While putting together a race report yesterday for the tenth annual Psycho Nitro Blast that went down last weekend, the name that stuck out to me near the top of the Pro class results was Chandler Elliott - he finished seventh in Pro Buggy after bumping up from the B and starting 18th, and scored a sixth-place finish in Pro Truck after starting tenth. I recalled noticing Chandler in photos with pro drivers for several years now, so it was great to see him dicing with them on the racetrack. I reached out to Chandler on Facebook to learn more about him and his RC career for this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday.
Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Chandler Elliott: I am 16 years old and Iʼm from Hamilton, GA.
AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?
CE: I started racing RC cars because my dad always took me to the track on the weekends while he was racing. I started racing seven years ago.
Photo: Clay Walker, via Facebook
AW: When did you decide to start taking racing more seriously, traveling to larger races and acquiring sponsors?
CE: Pretty much from the first time a drove a nitro buggy, I knew this was something I wanted to do. My dad and I were traveling already - our closest track is two hours away. I met Brandon Melton at a race in Savannah, GA and he asked me if Iʼd like to run for Team Associated, and it just kind of went from there. I raced for Team Associated for one year, and then Kyosho for one year before meeting and developing a relationship with Adam Drake at the beginning of 2012, when I joined Team Losi Racing. And at the beginning of 2015 when Adam left TLR and went to Mugen, he dragged us with him - we didn't put up much resistance, LOL.
AW: Are you still in school? Do you have a job? How do you find time to practice, race and maintain your vehicles?
CE: I am a Junior in high school. I work with my dad a lot at his construction company when I’m not in school. We have a lot of late night wrench sessions!
AW: Whatʼs your favorite track? Favorite big event? Favorite racing class?
CE: I really enjoy any track that I go to. We have a lot of big events these days that are awesome, so it’s hard to pick just one. My favorite class is 1/8-scale nitro truggy.
AW: What did it feel like to race against some of the fastest pro drivers in RC at the Psycho Nitro Blast last weekend? Were you surprised that you finished so well?
CE: It was fun for sure. I was hoping for good results because I feel my dad and I have a pretty solid program.

AW: What are your most proud racing moments?
CE: The time I get to spend with my dad traveling and racing is the best about it all.
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
CE: Iʼm just going to do the best I can at racing and see where it takes me.
AW: When youʼre not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
CE: Iʼm an avid tennis player and like to spend time on the lake.
Photo: JJ Sports Photos, via Facebook
AW: Whatʼs the best part of RC racing? Is there anything about RC racing that annoys or bothers you?
CE: Hanging out with your buddies that you only see at the races is the best. As long as Iʼm at the track, I'm having fun.

AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
CE: Adam Drake, Cole Ogden, Shane Ogden and my dad.
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