Interview: The Champion Rick Hohwart

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Mike Garrison

0 Sept. 4, 2012, 7:14 a.m.

Two weeks ago was the 2012 ROAR Onroad Paved Nationals, and some of the nation’s best touring car drivers were in attendance. “Young gun” Keven Hebert, XRAY’s Paul Lemieux, and many more. While many expected these drivers to walk away with the event, one of the most knowledgeable and experienced R/C racers on the planet showed up and upset the apple cart.

LRC: Rick thank you for taking some time out with us today, before we get to the race, let’s start at the beginning. When did you first start racing R/C?

Rick: I started racing in 1982 with a Team Associated RC12E. The sole purpose of buying the 12E was to compete with it in the Southern California racing scene. The truth is that if it were not for the racing aspect of the hobby, I would have no interest in R/C cars. It’s the competition that makes it interesting for me.

LRC: How long after this did you realize this could potentially be a career for you?

Rick: When I started there were no pro drivers like we have today. Although I was good from the start and it did not take long to become a 100% sponsored driver, which is the equivalent of a pro driver back then. I always knew that I wanted to start my own business so in 1985 I founded Peak Racing which began with some small accessories and quickly grew into motors and batteries. I sold the company in 1998 and it still exists today.

LRC: What are some of your most memorable career highlights?

Rick: Winning the 1/12 Modified Nationals in 1986 is probably the most memorable because it was my first national championship and winning in the debut race for Peak Racing motors and batteries. A podium finish at the Off-Road Worlds, a win in the Reedy Off-Road Race of Champions, and winning all three On Road Nationals (1/12 6-cell, 1/12 4-cell, Pro 10 Modified) in the same year stand apart from some of the others, but any time I am an A-main Nationals or Worlds finalist it makes the race even more special.

LRC: When did you jump on board with Team Associated, and what is your current role there?

Rick: I had been an AE team driver as far back as 1985 and on and off since then. But I began working at AE in 2007 as the Reedy Electric Department Manager. I am in charge of the Reedy department and anything related to electronics including items for RTRs. I also write press releases, ad copy, etc. I guess I do a little bit of everything including being a pro driver.

LRC: Now let’s talk about the ROAR On-road Paved Nationals. Everyone knew you could still wheel a car, but no one expected you to lay down the law taking TQ and the overall win. Tell us a little about leading up to race and what you did to prep for it.

Rick: I am pretty sure that entering the event my competitors knew that I was capable of taking the TQ and the win! My car was in great shape from the World Championships so the only preparation involved altering the setup for the Nationals track.

LRC: Who did YOU expect to be the biggest competition for the race?

Rick: Paul Lemieux and Keven Hébert are my biggest competitors. I knew that we would likely be the three on the podium.

Rick: Of course!

LRC: What are some of the biggest differences and adjustments you have to make transitioning from carpet to pavement? Not only car setup, but driving styles as well.

Rick: Generally carpet tracks have more grip so adjustments have to be made to compensate for it plus carpet tracks are smaller and tighter so the car really needs to turn on a dime while still maintaining stability. I don’t think the driving is that much different but because carpet tracks are smaller and harder to pass on, a higher starting position is critical for a good result. Most carpet races run rocket round qualifying instead of qual points so speed is more important than consistency.

LRC: Which do you prefer most?

Rick: I prefer pavement because the tracks are larger and more interesting to drive than the small U.S. carpet tracks.

LRC: They say that some cars are designed more for one or the other, the TC6.1 seems to be pretty balanced between the two and work well with both. Would you agree?

Rick: I agree. The TC6.1 works great on both surfaces when the setup is optimized for each surface.

LRC: Have you put yourself behind the wheel of an offroad vehicle at all lately? Do you plan to upset the offroad world by pulling a national championship out for 2013?

Rick: I raced the Reedy Race of Champions (15th Invitational) and ROAR Nats (15th 2wd Mod, 22nd 4wd Mod) with no pre-race practice. It is hard to compete against full-time pro drivers, but I don’t doubt that I could win the off-road nationals if I took the time to properly practice and prepare.  I do plan to race more off-road in preparation for the 2013 World Championships which I will attend.

LRC: Will you be attending the IIC?

Rick: Yes. I will race TC Modified and 1/12 Modified

LRC: Rick thank you for taking time with us today, we were very impressed with your win, and look forward to seeing more soon. Is there anything you would like to add?

Rick: Thanks! Of course I could compete at the top level without the help and support of my sponsors Team Associated, Reedy, LRP, Airtronics/Sanwa, Parma/PSE, Protoform, P1hobbies.com, and www.petprojectfoundation.org.