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DRIFT MAP MACKYWORKS SDC COMP UPDATE SMALL-SCALE GUIDE GUIDE THE STATE OF RC DRIFT YOKOMO SD 3.0 REVIEW INTERVIEW - KEN BENSON WHEELS TESTED - ROADSIDE RC TEAM SPOTLIGHT - OPPOSITION RC THE RC DRIFT.IO UK SEASON OPENER

PUBLISHER/DESIGNER: EDITOR: CONTRIBUTORS:

STEPHEN PLATT LIZ SHAW COVER PHOTO: LEE HODGESS

DREW BARRON, KEN BENSON, CJ MEDIA, MIKE MUZO DEMIRI, JAKE DOTTER, STEVE FUJITA, ANDY HERRICK, LEE HODGESS, DAVID HOLLIDAY, DAVID HUGH, KENNETH KENNEDY, JUDSON KING, JERRY LUMSDEN III, ADAM MAH, TEPPEI MAKIMOTO, MAC MARKEY, CHAD MARTIN, MASON @NOGOOD RC, HENRY MERBLER, MIKE PEEZEE, PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY, RAMON ROBLES, SCALE MAGIC, JOHN STANGLE, TROY (ROADSIDERC) DARC MAG is FREE to view online download from DARCMAG.COM Pick up your copy also at these locations: AMAIN 2860 Fair St. Chico, CA Adrenaline RC Racing 14014 Sullyfield Cir, Chantilly, VA 20151 Casa Drift 2325 Parklawn Dr. Unit E, Waukesha, WI 53186 Coastal RC Drift 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA Cookeville Raceway & Hobbies 1210 N Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN DARC 10420 Plano Rd #105, Dallas, TX Drift In' 3515 Franklin St, Suite C, Michigan City, IN Drift-PDX 4834 N Interstate Ave Portland OR DriftSet 509 Central Ave, Massapequa, NY Drift Manji RC 5 Valley Road, Liversedge, UK Drift Ninjas RC 6625 Robinson Ave, Allen Park, MI Drift Scene 315 Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY Feint! RC 2700 Commerce Pkwy Bldg, A Unit #2, Lancaster, NY Garage RC Hobbies 4001 E 29th St, #82, Bryan, TX High Voltage Garage 1199 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS Hobby Hobby 128 Queen St S, #22, Mississauga, ON L5M 1K8 CA HobbyTown RVA RC Drift Garage 9900 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA HobbyTown Rockford, IL 3782 North Alpine Road, Rockford, IL Iron City RC Hobbies 2980 Lebanon Church Rd, West Mifflin, PA Key City Hobby 3914 Cornell Place, Ste 1, Frederick, MD Magic Box Hobbies 2105 W 37th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6M 1N9 Pop's Dirty South 1717 Rabbit Ln, Lake Charles, LA 70605 Prodigy RC 3231 N Decatur Blvd. Suite 134, Las Vegas, NV Rado Drift Circuit 1026 Savage Court, Longwood, FL 32750 RC Car World 2305 Garry Road, Cinnaminson, NJ RC Country 9500 Micron Ave Sacramento, CA 95827 RC Drift Scene 315 Fingerlakes Mall, Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY RC Driftway 3065 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, MA ROC Drift 1250 State Route 104, Ontario, NY RC Drift Factory 5504 N Everglade Ave, Odessa,TX Scale Science 2255 S Wadsworth Blvd, Suite G3, Lakewood, CO Scaletopia 5007 Victory Blvd, Yorktown, VA Shinkaiju Drift Lab 3109 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 Silverdale Hobbies 10315 Silverdale Way NW #F02, Silverdale, WA, 98383 Slide Labs 1435 Oviedo Mall Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765 Super G 1376 Maine Ave, Baldwin Park, CA Tandem RC - Mesa, Arizona 909 S Dobson Rd #19, Mesa, AZ TCRC Drift 2465 North Main Street, Suite 3C, Sunset, UT Tenhou Drift Circuit 6430 Richmond Ave, Suite 465, Houston, TX 77057 THS - The Hobby Shop 900 Lacy Dr, Leander, TX Vertex RC 5595 Magnatron Blvd, Ste T, San Diego, CA Victory Hobbies 1013 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, NE 68005 Zero Traction 500 Polk St Suite 9, Greenwood, IN The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers in this magazine are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editorial team. Neither do the views of the editorial team or publisher reflect the views of the advertisers. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved, ©2026 DARC MAG LLC 10420 Plano Rd #105, Dallas, TX 75238

Cover photo - Timmy Woo sliding into his Saturday victory at the RCDrift.io Season Opener

INDEX • AMAIN HOBBIES...................................................................... HOBBIES...................................................................... 2 • MACKYWORKS - TEPPEI MAKIMOTO................................... MAKIMOTO...................................4-7 4-7 • CHASSIS BULDERS SHOWCASE ............................ 8-13 • THE SMALL-SCALE GUIDE (BY JOHN STANGLE)............ STANGLE)............ 14-17 • SCALE MAGIC POSTER. POSTER...........................................................18 ......................................................... 18 • RC CAR WORLD...................................................................... WORLD......................................................................19 19 • DRIFT ILLUSTRATED - THE STATE OF RC DRIFT. DRIFT............20-21 .......... 20-21 • 2026 SDC COMP SERIES UPDATE....................... UPDATE.......................22-25 22-25 • RC DRIFT MAP...................................................... MAP......................................................26-27 26-27 • A-PLASTICS .......................................................................... 28 • DARC LABS SCALE ARTIST SHOWCASE ..............29-33 ............29-33 • KKPIT. KKPIT.................................................................................... ..34 • HOBBYREC.COM.................................................................... HOBBYREC.COM.................................................................... 34 • WHEELS TESTED (BY TROY - ROADSIDE RC)............... RC)............... 35-37 • TEAM SPOTLIGHT - OPPOSITION RC. RC...................38-39 .................38-39 • RC DRIFT.IO UK SEASON OPENER (LEE HODGESS)......40-41 • SDC. SDC......................................................................................... 42 • RC DRIFTWAY........................................................................ DRIFTWAY........................................................................ 43 • OUR INITIAL THOUGHTS (PRODUCT REVIEW) .............. 44-45 • WHY SDC JOINED RCDRIFT.IO (BY STEVE FUJITA)...... FUJITA)...... 46-47 • THE INTERVIEW - KEN BENSON (W/ ADAM MAH) MAH)........... 48-49 • KYOSHO................................................................................. KYOSHO................................................................................. 50 • MAX SPEED SHOP .................................................................51 ............................................................... 51 • SUPER G DRIFT.................................................. DRIFT..................................................BACK BACK COVER

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Macky Works:

Teppei Makimoto, Makimoto, better known as “Macky Works”, fell into painting the way many RC builders do: by chasing a look, damaging a body, and deciding re-make it, but better. “It all started 15 years ago when I saw a Tamiya rally car, a Subaru Impreza, on YouTube,” he recalls. “I was drawn to the blue color. The body quickly got damaged, so I needed a new one. My first painting experience was painting the same car model blue with spray paint. That’s when I discovered the joy of painting.” Today, that joy shows up as realistic looking scale works of art utilizing crisp masking, confident color, and creative mechanical engineering. Teppei’s operation isn’t a huge studio, it’s a focused home setup. “One room in my house serves as my workspace,” he explains. “The paint booth is also a simple, makeshift one.” And while drift culture shapes the aesthetic, he confesses, “I don’t drift actual cars.” Paint and Masking Built for Durability When it comes to materials, Teppei is decisive and only uses SHOW UP paints. His reasoning, “Previously, I used Faskolor, a water-based airbrush paint. Due to the strength of the paint film, long-lasting color, fast drying time, and good work efficiency, oil-based paints are my only choice.” Masking is equally dialed. “Europort’s ‘high-bake’ masking sheets are a favorite, though availability can be tricky. They do not ship internationally, but I worked with SHOW UP to make them available, due to numerous requests. Sheets of the same material are available from SHOW UP overseas. They adhere well to curved surfaces, leave no adhesive residue and are also resistant to solvents,” Teppei explains. No Rendering, Straight From Imagination Some designers make a render first, but Teppei goes straight from imagination to measurement. With the design in his head, he creates cut-ready files: “I actually measure the dimensions of the body and create the cutting data directly in CutStudio, the software included with the Roland Stika SV-8 plotter.” Inspiration comes from real scenes and real people. “I gather inspiration by attending D1 competitions, track days, and custom car shows,” he shares. For custom builds, Teppei tells us that interpreting the vision is part of the craft, “When working on

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Teppei Makimoto on Paint, Precision, and the Joy of Creating

commissioned projects, I listen carefully to the client’s preferences and incorporate them into my work.” This explains why Macky Works has been asked to work with drivers such as Masato Kawabata of Toyo Tires, Naoki Nakamura and Sumika Kubokawa of Valino, and Ryo Ishikawa of BuzzBreak. He has even been asked to build mass production projects outside of drifting, “I built 15 GT300 Anest Iwata Lexus cars on commission.”

The Body That Keeps Giving Ask Teppei about favorites and one body rises to the top. “My favorite is the R35 GT-R Pandem from Addiction’s Real Series, which I’ve built several of,” he recounts. The appeal is scale accuracy with presence on track. “It’s a faithful scale-down of the real car, so the wheelbase is 278mm and the body itself is quite large.” It’s also a performer, “When you drive it, it’s impressive, eye-catching, and incredibly stable when cornering.” His brand preference is just as direct: “For details and driving performance, Addiction is my only choice.”

