TALK IT UP TUESDAY: Jerry Dean II

0 Dec. 18, 2017, 3:18 p.m.

By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Welcome to LiveRC's weekly column, "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Here we spend a little time talking with industry icons including racers, manufacturers, team managers, developers, promoters, and everyone in between! Sit back, relax, and go behind the scenes as we interview them all!

This past weekend, the Texas-based RC Pro Series wrapped up at the Wade Indoor Arena in Terrell, Texas, and long-time racer Jerry Dean II - who returned to the hobby this year after taking a prolonged break - scored the biggest win of his career and clinched the Open E-Buggy title. Learn more about Dean’s racing career and more in this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday.

Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?

Jerry Dean II: I am 29 years old, and I’m from Sachse, Texas.

AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?

JD: Started racing with my dad around the age of 10 running 1/10-scale off-road, took a 3-4 year break before coming back this year.

Photo: Alex Merelli, via Facebook

AW: What do you do for work? Does your job make it difficult to attend racing events?

JD: I work for the City of Plano TX. I can usually get time off to travel to larger competitions.

AW: What made you decide to start attending big races and trying to attract sponsors?

JD: I’ve always been a fan of the atmosphere at the bigger events. I wasn’t really trying to attract sponsorships in the beginning, but they certainly help out when it comes to support.

Photo: On the Tone, via Facebook

AW: What’s your favorite track? Favorite big event? What different classes have you raced - and which is your favorite?

JD: My favorite track, of course, would have to be my home track — Indy RC World in Garland, TX. My favorite event, so far, would be the Southern Nationals. Throughout the years I’ve run carpet 1/10-scale on road, 1/12-scale onroad, 1/10-scale off-road, 1/4 scale oval, and now 1/8 scale off-road.

AW: How does the racing scene in your area vary from other places you’ve visited?

JD: I’d say our racing scene is pretty strong; it’s mainly 1/8-scale off-road and 1/10-scale oval locally, but it certainly does well.

Photo: On the Tone, via Facebook

AW: What are your proudest RC moments?

JD: I’d have to say the 2017 RC Pro Series Open E-Buggy Championship would be one of them. Finishing 3rd in Open in E-Buggy at my first Southern Nationals ranks highly as well.

AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?

JD: I’d like to be able to do more national-level events, and continue growing the hobby!

AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?

JD: Family. With 2 kids in sports you don’t get time for much else.

AW: What’s the best part of RC racing? What about RC racing annoys or bothers you?

JD: The best part would be time with our RC family and friends. The complaining is probably the top of the annoying list.

Photo: Mark Sta Maria, via Facebook

AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?

JD: Ronnie Chapman and Vince LaFlower taught me a lot when first getting into 1/8 scale, and Matt Sistrunk has helped me tremendously; he got me in contact with Pro-Line for my first deal last year and has been a great help all around. Of course, there are many people who have lent a lot of help over the years, none of which are less important than than the other and all greatly appreciated.