In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Oregon team driver, Josh McCall!
1. How did you learn about RC car racing? What class did you participate in to begin with and why?
I had been full scale autocrossing for many years, and a friend I raced with insisted I try RC racing. I had never heard of it before, thought it sounded stupid, and it seriously took 6+ months of harassing me before I finally came to a track. It was Spring of 2015 (right before IFMAR world’s at Yatabe) and our local track was Premier in Portland OR, which used gray office carpet with sauced slicks. My buddy handed me his RC10 World’s Car, and I was instantly hooked. I bought a used RTR B5M from the shop that day, and the rest is history.
I started with 17.5 2wd Buggy and never left. I’ve dabbled in Mod for a bit, but I really just love how close spec racing can be. I probably have the skills for Mod at this point, but honestly I’m just not interested. I also run 13.5 4wd Buggy too. I recently started running 1/8 Electric Buggy, but this is rare since it’s a 3+ hour drive to the nearest track.
2. As a new driver for JConcepts in 2023, what do you feel you bring to the team and what are some of your racing goals?
Oregon has four carpet tracks, each with different carpet type, so I try to get around and do a lot of tire testing. Given the fairly wide variety of carpet tires JConcepts offers, I pride myself in understanding the characteristics of the various tires so I can help out my fellow racers. I think any of the available tires can work, but they all require pretty different setups, and newer less-experienced racers are often on the wrong tire and setup combination. I’m always looking for good close competition, so I’m happy to help my fellow competitors get on pace to make for better racing.
3. What is one tip you have for new drivers getting into RC racing that you would like to share?
Stop worrying about power! All too often newer racers are obsessing over motors and batteries in stock classes, when they really need to just focus on driving. It’s all about consistency and tight lines! A hand-tuned $150 motor won’t make you crash any less, probably more actually.
4. JConcepts is well known for its tires and bodies, but in your opinion what tool or accessory is a must have on race day that other drivers might overlook?
My favorite JConcepts tool is the Aluminum Ride Height Gauge. My Pro tip is to remove the thumb screw, and then install it on the opposite side so the gauge is free to flop. Then just slide it under the car to read the actual ride height.
5. What other hobbies are you into besides RC cars?
RC is my main squeeze these days. I used to autocross, but once I started competing on a national level it got too serious and wasn’t fun anymore. My last ride before I quit was a Evo 9 MR that weighed 2250lb and made 560hp. The car was amazing, but the intensity of national-level competition killed the fun for me. After I sold the Evo, I got into iRacing. During the pandemic, RC tracks were shut down, so I went pretty hard on the sim, and I managed to secure a world record in the process. I don’t sim-race nearly as much since the tracks opened up again, RC is still my #1.