Talk-It-Up Tuesday with Ryan Cavalieri

 

We are less than a month away now from the prestigious Reedy International Offroad Race of Champions. Last year's event was dominated by none other than Team Associated's Ryan Cavalieri. We haven't had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the multi-time national and world champion in quite some time, so we decided to catch up with our old friend as he prepares for this year's event!
 

 
 

LiveRC: Welcome Ryan to this edition of "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" You are no stranger to most people in the industry, as you have had quite a successful career. When, where, and how did you get started in R/C racing?

Ryan: My dad in the '80s would go to this track in Costa Mesa, CA called RCH. I was around 5 years old at the time, he would bring me with him. I was more into running around watching the cars on the track then worried about driving them. I was 10 years old when my dad heard of a new track called SoCal RaceWay in Garden Grove, CA. It only took one time of going into the track before both of us were hooked. That place had all the pro level drivers there you could name at the time.

LiveRC: At what point did you decide you wanted to make a career out of racing?

Ryan: I was around 13 years old. I had a lot of support from my parents, Todd Hodge, Brian Kinwald. I received my first contracts from Team Losi, Trinity, Novak, Airtronics. The support never stop, I started making contingency money for making mains and also winning races. At the age of 16 I started getting paid and it became my dream job from there.
 
LiveRC: You have had multiple National and World Championship wins over the years, which do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

Ryan: 2007-2012 nationals when I swept all three modified classes. All four of my world titles are special as well.
 
 
LiveRC: Let's talk 2014 Reedy Race. We are a month away from the prestigious event, in which you dominated in 2013. What sort of things have you been doing to prepare and defend your title?

Ryan: I've been running and club racing when I can at OCRC.

LiveRC: With the unfortunate closing of West Coast R/C, the race was moved to OCRC. Do you think this will change things up a bit in the results due to the new location for the event?

Ryan: I believe your going to see the same great racing. A lot of the pro level drivers will be familiar with OCRC since most of them practiced there before heading over to WCRC for the Reedy.
 
 
LiveRC: Who would you say is your biggest threat coming into the event?

Ryan: Ryan Maifield.

LiveRC: Growing up you were one of the "young guns" who seemed to appear out of nowhere, winning races against season veterans week after week. There are a lot of fast up and coming drivers who are poised to be the next generation of top drivers. Which up and coming racer stands out the most to you, and why?

Ryan: There's a few guys that I've seen over the year get a lot better. Spencer Rivkin would be my bet. He has great speed with the will to want to win.
 
 
LiveRC: Let's talk cars for a minute. Obviously with the high traction conditions at events such as the recent IFMAR World Championships in California, the car of choice is mid-motor. Do you feel the mid motor cars are taking over and are the future of 2wd buggy, or do you think there is a time and place for both mid and rear motor cars?

Ryan: I think as of now the tracks are suiting the mid motor cars. I haven't been to a track this year that my mid motor car was slower then my rear motor car. I still think rear motor cars are always going to be around, just not used as much as before.
 

 
LiveRC: There have been some rumors floating around lately about some new AE cars in the works. Specifically a possible new 1:8 buggy. What can you tell us about these rumors?

Ryan: I want to believe the rumors too! They just might be true, will have to wait and see. I think will be running a new 1:8 car for the DNC this year.

LiveRC: What is the best and worst thing about being a professional R/C racer?

Ryan: The best part is being able to compete all around the world. Worst is being away from my wonderful girlfriend.
 
 
LiveRC: Racers are always asking, "How do I get to be as fast as those guys!?" What sort of advice to you have for racers looking to really pursue becoming a top level driver?

Ryan: Takes a lot of dedication. You need to be able to run 2-3 times a week, practice how you would race, work on consistency, and practice using push break as this helps when going into corners and out.
 

LiveRC: In motocross training means running, cycling, and riding at the test track. What sort of training do you for R/C?

Ryan: I practice and prep with whatever cars I'm racing next. I've been eating healthier, also putting the right amount of exercising together. It helps with feeling better.

LiveRC: When your not racing R/C cars, what are you most likely out doing?

Ryan: I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend Yatsy. I try to get out once in awhile to play around of golf with my buddies. I've been riding road and mountain bikes as of lately.

LiveRC: What 2014 event do you look forward to the most, and why?

Ryan: I enjoy all the events I go to. I'm looking forward to the 1:8 scale world championships in Italy the most in 2014. I just really enjoy when it's worlds year.

LiveRC: One thing most people don't know about Ryan Cavalieri?

Ryan: I like making a latte coffee in the morning when I'm at home.

LiveRC: Thank you for joining us today Ryan, we wish you the best of luck at the upcoming Reedy Race! Is there anything else you would like to add before we go?

Ryan: Thanks to all my sponsors Team Associated, Team Orion, AKA, Sidewinder, Airtronics, Upgrade-RC . Thanks to all the people who support me as well. 
 

  
 

 

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