Talk It Up Tuesday: Joe Pillars

For this week's Talk It Up Tuesday we caught up with Joe Pillars from Yokomo, Muchmore, and 1up to see how things are for one of the most well known Team Managers in the industry.

LiveRC: Hey Joe, how are things up north at home?
Joe Pillars: Everything up here in Oregon has been going really good. We have been doing everything necessary to stay safe at this time. Luckily, our state hasn't been hit too hard with COVID19 up to this point.

LiveRC: You’ve raced at the highest levels, but with taking more on as team manager for multiple brands the racing has taken a back seat. Do you still enjoy the competition part or even club racing?
JP: Yes, I still love to race. I actually raced at the Hot Rod Hobbies Shootout a few months ago and had allot of fun. I also club race regularly during the week at my home track PDX RC Underground.

LiveRC: What brands are you currently associated with in any capacity? 
JP: I'm currently the USA Team Manager for Yokomo, Muchmore, and 1up Racing. I'm also sponsored by JConcepts, A-Main Hobbies, Hella Graphics, and A1Graffix.

LiveRC: Are you planning to add any new brands to your plate?
JP: I'm really happy with the brands I currently work for and represent. I do have a few of my working contracts ending this year, but most likely I will be staying where I'm at.

LiveRC: Who was your favorite driver to work with over the years?
JP: I have been able to work closely with so many top drivers over the years. It's impossible to pick just one as I have had so much success so many. In no particular order, my favorite drivers to work with have been Ryan Cavalieri, Jared Tebo, and Ryan Maifield.

LiveRC: What was your favorite personal racing accomplishment?
JP: I would have to say making the A-Main at the 2003 IFMAR 1/10 Electric Off-Road World Championships in 2wd Modified Buggy. This was the first IFMAR Off-Road World Championships I had attended and I was there mainly as Team Orion's Motor Guy. My boss at the time, Rick Hohwart let me race the event as I had been doing really well at local races up to that point. I went onto qualify 7th overall and finished 8th overall, which still today is my best World Championship result.

LiveRC: Having kids of your own now, have you introduced them to rc or do they have any interest? 
JP: Yes, for sure. Emily is now 9 and Joey will be 5 next week. They both like R/C cars alot. I have taken them to a cool RC Park that is like 10-minutes from our house. It's alot of fun! 

LiveRC: What events do you plan on attending through the end of the year?
JP: So far, my current schedule includes: OC RC's Surf City Classic next week, possibly the Alabama Manufacturer's Shootout, Florida Carpet Championships at Beachline RC, Scotty Ernst's Cleveland Off-Road Championships, and SDRC's Top Gun Shootout.

LiveRC: Anyone you would like to thank?
JP: Shin Adachi and everyone at Yokomo
Koba, Jang, and David at Muchmore
Randy Caster at 1up Racing
Jason Ruona, Allison Ruona, and Paul Wynn at JConcepts
Kendall Bennett, Kevin Kiser, Bob Darting, and Jason Sams at A-Main Hobbies
Mo Hille at Hella Graphics
Enzo Albertoni at A1 Graffix