For many of us at the JConcepts factory, that passion for the “Golden Era” of monster trucks never truly faded. It’s that nostalgia, combined with modern engineering, that led to the development of the REACTOR Stage 2 retro monster truck kit. Now, we are taking that excitement to the next level.
We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Reactor Cup, a specialized, limited-spot racing event designed specifically for the JConcepts REACTOR. This high-octane showcase will take place during the 2026 JConcepts Outdoor National Series (ONS), specifically during Round 2 at the legendary Adrenaline RC Raceway. If you’ve been looking for a reason to dust off your retro skills and put the brand new Stage 2 Reactor to the test, this is your moment.
The Return to Retro: Why the Reactor?
When the design team at JConcepts first sat down to conceptualize the REACTOR, the goal was clear: capture the essence of the classic 1980s and 90s monster trucks while providing the performance expected in today’s competitive RC landscape. The REACTOR by JConcepts isn’t just a kit; it’s a tribute to the pioneers of the sport.
The Reactor features a 10.75″ wheelbase design (though the 13.00″ wheelbase kit is also eligible for the Cup) that is built for competition from the ground up. In a world where many trucks have moved toward extreme long-travel suspension and modern silhouettes, the Reactor brings back the “boxier” and more tactical feel of vintage racing. It uses a specialized chassis layout that balances weight distribution perfectly for the jumps and turns of a monster truck-specific course.
The Reactor Cup: Event Overview
The Reactor Cup isn’t your typical side-show. It is a dedicated program running in-between the off-road racing sessions of the ONS. We wanted to create an environment where monster truck enthusiasts could showcase their builds and driving skills without getting lost in the shuffle of a massive off-road event.
Event Location: Adrenaline RC Raceway (Round 2)
Adrenaline RC Raceway has long been a staple of the JConcepts events calendar. Known for its world-class dirt and challenging layouts, it provides the perfect backdrop for the Outdoor National Series. For the Reactor Cup, a specially built MT-style track will be constructed, separate from the primary off-road track. This ensures that the monster trucks have the vertical jumps and crushing obstacles they need to perform at their best.
Dates: May 29-30, 2026
The action kicks off on Friday, May 29th, and continues through Saturday. This multi-day format allows for a true qualifying and bracket-style elimination process, mirroring the full-scale monster truck events we all grew up watching on television.
Rules of Engagement: Keeping it Spec
To ensure that the Reactor Cup remains a test of driver skill and setup rather than a “who has the deepest pockets” contest, we have implemented strict “Box Stock” rules. We want to see these trucks perform exactly as they were engineered to at the JConcepts factory.
- The Chassis: Must be a JConcepts Reactor Stage 2 monster truck kit. Both the 10.75″ and 13.00″ wheelbase versions are permitted, allowing drivers to choose the handling characteristics that best suit their driving style.
- The Motor: All entries must run a 27T brushed motor with a 25T pinion. This keeps the speeds manageable and the racing tight.
- The Power: A standard 2S LiPo battery is the required power source.
- The Format: The field is limited to 16 trucks (12 public spots available).
- The Entry: $20.00 per entry covers both racing brackets.
Meet the Experts
Jason Ruona along with Fred Reep, a legend in the RC monster truck community and a key member of the JConcepts team, will be on hand throughout the weekend to help participants with their setups, offer driving tips, and manage the Monster Truck program.
“The passion at the JConcepts factory for these retro builds is infectious,” says Fred. “When called upon, the design team steps up to the plate to deliver something that isn’t just a model, but a racing machine. I’m looking forward to seeing these drivers with their REACTORS”
Whether you are struggling with your suspension tuning or need advice on tire prep, Fred and the crew will be there to ensure everyone has a competitive and fun experience.
Limited Availability: Sign Up Now
With only 12 spots available for the public (4 spots are already confirmed for team and invitational drivers), time is of the essence. This is a specialized, boutique racing experience designed for the hardcore monster truck enthusiast.
Registration is open now via RCsignup.com. Don’t wait until the last minute: once those 12 spots are filled, the bracket is locked. If you miss out on a racing spot, we still encourage you to come out to Adrenaline RC Raceway to witness the action and check out the trucks in the pits.
Performance and Preparation
For those who have already secured their spot, now is the time to start prepping your Reactor. You can find all the necessary replacement parts and tuning options on JConcepts.net. If you are looking to freshen up your build before the event, consider browsing our JCO option parts or picking up a fresh set of tires for those big air jumps.
Join the Community
If you can’t make it to Adrenaline RC Raceway in person, don’t worry. We will be providing regular updates, video highlights, and behind-the-scenes news on the JConcepts Inc Facebook page. Follow along as we document the journey of these retro rigs from the pits to the podium.
The REACTOR Cup is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of where RC monster trucks came from and where they are going. It’s about the “classic looks” and “vintage flare” that made us fall in love with the hobby in the first place.
Final Notes from the Team
The 2026 JConcepts Outdoor National Series is shaping up to be one of our most exciting tours yet. Adding the REACTOR Cup to Round 2 is a testament to our commitment to the monster truck community. We can’t wait to see 16 Reactors lined up at the starting gate, ready to tackle the dirt at Adrenaline RC Raceway.
Get your kits ready, charge your LiPos, and we’ll see you in the dirt!
Quick Links for Participants:
- Sign-Up: RCsignup Link
- Official Rules: JConcepts Reactor Stage 2 Box Stock (27T Motor/2S LiPo)
- Parts & Kits: Available at JConcepts.net and A-Main Hobbies.
- Event Info: Adrenaline RC Raceway Event Page
- Notes from the team: Remember, the Reactor Cup is a specialized event. Always check your local track’s specific rules if you are practicing elsewhere, but for the ONS Round 2, the specs listed above are the final word. Let’s keep the racing clean and the jumps big!
