Talk-It-Up Tuesday with rising star Spencer Rivkin

 

Over the past year or two, there have been a lot of new names making the show and even taking the win away from veteran pros. Just one of those young, talented, and promising up and coming racers is none other than Team Associated's Spencer Rivkin. Spencer burst on the scene dominating stock offroad classes, and then quickly became a threat to the nation's best in the modified classes as well. This week we sit down with Mr. Rivkin for a one-on-one to learn a little more about this upcoming superstar.
 

 
 

LiveRC: Welcome Spencer to "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Let's start off talking about who, what when, where, and how you got started in R/C racing.

Spencer: One day when I was outside the house, I saw my neighbor with a remote-controlled car. It was a Jato 3.3 . So I ask my dad, "Can I get one for my 9th birthday?" About 3 months later my dad took me to the Nitro Pit. That's when the real fun started. A year later I got a MBX6T and I been racing ever since. Then when I got into electric, I was running a brand of car that was not working out for me, and Jeff "Humpty" Helms came up to my Dad  and I and said ,"Let's put together a B4 and see how you do." So that day my dad bought a B4 and gave it to Humpty to build on that Saturday afternoon. I raced that day with the B4 and I was beating every mod driver there. When I was done with that race, Humpty told my dad and I that I have lots of potential. So ever since that day he's been helping be and going to different tracks like Competition Hobbies, and SRS. Without him getting me on the right track,  I wouldn't be where I'm at now.

LiveRC: How long did it take you to earn a spot on the AE team?

Spencer: It took about a year and a half, a little after I won the 2013 Cactus Classic 13.5 class.
 
 
LiveRC: Would you like to someday make a career out of racing R/C cars?

Spencer: Yes. That is my dream to make a career racing R/C cars, but education is still first.

LiveRC: Over the past year, you have skyrocketed onto the scene with some impressive race wins and results. Let's start with your Open Class win at the Reedy International Race of Champions. Tell us a little about that.

Spencer: Yeah. That race was really hard, and I couldn't of done it without my dad and Ryan Maifield. In 2wd I was a little nervous in the main, but I didn't want to ruin it for my 4wd class . I finished 2nd in both mains in 4wd buggy, and that's what got me the win.
 
 
LiveRC: Shortly after we saw you make multiple Mod A-Mains at the 2014 Cactus Classic against some of the best in the world. Coming into that race did you have any idea you would do so well?

Spencer: Yes my confidence level was extremely high. I knew that I can hang with the top guys from experience at other races. Getting help from Maifield with the new B5M at the race, and also the SC10.2 helped a lot.
 

LiveRC: What does your weekly routine look like? Do you practice a lot, if so, where at?

Spencer: I race 3 times a week; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I do practice a lot at Warehouse 3.

LiveRC: What are your thoughts on the new indoor SRS facility replacing the legendary outdoor track?

Spencer: I think it will be cool and lots of fun having another indoor track with go karts, but I do love racing outdoors.

LiveRC: Tell us a little bit about the B5 and B5M buggies. Which do you prefer and why?

  

Spencer: The B5 and B5M are amazing. The durability is incredible as well as the performance. I prefer the B5M because it has a lot more corner speed and also jumps better.

LiveRC: What racing class is your favorite and/or specialty would you say?

Spencer: My favorite class is 2wd buggy.
 
 
LiveRC: Of all the R/C racers in the world, who do you look up to the most and why?

Spencer: I look up to Ryan Maifield because he's open minded. He likes to help others, and he never gives up. To me he is the best offroad R/C driver there is.
 
 
LiveRC: When you aren't racing R/C cars, what are some other things you enjoy doing?

Spencer: I enjoy hanging out with friends. I like to play football and basketball.

LiveRC: Of all the races you've been to and won, who has been your favorite trophy girl so far?

Spencer: I like the Reedy Race girls, but I don't know their names.
 
LiveRC: What is one thing most people don't know about Spencer Rivkin?

Spencer: I'll do what ever it takes to win.

LiveRC: Thank you so much for joining us today Spencer, we look forward to seeing you in the winners circle again very soon! Is there anything you would like to add before we go?

Spencer: I'd to thank my sponsors; Team Associated, JConcepts, Reedy, LRP, Airtronics, Stickit1Racing, and LiveRC for having me!

 

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