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When ‘Complex’ Becomes Cinematic Teppei’s most intricate projects blur the line between RC and special effects. One of his favorite builds is featured in this issue’s “Scale Artist Showcase” on page 30. Describing his other favorite works, Teppei tells us, “Other fun projects feature remote control operation, retractable headlights, gullwing doors, an opening and closing convertible top, launching missiles, engine sounds, smoke effects, and countless other complex creations.”

Lighting, Backfire, and Lightweight Fabrication Lighting and other effects aren’t accessories in his builds, they are part of the story. “I make the lighting myself, using bullet-shaped LEDs, chip LEDs, and LED filaments. I use an aircraft-specific circuit board for remote On/Off control. For throttle-activated brake lights and backfire, I take the circuit board from Eagle Model’s LED system and modify it.” Even in an era of 3D printing, his approach to creating parts stays focused on weight. Teppei shares his methods openly, “I don’t own a 3D printer. I want to make things as lightweight as possible, so I mainly use low-expansion PVC sheets and thin-walled plastic pipes. I have explained the production method in a feature article in RC Drift Frontline D-TRIBES, a Japanese RC magazine, over the course of a year, and I’ve also published several tutorials on my YouTube channel.”

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Global Demand, Grounded Values Macky Works is international, but still rooted in Japan. He estimates, “Currently, about 10% of requests come from the United States, the rest come from Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. About 50% are from within Japan.” Teppei has been closely involved with many companies in the RC drift industry, “SHOW “SHOW UP, UP, in particular, had a real car customization shop branch in Los Angeles, known as Signal Auto. Auto. They developed pigment paints intended for real cars, but for hobby use. I especially proposed the paint for polycarbonate and we had a lot of fun repeatedly conducting practical tests together. I learned a lot about paints. I also really admire Addiction Addiction’s ’s activities. Not only their dedication to their products, but also their acquisition of licenses and respect for car and aero parts manufacturers. I consider anything without official authorization to be a fake. They release new products, one after another. Their CEO, Mr. Kakei, has a great sense of style and planning; it’s one of the reasons I never get bored with them. Overdose teaches tuning with support from GALM and optional parts.”

TEPPEI WITH

ADDICTION

CEO MR. KAKE

TEPPEI WITH KA

OW UP NEDA FROM SH

When asked who he would like to thank, the list is long: “Addiction, SHOW UP, Overdose, Futaba, Acuvance, Yokomo, Tamiya, Tetsujin, Label, Anest Iwata, RC Drift Frontline D-TRIBES Magazine, MST Circuit Osaka, and many others for their support.” Teppei’s closing message aims to encourage the scale artist culture, “While I appreciate the commissions, I want more people to experience the joy of creating things themselves, that’s why I openly share everything I know and have experienced in my YouTube videos. I want to contribute to the development of this hobby.”

SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube @MACKYWORKS Facebook : Teppei Makimoto (macky works) IG : mackyworksjapan DARCMAG.COM

CHASSIS BUILDERS SHOWCASE

Opposition RC Overdose GALMs - Red High Motor Opposition RC’s competition program is built on a shared foundation with the Overdose GALM ver. 2 chassis across all three drivers. Andy has the purple Anniversary High Motor Full Option, David runs the black High Motor Full Option, and Mac’s is the red High Motor. Originally released as the GALM in 2017 and updated with the ver.2 in 2020, this platform has earned its reputation for one core reason: serious adjustability. All three builds stay aligned on key hardware. Each car runs Overdose HG4 dampers (Overdose’s newest), paired with 4Edge springs, plus the Overdose ball diff and still running belt drive. Electronics are standardized for consistency and response: Acuvance ESCs, Futaba radio gear, Overdose motors with 10.5 internals, and a control package of Yokomo V4 gyro with a Yokomo servo. The only differences are that Mac runs Hitotech knuckles in the front, which contribute to his style of driving, Andy runs an Anniversary edition rear shock tower on his Anniver-

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Black High Motor Full Option - Purple High Motor Anniversary sary Edition, and David runs an ES rear tower on his black GALM. Their baseline alignment targets aggressive front bite and controlled rear stability: 2–4° front toe-out with 10° front camber. In the rear, they keep it minimal with 0–1° toe-in most of the time (up to 2° max) with 2–4° rear camber. FDR typically ranges from the high 7s to low 9s, depending on track and feel. Investment matches the spec at around $5,000, with Andy’s purple build closer to $6,000 as it’s a rare, fully hopped Anniversary GALM #26 of only 50 produced. The GALM gives drivers unusually deep tuning access, letting it be shaped to nearly any driving style. The tradeoff is that it takes more time and knowledge to dial compared to simpler chassis, but once the tune clicks, it becomes a weapon that’s both high-performing and unmistakably good-looking.

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CHASSIS BUILDERS SHOWCASE

Team PDX Reve D MC-III Jake Dotter and Judson King Jake Dotter and Judson King are both running the same Reve D MC-III chassis, but their builds show how much personality you can pull out of one platform. Both cars are tuned around frontend control with slightly open Ackermann and gearing in the same region (Judson at a 7.5 FDR and Jake at 7.6). Both MC-IIIs are responsive with high-traction so they can carry angle without feeling lazy on transition. Judson’s MC-III is built around response and power character. Suspension-wise, he’s on Overdose HG3 shocks paired with Bao La dampers, and a Yokomo metal gear diff with an Usukani LSD. Electronics are a mix of a Maclan ESC with a Reve D 10.5T motor and RSST Pro Revox, using Maclan specifically for its power output and quick response while leaning on Reve D servo/gyro tuning to lock in the feel. Up front, Judson runs 2° degrees of toe-out with Ackermann slightly open, and in the rear he’s at -3° degrees of camber. His estimated value with electronics lands around $2300.

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Jake’s MC-III takes a more unified approach, keeping the electronics all Reve D because he likes the tuning options they offer. His damper setup is green TRF shocks with Bao Lao adjustable dampers, and he runs an Usukani gear diff. Geometry-wise, Jake’s front end is notably more “knife-edge” on paper: 1° of toe-out, slightly open Ackermann at lock, and a big -11° of front camber. In the rear, he balances it with 1.2° of toe-in and -2° degrees of camber. His estimated value with electronics is about $2200. Jake has a specific setup philosophy, putting Ackermann at the center of the MC-III’s handling, emphasizing that being too open or too closed can completely change how the car handles. The front end has to work together, and he’s not afraid to chase it: sometimes a 1mm change on a steering turnbuckle is the adjustment that can make the biggest impact. “Don’t be afraid to make a minor change, but make sure you take pics or write down your previous setup, in case you want to go back.”

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CHASSIS BUILDERS SHOWCASE

Ken Benson - Reve D MC-III My current build is based on the Reve D RDX, which originally debuted in December 2022. I’ve since upgraded it with the Reve D MC-III conversion chassis: a fantastic, highly accessible upgrade kit. While I’ve heavily tuned the setup, the core MC-III geometry remains pure. For the suspension, I’m running Tamiya TRF dampers equipped with 6-hole pistons, matched with 200cSt oil up front and 150cSt in the rear. To balance the chassis roll, I run Reve D R-Tune springs: yellows in the front to enhance front-end bite and turn-in authority, and blues in the rear to maintain optimal traction and stability through high-speed sweepers. A 1.2mm sway bar ties it all together, adding lateral stability and maximizing cornering grip. Lately, I’ve been running a Rhino Racing TCD (Torque Coupling Differential) paired with the gold spring. I absolutely love its locking and unlocking characteristics; it provides incredible front-end bite and predictable traction right out of the apex.

My alignment specs are locked in at 8° of front camber with 4° of Ackermann, while the rear sits at 1° of toe-in and 3° of camber. My Final Drive Ratio (FDR) is dialed to 7.90. For the electronics package, I chose a full Reve D suite: the Breve ESC, an Absolute 13.5T motor, the Revox gyro, and the RSST-Pro servo. Upgrading to the Breve ESC has been a game-changer; the categorized tuning menus keep adjustments straightforward while offering deep customizability. Dropping down from a 10.5T to the Absolute 13.5T motor completely transformed my throttle modulation. It delivers a much smoother, linear power band that prevents the rear end from washing out, giving me the ultimate rearend bite. All in, this entire setup sits right around the $1,500 mark (so hopefully my wife doesn’t review my bank statements anytime soon!). It has taken years of trial and error to truly understand exactly how I want the chassis to respond to my inputs, but the car is finally dialing in beautifully. Of course, as we all know in this hobby: there’s always a better tune!

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Ramon Robles - Custom Eagle Racing TT-02 This custom Eagle Racing build is one of my several TT02-based projects, created with a clear goal: a carbon-and-aluminum TT02 that doesn’t completely break the bank, but still drops jaws and puts big smiles on faces when it hits the track, because at the end of the day, it’s still “just a TT02”. Instead of following the typical MRC/Metal Garage route, the build leans into Eagle Racing, one of RC drifting’s true OGs. With Eagle’s TT02 RWD drift chassis now discontinued, the starting point became the Eagle Racing GRT (their 4WD touring car chassis), then reworked into an RWD drift setup using Eagle Racing parts. The heart of the build is a custom DDSS conversion, developed using design lessons pulled from previous DDSS projects on D5, a PDK, and Yokomo platforms. To improve leftto-right balance, it also features a custom transverse low battery mount and a custom center motor mount. Power delivery is further refined with a custom belt drive between the motor and transmission. The chassis is heavily optioned and rounded out with active-toe rear suspension and custom carbon fiber shock towers.

