FUTURE STARS OF RC: Alex Kosciuszek

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Tyler Hooks

0 Aug. 29, 2017, 9:38 a.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. 

After a Reedy Race Open-class victory and appearances in national A-Mains, one could argue that Alex Kosciuszek is a “current star” - but at just 18 years old, this Connecticut native is just getting started. Get to know "Alex K" a little bit better in this edition of Future Stars of RC.

Name: Alex Kosciuszek
Age: 18 Years Old
Sponsors: Team Associated, Reedy, JConcepts, O.S. Engines, VP/PowerMaster Fuel, MIP, and StickIt1 

TH: When did you first begin racing?
AK: The summer of 2010, at Radio Controlled Hobbies and Raceway (RCHR) in Waterbury, CT. 

TH: What is your biggest racing accomplishment? 
AK: Probably winning the 4WD Open class at the 2016 Reedy Race of Champions.   

TH: What is your worst racing failure?
AK: I honestly don't know what would be my worst racing failure. I'm sure there's many, haha. Probably the glue job on my tires for the 1/8-Scale Buggy main for this year's Nationals.  

 
TH: Where do you attend school, and what is your goal for a future occupation?
AK: I will be attending my first semester of college this fall at the University of New Haven. The goal for a future occupation is to find an engineering job in aviation.    

TH: What is your favorite class?
AK: Favorite class is definitely 2WD Mod Buggy.         

TH: Do you have a girlfriend?
AK: Yes I do!

TH: What do you think of the old saying “girls just get in the way of racing?”
AK: I don't personally agree with that saying. Maybe it depends on the type of girl. In this case, I am pretty lucky!  

TH: What is your real dream car?
AK: 2017 Aston Martin DB11  

TH: Huge Whips, driving absolutely flat out or more calculated driving, smoother on the throttle?
AK: I would say it depends on the track conditions. Sometimes you can drive crazy, put on a show and get away with it. Other times, you have to be timid and have a lot of control.
 

TH: Action sports or conventional sports, what do you follow in your free time?
AK: I enjoy anything really. I mostly like to watch F1 and baseball. 

TH: Who did you look up to when you were an even younger racer? Who has been the biggest help to you as a driver?
AK: When I was younger, I mostly looked up to Ryan Maifield and Ryan Cavalieri; they always seemed to do well at every race, and had two very different driving styles. Luckily, now I get to race with them and they are still two really cool dudes. I've had a lot of people that have helped me throughout the years. My parents are always the biggest help — they let me do what I love every weekend, and support it no matter what. Then there's Mark Westerfield; he took me under his wing when I was young, taught me the basics, and made my passion for this hobby what it is today. And I can't forget Brent Thielke and Jason Ruona for all the support and help at each race! 
 

TH: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a new up and coming racer?
AK:  The biggest piece of advice I can give, is to simply enjoy it. If you aren't having fun, then you won't be doing the best you can do. RC racing is really a good hobby to be in; you always make new friends, learn new things, and it feeds your hunger for competition. 

Huge thanks to Alex K for taking the time to knock this interview out. As well as for always being a positive influence for the next generation!