Tyler Jones has become one of the fastest off-road racers from the middle of the United States, and some of that success can certainly be contributed to getting an early start - he’s been racing for over half his life already. In addition to tons of local titles, Jones won the inaugural ROAR 15-and-under 1/8-scale nitro buggy national championship in 2015 and scored a podium finish in Open 2WD at this year’s Reedy Race. Learn more about Tyler, his RC career and what he has planned for the future in this week’s Talk It Up Tuesday.
Aaron Waldron: How old are you, and where are you from?
Tyler Jones: I am 17 years old from Rochester, Indiana.
AW: How did you get into RC, and how long have you been racing?
TJ: My dad had always raced while I did motocross, and after I stopped motocross, I started messing around with a Jammin X2 Truggy. Eventually I started going with my dad and racing in the sportsman class. I have been racing for 9 years this year.
Photo: Jeremy Cathlina, via Facebook
AW: What school do you go to? What grade are you in? What are your plans after high school?
TJ: I go to Rochester Community High School and I am a senior. I plan on attending college for Mechanical Engineering.
AW: What made you decide to start attending big races and trying to attract sponsors?
TJ: When I started winning club races, my dad took me to my first ever King of Kings. I won open truggy that weekend, and that sparked more traveling.
AW: How was it switching from Team Losi Racing to Team Associated and back to TLR over the past couple of years? Did you find the transition difficult? What convinced you to try something new?
TJ: I ran TLR for almost 7 years and I wanted to try something new, and the opportunity came up. It was nice trying something new, but it just didn't work out. I gladly appreciate the opportunity from Team Associated. But I decided to come back to what I know, and I couldn't be happier.
AW: What’s your favorite track? Favorite big event? What different classes have you raced - and which is your favorite?
TJ: My all time favorite track has got to be Stateline RC. The atmosphere, the track, and the amazing food they cook for us is like no other. My favorite event is definitely the Alabama Manufacturer Shooutout where I've had some decent finishes on the podium. 10th scale wise I have ran mod 2wd buggy, mod 4wd buggy, and mod stadium truck. 8th scale wise I've ran nitro buggy and truggy, and also ebuggy. My favorite class is definitely a tie between 2wd mod buggy, and nitro buggy.
AW: Having traveled around the world to different events, how does the racing scene in your area vary from other places you’ve visited?
TJ: In opinion, the racing in the Midwest is awesome. Everyone hangs out with each other and we all do it for fun. I do like traveling to California to race, as the competition is super stiff.
AW: What are your proudest RC moments?
TJ: My proudest moments are being TQ at my first ever Reedy Race and finishing 3rd, podium finishes at the Alabama Manufacturer Shooutout, and 3rd at the Fuel Nats Warm-Up.
Photo: Stateline RC Raceway, via Facebook
AW: Do you have any goals for your RC career?
TJ: Like any kid I would love to make a career around this hobby in some way. Whether being a driver, or an engineer. I would love to stick around this hobby.
AW: When you’re not at the racetrack, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
TJ: When I'm not racing I'm with friends, my girlfriend, or doing a little BMX.
Photo: Jim Tollard, via Facebook
AW: What’s the best part of RC racing? What about RC racing annoys or bothers you?
TJ: The best part is seeing everyone smiling and having a great time at the races. Podium finishes are definitely awesome, but it's great seeing everyone laughing and having a great time. The one thing that bothers me is most of the big races are out west. The racing scene in the Midwest is huge, and I wish more bigger races would be here.
AW: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most?
TJ: I could go on to list so many people, but I truly feel these people have helped me the most. My parents, John Piant, Cory Richardson, Jason Ruona, and all the guys on the TLR team. There's so many people I could list, but these people above have helped me the most, and I appreciate all they did and continue to do for me.
AW: What are your goals for the ROAR Electric Off-Road Nationals?
TJ: I would love to make the A mains in both classes. That would be super awesome, but going in, I'm just going to out and have fun.
AW: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
TJ: I appreciate the opportunity! Shoutout to Aaron Waldron on LiveRC!
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