There have been at least two artists with the name Racer X: 1) U.S. heavy metal band founded in 1985, in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Paul Gilbert (lead guitarist of the multi platinum-selling hard rock band, Mr. Big (until 1997) and bassist John Alderete (now playing for the mars volta as Juan Alderete). The band briefly remained active after Gilbert departed to join Mr. Big, but soon entered a hiatus from the early 90s until a 1999 reunion