If you thought the “R” and “C” of Team Associated’s legendary RC10 buggy stood for Radio Control, you’re excused–it’s a common mistake. They actually stand for Roger Curtis, the man behind the RC10 and a founder of Team Associated. Initially launched as Associated Electrics and established as a maker of slot car accessories, Associated expanded into radio control cars as big-time slot-car racing waned. Roger designed Associated’s first car, the RC1 nitro on-road machine, and raced it himself to become ROAR national champion in 1972. The RC100 followed, and then Associated’s first electric car, the 1/12 scale RC12E. This led to advances in electric technology as Mike Reedy came aboard and pioneered motor and battery innovations that helped Associated earn the IFMAR 1/12 Worlds title in 1982 with driver Kent Clausen. Off-road racing was growing, and with inspiration from full-scale technology, Roger and the Associated team set to work on the RC10. In 1984, prototype RC10s swept both stock and modified classes at the first-ever ROAR Off-Road Nationals with Gil Losi Jr as top qualifier, and Jammin’ Jay Halsey winning both championships. With the release of the RC10, Associated was officially on afterburners as the RC10 became the car to have. Its success helped propel off-road racing and RC in general to new heights, and Team Associated hasn’t slowed down since. For his achievements and innovations, Air Age Media and Radio Control Car Action inducted Roger into the RC Hall of Fame at this year’s RCX show. Team Associated president Cliff Lett gave an inspiring (and funny) presentation that detailed the rise of Associated and the RC10, which we’ll share with you in the September issue of Radio Control Car Action. For now, join us in congratulating Roger Curtis on becoming an RC Hall of Fame member!
Roger accepts the Hall of Fame award from Air Age Media’s Louis DeFrancesco.
Here’s Roger in 1972 with his ROAR-nats-winning RC1.
Roger and Curtis Husting contemplate the RC10. Curtis built the original six prototype RC10s that were delivered to Team drivers.