Rarity is a big part of what makes it special. After a few people drove it and immediately fell in love, commissions followed. Each build ends up slightly different: color, motor position, battery placement, and suspension configuration are tailored to request, but all share the same DDSS foundation. At the moment, only four of these builds exist, all produced to this spec in 2026. Suspension is handled by Eagle Racing aluminum dampers with 3x1.4mm hole pistons and Eagle Racing bladders, Yokomo blue O-rings, Eagle Racing Soft/ Super-Soft springs, and 5wt/7.5wt mineral oil. The drivetrain runs a Tamiya XV-02 ball diff with tungsten carbide diff balls. Electronics include a Hobbywing XR10 Stock Spec G2 ESC paired with a D10 10.5T motor, a DSK-404 receiver, and an AGFRC A50BHL servo with a GYD550 gyro. Typical setup ranges are -3° to -6° front camber with 5° to 8° caster, 0° to -1° rear camber with 0° caster, and an FDR of 8.6. The chassis build landed around $500, and even with electronics it stays under $1,000. On the track, it’s one of the most funto-drive chassis in the fleet: fast, grippy, and described as “a guided missile”. The best part is the reaction when someone asks what’s running laps and the answer is simply, “a TT02”.

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Good, Better, Best: The Small-Scale Drift Chassis Buyer’s Guide By John Stangle You may have already spotted John’s small scale chassis builds in past issues, but what you might not have realized is just how extensive his arsenal is. John doesn’t just own small-scale cars; he’s built one of the most impressive collections in the scene and he’s learned the hard lessons that only come from building and tuning multiple chassis. So we asked him to break it all down for DARC Mag, starting at square one, because if you’re making your first micro drift purchase, it pays to begin with the right information….

Micro drifting has a way of turning a casual curiosity into a full-on obsession. One minute you’re sliding a tiny car across the tile in your living room, the next you’re comparing chassis geometry, gyro behavior, and damper stroke like it’s a full-size competition build. The upside is that there’s a smart entry point for every budget, and each tier teaches you what makes a small-scale chassis good, better, or best. Good - The Budget “Toe-Dip” ($150 – $200) The WLtoys K969 RTR or BM Racing FLD RTR are common toe-dips because they’re inexpensive, include a transmitter, and get you driving immediately. These entry cars can feel bouncy and vague because damping is basic, weight transfer is imprecise, and the electronics don’t offer much resolution, but they still build the muscle memory of maintaining a slide and making clean corrections on small surfaces.

WLtoys K969 A sensored brushless setup is the best option in 1:24. Unsensored brushless systems tend to cog at low RPM, meaning they stutter when you’re trying to feed in tiny throttle inputs to hold angle. A practical KV window is roughly 3500KV to 5000KV, depending on surface grip and tire compound, paired with a programmable micro ESC in the 15A to 30A range from brands including Furitek, OMG, AFRC, and Ensotech. These ESCs provide low-level throttle range and control. That, paired with adjustments such as throttle curves, punch, and timing - and features such as boost and turbo, help you break traction predictably and keep wheel speed stable mid-corner. The gyro of a RWD micro drifter must be faster and more precise than its 1:10 counterpart. The GT55 Racing integrated receiver gyro is a favorite because it combines two critical components into one compact unit, saving space on a crowded chassis. The Ark Edge gyro is another standout because it’s stable and offers Bluetooth tuning via a smartphone app, making it easier to dial in gain and response without constantly tearing the car down.

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Digital micro coreless or brushless servos from AGFRC, Drift Art, and AFRC are widely considered the gold standard for speed and torque in this scale. FlySky Noble NB4 or Futaba Radio systems such as the 4PM, 7XC, or 10PX are popular because they support small, low-latency receivers that fit these chassis without compromising weight placement.

Drift Art 4 Better - The “Buy Once, Cry Once” Route ($500 – $700) This is where micro drifting starts to feel like true hobby-grade engineering, as you’re stepping into 1:24 scale Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) platforms such as Drift Art 2.6, XRX, Drift Art 4, BM Racing chassis, and Rhino Racing. This is the point where you have a chassis that can be tuned.

Rhino Racing

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LS Studio Mono

Ark Edge

Best - The “Baller” No-Limit Budget Option ($1,200+) At this level, you’re in a pure “builder’s paradise”. Boutique platforms such as the LS Studio Mono, MA Racing, Ark Edge chassis, and other limited titanium or carbon builds, shrink full-size performance ideas into a smartphone-sized package. This is where you see obsessive attention to machining, surface finishing, and structural design; where the car starts to feel like a precision instrument. With top-tier servos, carefully programmed ESC settings, and a high-end radio system, the driving experience becomes calmer and more exact: less twitch, more control, and a chassis that holds a line.

LS Studio Plaid Why Do Higher-End Chassis Matter? You have to respect the physics of scaling. Weight drops dramatically at 1:24, but friction and momentum don’t scale down in a neat, linear way, so tuning requires a finer touch. Good design eliminates “slop” without creating bind, which is brutal when parts are tiny. Material choices reflect that. Injection-molded plastics and ABS are impact-resistant and beginner-friendly, but they flex and can make geometry inconsistent. The “Better” zone is typically carbon fiber plates paired with CNC-machined aluminum bulkheads and mounts for predictable rigidity. The “Best” builds push into high-grade weave carbon and precision-milled 6061 or 7075 aluminum with quality anodizing and, in some cases, titanium structural parts to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio while keeping mechanical “slop” tolerances near zero.

Ark Edge 16

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The Damper Revolution For years, the small scale world suffered from being incredibly bouncy because friction-dampers or simple spring-shocks didn’t have oil to damp the lightweight chassis effectively. While the Onisiki oilfilled dampers were an incredible breakthrough for stabilizing the ride, the market has expanded. Drift Art and LS Studios have developed brilliant, dual-rate multi-spring concepts that bring more suspension stroke in a smaller package. This extra stroke allows the chassis to achieve a realistic level of dynamic body roll and active weight transfer, making the car’s physical movement look and feel incredibly trueto-scale.

Micro drifting has a unique advantage: hardbody scale builds. In 1:24 you can adapt static model kits into RC bodies with real panel lines and proportions. Tamiya and Aoshima are top-tier donors for crisp molding and consistent scale, while Revell can be the move for classic “American muscle” cars and detailed V8 engine bays. The tradeoff is clearance and durability; you often sacrifice full interiors and deep wheel wells to clear shock towers, batteries, and electronics, and fragile trim pieces don’t love hard impacts. Chassis choices, such as the Drift Art series and LS Studio platforms, help because they offer adjustable wheelbases in the 90mm to 106mm-plus range and adjustable width so you can match bodies cleanly.

The Next Horizon: Where the Hobby Needs to Grow The micro drift world has exploded in engineering quality, but it needs some form of standardization. Currently, this industry is a bit of a “Wild West”. Wheel fitment, hex sizes, body mounting systems, and electronics connectors vary wildly between brands. We need industry-standard conventions. “Plug-andPlay” Sensored Electronics would also open the doors to more hobbyists: manufacturers need to create more cohesive, pre-soldered, or cleanly modular micro-sensored brushless combos. Splicing and soldering 30AWG wires to tiny pins is a massive barrier to entry for newcomers. Manufacturers could make kits with clearer instruction manuals, fewer proprietary screw sizes, and integrate easy-to-use magnetic body mounting solutions directly into the box design. The engineering is incredible, now let’s make it easier for the next generation of builders to experience it without needing a degree in micro-machining.

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Super-G Drift Arena March 7th, 2026

SDC Rd. 1

RC CAR WORLD: A DECADE OF DOMINANCE IN RC DRIFTING

RC Car World (RCCW) isn’t just a retail shop; it’s been a pivotal force in the global RC drift community for over a decade. Since 2013, owners Mike and Gia Sienczenko have cultivated a thriving hub, evolving from a humble carpet track to epoxy, and now state-of-the-art P-tile, continuously pushing the boundaries of the sport. What began as a small local spot has blossomed into one of North America’s premier RC drift tracks, even hosting legends like Tetsujin’s Atsushi Mizunaga in its early days.

FROM UNDERDOGS TO CHAMPIONS

A pivotal moment arrived in 2019 when five drivers who weren’t well-known—including Berto Cosse, Rob Fischetti, and Alex Jordan—representing RCCW and Team Endless, descended upon the US RC Drift Championships in Houston. Against a field of top talent from across the nation, Berto Cosse emerged victorious, claiming the coveted title of US RC Drift Champion. This monumental win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it firmly cemented RCCW’s reputation on the map, drawing drivers from coast to coast eager to experience our signature aggressive drifting style and the vibrant personalities that define our community.

SHAPING THE FUTURE: THE RCCW LEGACY

The momentum continued as Alex Jordan took the helm as track curator and coach, a role in which he continues to elevate drivers and sculpt the Northeast drift scene. RCCW has served as a crucial proving ground for many prominent and sponsored drivers, who honed their skills here before making their mark nationwide. This commitment to progression led to the founding of the Scale Drift Series (SDS) at RCCW, a competition designed to mirror the authenticity and intensity of 1:1 drifting more closely than any other major event worldwide.

THE NORTHEAST’S DRIFTING EPICENTER

Today, RCCW is a magnet for top talent, regularly drawing drivers from across twelve states—NJ, NY, CT, NH, DE, MA, PA, RI, MD, ME, VA, WV—and even Quebec during intense SDS rounds. Our track becomes the ultimate monthly proving ground where the Northeast’s best vie for supremacy. Our drivers, like SDS and North American Championship (US/CA) winner Anthony Torres, are not only dominant on our home turf but also seasoned competitors on the broader international stage, frequently traveling to compete at other prestigious events, including the annual North American Championship in Quebec.

MORE THAN JUST COMPETITION: THE RCCW EXPERIENCE

Beyond the fierce competition, RCCW offers a truly unique experience. Saturdays and major events pulsate with an energy akin to a Grid Life festival, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Expect genuine Jersey hospitality: no drama, just a welcoming vibe filled with lighthearted banter and friendly trash talk. Spontaneous challenges and call-outs are a regular occurrence. Do you believe you have what it takes to be the best? Come test your skills, soak in the unparalleled vibes, and become part of the RCCW legacy!

