Last year, SoCal-based racer Christian Lopez scored his second straight Open Class title at the Reedy Touring Car Race of Champions, winning the 13.5-turn spec class to go with his 17.5-turn spec victory in 2015. With the 20th running of the most competitive on-road race on the planet going down this weekend at the Tamiya America Raceway - in his hometown - I chatted with Lopez to learn more about his life and racing career ahead of his quest for a third win in a row.
Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Christian Lopez: I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Aliso Viejo, California.
AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?
CL: Believe it or not my sister actually got my dad and I into RC. We were at a hobby shack back in the day and a Mercedes TA02 caught her eye. My dad spent countless hours putting it together to only have her run a handful of laps at the Tamiya America track before she got over it. From then on I started going with my dad and that started this healthy addiction about 17 years ago.
Photo: Matthew Valledor Callueng, via Facebook, circa 2000
AW: What do you do for work? Is it difficult to find time to practice and race?
CL: I work for a medicinal courier service. My job keeps me very busy in the office, but fortunately my boss understands my commitment to racing and allows me time off on the weekends and certain weekdays to practice and race.
AW: What made you decide to start attending big races and trying to attract sponsors?
CL: The competition made me really want to start attending big races. For me, it was all about racing against insanely fast guys and hoping to get better - and one day get to that same level to be racing with them. My reason for traveling to races was never to gain sponsorship; neither did my dad nor I ever really think of it. Eventually, if you put in enough time and effort, things just end up falling into place and then “boom,” there you are with a radio and car in hand and random stickers on your shirt.
AW: What’s your favorite track? Favorite big event? Favorite racing class?
CL: My favorite track is the Tamiya America Raceway in Aliso Viejo; I essentially grew up on that track. My favorite big event would have to be TCS Nationals; it’s a bunch of awesome people and an amazing event. My favorite racing class, however, is 1/8-scale nitro on-road. In my best Ferris Bueller voice: "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
AW: How often do you practice and race? Is it important to practice with faster drivers, or do you prefer to run on an empty track?
CL: I try to practice at least 2-3 days a week. Whether it be off- or on-road, nitro or electric, wheel time is wheel time. As far as the second question goes, I feel it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If I'm going out for a test session with new equipment I like a fairly open track to not get in any ones way, but if I could I would run with faster guys every day.
AW: Having traveled around the world to different events, how does the racing scene in the places you’ve lived vary from other places you’ve visited?
CL: Racing events in other parts of the world have a more serious and organized atmosphere, almost as a real race event would be. All racing is taken very seriously, penalties are strict, and the competition is the closest I've ever seen. It’s un-human, to be quite honest.
AW: Where does last year’s Reedy Race 13.5 victory rank among your proudest RC moments?
CL: Last year’s 13.5 victory meant a lot to me based on the field of competitors I was running with. There were nothing but A-spec drivers in that main, and to be honest I can’t believe I did as well as I did that weekend. It was definitely one of my proudest racing moments.
AW: Are you excited for this weekend’s event?
CL: I'm absolutely stoked for this upcoming weekend. Any chance to be at the track and not in the office makes me excited. It’s going to be a tough week ahead, but I'm very confident in my team and I think we will do well!
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
CL: I mean, who doesn't want to leave their job and do this full time? But to be a realist, I'm hoping just to keep having fun and helping out where I can. With that being said, if anyone is hiring a full-time driver I have a resume in hand...
Photo: Tamiya USA
AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
CL: I honestly try to do nothing when I'm not at the track. Typically, between racing and work, I rarely take a day off just sit back and literally do nothing for a day. It’s about the best thing you can do.
AW: What’s the best part of RC racing? What about RC racing annoys or bothers you?
CL: The best part of RC for me is, honestly, helping people and enjoying the social aspect - and the racing part, I mean that's pretty good too. As for the negatives, nothing really bothers me in RC; I'm pretty easy going and try to be courteous of others.
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
CL: My pops, A.K.A the old man, Mr. Christian's dad; he always pushes me and helps me to keep my head on my shoulders. If it wasn't for him and the talks we have I wouldn't still be racing today. My mama; because you know every fast guy has got an awesome mama. Robert Morris of Ulti Tires America and formerly KO Propo USA; I can't thank this gentleman enough for always believing in me and giving me a chance since day one. He's the reason I still run KO Propo, going on 13 years. Steve Villanueva of R1 Wurks; for helping me on my TCS and Reedy victories and being an all-around great person and friend. And to so, so many other people I wish I could thank - I'm quite honestly indebted to a lot of people and couldn't be more thankful enough to have the people that I have around me.
AW: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
CL: Thank you for your time Aaron. Hope to see you trackside!
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