Chase Ordog popped up on my radar earlier this fall when he beat 75 other drivers to capture the Stock Buggy class title at the Team Associated Off-Road Championships at Trackside Hobbies and Raceway, and scored a podium finish in the 13.5 4WD Buggy division as well. I reached out to Chase on Facebook to learn more about him, his RC career, and his goals for the future for this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday.
Photo: Randy Perillo, via Facebook
Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Chase Ordog: I am 16 years old and am from Peoria, Arizona.
AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?
CO: I got into RC when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I had seen one of my dad's friends driving a B3 around on a camping trip and the interest just grew from there. I have only been racing for about two years now but don't have any plans on slowing down anytime soon.
AW: What school do you go to, and what grade are you in? How do you balance traveling for RC races with completing your studies?
CO: I am a junior at Sunrise Mountain High School. I try to balance going to race and attending school by completing a lot of my assignments before I leave. I am thankful to have understanding teachers that work with me and help me with the things I miss. After high school I am thinking of attending ASU for engineering.
AW: What made you decide to start attending big races and trying to attract sponsors?
CO: The biggest thing that made want to start attending bigger races was going to meet new people and racing at different tracks. I also saw the photos from these big races and it just seemed like a fun thing to be a part of.
Photo: Ricochet Raceway, via Facebook
AW: What’s your favorite track? Favorite big event? What different classes have you raced - and which is your favorite?
CO: My favorite track? That's a tough one. I really enjoyed Trackside Hobbies; the dirt there is low on wear and high on traction, but Hobby Action will always be my home track. My favorite big event is probably the Surf City classic at OCRC because the atmosphere is fun and OCRC always goes above and beyond for everyone. I have raced stadium truck, short course, stock 2WD and stock 4WD. My favorite class is definitely 4WD, though, because I have had some of my best times battling in that class.
AW: How does the racing scene in your area vary from other places you’ve visited?
CO: The racing scene in my area is pretty competitive, much like most everywhere, but I think ours is unique in the sense that we have so many different surfaces and classes to choose from. For instance, we have Fear farm for 1/8-scale, Hobby Action for 1/10-scale, Arizona Scale Racers for on-road, and Hobbytown Tucson for 1/10-scale turf and some on-road action. All these tracks are within a couple hours of each other.
AW: What are your proudest RC moments?
CO: One of my proudest moments was definitely at the Team Associated Championships, when I was able to win the stock buggy class. Another was my second-place in 4WD after a fun battle with Wayne Wyrick at the Surf City classic earlier this year.
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
CO: One of my goals is to win a ROAR national title some day. I hope to try and attend the ROAR 1/10-Scale Electric Nationals this next year.
AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
CO: When I'm not racing I like to go mountain biking. It's always nice to get out and relax, plus a lot the guys that I race with enjoy biking too.
AW: What’s the best part of RC racing? What about RC racing annoys or bothers you?
CO: The best part, to me, has to be all the friends that you make while racing or at the track. That's what I like a lot about this hobby — everyone is always welcoming and willing to help you if you ever need anything. Not a whole lot annoys me about the hobby.
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
CO: I would definitely have to thank my parents, first and foremost, from being there the first time I got an RC car to now and every step of the way. Next, I would have to say Tommy Hinz for always helping me out with my cars since way back when I had no idea what I was doing. Also, Andrew Corcoran for letting me tag along with him to all these fun races that we attended. Also to Larry Tom, the owner of Hobby Action, for having one of the best tracks to let all of us race on and have fun. Last, but not least, Brian Kinwald for his help and support at races whether it be his amazing tire sauce or his willingness to share his vast knowledge of all things RC.
AW: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
CO: Thank you for having me. I would like to thank my sponsors to for helping me get to where I am today: Hobbywing, Schuurspeed, AKA, Hobby Action, and Team Kinwald.
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