Sponsors: Team Associated, Reedy, A Main Hobbies, MIP, Pro-Line Racing, Schelle Racing Innovations, Complex Ink Home Track: OCRC Raceway, Huntington Beach, California Nick Miller is what many of us would consider to be the definition of a local. He’s a regular at the infamous OCRC Raceway in Huntington Beach, CA, and puts in the many hours necessary to make him a fierce competitor in the mod buggy class. If you’ve been to this track, which hosts events like the Reedy Race of Champions and the Surf City Classic, you probably understand that to be one of the fast guys is no easy task. Many feel it’s just a matter of time before Nick breaks through to the next level, and a good bet is a spot on the podium for him in the Open Class at the Reedy Race. We got a chance to catch up with him and hear a few of his best tips. • Shocks and tires are everything. Pay attention to what guys are running, and make sure that you are prepared. • When you get to a new layout, be sure to walk it and pay attention to all the features and sections. • When I race, I always bring a setup board, a ride-height gauge, shock stand, and 1.5-, 2-, and 7mm hex wrenches. • I always set my slipper and diff tension to where I like, depending on the grip level. If it’s looser, I’ll set my diff looser, too. • For tire prep, I prefer to have my foam a bit firmer than others, and I try to run a slightly taller pin. I feel this helps to make it a bit more consistent over a 5-minute run. • I like to sauce about 5 minutes before a run. • I use a slightly firmer foam on the front so my steering doesn’t depend on the foam. • When gluing tires, I like to clean the bead with rubbing alcohol. I also pull the edge back all the way when gluing to ensure that I get both the bead and the lip. • I usually stand in the middle of the drivers’ stand, since most guys go to one side or the other. This helps if I’m late or don’t have the option of getting exactly where I want. • When setting up my car, I usually try to set it up as soft as possible without it flipping on the track. I feel it takes the bumps better, jumps better, and lands better. Or Hammer time ... oh please Hammer don’t hurt’em! WWW.VRCMAG.COM 57
Velocity RC Cars Magazine VRC_031
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