Meet Pickle….And the history of Modesto RC Raceway
This interview comes to us from Eddie A.
Modesto, CA (July 14)– Prior to the summer of 2009 there were only a few places for RC enthusiast in the central valley to race. That all changed when Eric Fletcher had extra time on his hands and turned is free time to the RC world. The majority of you know Eric as “Pickle” the founder of Modesto RC Raceway. But what many of us don’t know is how the track came together in just a short amount of time. I recently sat down with Pickle to get a perspective on all the hard work he has to do to keep Modesto RC a friendly successful place for us to race.
Tell us the history of Modesto RC?
Pickle: In November of 2008 I was in between jobs and I had a lot of extra time on my hands. I needed a hobby so I got into nitro RC cars off-road. When I first started I was just bashing with friends Doug, Dennis, and a few others. A few months later a rc friend (Justin Averet) and I started thinking about building a track. Justin suggested FunWorks. I had worked there in the past and the owners are family friends. Justin and I spent a lot of time together planning and drawing out the track. He would draw out the construction plans and ironically I had the grading back ground as my profession. Justin was the person who made the first layout with my help and the track was meant to be built for nitro classes only, go figure(laughing). The next thing I knew we were building the track in August. Jeremy King (Jerms) Also was a Huge help with his background knowledge. Jerms was my teacher on showing me how to call races.
When did the track open?
Pickle: Our first race was Saturday, April 24, 2010 here is a link to the blog that Jeremy Flint did for RC Inside.
http://radiocontrolinsider.blogspot.com/2010/04/modesto-rc-raceways-inaugural-race.html
When did the track join ROAR?
Pickle: We joined ROAR before we opened.
Any plans in the near future for the track? The shed, equipment anything else ?
Pickle: There are always plans for the track, we are currently building a new shed and have bought a rotor tiller and viber plate to help out with small track changes. Maybe some bigger changes a little later.
What is your favorite division to watch race at the track?
Pickle: I like to watch the 4×4 classes because we try to build the track for big jumps and they can get some serious air. That is the high light of the nights for myself.
What is the biggest event/race you have ever had at the track?
Pickle: The biggest event we have ever had at the track is the first year of the race for a cure. We donated 100% of all the profits. We raised almost 5k. It was a one day race and we had 150 entries. I lost my voice after that race. 15 hours of calling races with a lot of help and some breaks calling races. But we did it and it was a Great accomplishment, and a great donation. Thanks to everyone who made that race possible!!
Beside working full time and running the track what do you like to do in your “free” time?
Pickle: Free time what is that? I do enjoy hanging out with friends and the neighbors, and playing Xbox 360. Besides all that I enjoy spending time with my family, My dad comes down and we spend the day shopping and hanging out.
If you could race any division at Modesto RC what would it be and why?
Pickle: If I wanted to race and I have a few times, I like the Novice class, that is where I belong (laughing). The biggest problem I have is I get bored after 3 minutes and I try to do the impossible on the track and make the turn marshals work to hard.
Who is the most improved racer you have seen at the track?
Pickle: Most improved person at the track? There are a couple of people I can say. Doug would be one of them. Three years into it and he is getting very good now. Kirk is doing very well, he has come a long way. The turn over of people is huge and you don’t get to see how people improve.
What are some of tasks you do during the week in preparation for the race weekend?
Pickle: Getting ready for a race. It does not take too much to get ready for a race. I will try to talk with Will Perry and see how the track is doing. Doug Frid brings out all the equipment, and I set up and get ready. The biggest problem I have is I like to talk with the racers as they come in and see how there doing when I should be setting up for the race. I am a people person what can I say. I really enjoy talking with the racers and that is where the program suffers.
On race days the gates open at either 3:30 or 5:30, what time do you actually get there? What time do you leave after the races?
Pickle: Gates open. I do rely on Doug for a lot of this. Doug usually gets there 1 or 2 hours before a race to prep the track with water. It really depends on the race day, Friday night its hard to get there early for me. The last few Saturdays I have got there 2 hours early to give the track a good soaking.
When do we leave? We try our best to have the races done by midnight, or earlier. It takes us anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours to close out the track. Most people leave right away, I don’t think they know what it really takes to pack up after a race. Some people help out John, Doug, Jerms Myself and others. Most people are in a hurry to get home and that is fine.
Do you still have your RC cars? If so what do you have?
Pickle: Yes, I have some cars. You know its funny I was just talking about this, this week.
I still own the traxxas revo that got this all started and this year I have bought a traxxas rally 4×4 car, a crawler, and a glider. Running a track has put a damper on my RC passion, but I try to keep it alive somehow. I really like helicopters and I used to own one but I had too sell it because I needed the money.
I am trying to save up for another small heli right now. I even bought Rc flight 6.5 to help me learn how to fly.
When are we going to see you out on the track?
Pickle: See me on the track? Well you missed it last week I ran Aaron’ Castro’s Stock SCT in the stadium truck class. I just had the urge to drive a car in a race. From time to time if your lucky and someone has a spare car I will ask to run it in a class. If I break it I will pay for the replacement and the upgrade if I broke it.
Where do you see the track in the next 3-5 years?
Pickle: Three to five years I would hope that we are still around, but it takes a lot to keep the track running. Everyone helps where they can to make the track a better place to race. Also people getting us deals or donations on lights and other things. All of these things and people help keep the going. I can’t do it myself, and I can’t take all the credit. It is not a one man show. It takes a lot of dedicated people who have the drive to make the track work right. I thank everyone who helps out to make this a better place.
Last but not least how did you get the Nickname “Pickle?”
Pickle: A nickname that I have had since 98. I tried like hell to kill it, but it stuck. I guess it could be worst.
Thanks Pickle for taking time out of your day to answer these questions for us. I know I can speak for all the competitors and wanted to let you know that we are very grateful for all of your hard work, time, and dedication. I also want to thank all the other club members who make Modesto RC a great place to race.
Now that we all know a little history about Pickle and Modesto RC what driver do you want to know more about? Leave your comments and questions below to see who will be featured during next weeks interview.