In this edition of the JConcepts Friday5 we talk to Michigan team driver, Kris Norlock!
1. When did you get your start with RC cars? Did you bash your RC cars at first or jumped right into the RC racing scene once you found out about it?
My first hobby grade RC was in 1986 and it was a Tamiya Hornet. I started out just running around my house, but it didn’t take long before I was the track. Once I started racing it’s all I wanted to do. To this day I still race with a couple guys from those early days. I was fortunate to grow up close to an indoor track called Robby’s Hobbies. I basically lived at the race track from the early 90’s until I got married in 2001.
2. As the owner of Darkside Designs you have seen your share of RC body designs and paint schemes. What do you think is the biggest change in modern RC body design say when compared to 20 years ago? What about driver paint schemes?
Biggest modern day change would be cab forward bodies and the amount of details like scoops and fins. I personally still prefer the looks and clean lines of the 90’s 2wd buggy bodies. And let’s not even get started on bruggy bodies ha! Paint schemes are constantly shifting. Kind of what’s old is new again as they are starting to transition from the drips, flames, and tears of the mid 90’s back into more clean straight lines like the late 80’s.
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?
As my business revolves around RC I’m really never not in it. If there’s a big race happening I have it on in the office. At times I wish I had a normal job as dealing with RC everyday can take some of the fun of being at the race track away sometimes.
4. In your opinion, when heading to the track what is the JConcepts product that is a must have on race day and why?
Tires. At the end of the day if you don’t have the right tire in the correct compound everything else doesn’t really matter.
5. Name one thing people might be surprised to learn about you.
I’m not into and watch any sports other than RC and F1. I’m also a pretty good cook.