CINNAMINSON, NJ 856-720-0017 MIKE@RCCARWORLD.COM

DRIFT ILLUSTRATED Magazine is the only dedicated print drifting magazine in the United States, created to document and celebrate drifting as a culture from grassroots drivers and builders to events, lifestyle, and the people pushing the scene forward. By blending authentic storytelling with high-quality print, Drift Illustrated brings drifting back to something tangible and collectible. Drift Illustrated has asked DARC MAG to publish a regular article for their issues, this is what we published in the current issue.

The State of RC Drift - 2026

RC drifting is rapidly evolving in 2026, both in the U.S. and worldwide. On the American stage, the Nationwide Super Drift Competition (SDC) Regional rounds are now mid-season, and the intensity is climbing round by round. Major manufacturers like Weld Overdose, Yokomo, Reve D, Shibata, KKPIT, and Acuvance have locked in team drivers, who are already deep in the grind testing new chassis, dialing setups, and refining tuning packages early in the season. As regional rounds run across the country, excitement builds towards one major destination, the SDC Worlds Finals at Super-G R/C Drift Arena in California, October 2nd - 4th, 2026. That’s where the best drivers in the U.S. collide with international talent, with drivers flying in from countries including Japan, the UK, and Thailand to push the competition (and the American field) to the next level.

SDC 2026 ROUND 1 AT MAX SPEED SHOP, DAYTON, OHIO PHOTO BY PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY

COMP DRIVER HITTING THE SCORED ZONE PHOTO BY PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY

TANDEM BATTLE AT MAX SPEED SHOP PHOTO BY PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY

A Mid-Season Shift: SDC Goes Digital SDC has introduced a major change mid-season by partnering with RCDrift.io. The RCDrift.io app is designed to track driver rankings and competition results, while giving the community a single place to stay plugged in. Fans and drivers can search for local tracks, see upcoming event dates, and follow top competitors. This shift is a big one, as tracks and drivers now need profiles and regional competitions are scored through the app. The transition has been relatively smooth, but there’s still a learning curve. Some tracks are still getting comfortable with the system and not every driver is fully registered yet, meaning some points haven’t been captured. Even so, the direction is clear: a more connected scene, better data, and a more accurate picture of who’s rising to the top.

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THE FAST, GRIPPY, AND CONSISTENT “COMP” FEEL OF JAPANESE P-TILE SDC 2026 ROUND 2 AT RADO CIRCUIT, LONGWOOD, FL PHOTO BY DAVID HUGH

THE OLD SCHOOL “STREET” FEEL OF POLISHED CONCRETE WORLD OF WHEELS 2025, MILWAUKEE, WI PHOTO BY CJ MEDIA

Track Surfaces: The Feel That Defines the Style In American competition, the preferred surface is Japanese P-Tile (often called J-Tile), imported from Japan and valued for its harder, more consistent feel than typical American P-Tile. But it’s not the only direction the scene is taking. Some tracks still run polished concrete, an “old school” surface with a different feel. It tends to favor a more “street-style” approach that is less aggressive, sometimes slower, and more flow-focused compared to the faster and sharper competition style. While neither is “better”, it’s a preference that varies by shop, track, and driver. Realistically, the most common surface in the world might be the one almost everyone has access to: a smooth, two-car garage floor. For many drifters, especially in regions without dedicated tracks, that’s where the hobby lives and grows. The Scale Artist Wave and the Rise of Small Scale Another major shift is happening on the scale artist side of RC drifting. Small scale drifting is taking a big step forward with companies like Ark Edge, BM Racing, Onisiki, MA Racing, Atomic, and Drift Art. They are expanding chassis options and parts support for 1:28 and 1:24 scale platforms, also referred to as “micro RC drift.” Even 1:64 scale cars (Hot Wheel-size) are becoming more available and more advanced. While 1:10 remains the primary standard, small scale opens a different kind of creative door, allowing builders to use long-established model kits and turn them into fully functional drift machines with minor modifications. For scale artists, that means more room for realistic features, such as interiors, engine bays, and finer details that are harder to achieve convincingly on a typical 1:10 drift body. Small scale also benefits from a growing ecosystem of 3D-printed wide-body fender kits, letting artists design, print, and install features that never existed as off-theshelf options. Painting injection molded plastic on the outside (instead of painting clear polycarbonate from the inside) introduces its own challenges. This medium requires surface prep, gloss finishing, filler work, and sanding, but it also unlocks a more authentic scale model look. Add waterslide decals into the mix and the realism jumps again compared to standard sticker sets. Keep an eye on “small scale”. The advancements are coming quickly and there are creative opportunities to work with model kits that already exist. The big question is whether model companies will respond from the other direction, offering 1:10-scale model options built with RC drift in mind? Time will tell...

JOHN STANGLE PREPARING TO CREATE THE MADBUL RX7 USING A 3D-PRINTED BODY KIT

FINISHED PRODUCT USING THE DRIFT ART 4 - 1:24 SCALE CHASSIS

DRIFT ILLUSTRATED Magazine is available at select drift events, partner shops, and online. Each issue features real drivers, real builds, and real stories from across the drifting world. To find the latest issue, pickup locations, or to purchase online, follow Drift Illustrated on social media or visit the official Drift Illustrated channels. We look forward to the crossover between DARC MAG and Drift Illustrated being a solid bridge between both scenes.

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B&B Hobby Shop Grayson, GA 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Donovan Leary Casey Kovarik Nikolas Funderburk Justin Hong

DARC Circuit Dallas, TX

Driftwell Fresno, CA 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Armando Pimentel Tyler Anderson Jeremy Meyer Armando Pimentel

Casa Drift - Greenfield, WI

Round 4 Round 3 Round 2 1st Joey Ferguson 1st Tanner Drews 1st Will Mann 2nd Steve Lee 2nd Will Mann 2nd Tony Laughrin 3rd Angel Saya 3rd Tony Laughrin 3rd Tanner Drews 4th Drew Barron TQ Tanner Drews TQ Tony Laughrin TQ Steve Lee As the DARC Circuit Judges adjust to the RCDrift.IO platform, the drivers continue to push on. Steve Lee and Joe Ferguson are making up for lost time and catching up with Jerry Lumsden III. Drew Barron is also holding his line for a steady podium position. It will be interesting to see who finishes the season ahead of the game.

Bubble Milk RC Drift Peoria, AZ

The Establishment - Joplin, MO

Round 3 Round 4 Round 4 1st Matt Hahn 1st Austin Fritz Lewis 1st David Zachary Tuggle 2nd Mike Hildebrand 2nd Adam Hokoki 2nd Matt Hahn 3rd David Zachary Tuggle 3rd Tyler Gutierrez 3rd Dylan Reed TQ David Zachary Tuggle TQ Yogi Hamilton TQ David Zachary Tuggle The SDC West Missouri Region Rd3 at the Establishment exceeded expectations, the technical layout was designed to push limits and it certainly did, witnessing the drivers navigate the challenges and seeing the progress they’re making is what makes it all worthwhile, thanks to all participants for their dedication and spirit.

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Garage RC - Bryan, TX Round 2 Slaydor Feener Sean Billet Victor Ho Charlie Munro Christopher Boyd

1st 2nd 3rd 4th TQ

Opposition RC Elbert, CO 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 4 Andy Sawyer Mac Mac

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Initiate - Buffalo, MN 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Mat Myers Tanner Drews Jackson Wick Mat Myers

Round 4 Mat Myers Jimmie Greeder Oliver Drews Mat Myers

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Prodigy RC - Las Vegas, NV 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Narrow Path Washington, MO Round 3 Ross Burton Jake Sherbno David Zachary Tuggle David Zachary Tuggle

Round 3 Anuar Posada Wes Stern Jorge Gonzalez Jenson Yip

Round 4 was a fun round with a big layout that was difficult but enjoyable. It made for some good tandem battles and big crashes too. Follow @oppositionrc to see the videos of the competition

Lunar Drift Mentor, OH Round 3 Jeremy Delvalle Mitchell O’Linn Mike Bowling Braden Strawser

Round 3 Charlie Munro Daniel Predki Sean Billet Sean Billet

High Voltage Garage Wichita, KS

Round 4 RJ Ampil C Note Vincent Lapitan RJ Ampil

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 5 RJ Ampil Yogi Nick Humphries RJ Ampil

RC Fight Club - Kirkland, WA 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 1 Seth Gutierrez Jawaad Reaves Joey Vanwinkle Seth Gutierrez

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Andrew Hoaglan James Andresson Seth Gutierrez James Andresson

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RADŌ Drift Circuit Longwood, FL

Shinkaiju Drift Lab Pittsburgh, PA

Round 3 Round 3 1st Matt Waldroff 1st Corey Ley 2nd James Gonzalez 2nd Dante Dominick 3rd Ivan Arroyo 3rd Neil Dye TQ James Gropp TQ Corey Ley So far RADo has had a great season! We’ve had full grids and it’s exciting to see the drivers improve each round as they become more familiar with our competition series. We’re halfway through the season and it’s still anyone’s season to win!

Slide Labs Drift Oviedo, FL

Team Saiko - Honolulu, HI 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Sidney Lonso Josh Fong Michael Chong Sidney Lonso

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Keli’i Battung Skyler Chong Brad Ea Brad Ea

Drift PDX - Portland, OR 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Jake Dotter DJ Moore Vitalii Bugakov DJ Moore

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

1st 2nd 3rd 4th TQ

Drift PDX - Portland Region: DJ Moore of Team Overdose locked in TQ, then went on to win the entire event, with Jake Dotter in second. Vitalii Bugakov grabbed the 3rd podium spot. DJ has been leading Jake by a very small points lead but continues to hold onto the #1 overall spot. Round 4 & 5 will be ones to watch and see if DJ can hold Jake back.

