Rob recently sat down with Dave and asked him a few questions about himself.

Rob: Welcome to Team AtomicMods Dave.

Dave: Thanks Rob, I am very excited to racing for you. In fact there isn't anyone else in the Micro RC community I would want to be associated with. You and your people have really raised the bar and given us in the hobby a great place not only to shop but also to learn.

Rob: (Passing Dave some cash) Thanks a lot Dave, coming from you that really is a great compliment.

Dave: Well you truly earned it. (pocketing the cash)

Rob: Who got you started in R/C racing?

Dave: My uncle bought an RC nitro boat in the 70's and got my dad into it as well, my dad bought one of the first TAMIYA cars ever produced, a 1/12th scale Porsche 923 4 cell car. Then my dad bought a Tamiya sand scorcher and rough rider and it snowballed from there.

Rob: What are your career goals?

Dave: I work for MRC in Edison NJ and am the RC Car product manager. I plan on making the ACADEMY line of cars one of the top brands in racing, and bringing new and unseen designs to the industry.

Rob: How do you handle RC has a full time job and be able to maintain your enthusiasm for the hobby aspect of it?

Dave: With my dad starting me off at such a young age its pretty much "in me". I don't get bored or burned out. Back when I was practicing 3 times a week and racing twice a week I still couldn't sleep because I was always thinking of how I can make my cars better or what race I have to prepare for next. I don't think I will ever get tired of this hobby.

Rob: What is the best memory in your r/c racing career?

Dave: Me and my dad entered an enduro race when I was around 11 yrs old, I entered the 2wd 100 lap class and the 4wd 50 lap class, with this many laps pit stops were a must. My dad made all sorts of different quick change features on my cars and it really sped things up. I won both classes and when the track closed a few yrs later I was the only person to ever pull off a double win. I think my dad was more excited then I was, especially since I beat a bunch of adults. Hahaha .It was crazy!

Rob: I know its got to be a car movie, so lets hear it. What is your favorite movie of all time?

Dave: Easy, I brake for "Days of Thunder".

Rob: Who do you admire most in the r/c industry and why?

Dave: "The Drake", he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is an awesome racer, and its cool to see that none of that goes to his head. He is always helping people in the pit, conducting interviews and he is also spotted often at the industry trade shows.

Rob: Favorite Full Size Car?

Dave: I used to have a thing for Corvettes and blondes. Now that I am married to a blonde, I just have a thing for Corvettes.

Rob: Who is your idol?

Dave: Dale Junior, he lost his dad, his biggest mentor, but still has the burn to drive forward. All eyes are on him at all times, he is able to still stay pretty cool and has the personality to throw a sarcastic nudge in there as well.

Rob: If you had all the money in the world, what would your hobby be?

Dave: I would still be R/C racing but I would attend a lot more races and in my own tricked out trailer like the big name racers have. And I'd have my own entourage complete with an Italian chef, a personal yoga instructor and a one armed masseuse named Millie.

Rob: What was your biggest racing accomplishment?

Dave: In 1999 I attended the WinterChamps offroad race in Tampa FL. In the 4wd class I qualified 9th overall and finished 8th. This event hosted the BEST drivers in the world. It was such a great feeling to see some of these guys sitting on the sidelines (because they didn't make the show) watching the A-main go off, while "I" was sharing the stand with the others who did make the top 10. When the trophy presentation came along it really hit me what I had accomplished.

Rob: What is your favorite racing class?

Dave: 1/12th scale pan car, I like that the cars are somewhat simple, and its ALL about driving. I am also having a blast with Mini-Z racing.

Rob: I understand that you only started racing Mini Z's less then a year ago but are a hardcore racer now, what is it about the small scale stuff that keeps you coming back for more?

Dave: The Mini-Z's are really fast for there size, the parts are somewhat inexpensive and the MR02 car is very similar to my favorite racing class vehicle, 1/12th scale! The Mini Z MA 010 (AWD) is just plain fun with how tunable it is and how you can strap in a ton of horsepower, and let-err-rip. I like the MA 010 also because not everyone can make them work, it takes a lot of time and chassis knowledge to get them to handle well. The mini z class is very kid/newbie friendly.

Rob: How often do you practice with your Mini-Z?

Dave: I race every chance I get. The key to being a good driver is practice, practice, practice.

Rob: Thanks for taking the time out and chatting with us and once again welcome to Team AtomicMods Dave.

Dave: Thanks for opportunity Rob and it was nice chatting with you too.