Talk-It-Up Tuesday with "Smiley" Henn

 

Over the past several months you may have noticed a plethora of race results of one man dominating the field. This one man is unique in that he is not only a very talented driver, but also enjoys nearly every moment he spends at the R/C track, and shows is with a smile 24/7. We have caught up with the newly crowned RC Pro Series National Champion, the one and only Brian "Smiley" Henn!
 

 
 

LiveRC: Welcome Brian to this edition of "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Let's start off by talking about where it all began for you. When, where, how, and why did you get started in R/C racing?

Brian: I got started in Rc back in 1997 in Houston. My home track was Performance Raceway. I had a few options of what I wanted to do when I was young. My brother had been racing for a while, So I figured I'd try R/C. I was instantly hooked.
 
LiveRC: What are some of your biggest accomplishments as a racer so far?

Brian: I would say winning the Open 2wd Mod class at the 2001 Houston Invitational, My first Roar Regional Win in stock truck in 2002, then more recently, My back to back RC Pro National Championship Wins in Pro4, 2013 Roar Region 9 E Buggy and Pro4 Champ and finishing 31st at the 2013 Roar 1/8 Nitro Offroad Nats.
 
 
LiveRC: The RC Pro Series has proved to be very successful for you. Did you ever expect to be crowned an RC Pro National Champion?

Brian: The RC Pro Series has been some of my more successful races. I was a bit shocked the first year I won Pro4. But, hard work and dedication pay off in the end.
 
 
LiveRC: Primarily we see you running 1:8 E-Buggy and 4wd SCT. Would you say those two classes are your specialties?

Brian: Electric better suits my driving style. So, I'd say yes. But I also run Nitro 1/8 as well. This year I was able to qualify for the 2014 Nitro 1/8 Offroad Worlds.

LiveRC: Your formal name is Brian Henn, but the industry knows you as the one and only "Smiley Henn". How did you get the nickname "Smiley"?

Brian: Haha funny story. When I started racing back in '97, The track announcer always noticed I was smiling in the pits. He quickly gave me the nickname "Smiley". It's stuck with me ever since. Funny, Some people don't even know my real name haha.
 
 
LiveRC: You are currently an AVID R/C employee and team driver. What are some of your daily roles at AVID?

Brian: My main job is shipping out all the orders. Also helping with pre-packing items and such.

LiveRC: Your boss, David Joor, first introduced us to the word "bucky". Can you explain to the viewers what "bucky" means, and how many times a day David uses this word?

Brian: Hmmm, Bucky. I have to say I honestly don't know it's true meaning!! Joor came up with it, but rarely uses it either lol.
LiveRC: On a more serious note, we are very sorry to hear that you recently lost your father to cancer. We had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with you both at the Short Course Showdown at Mike's Hobby Shop last year. Your dad played a large role in your racing program correct?

Brian: Yes, It was a bit shocking he left us soo soon. But, In the end, He is no longer suffering. He's in a much better place now. Yes, My mom and dad were the one's who really encouraged me to try Rc.

LiveRC: There is no doubt that he is very proud of you, and all that you've done. What are some of your goals for the 2014 season?

Brian: My goals for 2014 are to make the A's at the 1/8 E Buggy/Pro4 Roar Nats and 1/8 Nitro Nats. Also, try to get the funds to go to the 1/8 Nitro Offroad Worlds in Italy which I qualified for this year.
 
 
LiveRC: Texas (your home state) is the host of a list of major events for 2014, including the ROAR Nats, will we be seeing you at majority of them?

Brian: Yes, I'll be attending both the ROAR 1:8 Electric and Nitro Nats in 2014.

LiveRC: What is the best AND worst thing about R/C racing?

Brian: Best- All the friends you get to hang out with. Worst- The cost of it at times, lol.

LiveRC: What driver do you look up to the most, and why?

Brian: I would have to say Ty Tessmann and Adam Drake. Both very helpful and friendly. We need more in the R/C industry like them.

LiveRC: What is one thing most people don't know about "Smiley"?

Brian: I like chicken, A lot! More than you can even imagine haha.
 
LiveRC: Brian, thank you so much for joining us today! Before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

Brian: Thank you Mike and Live RC for this opportunity. I would also like to say thank you to my sponsors for their continued support: Hot Bodies, HPI, AVID, Tekin, Airtronics, FTW, Sidewinder Fuel, UpGrade RC, SMC, BCE, Maxy Engines, HotRodDiesels, Mikes Hobby Shop and Gulf Coast Raceway.  
 

 

 

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