Karel “Kája” Novotný might not be well-known among North American RC racing fans, but the 20-year-old Prague native is a multi-time national champion in the Czech Republic - a central European country that’s smaller than 40 of 50 U.S. states. Like many successful RC racers, Novotný started competing at a young age with the help of his father, and several years later began devoting more time and effort to racing when he realized he could go a lot further with it than originally thought. Learn more about Novotný, including his surprising career goal, in this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday. (Cover photo: HUDY Arena, via Facebook)
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Karel Novotný: Hi, I am 20 years old. I was born, and live, in Prague, Czech Republic.
AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?
KN: When I was 8 years old, my father and I went to take a look at one race (part of the Lestr Cup series) and I really liked it. So one week later, my father bought me a Tamiya RTR car (with Subaru Impreza body shell) and we went to my first race.
Photo: Jason Ametrine, Team Durango - via Facebook
AW: When did you decide to start taking racing more seriously, traveling to larger races and acquiring sponsors?
KN: My first big race – the opening round of the Euro Off-Road Series in 2012 - was about one year after we signed with Team Durango and, since then, it seems we’ve started to take racing more seriously. It was great to learn from such a great drivers like Jorn and Hupo.
AW: Are you currently a student? What are you studying?
KN: Yes, I study at Czech Technical University. I’m a freshman. :)
AW: Is it difficult finding time to commit to practicing and racing?
KN: Last year, it started to be a little bit difficult as I still wanted to spend some time with friends from school, had to study to get into university, and also wanted to improve my driving - which is only possible on the track! However, I made my priorities and now it's quite okay.
Photo: Robin Hood Raceway - via Facebook
AW: What’s your favorite track? Favorite big event? Favorite racing class?
KN: The best track I've ever been on was in 2015 at the 1/10-scale off-road Euros at Robin Hood Raceway. The RHR crew did an amazing job and prepared an absolutely great track. I hope I can go back again one day!
I really like the Euro Offroad Series; the atmosphere at each race is really great and this season organizers have built awesome off-road tracks for each round!
My favorite class always has been 1/10-scale 4WD off-road – the XB4 is the best car I have driven so far and this category best suits my driving style. Right now, I also like Stadium Truck. With the XT2 being released few months ago, this class is still very new to us. However, I really enjoy every run with the car - it's great fun!
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
AW: What are some of your favorite places you’ve visited for RC races?
KN: I think no one will be surprised when I say it's HUDY Arena – amazing facility with great tracks: indoor and outdoor on-road, and carpet and dirt off-road!
AW: How does the racing scene in the Czech Republic compare to other parts of the world?
KN: With regards to how small of a country the Czech Republic is, it's surprising how many races we do have – basically, there are at least two off-road and one or two in on-road each weekend. We do have also a very prestigious series with a lot racers from all over Europe called the Mibosport Cup, which is building a bigger and bigger reputation in Europe.
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
AW: What are your most proud racing moments?
KN: It's probably my first title of Czech national champion, back in 2012.
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
KN: I would like to race one day at Reedy International Off-Road Race of Champions – that is my dream! :)
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
KN: As I already mentioned, I am quite busy with studies - so when I am not racing or doing something around RC cars, I spend all my remaining time by studying.
AW: What’s the best part of RC racing? What is the worst part?
KN: For me, the best part is the racing itself. The worst part for me is having to clean a nitro car after racing in the rain.
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
KN: First of all, I would like to say a big thanks to my parents for all their hard work and support! Then I would like to thank Oscar Jansen from Team Orion for all his help and support during all those years! Then I would like to thank the Hudy family for their great support last year! Last but not least, is Martin Bayer, who always motivates me to improve on both racing and testing - thank you!
AW: Thank you for the interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
KN: Thank you! I would like to use this opportunity and say big thanks to all my sponsors for their support. Thanks a lot - XRAY, Team Orion, MKS servos, Pro-Line, FX, Maxima, HUDY, Hiroseiko, WTF, HOECO, H-Speed, Dubidesign, DFcreative, Ruddog and Kaja RC racing.
Photo: HUDY Arena - via Facebook
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