Talk-It-Up Tuesday with P1 Brand's J. Filipow

Welcome to LiveRC's weekly column, "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Here we spend a little time talking with industry icons including racers, manufacturers, team managers, developers, promoters, and everyone in between! Sit back, relax, and go behind the scenes as we interview them all! 

In the world of R/C racing we are all used to wearing the traditional track shirts, you know the ones that are forbidden on date night, but make us look rad on race day. It has been that way for YEARS in our industry, until a few companies came along and began offering high quality apparel and accessories that truly look good...both on and off the race track! One of the most popular for racing apparel in our industry is without a doubt, P1 Brand. We sat down with our good friend, P1 Brand founder, and motorsports enthusiast, J. Filipow, for an inside look at how it all got started!
 

 
  

LiveRC: Welcome to "Talk-It-Up Tuesday" J.! You are a racing fan of many different motorsports. Let's start by talking what made you such a fan of the racing world as opposed to traditional sports?

J.: Hi Mike, thanks for the invitation. Being a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, an interest in motorsport (and basketball) is practically a birth right. After all, Indianapolis is home to the 'Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport', the Indy 500. I was six or seven years old when I first attended the annual event, which was during the heyday of the A.J.Foyt, Mario Andretti, and the Unser brothers rivalries. The sounds of those open wheeled, turbo-charged cars being cheered on by hundreds of thousands of fans is an unforgettable overload on the senses. Traditional sports simply never appealed to me because they lacked the excitement, danger and mechanical nature that racing posesses.

LiveRC: How, and when, did you get started in R/C racing?

J.: My first exposure to radio controlled racing was in the late 1970's, when the Castleton Square Mall parking lot in Indianapolis was home to a huge 1/8th scale gas racing scene. Although I enthusiastically watched in awe and fascination, I was much too young to participate and I didn't start racing until a few years later.

My first experience in RC racing began as a father/son activity when I was about eleven or twelve years old. I remember the night my Dad came home from the hobby shop with our first kit, a Tamiya Grasshopper, and all the related support gear to get us going. There was an off road track in our area and we as soon as our car was assembled, we started racing it every weekend. It was always a blast. My Father has since passed away, so I really cherish the memories of the time we spent together wrenching and racing.

LiveRC: You personally are quite the racer yourself. Can you tell us a little about your personal racing career(s) in and out of R/C?

J.: As far as full scale racing, I've done some grassroots SCCA Solo II racing, also known as 'autocross', as well as some performance driving courses. I did that for a few years with a prepared VW MkII, which was my (very uncomfortable) daily driver. Those experiences really help to develop car control and to this day, I'm still a left foot braker!

As far as radio controlled racing, I've always preferred electric racing and I've participated in a variety of classes at various levels. Over the years, I've competed in ROAR state, regional, national and even IFMAR World Championship events. Although I have had more 'success' as an electric offroad racer, I personally prefer electric onroad racing, which I still do on a regular basis. I suppose it's the meticulous preparation and technical nature of touring cars that really appeal to me.

LiveRC: You are an artist as well as a racer. You combined the two to form P1 Brand. Tell us how that all got started, and where the idea came from.

J.: P1 Brand was born from necessity; I needed a new and personal passion project. I thought that creating an outlet that really challenged and satisfied me, and combined my interests in art, design, and motorsport, could become something unique. That result is P1 Brand.

One of the goals with P1 Brand is to provide fellow art, design and motorsport enthusiasts a very specific and enjoyable experience. Whether it's getting a chuckle from one of our blog posts, or actually ordering and receiving a purchase of our Trackwares, it needs to be something unique and memorable. And it needs to be fun. Otherwise, it's not really worthwhile for anyone. Of course, sticking to that utopian spirit, while actually maintaining a feasible business plan, is an extremely difficult operation!
 
 
LiveRC: What does P1 stand for?

