Talk It Up Tuesday: Matthew Gonzales

This week we caught up with Florida Carpet Championships Stock Champion and the recently chassis displaced Matthew Gonzales, to see how things have been and what's up for next year.

LiveRC: Have to say man, it seems like you had a really successful year, when you look back on it how do you feel?
Matthew Gonzales: Yeah man! Was a pretty good year, with making both mains at reedy race, and then the success from the handful of races we got to attend, it was honestly a pretty good year, and I’m excited with how the year was.

LRC: What was your favorite result in 2020?
MG: My Favorite race result of last year was my reedy race mains, I’ve never made a “big” modified a-main so it was awesome to be able to say that i’ve made both mains before, especially since the race has been put on hold with the pandemic

LRC: You just announced your departure from Yokomo, same with Joe Pillars and a host of others, do you know anything about the Yokomo situation that you can share?
MG: Yes, I was very saddened to hear that I would have to depart from Team Yokomo, after a successful two years. I don’t know much about the situation but, for all the Yokomo US customers everything is alright.

LRC: I’m sure if you have plans for a new chassis sponsor you want to release them on your own time but can you tell us anything about where you will land.
MG: Well, plans have been set in stone for a bit now, I’m just waiting on the OK from the big man to release what’s going to be announced.

LRC: You have won just about everything in stock racing, do you plan on hanging up the 17.5 and 13.5 motors for good anytime soon?
MG: I wouldn’t say everything, with nationals being canceled this year, my goal was to try and attempt to win a title, but Covid happened and here we are. After a good talk with Maifield we believe it’s best I stick It out one more year, and work on my race management skills.

LRC: What are your goals for 2021?
MG: Keep it the same, be helpful when I can, Be a great representative for the companies I run for, and drive to the best of my ability’s at each race I attend.

LRC: Who was the biggest source of help and support for you while on Yokomo?
MG: Honestly, the entire team was, when I first joined Jake Thayer took good care of me and made sure my head was on track, same with Lee Martin always getting me the dialed carpet stuff to try, Maifield was always there anytime I has questions and was a huge confidence booster into my program, and for that I’ll be forever grateful

LRC: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
MG: My Parents first and foremost, LiveRC for the interview, Everyone at SDRC and Ricochet, my wonderful friend’s for all the support as always and my amazing sponsors for pushing through it all to help me succeeded!