Talk It Up Tuesday: Dakotah Phend

This week we caught up with Dakotah Phend to hear about his year and everything he has going on. #TalkItUpTuesday

LiveRC: Hey buddy, how has your summer been going following the last two national events?
Dakotah Phend: It has been going good. I am excited for the 10th scale nats coming up in a few weeks! I had a little bit of down time this summer but with 10th scale nats coming up and a long list of races it is time to buckle down again and get on the fall tour!

LRC: Did you get sick after the 1/8th electric nationals?
DP: Yeah

LRC: While Short Course may not be the most coveted class ever, does it still feel good grabbing a national title with that thing?
DP: I have always really enjoyed racing 4wd SC and it was a lot of fun battling it out with my teammates this year.

LRC: Your flameout in the 1/8th buggy main at this year’s nationals was pretty heart breaking, were you guys able to diagnose what happened?
DP: We have some ideas but not 100% sure what happened. There was still fuel in the tank and it started right back up and was good to go for the whole race besides those 2 seconds.

LRC: Your pace has been pretty phenomenal all year in 10th and 8th scale, what do you personally think is needed to get those wins you’re after?
DP: Yeah it has definitely been a roller coaster of a year for me. I have had some good weekends, some unfortunate luck, and some mistakes of my own. All you can do is keeping moving forward and do your best!

LRC: Which race are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
DP: I am really looking forward to Masters of Dirt and the Florida Carpet Champs.

LRC: What has been your favorite race of 2021?
DP: My favorite race would probably have to be Nitro Nats as I have always really enjoyed racing at LCRC.

LRC: How is boat ownership life?
DP: It has been an absolute blast! We found a beautiful lake and have been out wakesurfing as much as we can!

LRC: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
DP: Thanks to my wife and Tres, my family, everyone who has supported me throughout the years, and all my sponsors for making this possible! TLR, Trinity, JConcepts, Spektrum, Pro Performance RC, Horizon Hobby, OS Speed, Bradley FineLine Designs, Stickit1Racing, Revtech, DPS, Lunsford, AMS Raceway, and LiveRC