2014 was a breakthrough year for me as my results were the best since racing rc cars. At the beginning of the year, I knew 2014 was going to be an important year for me as two world championships in two major categories which I race in. I wanted to do well in Electric Sedan because this is a class I’ve had to work hard to catch up with, since my racing has always been more focused on nitro cars.
Some highlights of the year started with the crazy non-stop racing at Snowbirds. My new home track RCI hosting the AOC races where not only did we have fun racing, but also enjoyed the F1 race in Shanghai. I am hoping more people will join the fun in 2015 at AOC Shanghai!
My 1/8 GP On Road results were the best ever; I won all the races I entered this year including two big races in Taiwan, a race in Shanghai and the annual Byron Challenge in Chicago. 1/8 GP is by far my best class and favorite class so I hope I will do well in the 2015 Worlds in Brazil.
For Nitro Sedan, this is really not my favorite class but because of the Worlds and launching of the MTX6 chassis, I needed to focus on it this year. My race results were not too bad, winning the Byron Challenge, winning a warm up race in Thailand and making the A Main at the Pre-Worlds. The MTX6 is a great car.
My summer racing was definitely a highlight in 2014 and what was the best experience was racing ETS in Slovakia at the Hudy Arena. I am so amazed at the Hudy Arena, and the level of competition at ETS was tremendous! I will be back!
I was disappointed at my results at the US Nationals EP on road race this summer, but that’s racing. But I was glad that I was able to compete with my fellow American top drivers at the Nats.
My goal at the ISTC Worlds this year was to make the top 20, I thought it was a realistic goal but I had to dig deep and never give up to achieve that goal. I ended up 15th in the World, mission accomplished. For 2016 Worlds, my goal is set much higher, we’ll see how it goes.
For the IFMAR 200MM Nitro Worlds, my goal was to first make the semi-finals and then into the main show. Again, it was very difficult given ever changing track conditions and extreme high level of competition. I never gave up and squeezed into the semifinals. My semi-final run was one of my best races ever, I think I managed the race well and made the main show. Anyway… I am happy with my result, finishing 5th in the World is not so bad!
The BIGGEST highlight this year for me I think was being involved in the development of the new HB Pro5 Chassis along with Chief Designer Haratune, World Champion Andy Moore and Team Manager Hiro. I am very fortunate to be part of Team HB and thank Tatsuro and Hiro for giving me the chance to also be part of the R&D process. With the Pro5 showing its ability to compete at the highest level, I am really happy to be part of it.
Haratune and Ai were a big part of my racing year and my good results. Having the best mechanics at your side just gives you more confidence, thank you Haratune and Ai.
I made a lot of new friends this year, and it was great to see so many old friends as well, overall, it was a GREAT YEAR!!!
And to ALL my sponsors, a BIG Thank You!
Finally, to my Dad… You know how I feel.
