LiveRC Exclusive: Michael Sharwin "The Return"

0 May 9, 2011, 5:39 p.m.

Main Photo: LiveRC Exclusive: Michael Sharwin "The Return"

The Return of Michael Sharwin

LiveRC.com Exclusive by Mike Garrison

It wasn't long ago when we saw the upcoming young guns in r/c making their debut. Drivers such as Jared Tebo, Taylor James, Josh Wheeler, Matt Gosch, Ryan Cavalieri, and many others were just beginning to make a name for themselves. Amongst those driver was a young Michael Sharwin. Sharwin blasted onto the scene with multiple major race wins, national championship a-main finishes, and was one of Team USA's top drivers in multiple World Championships.

Almost faster than he joined the top drivers in the sport, he disappeared from the racing scene. Rumors and stories began swarming the industry.

Years have passed since he left the r/c scene, and he is now ready to start fresh and make his way back to the track for this year's ROAR 1/8 Nationals. We were able to sit down with Mike and uncover the past, present, and hopes for the future!

LiveRC: Mike, thank you for taking some time out with us today! First off tell us a little bit about your early career in r/c and how you got started.

Sharwin: Thanks for this opportunity. I got my first r/c car when I was 7 years old, it was a Traxxas Ruslter. I put some slicks on it and started drag racing it at a local r/c drag racing club. As far as my early r/c career I would say that it started as soon as I got into the 1/8 racing scene. It pretty much took off from there.

LiveRC: We personally remember racing with you last at the 2005 Mugen Seiki Nitro Challenge at Real RC Raceway in Pleasant Hill, MO. What was your last major race?

Sharwin: Actually no. I had raced for OCM a couple races in 2007 along with a few club races here and there . Timing was just wrong and everything didn't work out as planned so I threw in the towel.

LiveRC: The question everyone wants to know. What happened to lead to your disappearance in r/c?

Sharwin: Ahhhh I knew this was going to come up. There really is no nice way to word this. But unfortunately my Father Ray Sharwin was the reason for me disappearing from the r/c industry. As I'm sure anyone that has been around the industry for a while knows that the Sharwin name doesn't come with the best reputation. Over the years it all built up and I had to get away from it all. Ray Sharwin is no longer involved in my r/c career.

LiveRC: You mentioned talking before the interview that you had a "bad past and want to start over right this time". For those out their reading this, what exactly do mean?

Sharwin: Well as mentioned in the previous question my father was the reason for me quitting racing. Basically every bridge possible was burned for me in the r/c industry. I was not the one making the decisions with my racing career. Unfortunately it was driven into the ground by the time I quit. I have a fresh new outlook on things now. I didn't realize how spoiled I was with getting free products and being able to travel around the world back then. It all kind of hit me when I/people supporting me had go out buy everything in order to race again. As cliche as it may sound I really want to give back to my sponsors and local racers that I would see on the weekends. I definitely took it all for granted back then. I want everyone to know its all Michael Sharwin this time around!!!

LiveRC: The past is behind us, and we look forward to your return! In the meantime what have you been doing these past years?

Sharwin: I've done a lot of growing up as well as move around a lot. It was a big reality check for me after r/c was not my life anymore. I had to work 9-5 job that was behind a desk and not at the track. I have been enjoying life, and everything is going great now. I'll be turning 23 in a few months, and I'm extremely excited to get back to the track and show what I can do.

LiveRC: Have you driven any r/c at all in your time away?

Sharwin: This whole comeback started around Sept of 2010. I have been practicing weekly at my local track, Palm Desert R/C Raceway. I've attended a couple of the Grass Roots Racing Series events also here in Southern California. So I shouldn't be that rusty, but I know I'm not as sharp as I used to be........yet!!

LiveRC: We understand that you have some new sponsors behind you for the upcoming ROAR Nationals. Who all is behind you, and what all will you be running?

Sharwin: Yes I've been extremely blessed to get support from the following companies.I will be running a Mugen MBX6, powered by Werks Racing Engines. I will be racing on Sweep Racing tires and controlled by Radiopost Electronics. Fueled by Powermaster Fuels, and ongoing support from OCRC.

LiveRC: After the ROAR Nationals, what are your plans for your future in r/c?

Sharwin: R/C racing truly is my passion. I'm planning on sticking with the sport. I could definitely see myself working in the r/c industry in the future. I feel I have a lot to prove this time around. I know I have a lot of people doubting me. But its all the people supporting me and my determination to win which fuels my fire out at the track.

LiveRC: Mike, we wish you the absolute best of luck for not only the Nationals, but in your entire career as well. Thank you so much for taking some time out today, is there anything else you would like to add?

Sharwin: Thank you again Live RC for giving me the opportunity to say what has been needed to be said for a while. I only see positive things in my future. I would like to thank the following individuals/companies for all there help and support with my return to racing. Without you this wouldn't have been possible.Keith Minard, Charles Charron, Marty Korn,Dani Choi, Eddy Fikes,Bill German from Sid's Tattoo Parlor, everyone at Palm Desert R/C Raceway, Ron Hopkins/Werks Racing, Sweep Racing Tires, Radiopost, Mugen Seiki, Powermaster Fuels, and OCRC. Sorry if I missed anyone. I'm looking forward to making a name for myself again as well as giving my sponsors the type of promotion they deserve. There is only one thing that I have left to say and that would be.................................................Cars good cars good : ) See all my fellow racers and friends at the track in a few weeks!!

Michael Sharwin is making a return to the sport of r/c, and will he be the next heavy hitter, only time will tell! Make sure to stay tuned to all of Sharwin and the rest of the nation's best drivers right here for the LIVE broadcast of the 2011 ROAR 1/8 Nationals! Share your thoughts, comments, and good luck to Sharwin and his return below!