The details
Traxxas was established in 1986, Atkins said, adding that it is a leading manufacturer of high-performance radio-controlled cars, or RC cars.
Along with the company's engineering and distribution operations, the Traxxas campus is also home to the Traxxas store where hobbyists can purchase RC cars and replacement parts.
“It’s very much a destination,” Atkins said. “A lot of folks will visit the store from out of state and out of country.”
Atkins said the store opened in 2019, adding that every RC vehicle and boat that the company sells are on display, and the store has models for all ages and budgets.
What’s special about it
The electric RC cars all have waterproof components, Atkins said, which will allow them to drive through puddles, in the rain or in the snow.
“That’s not how it was when I was kid playing with RC cars,” Atkins said.
Additionally, the store carries several categories of RC vehicles.
The “scale and trail” vehicles, or “rock crawlers," are made for outdoor environments such as campsites and hiking trails.
The store also sells monster trucks, which are considered “off road” trucks, as well as “short course” vehicles and “stadium” vehicles.
“Trucks are typically the most popular,” Atkins said. “They go faster, you can take them off road. You can jump them. They are very versatile and super durable.”
Atkins said the company sells on-road vehicles, including a model that can exceed 100 miles per hour, which he said showcases the company’s commitment to product innovation.
They also come in various sizes—smaller vehicles work well indoors or outdoors, Atkins said, while the larger ones are made for outdoor use.
Lastly, the company also sells several licensed products such as replica Ford and Chevrolet models.
What else?
Atkins said that RC cars aren’t just made for children, adding that it is never too late to get into the hobby.
“It’s good for kids getting into it all the way up to teens, 20-year-olds and older folks looking for a hobby,” Atkins said. “There are communities in South Texas that are retirement communities and they have purpose built RC tracks that are only for the people that live in those communities.”
Traxxas vehicles are considered hobby grade rather than toy grade because the Traxxas store offers replacement parts for all of the vehicles it sells, allowing hobbyists to repair or upgrade their vehicles.
“Our [RC vehicles] are designed to be used for years, or even decades,” Atkins said. “I’ve talked to kids who are like 18 who told me, ‘I’ve owned my Traxxas Rustler since I was 8 years old.'”
- 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney
- www.traxxas.com/store/mckinney-tx
