Hi Everyone Combat_drftr here.

We at SkidPad will be doing RC Drift Driver highlights. For our very first driver highlight will be our very own Ideal Auto Factory. You all have seen his YouTube videos of his amazing and intricate builds. Not only builds but even here the how to guides he has done. We appreciate him for what he does for the rc drift community!!

We will be doing these interviews on the regular. Who knows you might be the next one. Stay tuned for the next SkidPad Driver Highlight!!!

Ideal Auto Factory

Personal & Background:

"How did you first get into RC drifting, and what sparked your passion for it?"
1. I was attending a Slammedenuff event in Tennessee, USA. It had RC Drifting in it. At the time I was 4 wheel drifting on PVC tires in a Traxxas 4tec 2.0. A good guy decided to let me drive his RWD Drift car and I was hooked ever since. That was back in 2017. The passion came from being able to do lap after lap, week after week, getting closer and closer to the better drifter’s doors at my now closed but then local drift track.
"Can you describe your journey from a beginner to a professional RC drift competitor?"
1. I don’t consider myself a professional. To be completely honest, I guess I don’t even label myself. My journey involves hours and hours of tinkering on chassis after chassis, testing parts myself and gaining knowledge that way about how my car drives. I make sure I go to events hosted in the area as best I can and ultimately drifting in my garage. I have competed on carpet a placed on the podium before. I would like to do more of that when I can give it 100% effort.
"What's your favorite aspect of the RC drift community?"
1. My favorite aspect of the RC Drift Community is hard to put into words. I like that its worldwide and most if not all drifters can get better if they stick around long enough.
"Outside of RC drifting, what other hobbies or interests do you have?"
1. I have been blessed to learn piano at a young age. I enjoy playing the piano very much.
"Who are some of the drivers (RC or real-life) that have inspired you throughout your career?"
1. Chris Simbieda - He let me drive his really expensive setup and just gave me insight on what RC Drift is all aboutthat will stick with me for life.
2. Joe Durkee - A Team Super G driver whom I’ve seen in person just drive with composure and style.
3. Fielding Shredder - That S Chassis Driver from Hyperdrive who was just out there having the time of his life. That’s what I strive to do as well.
"What's the most memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced in RC drifting?"
1. My wife and I taking a trip to Vegas for King Of The Streets and getting lap after lap in at Slidelines RC & Prototype RC which are both no longer in business.
"Conversely, what's the most challenging obstacle you've overcome?"
1. Losing my local track. To this day, it feels like I can’t get a rhythm going for consistent track visits and I have to reaccept the simple fact that I just can’t drift like I used to do because the closest track is too far away to make that happen.
"Where do you see yourself in the RC drift scene in the next 5 years?"
1. I see myself satisfied. No longer pursuing much but finally in a location where a popular track is under 1hr away. I have the opportunity to drift and help others out any time I can. I see myself serving the RC Drift community by always giving reputable information and tips to make any and all better.

Technical & Setup:

"Could you walk us through your typical RC drift car setup? What chassis, motor, ESC, gyro, and tires do you prefer, and why?"
1. TDP Pigeon w/ TDP ISDS w/Ideal Built Cantilever Setup, Hobbywing D10 10.5T Motor, Hobbywing XR14 ESC, Power HD G2 Gyro, Injora 22kg Servo and I prefer DS Racing LF3 tires because they look like realistic tires from the side and they offer a nice grip on polished concrete.
"How important is weight distribution and tuning in your setup, and how do you fine-tune it?"
1. Weight distribution is important and tuning is even more important. I fine tune my setup by eye, ear, feel, and even setup station. From watching the car pitch or lean, to listening for rubbing or boost kicking in at the wrong time, to the car feeling too snappy. Once most of that stuff is satisfactory, I pull out my setup station and fine tune it to exact numbers.
"What are your thoughts on the evolution of RC drift technology (gyros, motors, etc.)?"
1. I think the evolution is great. As the more expensive electronics go higher in price with more refinement to an already great product, there are budget friendly options that are getting better as well. As the electronics get better, the playing field evens out.
"What are your tire preferences and how do you decide which tire to use in a given situation?"
1. I use whatever the track allows me to. If it is my choice, I choose what I have which is likely Yokomo DRC or DS Racing LF3.
"How often do you maintain and tune your RC drift car, and what are the key maintenance tasks?"
1. I do my own minor tech inspection after every track day. Key tasks include making sure the diff is still good, making sure the wheels aren’t binding pointing straight or full lock. Also, it’s important to make sure the dampers are not sticky or leaking.
"Can you explain your approach to setting up your remote controller, including sensitivity and expo settings?"
1. Everything in my remote is default settings until I dial in my esc. After that comes endpoints for steering. Sensitivity and expo are really subjective. There is no perfect number because each setup is different. My expo is lower for more precise control and higher for a quicker response both in steering and throttle.
"What software do you use to tune your electronics and what are the most important parameters to adjust?"
1. No software here, just a lcd programmer from Hobbywing. The most important parameter to adjust is one of them. If you adjust two of them at the same time, you will not feel exactly what the difference is when finding the perfect driving characteristics.

Competition & Strategy:

"What's your pre-race routine or mental preparation like?"
1. Keep God First, take a deep breath and drive.
"How do you analyze a track or course before a competition?"
1. I find out how many zones there are, how many touch and gos, and so forth. Having a number in my head allows me to break my drift line up into segments.
"What strategies do you employ during a tandem drift battle?"
1. Nothing really comes to mind, I do try my best to completely mimic the lead car and not be too far forward or rearward of front and rear bumpers.
"How do you handle pressure and maintain composure during intense competition?"
1. I do not much experience in this area but I do tell myself to just drive.
"What advice would you give to aspiring RC drift competitors looking to improve their skills?"
1. There are endless amounts of trophies out there. Go compete for something greater than the prize, you’ll enjoy a a lot more.
"What are the key differences between judging criteria in different competitions?"
1. Hmm, I’m not sure how to answer this.
"How do you adapt your driving style to different track surfaces and layouts?"
1. By simply assessing the zones and where the touch and go’s are. Style will find it’s way back once I put my car into the zones during practice
"When practicing, what are the most important things you focus on?"
1. The proper FDR, a confident trigger zone, and making sure my car is doing tandems with others
"How do you learn from your mistakes during a competition?"
1. I just continue to practice and get more seat time.

Community & Future:

"What are your thoughts on the growth and future of the RC drift scene?"
1. It is a wonderful hobby that’s growing faster and faster. The future is filled with opportunities as the competitions get bigger, there will be more vendors, tracks, and companies in this hobby.
"How can the RC drift community become more inclusive and accessible to newcomers?"
1. RC Drift can happen on any hard surface. Carpet, a garage floor, a kitchen, a skatepark, or of course a tack. Newcomers are everywhere and as veteran, allowing the newcomer the space to learn and grow on their own makes a big difference. What’s the best drift car? The one you currently have until you get another one. Ha!
"Do you have any sponsors or partnerships, and how have they contributed to your success?"
1. Yes, I am sponsored by Skidpad. I am also partnered with RC Drift Network. Both entities strive to serve the whole RC Drift community. My success in this hobby is attributed to their willingness to support my goals as well as guide me further by attaching greater purpose and intent to my actions. We lift each other up and want each other to succeed.
"What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about RC drifting?"
1. An hop up part is going to make the chassis better. You need turbo timing in the tune. To go faster you must have more throttle.
"What are some of the most exciting developments that are happening in the RC drift scene currently?"
1. I really like seeing more plastic variants of high dollar chassis. They are serious competitors out of the box for fractions of the cost.