J.: The acronym 'P1' is a very common piece of racing nomenclature; it means 'Position 1'. It always the most coveted position for the start, and more importantly, the finish, of any competition! Deciding upon the name 'P1 Brand' for a motorsport-inspired lifestyle label was obvious choice. We aspire to deliver the very same attributes that are required to earn that coveted spot on the track.

LiveRC: P1 Brand offers shirts, hats, pit mats, buttons, stickers, and everything in between. Which of the products are your personal favorites?

J. : If I had to pick a personal favorite from the existing P1 Brand Trackwares line, it would be the limited-edition serigraph posters, because they truly are pieces of art. Each edition is completely concepted and produced in-house; individually screenprinted, numbered and embossed by hand. I also enjoy 'curating' the content that is presented on the P1 Brand blog; it's an important platform to support the focus and objective of the brand.
 
 
LiveRC: Is P1 Brand your full-time profession at this point?

J.: Yes and no. I put full-time resources into it, developing, producing and promoting, but it's not my primary source of income. I work professionally as a freelance artist and graphic designer, so in a sense, it all just blends together. It is my personal goal, however, to be operating P1 Brand as my sole professional focus within the next five years. 'Fake it til you make it', as they say.

LiveRC: Can you give us some hints of future products in the works?

J.: We are always working on a variety of tee shirt graphics, as that is the true keystone of the label, but there are also new hat designs and other assorted products which are all in a continuous state of development. We are constantly expanding our signature line of Trackwares and lifestyle-oriented products and hope to release some surprising, co-branded collaborations in 2014.

In regards to other projects, P1 Brand is currently in negotiation with a professional factory race team as they develop their very first, full time Global Rally Cross entry for 2014. We are beginning to concept a very exciting and unique marketing program for them and I hope it will become a reality.

We are also continuing our partnership with RC Racing TV, which began in 2012. P1 Brand worked closely with the UK-based program to design and develop an improved visual identity and a coherent implementation strategy. We also designed and produced all of the apparel and uniforms for the cast and crew. They've nearly concluded their exclusive, streaming coverage of multiple EFRA Championships via RCRacing.TV. Look for the RCTV crew to be stateside for the 2013 IFMAR Worlds in Chico, California later this year.

P1 Brand is currently collaborating with RedRC on a new project, which is very exciting, as I am a big fan of the European-based website. They produce and publish the most professional reportage and photography in the industry, so we are looking forward to working together.

Our P1 Brand "Listen and Win" Giveaways with Radio Impound Podcast is still active. Tune in to hosts Gotti Jr and Kirby Hand, who are presenting listeners with a chance to win P1 Brand Trackwares on every episode the remainder of Summer 2013.

Another interesting project in early development is a reality program focusing upon a California-based Porsche Owners Club, as they prepare and compete at various events. P1 Brand will be working directly with an New York agency on the broadcast series which we all hope will debut in late 2014.

In addition to all of these large scale projects, we believe it's crucial to be involved with smaller, grassroots-oriented events, too. For example, we provide support and sponsorship for local and regional racing series such as the Top Notch Series, the Scion FRS Challenge and several of the JConcepts events throughout the year. We are always looking for ways to support those who support P1 Brand.


LiveRC: If you had to pick one R/C driver and call him the "GOAT" (greatest of all time), who would it be and why?

J.: After watching the 2012 racing season unfold, I'd have to say that Atsushi Hara is the greatest of all time. Who else in the history of the sport has had a podium finish in three consecutive IFMAR World Championship events, in three different disciplines!? Hara is true professional; a versatile and very capable driver and, most importantly, he is a fantastic ambassador for the hobby who always exudes great sportsmanship. And P1 Brand is very fortunate to have had his support and encouragement the past few years. Kanpai Man!

LiveRC: Best R/C memory?

J.: At the 2003 IFMAR Off Road Electric Worlds in Florida, I was 'elected' by my ROAR teammates to serve as the color guard for the USA, carrying the United States flag during the opening ceremonies. We had the largest team in attendance, so to lead that procession of racers into battle was a very special moment for me.

