Talk-It-Up Tuesday with gas truck enthusiast Chad Parks

 
R/C racing has changed a lot over the past 10-15 years. Many different racers, races, and racing classes have come and gone. One of those classes is 1:10 nitro stadium truck (aka "gas truck"). For many it was the starting point in their professional careers, such as Jared Tebo. For others, they have not a clue what a gas truck even is.

 

Stadium truck classes in both electric and nitro seemed to go extinct as short course and truggy began to gain popularity. Today, the electric stadium truck classes are making a comeback with major manufacturer's releasing new trucks such as the TLR 22T, Associated T4.2, Kyosho RT6, Durango DEST210, and many more. While electric stadium truck is indeed very fun, there is nothing quite like the screaming bumble bee racing of gas truck. Wouldn't it be great if gas truck would make a comeback?

 

Gas truck originated in Kansas City, Missouri when local racers created the first nitro conversion for an electric stadium truck. Years later, yet another Kansas City native is possibly looking to revive the long lost racing once again, by doing the exact same thing.

 

Please welcome this week's "Talk-It-Up Tuesday" guest, and gas truck enthusiast...Chad Parks!
 

 
 

LiveRC: Welcome Chad to this edition of "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Let's start off by talking about your personal racing. When, where, how, and why, did you get started in R/C car racing?
 
Chad: I first picked up a Traxxas Nitro Rustler after seeing my buddy's at work. Once I found out Steve Hale's Real R/C Raceway was just down the road, I couldn't get there fast enough. It took about four weeks to abandon my entry level nitro stadium truck and trade up to an A-main (not related to A Main Hobbies) converted RC10GT. 
 
LiveRC: You have been a Team Associated team driver for years now. What are some of your major race accomplishments over the years?

  

Chad: I've had multiple "national" level A main appearances in races like the Futaba Nitro Challenge, CRCRC, Kyosho Nitro Challenge, RC Pro Series Final as well as a podium finish at the Nitro Cross.
  
LiveRC: Obviously you are big fan of gas truck. Why gas truck?
 
Chad: I feel like it is the ultimate test of skill, know how, and discipline. Besides all that......Wheelies!
 
LiveRC: When was your first experience with a gas truck?
 
Chad: The 1998 Manufacturers Cup was one of my first real races with my truck. It was a disaster (enough said). But I did get to watch Richard Saxton run for the first time and I was amazed at how fun he made it look.
  
LiveRC: Your idea of bringing the class back to life, where did it come from?
 
Chad: I'm always thinking of how to improve club race turnouts. With the decline in nitro racing it seems like there is a need for something different. Maybe this is the answer.
 
LiveRC: Without a doubt the electric stadium truck class has made a comeback in the past several years. It is still not to the level of popularity that it once was, but it's getting there. What makes you think gas truck could do the same?
 
Chad: I think the time is right. Truggy is slowly declining on a club level and there is a whole new generation of racers that have never even seen a nitro stadium truck. I think there is a demand for a "stepping stone" nitro class that doesn't cost $1000+ to get started. The appeal of nitro will always be there for some, we just need to make it more attainable. Another key will be racing at the right venues. I think the class is better placed in 1/10 scale races. Some tracks that are built for 1/8 scales are more than a little intimidating. Track owners need to realize that bigger isn't always better.
 
 
LiveRC: Tell us a little about your idea for the electric to gas conversions you thinking of creating, and what they might consist of.
  
Chad: The conversion would mainly be a new chassis coupled with some OEM brake parts. The newest generation of trucks with mid motor options really lend themselves to a gas truck layout.
  
LiveRC: Are you working on this project alone, or are there others involved?
  
Chad:  I am working with someone who remain unnamed at this point. We are still in the very early stages of the process.
   
LiveRC: Will these conversion kits be available for sale to the public?
 
Chad: Right now we are hashing out the overall concept. We intend to field a couple prototypes in the near future, and who knows, maybe with enough interest we can have a product to sell.

LiveRC: Which trucks will you be working on converting first, and why?
 
Chad: Since Team Associated already has a gas truck based on a current platform, we're starting with the Losi 22T and Kyosho RT6.  
  
  
LiveRC: Most tracks have eliminated gas truck racing from their list of classes. Where will you race them?

Chad: Jason Ruona and Alex Sturgeon have agreed to add the class to the JConcepts Spring 1:8 Nationals at the Hobbyplex in Omaha. If we can generate enough interest in the class, then any track will be more than willing to add it to their program.
 

LiveRC: The original gas truck conversion was established in your hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. It was quite a success and ultimately led to the gas truck class altogether. Are you aiming for the same success?
 
Chad: Obviously I'd love for this venture to be a success. I guess my ultimate goal would be to show the major manufacturers that there is an interest and a need for this platform.
LiveRC: Thank you Mr. Parks for joining us today, we are certainly anxious to see what you have in store for the coming months. We wish you the best of luck, and who knows...may be racing gas truck with you sooner than later! Is there anything you would like to add before we go?

Chad: Thanks Mike. We'll keep everyone informed on the progress. In the mean time, get your 1/10 nitro gear all gathered up! 
 

  
Photo courtesy of RedRC.net
 

  

  

 

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