Friday5 With Team Driver Robert Sorjonen

In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Canadian team driver, Robert Sorjonen!

1. How did you learn about RC car racing? What class did you participate in to begin with and why?

I first learned about RC racing when I was 13 while with my mom visiting family friends in Washington state back in 1986. I had walked by a track on my way to a water slide park which I never made it to. I stayed for a few hours trying out the rental RC Cars on the dirt track. I was instantly addicted and my mom was fully supportive.

2. If you have been racing for awhile, what would you say is the number one technology advancement in RC to date AND why?

I have been racing, or in the hobby, now for 36 years and of all the things that I feel have made the biggest impact to the hobby it has to be radios. The switch to 2.4ghz is by far the greatest advance in the hobby allowing more people to enjoy racing and bashing without restrictions. I still like to joke when getting on the drivers stand calling out a frequency to the giggles of other old guys.

3. In your opinion, what needs to be done to make RC more “mainstream” and get more people involved?

As we are further into the new world of social media, and how it affects our hobby, I feel we need to have more prepared crews that film and edit the big events condensing it into an hour long episode that appeals to race fans. We know how long the days can go for qualifying and mains, but highlights of the event in a Motorsport format would bring in a lot of interest from viewers and create renewed interest in the hobby.

4. To date what is your favorite JConcepts product of all time and why?

When it comes to JConcepts it is hard to point at one thing as my favorite product. When I first tried JC it was Goose Bumps as they were the best tire for our track at the time. Today I love Sprinters on my 4wd buggy, but the new Razor wing is by far the best wing they’ve produced. I also love the pit tools like the droop and camber gauges as well as the tire balancer. I think I’ll go with the current line up of tires and compounds as my favorite products from JConcepts.

5. Besides RC racing, what other activities do you enjoy?

Outside of the hobby I enjoy playing hockey as a goalie locally and playing pool. Some say I’m pretty good at pool so if you see me at the track and there’s a table nearby ask me and I’ll play.