Round 3 DJ Moore Jake Dotter Vitalii Bugakov DJ Moore 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

ROC Drift - Ontario, NY 24

Round 3 Corey Lane C.K. Paulke Adam Gauthier Adrian Ramnarain Adam Gauthier

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Aiden Wheaton Arthur Lynch Thomas O’Connel Thomas O’Connel Round 4 Aiden Wheaton Thomas O’Connel Arthur Lynch Aiden Wheaton

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Super G Baldwin Park, CA

The Hobby Shop THS - Leander, TX 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Junior Barba Marc Eder Charlie Munro Brandon Beaman

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Christopher Boyd Moe Mazlan Junior Barba Moe Mazlan

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

TCRC Drift Sunset, UT

Tenhou Drift Circuit - Houston, TX 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 3 Charlie Munro Victor Ho Justin Wamsley Victor Ho

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 4 Collin Bernard Victor Ho Andrew Tran Andrew Tran

Twisted Lanes - Loves Park, IL 1st 2nd 3rd 4th TQ

Round 3 Paxton Polanek Tanner Drews Juan Carlos Hernandez Andres Sandoval Juan Carlos Hernandez

1st 2nd 3rd 4th TQ

Round 4 Paxton Polanek Juan Carlos Hernandez Ramon Robles Augustus Pastore Juan Carlos Hernandez

Round 2 Yogi Hamilton Jason Fordyce Alfredo Chan III Matthew Peterson

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 4 Bryan Burdette Brett Nelson Christian Hansen James Homeboy Skillet

The SDC Illinois Region at Twisted Lanes continues to grow with each round, bringing together experienced competitors and drivers entering their very first drift competition. While the championship battle between Juan Hernandez and Paxton Polanek has been incredibly close, some of the biggest highlights have come from watching newer drivers improve round after round. Seeing competitors gain confidence, refine their driving, and become more competitive each event has helped create one of the most welcoming and exciting regions in SDC.

Zero Traction - Greenwood, IN 1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 1 Eric Schlembach Mason West Evan Brewer Kevin Bush

1st 2nd 3rd TQ

Round 2 Mason West Chris Spangler Eric Schlembach Brent Woods

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VERSUS: THE KNIGHT-INSPIRED R35

This R35 GT-R proves that scale art can be as complex as full-size custom paint, sometimes even more so. Inspired by a fine-art painting, the finish mimics the armor worn by the knight and horse, translating that metallic depth into a rolling scale build. The design was carefully masked, then multiple coats of clear were applied to create a stacked, 3-dimensional effect. Once the masking came off, chrome paint was laid down to deliver a plated, reflective finish that shifts with every angle. It’s a build that doesn’t just copy reality, it recreates it.

TEPPEI MAKIMOTO - MACKYWORKS

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1:24 JUNCTION PRODUCE VIP UZ151 CROWN MAJESTA

This Aoshima Admiration UZ151 Toyota Crown Majesta model started as a “keep it simple” VIP project with Tamiya paint. It quickly evolved into a more purposeful silhouette: side skirts dropped 1.5mm, plus wide fenders with a higher fender radius and molded-in flares, all sitting on a TG Ultra V1.5 chassis. chassis. The finish stays understated with a subtle two-tone to match the Celsior. Junction Produce rear trunk spoiler, exhaust, and wheels bring together the VIP look.

MIKE PEEZEE

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1:24 JUNCTION PRODUCE VIP CELSIOR

This Aoshima Admiration Junction Produce Celsior body is an iconic VIP platform, and my love for Junction Produce made it an easy pick. Laid down with Tamiya paint for a simple, clean VIP finish, then pushed the stance even further by extending the front and side skirts 1.5mm, this thing is on the ground, but still sitting on a MA racing D24. D24. Rolling on 3D-printed Junction Produce Sacara wheels by GearGuy, it’s a classic VIP look with just enough custom work to make it hit harder.

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OG PEEZEE BROWN: PANDEM E92 DONE RIGHT

24k RC’s E92 M3 has always been one of the cleanest “stock” silhouettes in RC, but the Pandem kit takes it to another level. Finished in an OG PeeZee-brown Tamiya PS mix, this build keeps it simple street, right down to the old-school carpet-tape carbon-fiber method on the front splitter, hood vents, and roof. The kit’s 335i rear bumper was swapped for a proper M3 rear, paired with LCI-style tails and RC Art titanium tips. Up front: RC Art splitter, custom 3D-printed intercooler, 24k RC kidney grille, and projector headlights. Clean, complete, and timeless.

MIKE PEEZEE

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SUKI STYLE FATHER-DAUGHTER DRIFT BUILD

This build was about creating a body that stands out on and off the track, and getting my daughter into drifting, since it was her idea and built for her. I focused on custom livery, scale details, and visuals to nail a Suki-inspired look, fueled by my love of cinema since the Fast & Furious era. A standout feature is the mix of custom-cut graphics and 3D-printed parts, including a tonneau cover. Finished with Tamiya and Spaz Stix paints, plus LiveryWorks livery. Thanks to Beto (Casa Drift), Mason (NoGoodRC), my son and daughter, Tony (OneTenFlicks) for posting Suki on YouTube, and the RC drift community for always helping each other out.

MIKE MUZO DEMIRI - PHOTO CREDIT: MASON @NOGOODRC

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BY TROY, YOUTUBE CHANNEL ROADSIDERC Anyone can recognize a simple fundamental truth: we drift on a rock-hard piece of molded plastic. Combine this with the usual hard surfaces of concrete or tile and many of us in the community come to the conclusion that, “The tire is hard plastic, so the wheel underneath it is just for looks. It doesn’t matter what wheel you run.” I have heard this over-and-over throughout the years. For a long time, I was right there in the skeptical camp. Manufacturers love to slap labels like “high traction” on their wheels, but how could a wheel change the grip profile of a hard plastic tire? I wanted to finally test this for myself. To do this, I grabbed my camera, my reliable drift chassis, a stack of the industry’s most popular wheels, and headed down to my local track at Cookeville Hobbies to let the data do the talking. What I uncovered over a series of backto-back track tests completely flipped my understanding of drift chassis tuning. Part 1: The Grand Shootout To ensure this was only about the wheels, I took a single set of already worn-in DS Racing tires and used them for the entire test. I swapped the exact same tire right back onto the exact same corner of the car for every single wheel change. My test methodology was simple: drive 10 laps per wheel style, pushing hard to hit every single clipping point to guarantee a consistent line around the track. To account for driver progression, I ran my baseline wheels at both the start and end of the session. The lineup included everything: cheap Amazon basics, standard Yokomo Racing Performers, MST Adjustables, and premium “high traction” offerings from Top Line and Hayate. When I went back into the video footage to analyze the average lap times, the results were staggering. There was a massive 1.2 second gap per lap between the slowest wheel (the MST Adjustables at 27.5 seconds) and the fastest wheel (the Top Line at 26.3 seconds). On a short 27-second lap, a second is an eternity. If you are in a tandem battle trying to stay locked to someone’s door, that is the difference between winning and getting left in the dust. My typical driver variance across laps was only about 0.3 seconds, meaning a 1.2 second delta is undeniably real. “High traction” wheels make you faster.

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But WHY?

My first instinct was to find the trick. Did I cheat the lap times by driving a shallower angle on the fast wheels? I extracted video screenshots of the car mid-drift across all setups and analyzed the body lines. The drift angles were virtually identical. In fact, the Hayate wheels actually held some of the deepest, cleanest angles while maintaining their lightning pace.

Was I just measuring the effect of wheel weight? In a previous test, I already showed heavier wheels make a car slower over a lap. But when I plotted the wheel weights against the lap times, the correlation was incredibly weak. Both the Top Line and Reve D wheels weighed exactly the same (10.5 grams), yet the Top Line was 0.7 seconds faster. Meanwhile, the “sluggish” MST adjustables weren’t much heavier at 10.8 grams. Weight mattered slightly, but something much deeper was happening. Part 2: The Scale Dilemma: Can You Have Style and Speed? After sharing these results with the community, the feedback was loud and clear: “Troy, it’s great that those plain white spoked wheels are fast, but they look boring. I didn’t build a highly detailed scale drift car just to run ugly wheels. I’m not giving up my chrome.” It’s a fair point. Half the joy of RC drifting is the scale realism. So, I set out to find if you have to sacrifice your “chrome looks” to stay competitive. I picked up a set of Overdose x Valino (LAB) HR 2011 wheels. They are gorgeous, intricately detailed chrome showstoppers, and they carry a “super high traction” label. On the bench, the plastic barrel didn’t feel soft or squishy at all. I was highly skeptical.

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I took them to the concrete track at Cookeville Hobbies and threw them into a head-to-head battle against our previous shootout champion, the Top Line wheel. The results flabbergasted me. The LAB HR 2011 chrome wheels didn’t just match the top-tier pace, they were even faster than the Top Line wheels! The takeaway here: you do not have to choose between chrome and speed when you choose the right premium chrome wheels. Part 3: BUT…Why Does It Happen?

