Team Durango interviews their Reedy Race Open Class champion Carson Wernimont

 

Fresh from his exciting performance at the 2013 Reedy Invitational Race of Champions, Team Durango Pro Driver Carson Wernimont was keen to share some precious moments with us here at TDHQ. We jumped at the opportunity to interview Carson, who stormed to an overall open class win in 2WD with his DEX210 during the usual Reedy Race thrills and spills meeting. Carson not only earned himself a position on the illustrious Reedy invite list for next year, but also stamped his mark even clearer on high profile off-road RC competition.

We are very proud to share the words of Team Durango super star Carson Wernimont.

Team Durango – Can you explain how you became involved in RC racing and at what age did you first compete?

Carson – I first became involved in R/C because of my Dad. He was a Crew Chief for 6 time PRO-2 Champ Scott Taylor (real SC Trucks) Scott’s truck was partially sponsored by Team Losi. So my dad got to know the great people at Losi, Pops, Jr, Gary Kyes, and we have grown a close relationship with them over the years. Long story short, I was able to get my hand on an R/C car around the age of 7-8 years old and I was hooked. It was a Team Losi XX-T. I played around with for many years then around the age of 11, Gary Kyes hooked me up with a Losi 8ight. After this, I started to club race with the 8ight and practice, practice, practice, and eventually got where I am today with the help of all my sponsors and these key people.

Team Durango – Can you expand on the feeling you get when you are asked who you drive for? This will also include how it feels to be a Team Durango driver when you win?

Carson – It is an amazing feeling to drive for Team Durango. Just to know that you have a great company behind you, pushing you to win, and putting their trust in you is just great! Especially being one of the smaller teams out there, it makes going to the track a lot of fun! Having great people on the team like Ryan Lutz, Travis Amezcua, Hupo Hönigl, Jörn Nuemann, and Matt Schreffler is awesome because we have so much talent in a small group, but yet we still all get along and joke around and have fun, and win races!

Team Durango – What is your favourite Team Durango product so far and why?

Carson – I enjoy all the Durango products. As long as I have a transmitter in my hand, I’m happy!

Team Durango – If you could choose one race track to practice on every day of your life, where would that be and why?

Carson – It would be a tie between any tracks Levi Jackson makes, or Joey Christensen makes. For some reason those two guys build the most amazing tracks I have ever driven on and I could just go all day without getting board.

Team Durango – You are also well known in your side of the Atlantic for your 8th scale off-road racing. Describe the differences to 10th scale for you?

Carson – The main difference I feel is that in nitro, you go out there, you have 45 minutes to run a smooth consistent race, and you kind of start off slow and progressively get faster. It is more of an endurance race. Electric on the other hand is more like a 100 meter dash. You have five minutes to race and every lap you run, better be the fastest one.

Team Durango – Have you ever driven a buggy with a stick radio? I know you guys generally opt for the wheel radio over in the states, why do you think this is?

Carson – No I have never driven a stick radio. I have never even seen anyone in the U.S.A. with a stick radio so I haven’t got the chance to try it. I feel that your throttle and break control might be a lot smoother though.

Team Durango – When your buggy leaves the ground from a ramp what is the first thing that goes through your mind?

Carson – Whip It!

Team Durango – If you could design your own Team Durango body shell what would you call it and why? What car would it be for?

Carson – I’m not sure, maybe I would call it the “Defender” if that isn’t taken already. And it would be for the DEX210.

Team Durango – Can you explain the advantages of having a 2WD buggy that has such a range of motor positions and gear configurations as the DEX210?

Carson – It is a huge advantage in my opinion. It makes it possible for the car to dominate on the carpet and dirt!

Team Durango – What makes Team Durango products different to other manufacturers in your opinion?

Carson – Durango has a very distinct look when it comes down to their cars and even body shells. Their cars just stand out with their originality.

Team Durango – Having recently won the 2WD open class at the 2013 Reedy Invitational Race of Champions, can you explain what it will feel like to be on the invite list next year?

Carson – It feels awesome! I can’t wait to compete in it next year!

Team Durango – When you prepare for a big meeting, do you have any rituals or set processes that you go through prior to the meeting?

Carson – Not really, I am a Christian so I pray before the race. But as far superstitions, I stay away from those. That’s just bad news.

Team Durango – What is your favourite way to relax when not racing for Team Durango?

Carson – Hanging out with friends, riding mountain bikes, and wakeboarding.

Team Durango – Where on the track is your favourite position to stage an overtaking manoeuvre?

Carson – I really like to do last minute banzai passes like jumping over people. I like to make it a good show!

Team Durango – If you could describe Team Durango as a colour, what would the colour be and why?

Carson – Gold. Mainly because all there hop ups and stuff are gold so it just fits.

 

 

Whether he is winning races at the most prestigious off-road events or contributing to the tireless testing and development that Team Durango undertake every day, Carson Wernimont is a shining example of a character who young racers all over the world can aspire to. His professional attitude and dedication is boundless. Team Durango congratulate Carson for his well deserved open class 2WD win at the 2013 Reedy Race, and look forward to more show stopping examples of RC racing from him this coming year.

To learn more about Carson Wernimont and his Team Durango vehicles, click here.

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