A MOMENT WITH MIKE: David Olsen - Reminding Us What R/C is All About

0 Sept. 4, 2018, 10:35 a.m.

Main Photo: A MOMENT WITH MIKE: David Olsen - Reminding Us What R/C is All About

By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com

A Moment with Mike is a weekly opinion column where LiveRC’s Mike Garrison gives his take on hot-button issues, general topics, and conversations within the RC industry. The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of LiveRC.

People often ask me which racers I look up to the most, or who is my R/C hero? Normally I have a list of different top level pros that I admire, look up to, and consider a “hero” of mine for various different reasons. Today, however, I have added to the list. My newest addition to the list is David Olsen and his dad. Who is David Olsen you ask? David is the newly crowned 2018 Georgia State 4x4 SCT State Champion, but that’s not why he is my hero. While his recent results are impressive, it’s the story behind him that makes him my newest hero.

This was shared on Facebook by Phil Hurd Raceway, “Just want to take a moment to talk about this picture. This is one of our kind of local kids and his father. Young David Olsen and his dad are always out volunteering their time to marshal, asking questions, and helping out other racers as much as they can. Mr. Olsen doesn't race, just supports David on and off the track. David is just in RC to have fun and spend time with his dad and his dad is the same way. This is what RC is all about, family and friends. David only has a couple races with his 2nd hand truck but shows a lot of talent. This photo was taken on the front straightaway after David won the 2018 Georgia State Championship race in 4x4 SCT. His dad waited for him and was emotional about the event. Just want everyone to think about these guys and the reason they do this. Family should always be your number one priority in all you do. These two are a perfect example of what RC should be. Congratulations David.”

I don’t personally know David or his father, but seeing this picture and reading their story puts a smile on my face and restores my faith in R/C car racing. This is what pure happiness, pure fun, and pure R/C car racing is supposed to look like. Unless we’re talking an IFMAR World Championship victory, a moment like this is rarely captured on film. To both David and Mr. Olsen, this State Championship title is an outstanding accomplishment, but your passion for R/C racing, friends, and family is the true victory here.

Congratulations to you both, and I hope to someday meet, shake hands with my newest R/C heroes, and simply say “Thank You” for reminding us what this sport is all about.