In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Oregon team driver, Mike Hudson!
1. How did you get started in RC? Was it racing right away, or did you bash vehicles before you found out about the RC race scene?
I always enjoyed RC as a kid. I started with my friends running Tyco RC toys. My older brother brought home a Tamiya Monster Beetle one day and I thought it was awesome, so my parents took me to buy a Tamiya Blackfoot at the hobbies shop. So at about 12 years old I started with my little brother racing the Novice class at R/C Plus Hobbies‘ outdoor dirt track in the late 80’s. Since then I raced RC on and off.
2. What class do you prefer to compete in today, and why?
I enjoy racing a lot of classes from 1/8 off-road, 1/10 off-road and 1/10 carpet racing. The 1/8 class will always be my favorite, though I only get to race 1/8 off-road about once a month if I’m lucky. I enjoy being outdoors racing on the big 1/8 tracks the most. Carpet racing is my main racing scene at my local hobby shop R/C Plus Hobbies in Salem, OR. I’m there every week racing and running the track. I do enjoy carpet racing as well. The super fast pace and high grip makes for building my focus and skills.
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’m not able to go to the track I definitely look for the race that either I could not go to or dream about racing. I’ll watch LiveRC and cheer for my favorite racers. I really enjoyed watching the both the 1/8 and 1/10 IFMAR Worlds this year. That would have been amazing to race on both of those tracks.
4. When it comes to new products released from JConcepts, what are you most excited to see released and why?
I really enjoy being on the JConcepts team for all of their innovative products. With all the testing that comes out of all the amazing racers on the team we always get cool new products. I’m always waiting to see what new tire designs they come up with for all the different types of surfaces. We have some many different body styles to choose from for each class.
5. Obviously you are into RC racing but what other activities do you find enjoyment with?
I dabble in Auto X (Autocross) racing full size cars in a closed course timed track. I don’t get to do that much but it’s a lot of fun for me and my family together. We do go snowboarding, but it’s been a while. I enjoy hanging out with family and friends doing some karaoke at home and playing games both classic board and video games.
