FUTURE STARS OF RC: Ron DeVoll

ADVERTISEMENT | ADVERTISE WITH US

Tyler Hooks

0 May 15, 2018, 11:14 a.m.

By Tyler Hooks
LiveRC.com

Future Stars of RC is a regular column on LiveRC where aspiring RC journalist Tyler Hooks has a conversation with fellow up-and-coming racers across the country, covering youth-friendly topics such as school subjects, watching TV, throwing huge whips and, of course, girls. 

With the rise of the new tire and accessory company Raw Speed, Ron DeVoll has seemed to gain traction himself making the Reedy Open Class A-main, as well as finishing on the podium at countless races from coast to coast - including the recent Silver State race where he finished second in Intermediate E-buggy with a borrowed car and zero practice.

Name: Ron DeVoll
Age: 16
Sponsors: Raw Speed, Team Associated, Hobbywing, Schuurspeed, Stick-it-one

TH: When did you first begin racing?
RD: I’ve been racing R/C cars for a total of about 5-6 years now. 

TH: What is your biggest racing accomplishment?
RD: As of right now, my biggest racing accomplishment would have to be making the main at the Reedy Race this past year.  I didn’t win or anything, but it was a really self-assuring experience being able to run at that level.

TH: What is your worst racing failure?
RD: I can’t really specify a certain event or day, but I know I’ve been in a couple D-mains. Haha

TH: Where do you attend school, and what is your goal for a future occupation?
RD: I currently attend Littlerock High School, and I hope to establish a career as either a mechanical or Aerodynamics engineer.

TH: Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
RD: I am unfortunately a bit lacking in the Girlfriend department. Haha 

TH: What is your favorite class for school and racing?
RD: My favorite class in school is probably math, and in racing my favorite class is most definitely 2wd mod Buggy.
 

TH: What do you think of the old saying “girls just get in the way of racing?
RD: I personally feel like there is some truth to this saying, but then again, there are some girls out there that clean house on the track and show way more dedication to RC than some guys. So it’s definitely a case by case debate. 

TH: What is your real dream car?
RD: I have had my eye on a third generation FD Mazda Rx-7 for awhile now; I love the rotary engine sound and I know they make great track cars. 

TH: Huge whips, driving absolutely flat out or more calculated driving, smoother on the throttle?
RD: In my opinion, I’m a super calm and calculated driver, but anyone else in the rc industry that knows me will tell you that I’m one of the more wild, flat out drivers. (who consequently throws a few to many whips) 

TH: Action Sports or Conventional sports, what do you follow in your free time?
RD: I’m definitely more of an action sports guy. I mostly follow Supercross/Motocross, F1, and other facets of motorsports racing.
 

TH: How has it been working with a relatively new company, Raw Speed, and how has that shaped your racing lately.
RD: Working with Raw Speed has been an absolutely astronomical help to myself as a driver, and my race program. I can’t even express how much Jason Snyder, Jake Mayo, and Greg Hodapp have helped me progress on the track as a smart, aware driver. To say the least, my relationship with Raw speed has developed to so much more than just a tire deal, it has become a legitimate race team which isn’t often seen in Rc anymore.

TH: Who did you look up to when you were an even younger racer, or who has been the biggest help to you as a driver?
RD: As a young racer I always looked up to the typical super-pros that seemed to never lose. However, the people that have proven to be the biggest help to myself would definitely have to be my Dad and Jason Snyder.  
 

TH: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a new up and coming racer?
RD: I feel the biggest piece of advice that I could give to an up and coming racer is to never doubt your own abilities and potential to have that next level of speed that may seem out of reach. Hard work and dedication will always prevail in working towards a goal you have in your racing endeavors.