With the data proving that wheels alter traction, the final piece of the puzzle was answering why. The dominant theory in the community is that the wheel flexes around the hex, absorbing track irregularities and keeping the tire flat. But the Reve D GA18 wheels made us all second-guess that theory when I finally tested them. The GA18 features a solid disk on the outside face with heavy, rigid internal ribbing and fins. The inner barrel does retain some flex but it is a stiff wheel on the outside. Yet, in back-to-back testing against our Top Line baseline, the ReveD GA18 pulled off a razor-thin victory, averaging 28.07 seconds against Top Line’s 28.42. A 0.35-second lead is a tight 1.2% margin, meaning both are top-tier performers, but it proves that a wheel doesn’t need to be uniformly soft and flexible to be fast. Another Theory: Concentricity, Manufacturing Tolerance, and Rotational Balance

Our RC drift cars run incredibly soft suspension with minimal spring rates and light dampening. If you run a cheap, molded-plastic wheel or an adjustable offset wheel that has any slight “egg-shaped” outof-roundness, it introduces micro-vibrations at high RPM. On a hard, smooth surface like concrete or carpet, that tiny wobble causes the rock-hard plastic tire to act like a miniature jackhammer, chattering across the floor and constantly breaking its contact patch. High-quality wheels like the Reve D GA18 and LAB chromes are molded with extreme symmetry and precision. Because they rotate perfectly true, they eliminate chassis resonance, preventing tire chatter and keeping the hard plastic pinned smoothly to the ground. That seamless contact is where true forward bite is born. Of course, this is still just a theory at this point…more testing is required! The Verdict: What Should You Buy?

At the end of the day, the empirical data proves that wheels absolutely do matter. Upgrading to a premium performance wheel is one of the most cost-effective tuning changes you can make to your chassis. If you are looking to maximize traction, I would recommend picking up a set of the Overdose x Valino (LAB), Reve D GA18, Top Line, or Hayate wheels.

Interested in knowing more about any of this testing? Each of these tests are on my Youtube channel, RoadsideRC. Happy drifting!

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Team Spotlight

In Elbert, Colorado, Colorado, three drivers are building what the state didn’t have: a dedicated RC drift training ground built for top-level competition. The crew is Opposition RC and if you’ve been traveling the circuit lately, you’ve probably already seen the logo, style, and tight proximity driving they bring. Opposition RC started in 2022 with a simple

Built for Worlds-Level Training problem: Colorado lacked a facility where drivers could train at the level required for SDC Worlds. After seeing what the strongest scenes were doing around the country, they committed all-in and built a track designed to raise the bar for the region. Team leader David Holliday puts it plainly: “We wanted a facility where we could train at the top level like the West Coast for SDC Worlds. Colorado didn’t have that, so we decided to bring one here.” The track features Japanese P-Tile, because surface dictates style, and style is everything.

Three Leaders, Each With a Role Opposition RC is a three-person team with clearly defined responsibilities. David Holliday is based in Black Forest and handles event planning, team structure, apparel, and team guidelines, while also serving as the primary travel lead for the team. Andy Herrick, based in Denver, focuses on RC body painting and chassis tuning, bringing technical precision and visual polish to the lineup. Mackenzie “Mac” Markey, based in Aurora, handles media content for TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, capturing the moments that make the hobby feel alive and helping the brand reach beyond the track walls. As David explains, “‘Leaders’ is plural, we each have our own unique duties in the team.”

MAC (MEDIA)

DAVID (PLANNING)

ANDY (PAINT & TUNE)

Organization and Goals Opposition RC runs on structure, not ego. “Everybody brings something different to the table,” David says. “Six hands get more work done than two. Organization works, so we’re all on the same page with no misunderstanding. Three ideas are better than one.” That mindset also guides how they grow: there’s no application, membership is invitation-only, and the bar is high. If David spots real dedication, he meets with the driver and then the full team weighs the fit. For now, they’re not adding members. “Opposition RC is a family,” David adds, “and we help each other outside the hobby also.” Their criteria is specific: Japanese-style driving which the team calls “violent,” the ability to travel, compete, and make a Worlds run, and a clear contribution beyond just driving. They’ve stayed a three-person team not to be exclusive, but because the commitment is real. “We don’t intentionally keep the team at three,” David explains. “It works best with our schedule and traveling. This team is physically together every weekend or the majority of the time. We have not found anybody else to fit the criteria that we have and the amount of time devoted to this hobby.” Their goals are straightforward and match their standards. First, they want to push each other and sharpen driving skill and style through repetition, critique, and time on track. Second, they want to grow the Opposition RC brand by traveling, competing, and showing up at tracks across the map. Their accomplishments aren’t measured only in trophies, but the results are there. JULY-AUGUST 2026

Favorite Moments and Highlights Competition highlights hit just as hard. Their favorite memories include two team members making the podium the first time they went out of state for competition, one team member qualifying Top 64 at SDC Worlds 2024, two team members qualifying Top 40 at Overdose Cross Games in Texas, and all team members podiuming at SDC Regionals. For Mac, the best moments are the road trips, the miles and the tracks that turn into stories. “Our week-long road trips driving cross country and hitting every track we can on the way,” he says. Two trips stand out: Colorado to Illinois, where they made it to Shadow Circuit, a long-time goal, and Colorado to Florida, where the scene left a strong impression. Mac recalls, “Florida has an awesome RC drift scene. So many good tracks with great style.” Their Drift Rigs: Overdose GALMs With Shared Style On track, they’re aligned on Japanese-style driving, defined by big angle, snappy transitions, and close proximity. Their chassis choices reflect that shared direction. For competition, they all run Overdose GALM platforms, with personal touches, and outside of the GALM they each run some form of YD2 conversion as well. Mac runs a red high-motor Overdose GALM with Hikotech knuckles, Andy runs a purple anniversary high-motor full-option Overdose GALM, and David runs a black high-motor full-option GALM. Opposition’s three chassis are featured on pages 8 and 9 in this month’s Chassis Builders Showcase. That travel isn’t just for fun but to learn from the fastest drivers, especially out on the West Coast. Along the way, they built a recognizable identity with a logo and style people now associate with performance and community. “When we go out of town now, people recognize us,” David says, “and know who we are as a team and what we do for the community.” Thanks and Respect As a team, they’ve visited around 22 different tracks together, and they make sure to show gratitude to the people who help build the Colorado scene and support their journey. They thank Jordan at Scale Science for being the first in Colorado to have an RC track where the state could grow, and they thank Marc with Mile High RC for lighting, 3D printed parts, and keeping bodies fresh with their ‘detail spray’. They also thank every track that has welcomed them with hospitality during their visits. Opposition RC also wanted to leave a message directly for DARC Mag: Mag: “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be featured in the magazine, we truly are honored. We think it’s really cool you do this for the RC community.” Looking Ahead Opposition RC is proof that a small team can create a big impact when the vision is clear, the roles are real, and the work gets done every weekend. They built the track they needed, then used it to build the drivers they wanted to become. And if their road map is any indication, they’re just getting started. DARCMAG.COM

2026

UK Season Opener

By Lee Hodgess RC GOATS

RCDrift.io’s two day Spring Major Event, held on April 25th and 26th in Birmingham, UK, was the opening chapter of the 2026 competitive season, bringing together elite drivers from across Europe and beyond for the first major title of the year. Lee Hodgess was there and shared his experience of the weekend with DARC Mag… This year’s RCDrift.io opener at the NEC, Birmingham had all the ingredients of a standout event. Set against the backdrop of the Model World LIVE hobby toy fair, it created a perfect crossover moment: seasoned RC drift fans sharing a space with curious newcomers, many of whom were witnessing the sport for their very first time. This marked the first RCDrift.io competition of the year, and the anticipation was high. Reve D sponsored the event and there was a strong international presence, setting the stage for a weekend of serious competition. The moment qualifying began it became clear that the surface would be a challenge. It was tricky and unpredictable, demanding precision that tested even the most experienced competitors. For some, myself included, the day ended earlier than expected. Struggling to truly connect with the surface, I exited the competition quickly, but that came with a silver lining: the chance to fully absorb the spectacle unfolding across the track. Saturday’s battles focused on the lower 32 bracket. The intensity was immediate, with with door to door drifting, razor thin margins, and moments of brilliance defining the day with performances that set the tone for what was yet to come. Yokomo Team Driver Timmy Woo drove with confidence and control to secure the Saturday victory, followed by Andris Kononovs, Kononovs, Michael Machin, Machin, and Harry Nicholls to advance to Sunday’s Top 16 bracket. Sunday elevated everything. With a double elimination format in place, the Top 16 battles delivered relentless action. The venue was filled with an enthusiastic crowd, including international drivers from the USA and Thailand, alongside rising junior talent. Between runs drivers shared insights, spectators asked questions, and the atmosphere felt as much educational as competitive, an important sign of a growing community. Several drivers quickly established themselves as the ones to watch. Sebastian Thorley was exceptionally smooth, composed, and incredibly precise. He looked like one of the strongest drivers, not just in the UK, but on the global stage. Hayato Matsuzaki, Matsuzaki, representing Japan and Reve D, was equally impressive: fast, stylish, and technically flawless in his lines.

