I met Jason Jakubczyk back in the mid-2000s when he briefly moved to Southern California in pursuit of his RC racing dream - and that’s when I first learned that his nickname, “Boatman.” Jakubczyk returned to Michigan a couple of years later, eventually signing with Kyosho - after stints with both Team Associated and Team Losi Racing - and still today remains one of the fastest electric off-road racers in the upper midwest. I shot Jason a Facebook message to learn more about his past and share it with LiveRC’s audience for this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday.
Aaron Waldron: How old are you and where are you from?
Jason Jakubczyk: I am 37 years old and I'm from Grand Rapids, MI.
AW: Where did the nickname "Boatman" come from?
JJ: That was a nickname I got along time ago, because I had big feet for my age - a size 12. I eventually grew into my shoe size!
AW: How did you get into RC and how long have you been racing?
JJ: I first got into RC when my dad brought me to the hobby shop for some model glue and I noticed the RC cars on the wall. Shortly after that, I ended up at the track that was across the street at the time and was hooked - the rest is history. I've been at this for 30 years!
AW: When did you decide to start taking racing more seriously, traveling to larger races and acquiring sponsors?
JJ: I was serious about it right from the gate, LOL. I got my first big win in 1999 at the Reedy Truck Race in the Open class and acquired a sponsorship from Team Associated and Reedy.
AW: What do you do for work? Is it difficult finding time to commit to practicing and racing?
JJ: I work for BMW as a Parts Advisor. I have always made racing a high priority because of my passion for the sport and the friends and values that I can constantly take away from it. Fortunately, my career at BMW has allowed me to achieve this.
AW: What's favorite track? Favorite big event? Favorite racing class?
JJ: Wow - these are hard to narrow down. I dearly miss the Cactus Classic and the old Scottsdale R/C Speedway. As far as events, I love THE-Series - which is five-race series that is held in Michigan every summer. I have been racing that series for so long and feel like it is my racing heritage. I love being outside and racing on the big outdoor tracks that I grew up racing on. My favorite racing class is easy- Modified 2WD buggy. This class will show you everything that you're doing right and wrong. I've always put this class first because once you figure it out everything else just falls in line.
AW: What are some of your favorite places you've visited for RC races?
JJ: That’s another tough one. I’ve been to California and Arizona many times for racing which is the hot-bed for RC racing, and that is where the manufacturers are located.
AW: How does the racing scene in Michigan compare to other parts of the country?
JJ: I'm actually really proud of the MI talent that we have, young and old. There is no shortage of competition here.
AW: What are your most proud racing moments?
JJ: I'm boggled right now. I take a lot out of big and small races, but since you're asking, the 2012 State Champs held at Leisure Hours Raceway! I got the TQ and win in 2wd Modified just after the Kyosho RB6 was released and TQ’d and won the Short Course main with all the fast midwest guys there. There are so many races that mean so much to me. Finishing third in mod truck at the Cactus Classic in 2011 definitely stands out. My overall series wins over the years, which go back to the M.A.R.S. days, have always held a special place in my heart because that is where my dad and I started all of this. Winning the Bill Bridges memorial race in 2011 in three classes is almost hard to put into words. He was one of my best RC friends that I have ever made. He was always there for me and never let me down and I miss him regularly.
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
JJ: I still want to compete at a high level because I still have the same love for it that I always have - which is insane after the length of time I have put in. I can confidently say that I have already achieved what I wanted to within my personal ceiling and there are so many people that helped me throughout the years; without them I could not do it.
AW: When your not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
JJ: When I'm not at the track I try to stay at the gym, or more preferably go mountain biking, and enjoy going to the beach.
AW: What is the best part of RC racing? What is the worst part?
JJ: The best part of RC racing is when you put all the work in and get a big win! The worst part is when is when you do all the work and come up short - but I've learned to respect that and move on.
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
JJ: This is an easy one for me. From the very beginning of my Kyosho/Orion sponsorship, which started back in 2010, team manager Joe Pillars has always been the driving force for me. We go way back, and anything I've ever needed, big or small, he has made sure it was in my hands. My dad, even though he has passed, helps me every race and my competitive blood comes from him. I can't thank my mom and friends enough for the ever lasting support. I would also like to thank everyone at AKA Products, Darkside Designs and JTPRC for their support as well.
AW: Thank you for the interview! Is there anything else you would like to add?
JJ: I would like to thank LiveRC as well for the interview and for all of the great racing coverage that you provide!
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