LiveRC: Worst R/C memory?

J.: There really aren't any because, as they say, a bad day at the track is still better than a good day at the office!
LiveRC: If you could be any professional racer, who would it be and why?

J.: I've never dreamed or aspired to be anyone else, as I'm very happy just being me!

LiveRC: P1 Brand logos and stickers are everywhere. Where is the proudest place you've seen a P1 Brand logo/sticker?

J.: In 2012, Atsushi Hara had a podium finishes at three different IFMAR World Championship events and a P1 Brand logos were amongst his livery and apparel at each race. If I had to pick only one, it would be definitely be Hara's TQ position at the 2012 ITSC IFMAR Worlds in the Netherlands.
 
LiveRC: What does a day in the life of J.Filipow look like?

J.: The day kicks off early, at about 6:30 am with a cup of strong coffee. I'll start checking and answer emails and a run a quick browse of news on the web; visit my favorite blogs and sites. I'll then start to work on a few blog entries and related social media posts for P1Brand.com. I spend a lot of time searching, writing and posting content on the blog as well as increasing our social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. It's a great and accessible way for us to interact with P1 Brand fans and customers. These digital networks help us stay connected with fellow racers, as well as serving as a great platform to reinforce the lifestyle aspect of the company.

From there, incoming orders from customers will be packed and shipped. It's a high priority that P1 Brand orders are expedited quickly, so typically this process happens as soon as the order is received. We always try to include a few 'extras' with order, a sticker pack or a button pack, so that customers are extra stoked when they unpack their shipment.

There are always several products and graphics in progress simultaneously, so managing time wisely is very important. I'll check in with our vendors and suppliers throughout the day, if needed, and work on keeping deadlines within reach. I will then spend the majority of the 'business' day on design projects for various freelance art and design clients, which will wrap up around 7 or 8 pm.

After dinner, I'll catch up on emails, and work late into the night on P1 Brand projects; laying out specs for production, finishing tee graphics, prepping package design, updating the online shop, etc. etc. I usually call it a day at about 11 pm or midnight…then I'll get up the next day and hustle just as hard, which is what is required to run your own business.

LiveRC: What are some upcoming races we might see you and P1 Brand in attendance?

J.: I still love to go club racing, so I can usually be found at one of the Southern California race tracks. It's always a great way to kick back, have some fun and see familiar faces. In the coming months, P1 Brand will be attending Speed Tech Grand Club Races at Tamiya USA; visiting the Top Notch Summer Series and the Scion/FRS RC Challenge Series, the IFMAR Off Road Electric Worlds at Silver Dollar Raceway and the 2013 International Indoor Champs in Las Vegas. We'd love to attend one of the Euro Touring Series events next year, so I'll be working hard to make that happen.
 
 
LiveRC: Thank you so much for joining us today! Is there anything you would like to add?

J.: Thank you, Mike, and thanks to the entire staff at LiveRC.com for your continued efforts to present and broadcast racing from around the world. Support the site by becoming a member!

Shout outs to Atsushi Hara at Hot Bodies/HPI Racing, Alexander Hagberg at Xray, Paul Lemieux at Gravity RC, Jason Ruona at JConcepts, the boys at RIP, Adam Drake at TLR and to all of my friends at my home track, West Coast Raceway. Special shout out to all my old friends at SCORE in Savannah, Georgia. I miss racing on that fluffy red clay! I'd also like to thank my personal sponsors for their continued support; Reedy, RC America/XRay USA, Hudy, and Vannen Watches.

Most importantly, I'd like to personally thank all the racers around the globe that have supported P1 Brand! Find us online at P1Brand.com, as well as on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest at @P1Brand. To those of you who've read this lengthy interview, thank you. Now go reward yourself by using coupon code 'P1BrandLiveRC' to receive 15% off your next purchase from P1Brand.com. Valid thru 9/1/13.