively raced slot cars for five years before I moved to RC. I raced slot cars with my father, I was fortunate enough to win a National and a World Championship both in the same year which is 2004. I started racing RC in 2007, and my first car was a Kyosho Ultima RB5 and the rest is history.
2. RC Monster Truck racing has really grown in popularity over the past few years. In your opinion why has this class grown so much?
Monster truck RC racing has grown in popularity because of a few reasons. It’s not nearly as ultra competitive as say 2wd buggy or touring car. You can go out and be competitive with your truck without stressing over a lot of other things regarding setup. They are super easy to work on.
Also products, mainly tires. Since JConcepts has started making the monster truck tires the trucks have become that much easier to drive which is a major turn on and boost for the class.
Also Monster Jam and social media. People watch the real thing and when they realize they can race their own, albeit in a smaller scale, it sells itself. I got into the class late, and I didn’t even know it existed until about seven years ago. I have been a monster truck fan since 1987.
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 plan on running some of the Central PA Monster Truck series events, as well as some in Jersey and some dirt oval races in Jersey and Pennsylvania as well.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
If you are not running either Golden Years in Retro and Regulators in Pro Mod than you are probably going to lose. Those tires make an immense difference.
5. Besides RC racing, what other activities do you enjoy?
Besides racing I enjoy spending time with my son Ethan and my wife Amanda, as well as watching all types of motorsports.