Future Stars of RC: Bradyn Hopkins

This week for Future Stars of RC we caught up with Bradyn Hopkins, Nitro Challenge sportsman star and SoCal up and comer.

Name: Bradyn Hopkins
Age: 14
Sponsors: None

Tyler Hooks: When did you first begin racing?
Bradyn Hopkins: My first race was the 2020 proline nitro explosion in October.

TH: What is your biggest racing accomplishment?
BH: Definitely racing at DNC even though I didn’t do the best.

TH: What is your worst racing failure?
BH: When I broke my front lower arm in the c or b main at the TNR Fuels challenge, I was putting down my best laps then that huge double at SoCal nitro raceway finally got me back after having such clean jumps over it.

TH: What is your goal for a future occupation?
BH: I want to race for Mugen I’ve driven a few other brand cars such as losi , hb, and tekno but I love how my Mugen handles.

TH:You showed recently how much you want to learn and get better by riding your bike to learn from Adam Drake. How is it working with Adam and Ronda and is it cool living close by?
BH: Yeah I mean having them live by me is definitely a plus if I ever need any help they are always there for me, if it wasn’t for them I probably wouldn’t be where I am or in a Mugen car. Adam and Ronda are some of the coolest people I have ever met and I’m so great-full for all the support and advice they have given me and if I ever need a ride to the track they are always willing to pick me up on the way if they're going also.

TH: What is your favorite class for school and racing?
BH: My favorite class in school is for sure engineering and for rc it’s 1:8 sportsman buggy at the moment. I love the challange I get because there are some very fast guys in sportsman, but I’m starting to love my truggy so maybe that will be my new favorite class.

TH: What is your real dream car?
BH: I’ve always wanted a first gen dodge Cummins dually

TH: Huge whips, driving absolutely flat out or more calculated driving, smoother on the throttle?
BH: For races like DNC, Silver state and AMS smooth on the throttle is key just so you’re consistent but for club races and jbrl huge whips because it improves you’re ability to correct the car in the air if something were to happen at a big race that matter.

TH: Action Sports or Conventional sports, what do you follow in your free time?
BH: I don’t really follow sports but I’d have to say action sports like nascar and football.

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?
BH: I started driving rc at like 6 or 7 and have always looked up to Adam and Ronda they have been idol’s of mine as long as I can remember.

TH: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a new up and coming racer?
BH: take it slow my biggest mistake is pushing my self to my limits and breaking my car causing me to be even more mad then if I just stayed consistent and took 2nd or 3rd.