Michigan State Championship Series "Racer Spotlight" - Scott Scarvelli

 

Our friends at the Michigan State Championship Series have shared with us today the first of many upcoming racer spotlight interviews! Each racer spotlight features an inside look at the life and times of a Michigan State Championship Series racer!

 

  

 
A newcomer to the Michigan State Championship Series this year that has left very positive impression by all attendees is Scott Scarvelli. Not only has Scott shown great speed on the track, with a season high 3rd at round #3 at THE Track, but also the off-the-track actions from him and his family, all always wearing a great smile, is great to see! We decided to select Scott for the first ever MSCS Racer Spotlight!

What is your age, where do you live and what is your occupation?
I am 17 years old, live with my parents in Avon, OH and will be a Senior in High School this coming year. After High School I am planning to go to college to get a degree in mechanical engineering, but I am not sure yet which college I will be going to.

When and how did you get started in R/C racing?
In April of 2012. We went to a local track in Medina, OH with my Revo with the intentions to just play on the track and there happened to be a club race that day. I signed up and ran the Revo in the truggy class and ended up winning and had a lot of fun. After that I race I bought a Losi 8ight RTR, raced it in the Ohio RC Pro Series in the Sportsman class and finished 2nd that year.

What classes do you run? And what is your favorite class?
I currently run Electric 1/8th Scale buggy, nitro buggy and nitro truggy. My favorite class is nitro truggy, because my results seem to be better with nitro truggy and it is easier to drive. I do like racing nitro buggy a lot too, but it is quite a bit harder as the car is less forgiving and just a blast to drive!

What is your most memorable R/C race?
A.M.S. 4.0 a few months ago. Qualifying went horrible for me and qualified in the D main in Sportsman Truggy. In the mains, I bumped all the way from the D main to the A main and ended up finishing 6th after 2 flame-outs!

What is your most embarrassing R/C moment?
Getting beat by a girl at A.M.S. 4.0.

Who do you look up to in R/C?
Joe Bornhorst, who was the first person to approach me at the track in Medina and talked me into getting the Losi 8ight RTR. And Ryan Lutz, who is kind of a local boy and knows what it is all about.
Ryan is a really good guy and is never too busy to help out.
 

Who helps you with your R/C racing?
My dad is the biggest help with anything related to R/C racing and Mo Denton who helps us with engine tuning.

What's your favorite R/C track?
Tough question. Haven't been to a track that I haven't liked yet. People have been great everywhere and the tracks all have been great.

You are in a wheelchair, would you mind telling us what happened?
I used to race motocross. Was at a local practice track and ended up crashing. This resulted in being paralyzed from the chest down. It was hard to accept the fact that I would never race motocross again, but R/C racing has filled the gap.
 

 

Is being in a wheelchair a problem when racing R/C cars?
It has been a problem getting practice during the week, because my dad has to work and can not go with me to a track to get me on the drivers stand. Another problem is the fact that I sit low on the drivers stand and visibility of certain parts of the track is a problem at times, as tracks are designed with a higher viewpoint in mind. At A.M.S. 4.0, I could not see the section leading up to the step-on/step-off and had to coast through the section until I would see my car again. We do have a portable platform, but can not use it everywhere, plus my viewpoint is still a few feet lower than other racers.

What are your goals in R/C?
I want to get my name out there and take it somewhere bigger, while enjoying the hobby. I would love to do something in the industry once I get the degree in mechanical engineering.

What are some of your upcoming events?
Finish up the Michigan State Championship Series and hit up a few regional benefit races. We are going to try to go to a few bigger races within reasonable travel distance.

What other hobbies do you have besides R/C?
No other hobbies. Used to race motocross, but got hurt and now fully focused on R/C racing. Plus I like hanging out with my friends.

What do you think of the Michigan State Championship Series?
It has been a fantastic series. The track layouts have been awesome! Definitely glad that I got into participating in this series.

Who are your sponsors?
No sponsors right now. My 'empty broke pocket book'. Would love to represent some of the brands that I already use!

Who would you like to thank?
Mom and dad for everything they have done. Little brother Grant for giving up some weekends to be able to race! And the Lord Jesus Christ for looking over me.

 

For more information about the Michigan State Championship Series, visit www.michstatechampseries.com.
 

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