Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Jake Mayo: I’m 16 years old, and from Santa Clarita, CA.
AW: Are you currently working or in school?
JM: I am currently in my Junior year at Canyon High School, in Canyon Country.
AW: How long have you been racing, and how did you get into the hobby?
JM: I have been racing for about two and a half years. My parents purchased a Traxxas Slash for my 13th birthday and I was hooked, which led me to my first Team Associated SC10.
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in RC?
JM: I have been very lucky to have had some really great guys at my side from the time I started. To name a few: Tim Allen, Tim Hanson, Michael Palazzola, Jesse Granat, and Ron Schuur, along with many others for whom I am grateful too.
AW: When did you decide to start practicing in order to improve and attend larger events?
JM: I have always taken RC seriously when it came to working on my cars, making sure I had the proper set up, and perfecting my driving by practicing 2-3 times a week along with club racing. Once I started to see my driving skills and results improve, I decided to branch out to the larger events figuring it would teach me how to become a better racer.
AW: What have been some of your best race results so far?
JM: Some of my best race results thus far came at the 28th Annual Cactus Classic, where I was lucky enough to take the win in 13.5 Truck and finish third in 13.5 Buggy. I am currently the points leader for 13.5 Buggy and Modified Truck in the Jimmy Babcock Racing League Series. I recently TQ'd and won Modified Tuck and TQ'd and took third in Modified Buggy at the 4th Annual Pro-Line Mid-Summer Shootout.
AW: What was your most frustrating day at an RC race?
JM: My most frustrating day at an RC race, I would have to say, was Round 4 of the JBRL at OCRC. I struggled to make the A main in 13.5 Buggy. I bumped up from the B Main, placing myself 11th on the grid in the A main. I usually don't become frustrated but found my performance that day to be less that I expect from myself.
AW: You qualified very well at the Top Gun Shootout but had bad luck during the mains. How did you feel when your cars suffered mechanical failures, and how difficult was it to keep your emotions in check?
JM: Mechanical failures happen to all of us. I feel it is important to not let it get the best of you and stay focused, which is what I did knowing that I needed to race back to back. I find taking mechanical failures and driving errors as a lesson to work harder at preventing them.
AW: Also at the Top Gun race, you got picked up by Team Associated. Did you approach them, or did they approach you?
JM: I had the honor of Team Associated approaching me. I have always wanted to earn their interest versus me asking for it.
AW: Have you always run Team Associated products?
JM: Yes, I have always ran Team Associated products since getting my first SC10. I have remained loyal to Team Associated and never had an interest in running anything else. I frequently suggest others who approach me to purchase Team Associated products.
AW: Team Associated has a record of cultivating young talent and helping them become superstars. How do you feel about potentially joining that legacy? Is that your goal for your RC career?
JM: To be able to potentially join Team Associated's legacy would be amazing. My RC career goal has always been to be a representative for Team Associated.
AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
JM: When I am not at the racetrack or working on my cars, which just so happens to be my main focus and favorite hobby, I spend my time with family and friends. When I do have the time I enjoy riding my dirt bike.
AW: What is your favorite track, and your favorite racing class?
JM: My favorite track would have to be SCVRC as it is my home track where I go to practice, club race, and test my cars. I'd say Modified 2WD Buggy is my favorite racing class.
AW: If you had one piece of advice for young racers looking to quickly improve their skills, what would it be?
JM: My advice to young racers looking to quickly improve their skills is to practice as much as possible, participate in club races, and learn to work on their cars so that they know the ins and outs of it. If they want results they need to dedicate time and effort into perfecting their RC cars and driving them. Another bit of advice is for them to have a positive and respectful approach in racing. Mechanical failures and mishaps are going to happen, learn from them and be prepared to the best of your ability.
AW: Thank you Jake! Do you have any other sponsors or people you’d like to thank?
JM: Absolutely! First, I would like to thank my parents for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way to reach my goals. Without them I wouldn't have had this amazing opportunity with Team Associated. Second, thank you to all my sponsors: Pro-Line, Schuur Speed, Schelle, SCVRC, and Upgrade RC, and now I have the awesome privilege to thank Team Associated for a future of excellent support from a great team.
7/1/2014
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