Talk-It-Up Tuesday with Tekin's Randy Pike

 

When it comes to electric racing, it doesn't matter if it is onroad, offroad, or even computer simulated...one name we all know is Tekin. Tekin has been just one of several major players in the ESC/Motor market for years. While there are hundreds of people that make a company such as this possible, one man who is most familiar among R/C racers is none other than Tekin team manager, Randy Pike. We've sat down with Randy to "Talk-It-Up" on this chilly Tuesday morning!
 

 
 

LiveRC: Welcome Randy to "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Let's start off talking briefly about your involvement in R/C, and how it all came about. When, where, how, and why did you get started in R/C racing?

Randy: Thanks for having me! I got started in r/c back in the 80’s when I was about 12 years old. My first real car kit was a Tamiya Subaru Brat kit. I was always a tinkerer even as a young kid so when I saw hobby grade r/c I was immediately drawn to it. I didn’t start racing for another 4 or 5 years in which case I purchased my first competition kit, a Team Losi JRXS Pro.

LiveRC: Over the years you have had a successful racing career, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment as a racer?

Randy: As a racer? Probably making some mod A-mains in the 90s at races like the Golden State Off-road champs where guys like Matt Francis, Lloyd Dassonville, Dunbar, and others were in attendance. I’m not what we consider today as a “Pro” racer but I have my moments like everyone else.
 
LiveRC: Off the race track you have been played major roles in the industry such as team manager, product developer, and the list goes on. Tell us a little about the various roles you have played over the years.

Randy: Sure. I originally got into this industry as a hobby shop owner. My passion for the hobby drove my family into the business as we all enjoyed it together. We had a store for a few years but closed it prior to the economic down fall. However during that time I was racing a lot and working with a few companies that were coming out with new product. One of those was Tekin. I was a team driver and testing new esc’s, software, etc. I met the owners at a trade show(RCX). A few years later I was offered a job as the Team Manager. I now manage the race team, manage social media, along with research and development.
 
 
LiveRC: For 2013, you were the team manager for not only Tekin, but Panther Tires as well. It was announced not long ago that you will not be continuing your role as Panther team manager for 2014. What brought about this change? Will you still be using Panther Tires on your personal vehicles?

Randy: It was a mutual decision. I accomplished my goals in the 2 years I was in that position and in the end our future goals weren’t in the same path. We separated on good terms, and I wish them the best. I will no longer be using Panther Tires.
 
LiveRC: Let's talk Tekin. You guys have unleashed some pretty big new products lately. The new RSX speed control, what are some of its advantages over the RS and RS Pro ESC's?

Randy: That could be a long winded answer but I’ll keep it short. The RSX is our new flagship esc. CNC’d billet housing, HV BEC, Data logging, EZ Access programming port, optional fan and shroud, and our Quick Tune programming with one touch radio calibration. The RSX is designed for the sole purpose of racing the modified classes at the World Championship level. Oh yeah, and you can now use the new Android App!
 
 
LiveRC: Several of your ESC's are available in white, which we have not seen before on the market. Personally we love the look of it. Will the RSX be available in a white version at some point?

Randy: No, unfortunately the RSX will not be white as you cannot anodize white as a color. We have considered optional fan shrouds in colors like white, red, etc. If you think this is a good idea, hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, etc and let us know!
 
LiveRC: When it comes to tuning ESC's there are three major ways to do; 1) The Lights System, 2) Handheld Programmer, 3) USB Link. What are some of the advantages to the HotWire USB Link as opposed to the "light system" button programming, or handheld programmers found on other ESC's on the market?

Randy: The “Led” system requires no tools, just your finger. It allows you to cycle through the most common settings on the fly and make changes in seconds. The “handheld” system requires an external device but does offer the ability to see settings values and generally make finer adjustments. Our Hotwire Android app for example fits this bill as you can make fine one step adjustments to all of the settings in your esc. The “Hotwire USB” device allows you to not only make fine single step changes but allows you to save your profile, export it to share, import other setups from factory drivers, as well as update the software of your esc should future updates be released. We’re most known for the Hotwire USB because it’s responsible for keeping our 1st Generation RS line of esc’s competitive for over 4 years. The customer was able to buy an RS 4 years ago and still today have one of the most competitive esc’s on the market, with free software updates.

LiveRC: Tell us a bit about the new HotWire Android app.

Randy: The new Hotwire Android App allows for fine adjustments to every setting the esc has options for. Settings like the HV Bec that cannot be changed using the onboard button interface can now be accessed via your compatible Android device. We’ve tested the app on inexpensive devices as low as $50 purchased from a local “get it all” store with success.

LiveRC: Will it be available for Apple iPhone/iPad users in the future as well?

Randy: Unfortunately no not in this format. Apple and the iOS do not allow for host control functionality which is required for the Hotwire to operate.

LiveRC: Tekin is actively involved in the VRC Pro Simulator as a sponsor of multiple major online multiplayer events. Do you personally play VRC Pro? If so, what is your favorite class?

Randy: Yes I do actually. I don’t get to play it as much as I’d like however. 4wd Sc was my favorite but having recently had given the new 1/8 Buggy a run on the 2013 Worlds track layout it may soon replace that. Maybe we’ll some 1/8 E Buggies soon!? Hint hint….
 
LiveRC: We are not far away from the 2014 racing season. Which races does Tekin as a team look forward to the most, and why?

Randy: We’re looking forward to all the large upcoming races and events. We have a very strong team and are always looking to be stronger as a team. We’re welcoming back drivers such as Ryan Lutz, Adam and Ronda Drake, recently signed Kyle McBride, TJ Bradley, and many many more great drivers I don’t have room to list. We feel we have a very cohesive team along with a broad spectrum of talent all over the world.

LiveRC: There are a lot of up-and-coming racers on the Tekin team. Which one of these racers do you see "breaking into the pro ranks" within a year or two?

Randy: Ooh that’s a tough question. One that comes to mind our Joe Bornhorst which we just did an “Under the Hood” on has been knocking on the door in 2013. He’s young, approachable and talented.
 
 
LiveRC: Things in the industry seem to be changing a lot with drivers and their sponsors for 2014. Are there any major changes in the pro roster at Tekin planned for 2014?

Randy: Yes as I mentioned prior we just signed Kyle McBride to the team and look forward to working with him. We also just picked up Casey Peck out of Arizona, he too is a welcome addition to the team. There are a few others we hope to be able to announce soon if all goes to plan. Stay tuned!
  
 
LiveRC: What is the best AND worst thing about working in the R/C industry?

Randy: Best: Working with the best drivers in the world and helping them compete on a world scale. Worst: Trying to travel to races with only 2 50lb bags!

LiveRC: When you aren't R/C racing, what are you most likely out doing?

Randy: I try to spend as much time I can with my family. We go to the movies, play video games, and just hanging out.

LiveRC: One thing most people don't know about Randy Pike?

Randy: I was nearly arrested by a Storm Trooper once! Apparently I wasn’t one of the droids they were looking for!
 

LiveRC: Randy, thank you so much for joining us today! Is there anything you would like to add before we go?

Randy: Thanks to LiveRC for providing an invaluable service to the industry. It’s great to allow everyone to “live” the race through the web. I’d like to take a moment and thank the Campbell family for giving the opportunity to work in an industry that I’m very passionate about. I’d also like to thank my other sponsors that support me: DE Racing, Avid RC, Protek, A-main Hobbies, KO Propo USA, B-fast, SikLidz Paint, MIP, and Imagine It Graphics.

  

  

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