FUTURE STARS OF RC: Tommy Hinz

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Tyler Hooks

0 Feb. 4, 2019, 4 p.m.

By Tyler Hooks
LiveRC.com

Future Stars of RC is a regular column on LiveRC where aspiring RC journalist Tyler Hooks has a conversation with fellow up-and-coming racers across the country, covering youth-friendly topics such as school subjects, watching TV, throwing huge whips and, of course, girls. 

Name: Tommy Hinz
Ages:
Sponsors: Xray, Rc America, Pro-Line, Hobbywing, Protek Rc, Amain Hobbies, SDRC Raceway, Ez Customs, StickIt1, Hudy, 110% Racing, T-Works

TH: When did you first begin racing?
TH: I got my first RC car for Christmas 2009 I believe. It was a Traxxas Revo. I started racing in March of 2010 on-road, and switched to off-road February of 2011.

TH: What is your biggest racing accomplishment?
TH: I would have to say my biggest accomplishment was the 2019 Reedy Race. Being able to TQ both 2wd and 4wd, and convert my 2wd TQ into a win, and 4wd into a 2nd place, was a pretty remarkable memory in my racing thus far.

TH: What is your worst racing failure?
TH: I’ve had many incidents in racing where I could’ve been more patient in traffic, I think thats my biggest fail. No equipment really, just my own mistakes that cause it to be a failure.

TH: Where do you attend school, and what is your goal for a future occupation?
TH: I currently do online school through Rio Salado here in Arizona, and I would like to proceed forward, and major in business.

TH: Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
TH: Yes, i have an amazing girlfriend, who is very supporting of my racing.

TH: What is your favorite class for school and racing?
TH: My favorite class for school is LUNCH! Haha all jokes aside, i’d say my favorite subject is english. My favorite class for racing is definitely Modified 2wd Buggy.

TH: What do you think of the old saying “girls just get in the way of racing?”
TH: FALSE. You’ve just gotta be a man and put your foot down. “No you wont see me for the next 3 days, ill be practicing at Hobby Action for the next upcoming races.”

TH: What is your real dream car?
TH: I’ve got my dream car a 2007 GMC Sierra 4wd truck.

TH: Huge whips, driving absolutely flat out or more calculated driving, smoother on the throttle?
TH: I’d say driving absolutely flat out to an extent. Punch it as much as you can but know when to back it down and put in solid laps.

TH: Action Sports or Conventional sports, what do you follow in your free time?
TH: None, I don’t really follow sports much. If I’m not racing, practicing, or wrenching, I spend my time with my girlfriend or with the boys kickin’ it.

TH: This interview comes after your long awaited Reedy Race victory, how was the experience as a whole?
TH: AWESOME! I’ve been a top 5 guy there over the past couple years, and to finally be able to seal the deal and get the monkey off my back was a feeling I wouldn’t change for anything. I have to thank the Tessmann’s for all the never-ending help and support, as well as my parents and friends from all over the world who kept telling me I could do it.

TH: Who did you look up to when you were an even younger racer, or who has been the biggest help to you as a driver?
TH: There's too many guys to list, so if I forget some I’m sorry. Ryan Maifield, Brian Kinwald, Ty Tessmann, Spencer Rivkin, and Brent Thielke have all been a big part of my racing over the years. I always looked up to these guys and they helped show me the ins and outs of racing. Can’t thank them enough.

TH: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a new up and coming racer?
TH: Never give up, keep practicing, and don’t ever be afraid to try something that isn’t normally ran setup wise.