Traxxas

Traxxas

Company type	Private
Industry	Radio-controlled vehicles
Founded	1986 (1986)
Founder	Mike Jenkins
Headquarters	McKinney, Texas , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Mike Jenkins (President)
Products	Radio-controlled cars, trucks, boats, drones
Owner	Private ownership
Website	traxxas.com

Traxxas is a privately held manufacturer specializing in radio control models, with its headquarters located in McKinney, Texas, USA. Established in 1986 by Mike Jenkins, the company focuses on producing electric and nitro-powered radio-controlled cars, including both off-road and on-road vehicles, as well as boats and drones. With annual revenues estimated between $25 million and $50 million, Traxxas holds a prominent position within the hobby R/C market.

The company offers an extensive assortment of ground vehicles, such as short course trucks, buggies, monster trucks, stadium trucks, and rally cars tailored for novices and seasoned RC enthusiasts alike. Their models typically achieve top speeds ranging from 35 to 100 mph. Most products are marketed without batteries or chargers, reflecting a business strategy that emphasizes aftermarket accessory sales.

Product Lines

Traxxas’ primary product divisions encompass:

• Monster Trucks: Including the X-Maxx lineup (featuring Ultimate and Belted variants), Maxx, Revo 3.3, T-Maxx versions, Stampede series, and Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s.
• On-road and Rally Cars: Models such as the XO-1 Supercar (capable of surpassing 100 mph), Drag Slash editions, Ford Fiesta ST VXL, and the 4-TEC series.
• Stadium Trucks and Buggies: Rustler range available with multiple drivetrain options, Jato 3.3/4x4 VXL, and Nitro Rustler.
• Short-course Trucks: Slash series offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, Maxx Slash, and Unlimited Desert Racer.
• Trail Trucks and Crawlers: TRX-4 family including High Trail models and the TRX-6 featuring various wheel setups.
• Boats and Drones: Spartan racing boats equipped with brushless motors, Disruptor 4s boats, and the Alias drone.

Company History

Beginning with electric stadium trucks and buggies in 1986, Traxxas expanded its product line to include radio-controlled boats by 1989. The Nitro Hawk's release in 1992 marked their venture into nitro-powered ready-to-run (RTR) vehicles. The debut of the T-Maxx monster truck in 1999 solidified Traxxas’ presence in the large-scale RC truck segment; later, the X-Maxx was introduced in 2015 as a flagship model incorporating self-righting capabilities to enhance competitive performance.

In November 2012, Traxxas broadened its portfolio by entering the aircraft market with ready-to-fly helicopters and quadcopters, strengthening its footprint in the global hobby R/C sector.

As of April 2023, Traxxas continues to offer a varied product range targeting multiple niches within the RC industry while employing strategic leadership to drive growth through innovation and market influence.

Traxxas Firsts

• First ready-to-run fuel-powered RC model
• FIRST Ready-to-Run RC
• FIRST driver-controlled Forward/Reverse transmission
• FIRST remote-controlled locking differentials
• FIRST high/low transmission system
• FIRST automatic two-speed shifting transmission
• FIRST waterproof electronic components
• FIRST 2.4 GHz transmitter compatible with Apple iOS devices
• FIRST RTR vehicle capable of exceeding 100 mph
• First monster trucks with self-righting technology

Traxxas Racing

• Traxxas acted as title sponsor for the Stadium Super Trucks, with company president Mike Jenkins competing during its inaugural season. In 2016, Team Traxxas supported drivers Matthew Brabham and Sheldon Creed in competition.
• The company endorses motocross riders such as Ryder DiFrancesco, Carson Mumford, Gage Schehr, Axell Hodges, and Justin Mulford.
• Traxxas served as primary sponsor for John Force Racing driver Courtney Force, who races an NHRA Funny Car Chevrolet Camaro SS bearing Traxxas branding.
• After sponsoring Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) until 2008, Traxxas became title sponsor of the Traxxas TORC Series; this partnership included event support via a Mobile Support Center providing parts and vehicles until sponsorship concluded in 2014.
• Notable short-course racing drivers sponsored by Traxxas include Jenkins, Keegan Kincaid, RJ Anderson, and Jeremy McGrath.
• In 2010, Traxxas sponsored Kyle Busch’s No. 18 Toyota Tundra competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

During the early 2000s, Traxxas backed the Traxxas T-Maxx monster truck driven by John Seasock across national series such as the 4 Wheel Jamboree.