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Ryan Addis brought aggression and consistency, pushing hard in every run. Rory Edwards, Edwards, driving for Team Shibata, displayed his trademark smoothness and control. Dan R RC, RC, sponsored by UK-WORKS-RC, Futaba UK, Gens Ace RC, JSM Hobby, and Speedwurx, combined pace with reliability, proving to be a formidable competitor throughout. It was also notable that some of the bigger names exited earlier than expected, a testament to just how competitive the field has become. The Semifinals featured Maksim Alimov, Junior Barba, Hayato Matsuzaki,, and Sebastian Thorley as the final four drivers still in contensuzaki tion. American wildcard Junior Barba delivered a standout performance throughout the tournament, setting up a thrilling semifinal against Hayato. Hayato ultimately edged out the win in a memorable battle, while Junior walked away with the Best Bodyshell Award. In the other semifinal, Maksim lined up against Sebastian after putting in a phenomenal day of driving with the crowd firmly behind him. But he’d drawn a tough matchup as Sebastian is widely regarded as one of the best followers in the game, and he proved it once again. Glued to Maksim’s door from start to finish, Sebastian applied relentless pressure and showcased exactly why he’s considered one of the top drivers right now, ultimately taking the win and booking his place in the final. The Final delivered a perfect narrative, with Sebastian versus Hayato. In the double elimination format, Hayato held the advantage of two lives to Sebastian’s one. The expectations in the pits leaned heavily toward Hayato taking the win, but performance doesn’t always follow expectation. Sebastian dug deep; run after run, he matched and then surpassed one of the event’s strongest drivers. With unwavering composure, he defeated Hayato not once, but twice, securing a remarkable and well earned victory. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just win events, it shifts perception. Beyond the podium, the event highlighted something even more important: the future of RC drifting. Young drivers stepping onto the stage, learning, competing, and soaking up the experience. A special mention goes to Noah Christmas, Christmas, who earned the Youngest Driver Award. His growth during recent competitions has been impressive, and he’s undoubtedly a name to watch moving forward. Equally significant was the presence of Madison Lloyd, Lloyd, recognized as the first female sponsored RC drift driver in the UK. Both Noah and Madison are sponsored by RC Model Shop Direct, an encouraging sign of the sport becoming more inclusive. What RCDrift.io is building goes beyond individual events. Their ranking system is starting to unify competition across Europe and beyond, making it easier for drivers to track progress, compete internationally, and elevate the sport as a whole. As the weekend wrapped up, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a competition, it was a glimpse into the evolution of RC drifting, where grassroots passion meets professional structure and where the next generation is already stepping up. For me, it was a privilege to be part of it. And with a trip to Thailand planned later this year, camera in hand and ready to witness two more tournaments, the excitement is far from over.

Final Results 1st - Sebastian Thorley On the cover - Timmy Woo 2nd - Hayato Matsuzaki sliding into his Saturday 3rd - Maksim Alimov victory 4th - Junior Barba DARCMAG.COM

Wareham, MA The Origin Story

What it is Today

Now home to the largest J-Tile RC drift track in New England, RC DRIFTWAY delivers a consistent, dialed surface built for serious drivers, and welcoming for newcomers.

Real Drift Culture, Real Parts

With exclusive access to premium products imported directly from Japan, RC DRIFTWAY connects drivers to authentic drift culture, plus the latest chassis, parts, and tuning trends.

Founded just three years ago, RC DRIFTWAY started as a true grassroots effort, inside a construction bay, fueled by passion, hard work, and a deep love for RC drifting.

The Vibe

Welcoming atmosphere, spacious pit areas, strong grassroots spirit, and a place where every skill level can learn, compete, and drive sideways together.

New Track Right next Door to the old one! New England’s England’s Largest J-Tile RC Drift Track Built from the ground up. Events + Sessions

As an official SDC Regional Track, we host competitive events and laid-back sessions, keeping the scene active and the community growing.

OUR INITIALDARCTHOUGHTS MAG PRODUCT REVIEW

BY KEN KENNEDY, HENRY MERBLER, CHAD MARTIN, AND JERRY (JJ) LUMSDEN III

YOKOMO SUPER DRIFT 3.0 COMPETITION KIT *RETAIL : $1300 *PRICE AS TESTED : $949.99 **AVAILABILITY SCORE : 6 OUT OF 10 **PARTS AVAILABILITY SCORE : 10 OUT OF 10

* VERIFIED AT TIME OF REVIEW **DEPENDING ON COLOR CHOICE

PHOTOS BY DREW BARRON Our initial thoughts taking the SD3.0 out of the box were, “It’s even better”. The Yokomo YD-2 based SD3.0 has been released in multiple versions and variations, and has become a drift chassis that almost everyone has either owned, built for a friend, or at least tuned alongside someone at the track. This is a product review on the Competition Kit Version of the SD3.0. SD3.0. It’s a little more expensive but it comes with more extras. The older SD3.0 will probably become available again after the Competition Kits have all shipped out and sold, but we don’t know what Yokomo is planning to release next. We wanted to do a solid review on this kit either way, because this Super Drift SD3.0 Competition Kit is the ultimate flagship SD3.0 (subsequently the ultimate YD-2), and Yokomo has bundled parts that SD3.0 owners usually end up buying anyway, plus a few new ones. The bronze version of this chassis sold out everywhere in the first couple of weeks and we were told that no more will be produced. However, at the time of writing this article, there are still some of the pink versions of the Competition Kit available and there are red, blue, and purple ones about to 44

ship from Yokomo. It would also be helpful to clear up the “limited edition” confusion, because it came up immediately. Someone saw the box for the original SD3.0 red kit and asked, “This says limited also? It’s because the red one is a limited color.” In other words, not every “limited” SD3.0 comes with the Competition Kit parts package. Some are limited by finish or color. The Competition Kit featured here is the one that includes upgraded components that weren’t included on the previous “limited” SD3.0. Chad has the red limited edition SD3.0 with a lot of upgrades that he has added over time, which made the comparison easy. Side-by-side, the Competition Kit looks like a more complete package. The conversation kept circling back to the same theme: the older SD3.0 “didn’t come with” a lot of what’s now included. The most obvious changes show up in the suspension and hub-related parts. The Competition Kit comes with upgraded front and rear hubs, plus the hub carrier and hex carrier pieces that are normally a separate purchase. Chad pointed out the price of the carrier set and it landed right in that familiar hop-up territory: “This is a $100 set, right?” Whether you call it $60 or $100, the point is the same, there’s meaningful added value in the Competition Kit. There was a quick assumption that the rear lower arms might be the adjustable “H-arms”, but they’re not. Ken pointed out that most JULY-AUGUST 2026

Side by side comparison of the people set the arm length and leave it alone going Red SD3 Limited with upgrades forward. While the ‘H-arm’ allows for adjustability for and the Bronze Competition Kit different chassis, the arms included are correct for this chassis and they offer an option for brass weight plates (part YOKY2-008RW10). Up front, the lower arms are not the ‘Y-arms’, they are the ‘T-arms’, but are both adjustable and perform well. Where the Competition Kit clearly pushes forward is the front-end design. The knuckles are newer and better, and that was one of the first things everyone Rear agreed on. More importantly, they bring a feature that’s genuinely useful for tuning: trail adjustment. We confirmed the knuckles allow trail tuning with a spacer, and the kit includes a ton of spacers and shims. Yokomo’s steering packaging and bell crank geometry dictate servo orientation. Chad’s SD3.0 red limited has the Reve D Bellcrank Steering system installed, a common swap from the stock Yokomo wiper or slide rack. He noted that the Reve D Bellcrank doesn’t have the option to install the servo inline, so to install one on this kit would require Front removing the Front Bulkhead Bridge in favor of the old one. If you’re planning to swap steering parts, check how the bell crank system sits “Trail is the offset of the axle or tire rotation first. center relative to the steering pivot point or king pin. The axle behind the king pin is negative trail, On the build side, the Competition Kit went the axle being in front of the king pin is positive together cleanly. The feedback was that it trail. “goes together perfectly, the instructions were good, and it came with tons of extra Positive trail = Increase stability screws and lots of extra parts.” The steering less responsive differential included was the gear diff type, Negative trail = Reduce stability, which is preferred by many over the ball diff. Out of the box, the chassis drove well with steering more responsive” the ‘book spec’. - RWD Marcus, Issue #5 DARC Mag The Super Drift SD3.0 Competition Kit includes the parts that actually change how the “This chassis is an absolute weapon: the new car can be tuned. The Competition setup feels like a drift cheat code. The upgraded hub and carrier content, the new knuckles, Competition Kit comes with a separate manual and the trail adjustability with specs and I suggest to run that, the are the kind of changes ‘book specs’ are what we’re all (Yokomo that feel practical, not Team Drivers) running. Stick to the cosmetic. Chad saw the numbers exactly, not ‘extra adjustments’ upgrades he wanted right just because it seems right. Measure away, “I definitely need a set of these knuckles and everything with a micrometer and keep it true to the sheet, early tweaks can send it that battery tray.” off, and it’s worth reverting back to baseline WIth upgrades and if it does. For dampers, the ‘go-to’ is the changes that are worth Yokomo YS-7HG2 High Grade Silicone triple the extra cost, and with all parts matching in Shock O-Ring Set (Blue), and my preference color, this rare and highly is shocks that fully rebound. One highly recommended adddeveloped Competition Kit on is the dust protector gear cover (Y2-302DPC), which isn’t included in the Competition Kit.” is a true masterpiece.

- Local Yokomo Factory Team Driver, Jerry (JJ) Lumsden III

DARCMAG.COM

Why SDC Joined RCDrift.io and How it Helps

By Steve Fujita The Super Drift Competition (SDC) Series has recently shifted to the SDC.RCDrift.io platform. There have been a few questions regarding this and now that things are settling in, I would like to address them.

