Since my last post in February, a literal plethora of change has happened in my life, both on and
off the track. I wrapped up the Seattle RC Racers indoor season championship in Formula One in March, followed by a successful switch to outdoors, racing Tamiya M-Chassis cars again. It was a welcome divergence from the usual classes I would contest, along with the challenge of taking a previously-lambasted M06 RWD chassis and making it a contender. That, coupled with a win at the Tamiya TCS NW Regional, and a TQ-Second place finish at the Seattle RC Racers' annual Summer Sizzler, meant 2019 was by far and away the most successful year ever in my mediocre career.
I tried for years to secure TCS gold, and this year I finally got it. |
A surprise 3rd at CTS4 at SeaTac. |
I've long maintained that RC car racing is as much of an escape as it is a exercise in mechanics, concentration, and competition. A simple escape from the dregs of society and the ludicrous stresses of everyday adult life. The world is rough out there, so the least we can have is an activity to bring a small slice of heaven to our world every couple weeks. Over the years, I can point to just about every facet of this great hobby as a reason for my unequivocal love for it. Based on my situation in life or my attitude at the time, it could be the mechanical side of things; sitting at my desk, immersing myself in my car. Sometimes it's the raw competition that gets my blood pumping and my heart happy. Sometimes it's all of the above, as I bet to guess is the case for the majority of racers out there.
But at this juncture in my life, the more I step back and analyze my situation from an outsider's perspective, I realize it's really the people that keep me going; the friendships I've forged and the people I look forward to seeing when I head to the track. When things go awry and life seems insurmountable, its invaluable to have those good souls in your corner. So, with my current love for toy car racing being centered around the racers themselves, I thought I'd thank some of those that have helped keep me "on track" and keep RC great.
Korey Harbke
You'll never find a fast guy quite like Korey. I've been around enough hot shoes in my RC career, but none are quite as approachable and helpful as Sushi-Boy Harbke. It's his ultra helpful and down to earth nature that keeps the belief alive that just because someone is fast, doesn't quite mean that they've forgotten their roots. So thanks Korey, for being the exception to the rule, and having fun at the track.
I make it my personal mission to irritate Stuart
whenever possible.
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Todd & Stuart Mason
This father/son team is a force at each track they show up to, and while Stuart is the young local phenom of the PNW on-road scene, the elder Mason is the glue that keeps Seattle RC Racers going. His tireless efforts to keep top-notch RC racing in the Seattle-metro area are inspiring and his choice of alcoholic beverages are hilarious, which confirm his status as the Felix Unger of 12th scale's "Odd Couple". So who is the second half of this duo?
You don't see Brian with a manual very often.
His reaction is priceless….
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Brian Bodine
Playing the part of Oscar Madison in 12th scale's "Odd Couple" is none other than Brian Bodine. Brian has raced just about every class that's ever been offered in his countless years in competition, is one of the fastest, yet still has the uncanny ability to throw an off-the-cuff comment that incites laughter from those around him, not to mention the unique ability to get under Todd's skin with a TQ and a friendly jab in the pits. The beer to Todd's cosmopolitan, if you will. They're truly a sight to see. Thanks fellas for making intense competition fun!
The Canadian Connection
It's a well-known fact in the Pacific Northwest, that if there is a race to be held, and the name of the game is fun competition, you can bet the Hosers from the Great White North will make their presence known. Thanks to Alex for the "GripWorks" pop-up shop, to Keith, Nospoom, Tiny, Jesse G, and John Tsang for the great attitudes and awesome racing. You guys give us an international flavor at our club days, and leave us with a lingering ketchup chip smell and a sticky maple feeling...… Although, that sounds a bit dirty.
SSI
Island life. |
Kyle Bradshaw
Making videos is fun. Seeing people enjoy our
janky video show? Priceless.
|
Have a watch, you won't be disappointed! Well, maybe just a little.....
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0xXzZ8lMFi3KbL855khLg
While this is more of a personal post than I would've normally posted, I think it's important to give credit where credit's due when it comes to those that have helped someone out during a difficult time. With the help of good friends, family, counseling, and countless other resources, I feel like I'm in a space in which I'm truly happy to be. Every day is a challenge, but having a healthy hobby and surrounding myself with positive people make the lows manageable, and highs all that much more enjoyable. RC is rad, kids. So are the people that race it. Enjoy this hobby for what it is, but also what it can provide, I know I have.
-JRoy
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