To kick off The Interview series for DARC Mag, we’re starting with the man who interviews others: ADAM Mah from RC Drift Talk. Adam’s podcast has been a staple in the RC community for several years—let’s let him tell you the rest.

DARC Mag: Welcome to the interview, Adam! How long has your podcast been running, and where are you based?
ADAM: The stream has been going for about two and a half years. It started pretty randomly—one Saturday night we just hit record. The first episode aired on November 19, 2022. I’m based in Lebanon, Oregon, about an hour and twenty minutes from the nearest RC drift tracks.

DARC Mag: Any standout moments from the podcast or in-person events?
ADAM: Every week is fun, but going to Super-G for the championships is always a highlight. Many guests I meet on the stream I haven’t met in person, so connecting with them later at events is a big deal. It also helps bring in new guests and expand our network—huge thanks to my co-hosts Logan and DJ.

DARC Mag: Has anything unexpected happened on the podcast?
ADAM: Mostly technical issues, which are manageable. I do open invites for guests—the only requirement is they need to hold a conversation. Hopefully, that won’t backfire!

DARC Mag: I can see that going sideways live—Joaquin Phoenix style on Letterman. What impact do you think the podcast has had on the American RC drift scene?
ADAM: Hard to say, but people keep watching and subscribing. I always try to answer chat questions live. A few people have told me they found the Acuvance/Futaba videos helpful, or the tutorial on adding photos to a Futaba 7PXR.

DARC Mag: You’ve done so many interviews—do any stand out?
ADAM: Kevin from RCO comes to mind. He’s been on twice. The first time, we talked about his capacitor testing. The second, we got into burn tunes—both hot topics at the time. Kevin always brings solid technical insights.

DARC Mag: Can you explain “burn tune” for those unfamiliar?
ADAM: It became a big topic during the 2024 SDC championship. Burn tuning is when tires partially melt during a run, potentially increasing traction. You can see signs on the tires, but there are a lot of variables. At that event, the rules limited motors to 13.5T and required a final drive ratio over 9.

DARC Mag: That’s definitely a unique term to RC drifting.
What’s your goal with the podcast?
ADAM: To meet passionate hobbyists, share their experiences and tuning insights, and keep the stoke going—whether it’s a newcomer or someone with a hot take from the community.

DARC Mag: How long have you been drifting? What was your first chassis?
ADAM: Photos say 2012. My first chassis was a Hot Bodies TC-FD (AWD). My first RWD chassis was the MST FXX-D in 2015.
DARC Mag: What are you running now—chassis, electronics, body?
ADAM: My main tandem chassis is the Shark with:
Chassis: RF Spec Stingray
Front: ReveD lowers, Rhino Racing uppers, ReveD 42mm arms
Rear: Team AD Active Toe uprights
Suspension: RC-Art UC dampers
Diff: Rhino Racing C-LSD
Steering: Soon upgrading to RCO Gbuster knuckles
Electronics:
Acuvance Fledge 10.5T w/ LV45 rotor
Acuvance Xarvis ESC + Chevalier capacitor,
Acuvance S.Bus + Trace Bector
Futaba R334SBS-E Receiver
Futaba GYD550 Gyro
Futaba CD700 Servo

DARC Mag: What’s your home track and favorite tracks you’ve visited?
ADAM: I currently don’t have a “local” track, but on the north side of Oregon, I have Drift PDX in Portland, then on the south side, Twisted Metal RC, down in Roseburg. PDX would be the favorite.

DARC Mag: What do you think were some of the big turning points that you’ve seen in the American RC drift hobby since you’ve been in it?
ADAM: The hobby’s much more accessible now. Early on, tuning the FXX-D felt like black magic. Now, with brands like ReveD, MST, and Yokomo, plus more resources and tracks, it’s easier for new drivers to jump in and improve.

DARC Mag: Who are some key figures or companies in the U.S. drift scene?
ADAM: Steve (Fujita) and Joey (Tam) from Super-G are huge. Others include: Vittoreo,
Sean Lewis Media, Chris from The Establishment, Roadside RC, and Mitch from Rolling Garage. All of them share tutorials and insights online, making it easier for newcomers to learn without relying on translated content.

DARC Mag: What’s your daily driver? Do you have a dream drift car in real life?
ADAM: I drive a 2021 Corolla Hatchback SE. No specific dream drift car, but if I had to pick one to mirror my RC setup, probably a GR86.

DARC Mag: Where do you see the RC drift hobby heading in the next 10 years?
ADAM: I hope the community stays as welcoming as it is. I’d love to see chassis evolve even more—maybe with front brakes? Traxxas just released a chassis with that, though it’s massive. Personally, I’d like to grow my production skills and keep sharing competitions and streams.

Adam Mah is now in his third year of hosting the weekly RC Drift Talk podcast. His interviews and insights have made him a central voice in the U.S. RC drift scene. Keep an eye on Adam and the people he features—there’s always something worth learning.


Follow Adam: yadmah