SDC 2026 ROUND 3 AT RADO CIRCUIT, LONGWOOD, FL PHOTO BY DAVID HUGH

SDC 2026 ROUND 1 AT SUPER G, BALDWIN PARK, CA PHOTO BY SCALE MAGIC SDC 2026 ROUND 1 AT MAX SPEED SHOP, DAYTON, OHIO PHOTO BY PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY

SDC 2026 ROUND 1 AT MAX SPEED SHOP, DAYTON, OHIO

As more and more regions jumped on to SDC over the years, it became very clear there was no easy way to run a comp. Here at Super G, we were using spreadsheets for qualifying, sorting the results, then dumping them into Challonge (an online bracketing app). Once we figured out how it worked for us, other regional hosts wanted to follow the same format. For some it was easy since they may have had experience with similar situations, but for the majority, it was something new and foreign. To explain how to run this while physically not being there was not only a challenge for us, but for them as well. This decision wasn’t something we had taken lightly. In fact, this was something that we really stressed over. Probably more than we should have, but it wouldn’t be “us” if we didn’t. We had been slowly working on a solution on the backend, but developing something this complex takes a lot of time and attention. So when Aaron Mulder from RC Drift Network introduced me to Josh Parrett, the creator of RCDrift.io, it was very exciting. Josh had already created what we wanted, but was years ahead of where we were. Josh is just the easiest guy to work with, and he really made this happen. Enter RCDrift.io. Although it was not set up for the SDC format, it was doing something very similar. After speaking with Josh, we felt we were definitely talking to the right guy. Not only was it important that he had the skills to do what he was doing, but he also had the knowledge and background on what we were doing. We explained what needed to happen and he was able to understand why and immediately figured out how to execute it.

PHOTO BY PROHOB PHOTOGRAPHY

Going into this, we had a few areas that were very important to us and we were concerned that it may have been something Josh was not ok with. The big one was that we wanted to make sure that SDC could remain something that is for the community, not something to be used to drive sales. The shops and tracks hosting SDC are the ones we want to drive business to. We were afraid sales may have been the underlying motive of RCDrift.io. It was nice to find out Josh shared the same vision as us, so it was all a ‘go’. JULY-AUGUST 2026

The goal is to have everything work as seamlessly as possible. Once everyone is registered on RCDrift.io, it should be simple to add competitors to the competition and all their info should be there already. Qualifying scores are automatically calculated and the qualifying position is updated in real time. Once Qualifying is complete, the brackets are automatically generated. The “sort” is calculated per SDC standards, so there is no more need to look up the rules to figure this out. Even the bump-ups are automatic. This simplifies running a comp for anyone hosting SDC Regionals. Instead of working to figure out what’s next, it tells you. The biggest driver of this is something that might not be readily apparent, but running the SDC Series became overwhelming. For those who run comps, you know how much work goes into getting the results together, awarding points, and keeping them updated. It was a lot of work just for our own comps, but dealing with 25+ other comps became a full time gig, especially with everyone submitting their results at different times, partial results, some not at all, and some sending them to the wrong email address. On top of that, some competitors were going by different names, nicknames, etc. It was honestly a nightmare. It was just a lot. It’s nobody’s fault, it is just the nature of the beast. We were happy to do it, but it was really taking up a ton of time.

SDC 2026 ROUND 1 AT SUPER G, BALDWIN PARK, CA PHOTO BY SCALE MAGIC

SDC 2026 ROUND 2 AT RADO CIRCUIT, LONGWOOD, FL PHOTO BY DAVID HUGH

The SDC portal of RCDrift.io has addressed all of this and automatically keeps track of each region, as well as each competitor’s points and standing in their respective region. Once fully functional, this will lift a huge load off our shoulders. We honestly didn’t know how long we could have kept this up since SDC is run outside of our normal grind. We know this season has been slow and unorganized with all the changes going on. We couldn’t run every possible scenario before launching SDC on the app, so we had to just bite the bullet and launch, let the issues present themselves, and then address them. This is the year the SDC Series will evolve and run a lot more efficiently for all of us.

SDC 2026 ROUND 2 AT RADO CIRCUIT, LONGWOOD, FL PHOTO BY DAVID HUGH

We appreciate everyone’s patience with this process. The subsequent seasons will definitely go a lot more smoothly, and ultimately, SDC will be a very polished RC Drift Series that is easy for anyone to host. DARCMAG.COM

Featuring Ken Benson From the Pacific Northwest drift scene to the pressure of competition laps at DriftPDX, Ken Benson is the kind of driver a lot of us recognize instantly: honest about the struggle, obsessed with progress, and grounded in the community that keeps this hobby moving forward. Running a Reve D MC-III and repping DeadCulture, Ken’s story is a reminder that “getting good” isn’t a straight line: it’s earned through trigger time, setbacks, and the people who help you dial it all in.

Nothing felt good on the car. I felt like a lost cause out there and just in the way of other drivers trying to drift, but the community embraced me and helped me through most of the issues I encountered. One of my biggest obstacles was learning how to drift, having come from helicopters and planes. Those were totally different concepts. Having to wrap my mind around different trigger points and throttle control was huge. And nerves: they still affect me to this day...

Adam: Hey Ken, thanks for taking the time to talk, can you take us through a brief history class of how you got started in RC drifting?

Adam: With your current knowledge of RC drifting, if you could do things over again, would you make any changes? If so, what?

Ken: My start into RC drifting was in 2023, about four years after moving to the PNW. I was doing a lot of crawling and slot cars beforehand. I started with RC helicopters and planes back in California. I didn’t get into RC drift until I moved out to Washington, where I went to the local HobbyTown in Redmond and was introduced to a drift chassis by one of the sales clerks. My first chassis is probably one of the first that everyone gets: the MST RMX 2.5 carbon deck. The electronics were just what came with the RTR; I didn’t really know too much about aftermarket electronics at the time.

Ken: If I could do it all over again, I would stick to one chassis and one type of electronics, and I wouldn’t upgrade my car right away. I would sit and drive my RTR and learn to drive it stock, because honestly, trigger time is how you learn to drive. The upgrades should come after you learn to drive.

Adam: A lot of times I say your first experience driving an RC drift car can make or break this hobby. Do you remember your first time driving, how did you feel, and what were some of the obstacles you had to overcome with RC drift? Ken: Yes, I believe it can most definitely make or break you. My first time was pretty brutal. I didn’t know how to calibrate the ESC, how to set the gyro, or how to set the endpoints.

Adam: When building a new kit, what has changed from when you started to how you build a kit today? Ken: The first time I opened a kit, my Yokomo MD1, it was just parts everywhere, and even with the instructions I was lost. Now I can build a full “Frankenstein” chassis from pieces, and I know exactly which turnbuckles, end caps, and ball joints to run. Adam: If you could give your driving style a name, what would it be and why? Ken: To be honest, I call my driving style inconsistent. One day I’ll be doing great, but the next day I don’t even think I know what I’m doing!

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by Adam Mah of RC Drift Talk Podcast - YADMAH Adam: Was there a specific moment, event, or achievement where you felt like you had really progressed as a driver? Ken: I had a couple moments. Competing against Jake Dotter, this was before Reve D, and Judson before Team Beast Mode. I took second place in a couple of their events down at PDX, but that hasn’t happened in years now. Adam: The RC drifting community is a big part of this hobby. How has being involved with other drivers influenced your experience? Ken: Honestly, if I didn’t have a strong drift community to back me, I don’t believe I’d do it anymore. Trying to do it solo is not achievable as there’s always some type of new tune, circuit or track you need to adjust to. Having a team, friends, or community around to help with those small tweaks, or even full tunes, helps a lot. Adam: What has surprised you the most about the RC drifting community since you started? Ken: How far along we’ve come with sponsorships and Japan acknowledging us as a community or group. Before, it was really hard to get parts over here, let alone get a sponsorship. Adam: Many people see RC drifting as playing with toy cars. To those in it, it can be an entire lifestyle. How would you describe RC drifting to someone who has never experienced it?

Adam: What keeps you motivated to continue building, driving, and improving? Looking to the future, what kind of goals do you have in RC drifting? Ken: Determination is a key factor. I’m very competitive. I want to do good. I want to be good. My future goal would be to become a trustworthy driver: someone that’s consistent with good flow. Almost kind of robotic, like my man DJ Moore. Adam: For those wanting to jump into this hobby, what advice would you give them? Ken: Have fun with it. Have an open ear. Be optimistic. Don’t give up easily and just drive your car. Don’t buy anything extra until you necessarily need to.

Ken: To me, it’s still a hobby, but I wouldn’t say it’s just playing with toys. I can see how it can be a lifestyle because drift is a culture. Japan has a huge influence on that and we adopted it here in America. So to someone who’s never experienced RC drifting, “go try it out”. You’ll have a different opinion on it.

Follow Ken on Instagram: @ken_o_sabe Follow Adam on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram: @yadmah

DARCMAG.COM

WEST COAST STYLE drift rc track and store

SLIDES INTO OHIO.

THE TRACK & STORE THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW. MAXSPEEDSHOP

MAXSPE

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MAXSPE

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MAXSPE

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MAXSPE

When Maxspeedshop opened in Dayton, Ohio, in May 2026, it didn't just enter the RC scene—it arrived with serious heat. Exploding onto social media from day one, this world-class facility is fundamentally raising the bar for the hobby. Stepping inside reveals a meticulously designed storefront and a massive, fully equipped pit area built for ultimate comfort. Maxspeedshop boasts staggering product availability, carrying industry heavyweights like Acuvance, Shibata, ReveD, Yokomo, MST, Hobbywing, Furitek, Pandora RC, 24K RC, and Aplastics. From raw chassis kits to rare bodies and custom paint, they have it all. Within just two months, the track has drawn a staggering geographic demographic, bringing in drivers from Canada, California, Texas, Las Vegas, and beyond. Following a highly successful SDC (Super Drift Championship), the shop maintains a packed calendar of monthly events. This explosive growth has also caught the attention of the commercial sector, with over 25 businesses acting as track sponsors and bringing their brands onto the track for high-impact marketing opportunities. FOR THE RC ENTHUSIAST, MAXSPEEDSHOP IS A MANDATORY, HIGHHOCTANE DESTINATION.

2680 INDIAN RIPPLE ROAD UNIT 701, BEAVERCREEK, OH 45440

@MAXSPEEDSHOPHQ