The Story Behind Bingo RC: From First Drift Car to a Growing Brand
At Adrenaline RC Racing, we love highlighting the innovators shaping the RC community. Recently, we sat down with Rudy, the founder of Bingo RC Designs, to hear his journey into RC drifting and how his passion project grew into one of the most popular aftermarket chassis brands in the drift scene.
From RC Roots to Drifting
Rudy isn’t new to RC. He’s been in the hobby since the 1980s, experimenting with bashers and monster trucks like the Traxxas XRT. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that drifting caught his attention. After seeing RC drift videos online, Rudy walked into our Chantilly shop, curious about the cars and the new drift track we had just set up.
He bought a Yokomo YD2Z kit but quickly realized he wanted something more complex and challenging. That led him to exchange it for the Yokomo SD1.0—his first true drift build. Like every beginner, he crashed, scraped, and learned through trial and error. But instead of getting discouraged, Rudy absorbed everything he could, asking veteran drivers for advice and studying car setups.
His biggest takeaway? Nothing replaces time behind the wheel.
The Spark That Started Bingo RC
While learning, Rudy also became fascinated with the engineering side of drift cars. He began collecting chassis from brands like MST, Yokomo, Rhino, and RDX just to study how they were built. One day, a fellow driver showed him a heavily modified chassis he had cut up by hand. Rudy thought, “I can do better.”
With his background in software engineering and CAD design, Rudy invested in a CNC machine and began cutting custom carbon-fiber chassis. The first one he handed out was a hit, and soon other drivers were asking for their own. What started as tinkering in his basement turned into a full-time creative venture.
Building the First Bingo RC Chassis
The first official chassis Rudy designed for retail was the Bingo Wasp Max, a hybrid that combined elements of the Yokomo YD2 and the RDX platforms. The flexibility was groundbreaking—but also a little confusing for buyers. To simplify, Rudy split the lineup into separate chassis: the Wasp RDX, Wasp 22, and eventually an MST version.
The MST chassis, in particular, became a fan favorite. At our shop, they sold out as quickly as we could put them on the shelves—often within hours. The RMX Bingo chassis remains one of the most popular upgrades we’ve ever carried.
Evolving the Brand
Bingo RC quickly became known for its lightweight, honeycomb-themed carbon chassis and thoughtful add-ons. Rudy introduced universal features—like battery mounts and bumpers—that could work across multiple platforms. Not only did these upgrades improve performance, but they also made cars easier to handle and customize.
What sets Rudy apart is his constant drive to improve. Whether it’s designing a better battery cage to replace frustrating stock mounts or creating bumpers that double as carrying handles, every product solves a real problem that drivers face on the track.
The Story Behind the Name
So, where does “Bingo” come from? The name goes back decades. After a funny nickname from his wife stuck, Rudy used “Bingo” as his online gaming handle, then carried it through various hobbies—from gas-powered RC boats to custom airsoft guns. Over the years, the Bingo name followed him into each new passion project, and eventually into RC drifting—where it’s now a recognized brand worldwide.
Giving Back to the Drift Community
Even with the growth of Bingo RC, Rudy remains hands-on and community-focused. He’s in our shop several times a week, chatting with drivers, answering questions, and even handing over his own cars for newcomers to try. He’s passionate about creating a welcoming environment where new drifters can learn without intimidation.
Looking ahead, Rudy hopes to host drift clinics—teaching beginners the fundamentals while encouraging experienced drivers to mentor others. His belief is simple: the only way the drift community grows is if everyone feels welcome to jump in and slide.
What’s Next for Bingo RC
With new designs like the upcoming Hachi chassis, Bingo RC continues to push the drift scene forward. For Rudy, what started as a hobby has turned into a thriving business—but more importantly, it’s a way to share his love of RC with others.
“I enjoy making things for people to enjoy. That’s really what it’s about.” – Rudy, Bingo RC Designs